Little Falls Represents Character of Vader
Our family noted the recent article about Vader and the possible name change to Little Falls. We support the change. We have lived in Vader for 10 years. It is a wonderful community.
Part of our family lives here and all our grandchildren love to come here to visit. It's family friendly, safe and quiet.
The original settlers who first came here in the 1870s associated this area with the "little falls" on the Olequa River. It is still a beautiful, special place enjoyed by all and is within McMurphy Park.
Before the settlers came, the Indians used to have tribal meetings in that area. As a result Little Falls became the name of this community.
We think that name is quaint, has historic meaning, and frankly has the kind of image our community deserves. We know many good people who are longtime residents of Vader. They, and the many newcomers who make their home here now, don't deserve the negative image Vader has had over the years.
Now is the time to restore our name to what is was originally called: Little Falls, Washington.
We think it reflects the true character of this community.
Julie Smith
Vader
Previous Letter Reason Enough to Vote for Challengers in School Board Race
When state teachers’ union board member and Chehalis resident, Nancy Herzog, writes a letter to the editor recommending leaving school board incumbents in place, we should all vote for the challengers.
She applauds incumbent Chris Thomas for being agreeable to the teachers’ demands and yielding to their threat to stop teaching children.
The contract her negotiating team got the school board to approve just gave her and the other highest paid teachers a $500 bonus on top of extra days’ pay for no extra days worked. The contract also took $150,000 out of the district budget and used it for benefits for those whose benefits already are roughly $10,000 each.
The last time the union got a contract giving raises, the district had to cut kindergarten services to afford it. I wonder what services the district will cut to afford this union contract.
No wonder a union executive board member likes the team in place. They have historically been easy to walk over.
She singles out Jami Lund for wild and inaccurate accusations, which likely means she thinks he would stand up for families when union demands need to be balanced with student needs.
Her panic about the possibility that our schools could change is the best endorsement possible for Lund and the other challengers.
Gerrit Shilman
Centralia
Former Councilor Throws Support Behind Ricks, Jackson for Centralia Council
Until last August, I served on the Centralia City Council. And then I resigned to move to Raleigh, North Carolina, or face losing my job.
So I don’t have anything to gain or lose with this year’s council races.
But I do feel an obligation to give a more experienced bit of advice to the voters of Centralia.
If I lived in Centralia, I’d vote for Bart Ricks and Vicki Jackson for council this year.
Bart is intelligent, capable and really cares about doing what he believes is best. He votes his conscience and is steady in the direction he wishes the city to move and more than that, Bart has no targeted agenda. I’m convinced his opponent does, and any candidate running with an agenda aimed at one issue is dangerous, no matter what the agenda is.
Lee Coumbs is a legend. And perhaps we (you) ought to name a street after him.
But perhaps it’s time to let someone else take a turn for a while.
I think Vicki Jackson provides a rare opportunity for those in Centralia. She is intelligent, capable, she has a track record of success in the things she works for.
We’ve seen a long list of people running for office who simply are not ready for it.
It may be a long time before we see a another candidate as able to fill Lee’s shoes as Vicki Jackson.
Patrick Gallagher
Raleigh, North Carolina
