Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare.

Richard Stride: Memory, it turns out, is one of the most powerful homes we ever inhabit

I learned something important about “normal” from my dad. For most of my childhood, his life followed the steady, familiar rhythms of the grocery business. Early mornings. Long days. … more

Commentary by Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 2/13/26

The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Commentary: Proposed tax on advertising would have widespread consequences

In the Washington state Senate’s tax bill, SSB 6113, a small paragraph poses devastating consequences to our communities: it would create a new tax on advertising that has until now been … more

By Ellen Hiatt / Washington Newspaper Publishers Association | 2/13/26

Sen. John Braun of Centralia serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.

John Braun commentary: Olympia’s concern for affordability continues to be one-sided

Republicans still seem to be alone at the state Capitol when it comes to knowing what “affordability” truly means. The proof is in the nearly 70 bills proposed or reintroduced by majority … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Chehalis | 2/13/26

Demonstrators gather in support of Senate Bill 6346, dubbed the “Millionaires Tax” bill, during a rally at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb.10.

Commentary: Why Washington’s proposed 'Millionaire Tax' is Olympia’s trojan horse — here are the lies

It’s the oldest trick in politics: sell a major policy shift by assuring voters it only targets someone else. Olympia is now running that play with the 9.9% “Millionaire Tax. ” For those of us … more

By Amber Gunn / Mountain States Policy Center | 2/12/26

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, speaks in favor of House Bill 2343 during an Environment and Energy Committee public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 22, in Olympia.

Peter Abbarno commentary: When government stops listening, public trust is at risk

For more than a century, Washingtonians have exercised a powerful constitutional tool: the initiative process. It exists so that, when the Legislature falters, or citizens feel ignored by the … more

By Rep. Peter Abbarno / R-Chehalis | 2/11/26

Gov. Bob Ferguson delivers the State of the State address in the House chamber in Olympia on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Commentary: Taxing success won’t build Washington state’s future

Washington has the third-best economy in the country, with tech jobs and innovation driving a significant share of this growth. Yet, the Legislature is considering proposals that threaten to … more

By Heather Andrews / Americans for Prosperity | 2/11/26

Commentary: The soda tax is a sugar rush for bad policy

One of the most shared photos I've ever seen on social media came from inside a Seattle Costco, and it perfectly captures what’s wrong with Olympia’s latest policy obsession. On the shelf: a … more

By Chris Cargill / Mountain States Policy Center | 2/10/26

Joni Little Owl, left, and Preston Freeman demonstrate in front of the North Dakota Capitol in Bismarck on Jan. 11, 2026, as part of a wave of protests across the United States decrying violence by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. North Dakota tribal governments are advising their citizens to carry ID amid reports of ICE detaining Native Americans. (Photo by Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)

Commentary: For Indigenous Americans it’s unthinkable, but true — ICE is arresting, detaining Native Americans

For Indigenous Americans it is unthinkable, but true. ICE officers are arresting and detaining Native Americans , not distinguishing them from Central and South American immigrants. As a … more

By Rebecca Tallent | 2/10/26

Julie McDonald: Chehalis centenarian recalls early upbringing in North Dakota

Although she wasn’t a Rosie the Riveter, Mazie Schlickeiser often shares the “we can do it” mantra in conversation about her first century of life. Left alone when a friend failed to meet … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 2/9/26

Commentary: Washington’s competitive edge is eroding

Washington has long been a high-cost state for employers, but new data show the state is increasingly losing its competitive edge in key areas. Job growth is stalling, the business climate … more

By Kris Johnson / Association of Washington Business | 2/6/26

In 2014 columnist Brian Mittge took these notes during a session of “The Quest for Authentic Manhood,” a series his church is running again on Monday evenings at 6 p.m.

Brian Mittge: Helping boys become authentic men

There’s a lot to keep a fellow busy these days, but on Monday evenings I treasure the time that I have protected in my schedule for my 14-year-old son and I to attend men’s group at our … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 2/6/26

State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, speaks at a Let’s Go Washington rally supporting initiatives concerning parental rights and barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ athletics at the Washington state Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

John Braun commentary: The problem is Democrats’ thirst for money, not the state tax code

For more than a decade, Democrats in Olympia have complained our state’s tax code is overly regressive. That claim is made again, predictably, in Senate Bill 6346, the legislation they filed Feb. 3 … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 2/6/26

Commentary: Seven questions for lawmakers proposing an income tax for Washington state

Despite Washingtonians consistently and overwhelmingly rejecting income taxes and the Legislature in 2024 enacting I-2111 to prohibit state or local income taxes , some lawmakers in the Evergreen … more

By Jason Mercier / Mountain States Policy Center | 2/5/26

Sen. Jeff Wilson speaks during a vigil to mourn conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Jeff Wilson commentary: ‘Initiative Killer’ on the loose — bill squelches a cherished right

Last month, I found myself in a committee hearing room in Olympia, listening to a panel of labor-union officials testify in favor of sharp restrictions on initiative signature drives. They said … more

By Sen. Jeff Wilson | 2/5/26

Chronicle columnist Maureen Harkcom, right, speaks with Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez during a grand opening for the Agriculture Innovation Park in Tenino on Wednesday, May 28.

Maureen Harkcom: Why I am down with the upside-down food pyramid

I have been asked, so here goes. You know I am a supporter of — and an advocate for — eating what I call “real food.” I also believe the closer it is grown to where you live, the … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / for The Chronicle | 2/4/26

Commissioner Sean Swope speaks to Commissioners Lindsey Pollock and Scott Brummer during a public hearing in Chehalis on Tuesday, March 26.

Commentary: A broken defense system is putting Lewis County at risk

In Lewis County, we know what it means to show up for our neighbors. We fund emergency services, maintain critical infrastructure and deliver public health and safety programs with limited resources … more

By Lewis County Commissioners Lindsey Pollock, Scott Brummer and Sean Swope | 2/2/26

Julie McDonald: Bob Wheeler valued history, the military and the community

I read with sadness the news that Robert Anthony Wheeler had died on Jan. 14 at Woodland Village in Chehalis at the age of 93. He was laid to rest during a graveside service on Friday at the Napavine … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 2/2/26

John McCroskey was Lewis County sheriff from 1995 to 2005. He lives outside Chehalis and can be contacted at musingsonthemiddlefork@gmail.com.

John McCroskey commentary: Unelected Olympia bureaucrats should not have a say on sheriffs

The legislative session is in full swing it appears, and despite a significant deficit due to a wild spending spree and new taxes from last session, it appears more taxes and spending are on the … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 2/2/26

Centralia graduate Dr. Lindsay Schwarz, middle, poses for a photo with her former teachers from her time in Centralia after Schwarz was given the 2026 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award at the Centralia High School Performing Arts Center on Monday, Jan. 26. From the left, her advanced biology teacher Henri Weeks, Apex teacher Mary Ann White, first grade teacher Robin Tuntland, kindergarten teacher Claudia Frazee and third grade teacher Sharon Winningham.

Brian Mittge: Helpfulness gives us reasons to be hopeful

This is a good time to highlight a few local folks who are stepping out in service and connection. We saw news stories about them this week that should encourage us. In a time with a lot of shouting, … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 2/2/26

Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate.

Wayne Fournier commentary: Leadership isn’t about being the brightest light

I said it in my last column, and I’ll say it again: leadership isn’t about being the brightest light in the room. It’s about making sure the room is lit well enough for everyone else to see — … more

By Wayne Fournier | 2/2/26