Great class
Dear Editor:
Just completed another successful class of Hunter Safety Education. I’d like to give a big thank you to the folks at the Winthrop library for the use of the large double community meeting room and the Zoom cart. We had a big turnout, and the space made the class much more workable and pleasant.
Also want to thank the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) folks for reserving some time for us at the range Saturday morning to conduct the field course, which included a total of 15 students. And of course, thank you to the parents, Paul, Don, and Ken, who came out with their students and helped out with the field course. The weather was great and the students thoughtful, attentive and most of all, safe.
Bob Hunt
WDFW Volunteer Instructor
Twisp
Clarity needed
Dear Editor:
After studying the statements from the county sheriff candidates, I have questions of concern that remain unanswered. First, to the question “Are there situations where you believe the Constitution grants you powers (as sheriff) that differ from state law?” — neither candidate’s written response provides a specific answer. However, Mr. Budrow made the statement that “Every law that gets passed by the state Legislature should be reviewed by the Sheriff.”
Of course, every law that is passed in Washington state is available for review by every member of the public. Is he asking for veto power by sheriffs in general? In Tonasket, he stated that as a sheriff he would have powers regarding the constitutionality of a law that is not available to him as a police chief. What does that mean?
As voters, how are we going to get clarity on exactly what powers and from what law they are derived? That is a very relevant puzzle in terms of “rights” we claim from the Constitution. It was my understanding that only a court of law can make that determination. I want a sheriff that won’t be making that call without the state court judgement.
Paula Mackrow
Twisp
The real heroes
Dear Editor:
Few things make my young boys happier than to attend a rodeo, a trail race or a football game and see an ambulance, parked on the sidelines, ready for action. First enthralled by lights and sirens, they’ve now grown enamored with the superheroes inside the truck.
At 6 and 3 (and three-quarters), my sons have grown to know wildfire, smoke and illnesses that hit all ages and disrupt all aspects of life. But, living in this valley, they’ve also grown to know a lot of heroes — real-life heroes, often our friends, who give of themselves to serve others, especially when disaster strikes.
One day they’ll grow to learn that I can’t fix everything. As a doctor, sometimes lacerations are too deep and illnesses too complex for us to manage here in Twisp. In public health we might do all we can to prevent disease and promote health, but on most days we need collaboration with a trusted and skilled community partner.
Aero Methow Rescue Service never fails to be that steadfast partner, always there for my patients and for our family and our neighbors. From below Carlton to above Lost River, Aero Methow covers our valley with emergency care of the highest caliber and a community orientation that knows and fits our needs best. Aero Methow’s leadership, commitment to training and education and investment in equipment and technologies make the organization great, and keeps their heroes focused on being heroes.
I’m most proud for my boys to grow to learn that Aero Methow, with all its flashing lights and sirens and heroism for us, is sustained by our community’s devotion to them. We honor our heroes, we recognize the irreplaceable role they play in our lives, and we promote their success because we know that they will be there, without fail, for us and our neighbors.
The Methow Valley has kept Aero Methow strong for over 30 years by repeatedly voting in favor of the Emergency Medical Services Levy. Please vote again to renew this levy, sustain the heroic work of Aero Methow, and continue their care for all of us.
James Wallace, MD, MPH
Twisp
Just say yes
Dear Editor:
Say yes to EMS! I know you’ve seen the signs throughout the valley encouraging us to support Aero Methow Rescue Service. Honestly, you can’t miss them. I was raised in Twisp, and I’m currently a local RN with nearly 49 years of experience and, “yes” is the correct choice.
As a medical professional that’s worked throughout Washington state, I can’t say enough in support of Aero Methow. They are here when we need them. They are our neighbors, and family members, and they care for the entire Methow Valley from Methow to Mazama!
I’ve been privileged over the past 15-plus years to watch them work. Whether it’s to assist an elder neighbor or family member that has fallen and needs assistance in getting up; or caring for a visiting Heli-skier, assisting our children who have experienced an accident and need an ambulance ride to Mid-Valley Hospital or Three Rivers Hospital; or supporting the nearly 1,000 valley residents in administering COVID vaccines. We must support EMS! Without their ongoing education, training and support, the valley would experience a serious loss. Your vote counts. Please, say yes to EMS!
Julie Wehmeyer, MN, RN
Carlton
Thanks to election workers
Dear Editor:
I spent an inspiring day at the Okanogan County Auditor’s office observing the initial registration and processing of our ballots. The focus of most of today’s activities was logging in ballots and verifying signatures to assure the ballots are tracked correctly, that we each get our single vote, that if we have made a mistake in submitting our ballot or our signature does not meet the criteria that identify it as consistent with our prior signatures, we have the opportunity to correct our error, and that each ballot can be tracked. The tracking is done anonymously so each person’s actual vote is not attached to their name.
This is a complicated system, with careful checks and balances. The attention and diligence with which this team of men and women address their work, their commitment to accuracy and to us as voters, and to our democracy is truly awesome. The election process is transparent and observers are welcome. I am deeply grateful to all those who make our democracy work for everyone.
Betsy Weiss
Winthrop
Vote Hawley, Rodriguez
Dear Editor:
I have worked in some form of law enforcement in Okanogan County for 31 years having started in Winthrop. The last three years have been a rollercoaster ride with COVID and the negative changes in the laws that were passed in Washington state.
Sheriff Tony Hawley has made his way through unprecedented times and has succeeded, with more hard work to come. His education and experience have all been in the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and living in Okanogan County, which makes him the best choice. He has gone from Corrections Officer to Deputy then Sergeant and up to Sheriff.
The other candidate is telling people “what” he will do without the explanation of “how” it will be accomplished. There are promises out there that aren’t the ability of the sheriff, but rather the county commissioners. Please do your research or ask before voting — just because they tell you they will do it, doesn’t mean it’s possible. Managing a budget with three large departments isn’t a simple task and keeping the employees, families and our citizens’ safety is the No. 1 priority for Sheriff Hawley.
Coroner Dave Rodriguez has all the qualifications, having started in the Sheriff’s Office in 1992 as a deputy. Rodriguez is the most caring, knowledgeable and considerate person for Coroner.
Education and experience are what make both Sheriff Hawley and Coroner Rodriguez the best choices for leaders in the next four years.
Laura Wright
Winthrop
