Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

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

Letter to the Editor: News Dump Podcast Is a Treasure Trove Insight Into Newspaper

The Chronicle’s “News Dump” podcast is a treasure-trove of insight for those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at what is happening in our community. As a bonus, it is also an … more

1/27/23

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, walks alongside State Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, outside the Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia earlier this month.

Sen. John Braun Commentary: To Restore Public Trust, Start Reestablishing Public Safety

I don’t know anyone who would choose to live next to a big, noisy international airport, or have sexually violent predators for neighbors. Through no fault of their own, people in the … more

By Sen. John Braun / R-Centralia | 1/27/23

Letter to the Editor: Bill Seeks to Remove ‘Qualified Immunity’ for Washington’s Law Enforcement Officers

A bill coming up this session is HB 1025. It is a bill that will open up each and every law enforcement officer and private security guard to nuisance litigation, and will also transfer liability to … more

1/25/23

Photo by Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com Longtime Chronicle columnist Bill Moeller is pictured outside The Chronicle on North Pearl Street in Centralia on Tuesday. The Chronicle decided it was past time to provide a new photograph of our columnist.

Bill Moeller Commentary: Seasonal Contemplations of an Elderly Columnist

I was just thinking about spring. It’s still a ways off but some signs are appearing. Weeds are certainly poking their heads out already, primroses are appearing and, depending on the … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 1/25/23

The Washington state Capitol is pictured in 2022.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Micromanaging Lawmakers Set Back Students and Teachers

The Legislature is back in session, and parents (and all who care about their community’s schools) should pay attention to how some powerful state lawmakers are pushing to roll back local … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 1/25/23

Letter to the Editor: Expose Sex Offender Housing as Mismanaged Ordeal It Is

Thank you for your recent coverage regarding the residence in Tenino that may soon house Level 3 sex offenders. There are several violations of RCW 71.09.290 code (Siting Policy Guidelines) that … more

1/23/23

Letter to the Editor: Youth Interrogation Law Exists Because Police Refuse to Act Voluntarily

I write to discuss the recent Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs “legislative priorities” regarding RCW 13.40.740, which forces police to protect minors’ fourth, … more

1/23/23

Letter to the Editor: How Do We Support Most Vulnerable After Learning Loss?

In regard to state Sen. John Braun’s concern about loss of education during COVID-19, or two years of educational loss for students as he indicated, I have a different perspective. After … more

1/23/23

A rendering from a recent Zoom presentation shows what the revamped visitors center will look like.

Julie McDonald Commentary: State Parks Adding Cowlitz Heritage in Revamp of Visitor Center

Nearly four decades ago, as a reporter covering Cowlitz County government for The Daily News in Longview, I spent much time reporting on Commissioner Van Youngquist’s trips to Washington, D.C., … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 1/23/23

Letter to the Editor: Air Pollution Is Bad; And Getting Worse

Millions of Americans see damage to their health due to air pollution. The U.S. is trying to keep the air pollution to a minimum but it is going to take many years. According to CNBC, … more

1/20/23

Letter to the Editor: Why Animal Testing Should Be Illegal

Animal testing is cruel and very harmful to animals. Not only that, but it can be harmful to humans. As a pet owner, I couldn't imagine my cat having chemicals dripped in his eyes or … more

1/20/23

Letter to the Editor: School Days Should Start Later

Many students like me have to wake up incredibly early to be on time for school. My school starts at 7:40 a.m. This can cause many problems for students, such as lack of sleep and … more

1/20/23

Letter to the Editor: System Should Not Go Easy on Onalaska Mail Thief

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza and his deputies for the arrest of Amber K. Ingram (AKA Amber K. Rushton or Amber K. Blankinship) the mail theft ring leader … more

1/20/23

State Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, and Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, talk to members of the press inside the John A. Cherberg Building in Olympia earlier this month.

Sen. Braun Commentary: Refusal to Even Acknowledge K-12 Learning Loss Is Disservice to Students

This year’s legislative session is already more than two weeks along, and leading Democrats in our state have yet to publicly express any interest in solving the learning loss in our … more

By Sen. John Braun | 1/20/23

Letter to the Editor: Schools Need More Focus on Mental Health

Editor’s Note: The following letter to the editor was written by a Centralia High School student as part of a class assignment. In school, at any age, the students are showing signs of … more

1/16/23

Letter to the Editor: The School System Is Failing Us

Editor’s Note: The following letter to the editor was written by a Centralia High School student as part of a class assignment. The current education system is failing our children, and … more

1/16/23

A toppled tree is pictured along Jackson Highway in this photo captured by Julie McDonald Jan. 4.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Why Can’t Elected Politicians Protect Classified Documents?

One of the federal government’s primary roles as outlined in the U.S. Constitution is national security, establishing and maintaining a military, so it stands to reason our leaders would do … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 1/16/23

Letter to the Editor: Lewis County Is Not Just Conservative — It’s Extremist

It is fair to say Lewis County is a more than “conservative” area. The 64.44% Lewis County vote for Joe Kent last November, by far the greatest margin in his favor of any county in the … more

1/13/23

Letter to the Editor: What is a Lewis County Republican?

My name is Mitchel Townsend, and I am a Lewis County Republican and the Republican precinct committee officer from the 50th District of Salkum in Lewis County Commissioner District 3 in East Lewis … more

1/13/23

Letter to the Editor: It’s Up to All of Us to Call Out the New MAGA Majority

Last year, the American people rejected extreme election deniers in key races. But we were unable to win every fight, and a tremendous threat to our democracy remains: the new Speaker of the House … more

1/13/23