Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

Aron Christensen is pictured in the outdoors in this photo provided to The Chronicle.

Guest Commentary: The Time Has Come for a Citizens’ Sheriff Commission

Other than maintaining the highways and collecting our trash, the main expectations of our county government are for police protection, law enforcement and justice. A huge percentage of our tax … more

By Bill Serrahn | 4/10/23

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

Letter to the Editor: Support Centralia School Levy for a Stronger Community

My vote is “yes” for the Centralia School District’s replacement levy. In the 50-plus years I have resided in Centralia, I have always chosen to support with my taxes the children … more

4/10/23

State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, represents the 19th Legislative District in the Legislature.

Commentary: Breaking Down the Three State Budgets Under Consideration This Session

In Olympia, we’re in the last few weeks of the legislative session and attention is turning to the state’s budgets. I’m getting lots of questions about those budgets, so … more

By Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen | 4/10/23

Pictured from left are Deb Parnham holding her granddaughter, Natalie Jean Markstrom, her daughter Tana Rogerson and her mother Jean Bluhm

Julie McDonald Commentary: Four Generations Teach in Lewis County

Perhaps it’s in the blood or a God-given talent for nurturing the minds and hearts of children. But for Jean (Hilts) Bluhm and her family, teaching has been a career of choice for a … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/10/23

Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston speaks with members of the council in this file photo.

Kelly Smith Johnston Commentary: Efforts to Respond to Homelessness in Centralia are Nuanced

Last week, the publisher of The Chronicle called on the City of Centralia to take action in response to an increase in crime connected to homelessness. I’d like to respond to his concerns and … more

By Kelly Smith Johnston | 4/7/23

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, takes part in a news conference Nov., 29, 2022.

Sen. John Braun Commentary: Democrats’ Priorities Are Off-Target as Session Nears End

Drugs in our state are clearly more lethal than firearms. Just look at King County, where 83 people were fatally shot in 2022, but more than 1,000 people fatally overdosed. With that disparity … more

By John Braun | 4/7/23

Bill Moeller smiles for a portrait outside The Chronicle in Centralia on Jan. 24, 2023.

Bill Moeller Commentary: Where Have All the Loved Ones Gone?

Did I just miss the frogs singing and calling to their potential mates this year? No, I don’t think so, at least not entirely. What has been happening in recent years, and what few … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 4/5/23

State Rep. Peter Abbarno meets with school district officials at Oakview Elementary School in Centralia earlier this year.

Peter Abbarno Commentary: Impact of New Payroll Tax Is Unpopular, Unfair and Inadequate

The Washington State Legislature is down to the final weeks. The House is considering legislation that passed the Senate, the Senate is considering legislation that passed the House, both … more

4/5/23

Ed Johnstone is the chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

Being Frank: Hatchery Salmon Hold the Ecosystem Together

Salmon are a keystone species in the Pacific Northwest — a central part of the food chain and our way of life. Throughout the region, salmon runs are imperiled by the cumulative effects of … more

By Ed Johnstone | 4/4/23

Money in the form of many large bills is pictured.

Kris Johnson Commentary: Now Is the Time to Batten the Hatches When It Comes to State Economy

If ever there was a time for building up Washington’s rainy-day reserves, this is it. Warning signs continue to flash on an economy that has endured unprecedented stress during the last … more

By Kris Johnson | 4/3/23

Salmon swim in a net pen in Carlisle Lake in this file photo.

Guest Commentary: State Older Forest Auction Undercuts Investment in Salmon, Chehalis Basin Flood Reduction

Since the catastrophic flood of 2007 inundated the cities of Centralia and Chehalis and closed Interstate 5, Lewis County and state leaders have been planning and taking action to reduce flood damage … more

By Lee First | 4/3/23

Lewis County commissioners listen to attendees speak during a meeting in Chehalis.

Julie McDonald Commentary: County Commissioners’ Potential Salary Bump Is Baffling

When I heard Erik Martin was resigning as Lewis County’s first county manager to take another job, I was disappointed. The county’s former Public Works Department director excelled in the … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/3/23

Letter to the Editor: Let’s Find a Solution to Drug Crisis That Is Rampant for Our Children

March 27, 2023 marked 16 years since I’ve been clean from drugs. Meth was my choice drug. I look back at where I was when I was using and realize just how much I have accomplished. … more

4/3/23

Letter to the Editor: Will Centralia, Lewis County Take Action on New Eyesore?

A few years ago, Lewis County cleaned up two massive eyesores: one on Harrison Avenue and one on Reynolds Avenue. There is now a new one started on North Pearl Street in the 1700 block. This used … more

4/3/23

Letter to the Editor: From Army Wife to Change-Maker — The Inspiring Journey of Lakeda Sullivan

Lakeda Sullivan, a devoted mother, foster mom, and CEO of Touched By One Touched By All, has always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of those around her. While … more

4/3/23

Letter to the Editor: We Can’t Allow More Uncontrolled Property Tax Increases in Lewis County

Visit https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1670 and follow super simple prompts and tell Sen. Jeff Wilson and state Reps. Joel McEntire and Jim Walsh you’re not OK with uncontrolled property tax … more

4/3/23

Sen. John Braun Commentary: Despite His Blustering, Inslee Chose to Enable Homelessness Crisis

Washington is unlike any other state when it comes to the number of homeless residents. Not in a good way. In December, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued its Annual … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 3/31/23

Letter to the Editor: Let’s Get Real on Capital Gains Income Tax

I write to inject a shot of realism into the new capital gains income tax. Who do you think this will affect? It is high time that the ultra-wealthy of Washington state pay their fair share. … more

3/31/23

Elk in Packwood beside U.S. Highway 12 bask in the sun last January.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Newest Newsy McNewsarooni for March 32

Folks, it’s the least accurate day of the year, so here’s some April foolish “news” for you. Note that there might actually be something truthful or accurate in … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 3/31/23

The encampment at Blakesless Junction in Centralia where a fire broke out on Wednesday night is pictured from above.

Publisher's Note: Centralia Police Reports Show Obvious Need for Action on Homelessness

Any debate over homelessness — its prevalence, causes and effects and what to do about it — tends to become emotional quickly. If you think camps should be cleaned up and … more

Commentary by Chad Taylor / ctaylor@chronline.com | 3/31/23