Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the Editor: In support of Stickley for Lewis County Coroner

I am writing in support of Jessica Stickley for Lewis County Coroner. I am happy that Jessica is running as an Independent, not as a Democrat or Republican. The coroner’s office is a nonpartisan … more

9/11/26

Maureen Harkcom provided this photo while on a tour of the Southwest Washington Food Hub to learn about its operations.

Commentary: Focus on Agriculture

I was in Raymond with my mentor helping cut up a pear tree for a friend and was able to score a few pieces for my help. Pear is really nice wood to work with, so I am excited to get it processed, … more

By Maureen Harkcom | 9/11/26

Letter to the Editor: Are we great again yet?

This Labor Day, all’s for the best in this best of all possible countries. Ten million American citizens lost their health care since Donald Trump regained office, among them 2.5 million … more

9/9/26

Letter to the Editor: Don’t say Democrats have no power

Ms. Conner’s op-ed levels a series of sweeping accusations about the current administration and Congress but never provides a single piece of evidence to support any of them. Assertions are not … more

9/9/26

Letter to the Editor: Centralia School District administration deserves significant praise

Centralians should praise the administration at Centralia School District for their management of financial resources. Their careful management of the district’s finances have resulted in an A1 … more

9/9/26

Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner, former Tenino mayor, firefighter and lifelong community advocate. He believes that small towns are the last frontier of big ideas. He shares stories of civic creativity, leadership and community-building in his regular newspaper column.

Wayne Fournier Commentary: Let’s get better at planning what comes next

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the TransAlta facility in Centralia. For most people, it’s simply another power plant. For me, it is something more. Before it was TransAlta, it was WIDCO. … more

By Wayne Fournier | 9/9/26

Letter to the Editor: Braun has displayed his commitment to us

I am writing to support and endorse state Sen. John Braun in his bid to represent the people of Lewis County as our representative in the Third Congressional District. Having come to know Sen. … more

9/7/26

Julie McDonald: John Tucker family settled Silver Creek, left name on Cowlitz Prairie road

Driving around Lewis County, I often wonder about the people behind the names of the roads I’m traveling, and thanks to my friend Maeve Mitchell, I’ve learned about the family behind the name of … more

By Julie McDonald | 9/7/26

Lawmakers, friends and families celebrate the final gavel on the last day of the legislative session on the House floor on Thursday, March 12, in Olympia. Democrat lawmakers pushed through a state income tax during the session.

Opinion: The real victims of Washington's income tax

Like me, about half of all workers in Washington are employed by small and medium businesses, either their own or someone else’s. That simple truth is exactly why the new 9.9% tax on income over a … more

By Mike Sotelo / Ethnic Chamber of Commerce Coalition | 9/4/26

Bill Bouschor, of Curtis, left, and Jim Stafford, the author of this letter, prepare to pour bronze into molds near Adna.

Letter to the editor: “Frivolous art”

The arts and humanities are the human equation in our lives. The arts are the cradle of creativity, which spills over into every aspect of our lives. Young children learn to manipulate … more

9/4/26

Letter to the editor: Vote Democrat

The control of both the executive and legislative branches by the current Republican administration and Congress has accelerated a deeply concerning decline in our nation’s foundational systems and … more

9/4/26

Letter to the editor: The people wanted Washington justices elected — why are so many appointed?

It is generally confusing to determine how to elect a judge at any level. Electing a judge to serve as a Supreme Court Justice is even more difficult. The Washington State Constitution … more

9/4/26

State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, greets an attendee during the Lewis County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner in Chehalis on Saturday, April 11.

Opinion: I worked with John Braun — the attack ads don’t tell the truth

I served in the Washington state Senate with John Braun for years. I was a Democrat, John was a Republican, and we didn’t agree on everything. But I worked closely enough with him to know … more

Commentary by Tim Sheldon | 9/4/26

John Martin, left, and Larry Zander worked together at The Chronicle in the 1970s. They are pictured together in 2019 in this photo provided by Chronicle columnist Julie McDonald.

Julie McDonald: Local history buff John Martin, a former postal carrier and newspaper editor, will be missed

Some knew him as a newspaper reporter and editor. Others as a postal carrier. Still others connected with him over their mutual admiration for Edgar Rice Burroughs, creator of Tarzan. … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 8/31/26

Letter to the editor: Vote yes on I-645 and pay attention to the general election

Recent letters to the editor piqued my interest. Two diametrically opposed letters opining about I-645 shows socialist thinking in one and reasoned criticism in the other. Another letter … more

8/31/26

Letter to the editor: “Climate change” might be biblical

What if God had anticipated what we call “climate change” when He created earth and purposely established photosynthesis as a natural process to be highly stimulated by increased carbon dioxide … more

8/31/26

Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier waves to attendees during the Oregon Trail Days parade in Tenino on Saturday, July 25.

Wayne Fournier: The power of saying “no” in leadership positions

Yes and no might be the two most important words in the English language. They're certainly two of the most powerful. Yes creates movement. It starts projects, approves agreements, makes … more

Commentary by Wayne Fournier | 8/31/26

Stephanie Miller, Lewis County Drug Court manager, smiles during a conversation at the Toledo High School softball fields in Toledo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.

Letter: Your local therapeutic courts are working, and you can support them

My name is Stephanie Miller. I manage the Lewis County Drug Court Program. I also proudly serve as a non-voting member on the Foundation for Therapeutic Courts of Lewis County — FTCLC. FTCLC … more

8/31/26

Letter to the editor: John Braun is the real deal

I’ve met John Braun a few times now, and he is ultimately what I want from a representative in Congress: someone intelligent enough to understand the issues, experienced enough to know how … more

8/31/26

Letter to the editor: Keep women’s and girls’ sports female

Vote “yes” on Initiative 26-638 to keep girls’ and women’s sports leagues female. As a PE teacher for over 25 years, coach and athlete. I’ve played in both women’s and co-ed leagues, … more

8/31/26