ELECTION

Vote Anderson for Secretary of State

Thank you for the great editorial in the October 27th Beachcomber concerning: “Ready, set, and vote, Vashon”.

I identify as a progressive Green Democrat and especially agree with your opening statement that “Democracy itself is on the ballot in our upcoming mid-term elections”.

I also agree with everything else in your editorial with one small exception. While Steve Hobbs (Democrat) would be an adequate Secretary of State, Julie Anderson (Non-Partisan) would be even better.

I have two main reasons for supporting Julie Anderson.

First and foremost, Fair Vote Washington has endorsed Julie Anderson for Secretary of State and thinks Anderson is the best candidate if you want Ranked Choice Voting. Julie supports the Local Options bill in the Washington State legislature, which would allow local government jurisdictions to experiment with Ranked Choice Voting and Proportional Representation election systems. Steve Hobbs is opposed and thinks these reforms are too difficult.

Secondly, If we want to reduce the extreme anxiety in our country over fairness in elections, we might want to lead the way in making our Secretary of State a non-partisan position. Our current system will result in red states electing Republicans and blue states electing Democrats as their Secretaries of State. This continues to stoke the fears of election deniers.

I am speaking as an individual voter.

Melvin Mackey

RECYCLING

Where does it go?

Recently I was “recycling” at our wonderful transfer station. It’s so great that now we can recycle metal and textiles there.

However, when I asked one of the workers where the textiles go, he said, “Well, lately Vashon has put so much dirty laundry here, we just take it to the landfill.”

Ouch!

And we think we’re so “green.”

Stephen Silha

BEACHCOMBER DELIVERY

Bring back the paper carrier

Since the switch to USPS delivery, I have consistently been getting my Beachcomber delivered Saturday, sometimes after 8 p.m. (which means I often get it out of the mailbox on Sunday). Previously I enjoyed getting the paper on Wednesday or Thursday and seeing what was coming up for the weekend. I realize the internet exists and I could look it up, but one of the reasons I ordered the physical subscription was I like to have an old-fashioned, offline, relaxed reading of the paper in the backyard (weather allowing) or over breakfast.

Also, why did The Beachcomber, a big supporter of Vashon’s quality of life, take away an island job to outsource it to the government?

Aaron Long

HELPING OTHERS

Can someone pitch in?

Can someone here on Vashon with deep pockets buy an electric wheelchair for the person we see scooting along the highway with one leg?

Amen,

JoAnn Herbert