Topic: Opinion
Letters on the Upcoming Election
Written on October 20, 2021 at 5:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
Below are links to letters regarding various items on the upcoming election. Letters are shown in the order received and this page will continue to be updated as more letters come in. Letters for and against SJC Public Hospital District No. 1 Proposition No. 1 Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy: Alison Longley Lee Sturdivant Warren Continue Reading
Letter about Redistricting
Written on October 5, 2021 at 9:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from San Juan County Council member Cindy Wolf… Hello Editor, Census numbers are in and the proposed redistricting maps are out. You can see them at https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/commissioner-proposed-maps. In my opinion, the strongest move we can make this week for the future of our ferry system Continue Reading
Letter from Susan Grout
Written on September 29, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Susan Grout… Editor: A number of us are very concerned about a serious problem on our island. There is a critical shortage of trained home health caregivers. In order to remedy this situation, which could affect all of us at some point, we urge Continue Reading
EDC invites input from businesses, residents, on WSF service disruptions
Written on September 25, 2021 at 7:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The EDC invites island business owners, workers and residents to participate in a survey regarding Washington State Ferries service disruptions this past summer. Islanders are invited to participate in the survey here: https://forms.gle/uzXU6vy3tujUyuSR9 Anecdotal information and data derived from the survey will be used to better understand economic and other impacts from ferry service Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 22, 2021 at 10:09 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from the SJC Republican Party Chair, Daniel Schwartz… Statement on Vaccine Mandates San Juan County Republican PartyThe Republican Party is not anti-vaccine: it is for the right of a free and informed citizenry to make its own health choices.Never in our 245-year history have federal, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 12, 2021 at 10:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Sasha von Dassow… To the Editor: 9/11/21 At 6 am on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 we in the San Juan Islands are at a standstill because a few folks working in the state ferry system decided to stage a sick out in protest of Continue Reading
Letters
Written on August 18, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Dr. Mark Fishout… The summer of 1940 saw the Battle of Britain, the aerial conflict between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, reach its apex. When in this speech Churchill stated ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much Continue Reading
Letters for the November Election
Written on November 2, 2020 at 4:00 am, by Tim Dustrude
You can see letters from individuals at the links below. As more letters come in, this list will be updated so be sure to check back. Letters are posted in the order received in support of: Ryan Palmateer Winnie Adams and Bob Gamble Steve Ulvi and Lynette Roberts Christopher Minney Cindy Wolf Winnie Adams and Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 29, 2020 at 10:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we find this letter from Anna Maria de Freitas… As I listen to the rain bounce off my sky light and feel the fall chill settle in the air, I know that the days of outdoor dining for me and my restaurant industry colleagues are quickly coming to an end. Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 28, 2020 at 9:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mail bag this morning we have this letter from Justin Paulsen… If 2020 has highlighted nothing else within our country it is that political division has seeped into every function of our society. As our current generation navigates social, health and economic waters which have never before been explored, one factor Continue Reading
A Critique of Public Hospital District #1’s Reorganization of EMS
Written on September 1, 2020 at 8:53 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
We hear from Francis Smith, Retired Sr. EMT & Fire Captain (25 years)… The San Juan Island Public Hospital District #1 (PHD) recently announced a surprise reorganization of San Juan Island EMS. Chief Karl Kuetzing has been removed and the PHD Superintendent is now in charge of the agency. The published announcement is a study in Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Christine Minney
Written on July 27, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
A truly remarkable woman is running for the San Juan Island seat on the county council. Christine Minney owns and runs Ernie’s restaurant with her husband Patrick and raises much of the produce for the restaurant in her garden. She has a 24-year history on the island, during which time she has owned and/or worked Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 22, 2020 at 6:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the San Juan Update mailbag this morning we find this letter from Karin Agosta… A friend asked me yesterday about Ryan Palmateer’s strengths as a candidate for San Juan County Council District 1. This is a great question in today’s confusing, demanding world. Here’s what I wrote her: First, his work in sustainable construction Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 15, 2020 at 8:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Katie Fleming… Dear Editor, I support Ryan Palmateer for the County Council District 1 position. I have worked with Ryan for 3 years on energy conservation, renewable energy promotion, and climate action programs in the San Juan Islands. Ryan is very committed to the resiliency Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Today in the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter from Gay Graham… To the Editor: Covid-19 has caused us to make any number of changes in the paths that we used to take. One of these can be forgetting to renew or not having the opportunity to support those organizations and causes that need Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 8, 2020 at 1:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter today from Daniel Schwartz, SJC Republican Precinct Committee Officer… Response to the San Juan County Democrats Resolution on Police Reform The San Juan County Democrats have produced a resolution filled with the fabrications, revisionist history, and outright falsehoods that make up the woke playbook of today’s Continue Reading
Hospice in the Time of Covid19
Written on June 30, 2020 at 4:08 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Beth Helstien… A huge shout out to Hospice of San Juan and San Juan County Senior Services for all their services! Do you know that our local hospice organization loans all kinds of equipment to the community whether you need Hospice volunteer services or Continue Reading
Against Common Sense: White Male Privilege and Me
Written on June 29, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have these thoughts from David Kobrin… As an historian, I know there can be two opposing accounts of the same event, both of which are equally accurate. I’m not alluding to “alternative facts” or made up fictions. I mean exactly what I wrote: two stories that contradict Continue Reading
Letter from Ron Whalen
Written on June 17, 2020 at 7:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Ron Whalen… I request posting of the following; June 7th Amanda Azous posted a letter titled Fact Check of Whalen Petition. Therein Amanda alleges I request signing a petition to eliminate the Land Bank (LB). She alleges I have spread falsehoods and attempted Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 8, 2020 at 6:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Janet Thomas… Dear Islanders, The Southern Resident orcas are facing imminent extinction. Unlike other orca species they do not eat other marine mammals. Their primary diet is Chinook salmon–specifically the salmon that comes from the Fraser River in B.C. and migrates along the west side Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 8, 2020 at 6:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
And another letter, this one from Laura Saccio… To My Fellow Islanders, More than 20 years ago, my grandfather, a New Mexican farmer, rescued me from a life of impersonal work in the financial industry. I had been hired to work at an investment firm in Portland, and would see my family, including our two Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 7, 2020 at 4:56 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Fact Check of Whalen Petition Dear Editor and Community, We recently received in the mail Mr. Ron Whalen’s request to have us sign a petition to eliminate the Land Bank by December 2020. The request was loaded with falsehoods and outrageously attempted to dupe our community into thinking that a yes or no answer meant Continue Reading
Letters on the Upcoming Election
Written on October 20, 2021 at 5:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
Below are links to letters regarding various items on the upcoming election. Letters are shown in the order received and this page will continue to be updated as more letters come in. Letters for and against SJC Public Hospital District No. 1 Proposition No. 1 Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy: Alison Longley Lee Sturdivant Warren Continue Reading
Letter about Redistricting
Written on October 5, 2021 at 9:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from San Juan County Council member Cindy Wolf… Hello Editor, Census numbers are in and the proposed redistricting maps are out. You can see them at https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/commissioner-proposed-maps. In my opinion, the strongest move we can make this week for the future of our ferry system Continue Reading
Letter from Susan Grout
Written on September 29, 2021 at 5:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Susan Grout… Editor: A number of us are very concerned about a serious problem on our island. There is a critical shortage of trained home health caregivers. In order to remedy this situation, which could affect all of us at some point, we urge Continue Reading
EDC invites input from businesses, residents, on WSF service disruptions
Written on September 25, 2021 at 7:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The EDC invites island business owners, workers and residents to participate in a survey regarding Washington State Ferries service disruptions this past summer. Islanders are invited to participate in the survey here: https://forms.gle/uzXU6vy3tujUyuSR9 Anecdotal information and data derived from the survey will be used to better understand economic and other impacts from ferry service Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 22, 2021 at 10:09 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag today we have this letter from the SJC Republican Party Chair, Daniel Schwartz… Statement on Vaccine Mandates San Juan County Republican PartyThe Republican Party is not anti-vaccine: it is for the right of a free and informed citizenry to make its own health choices.Never in our 245-year history have federal, Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 12, 2021 at 10:58 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Sasha von Dassow… To the Editor: 9/11/21 At 6 am on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 we in the San Juan Islands are at a standstill because a few folks working in the state ferry system decided to stage a sick out in protest of Continue Reading
Letters
Written on August 18, 2021 at 5:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Dr. Mark Fishout… The summer of 1940 saw the Battle of Britain, the aerial conflict between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, reach its apex. When in this speech Churchill stated ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much Continue Reading
Letters for the November Election
Written on November 2, 2020 at 4:00 am, by Tim Dustrude
You can see letters from individuals at the links below. As more letters come in, this list will be updated so be sure to check back. Letters are posted in the order received in support of: Ryan Palmateer Winnie Adams and Bob Gamble Steve Ulvi and Lynette Roberts Christopher Minney Cindy Wolf Winnie Adams and Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 29, 2020 at 10:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we find this letter from Anna Maria de Freitas… As I listen to the rain bounce off my sky light and feel the fall chill settle in the air, I know that the days of outdoor dining for me and my restaurant industry colleagues are quickly coming to an end. Continue Reading
Letters
Written on September 28, 2020 at 9:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mail bag this morning we have this letter from Justin Paulsen… If 2020 has highlighted nothing else within our country it is that political division has seeped into every function of our society. As our current generation navigates social, health and economic waters which have never before been explored, one factor Continue Reading
A Critique of Public Hospital District #1’s Reorganization of EMS
Written on September 1, 2020 at 8:53 pm, by Peggy Sue McRae
We hear from Francis Smith, Retired Sr. EMT & Fire Captain (25 years)… The San Juan Island Public Hospital District #1 (PHD) recently announced a surprise reorganization of San Juan Island EMS. Chief Karl Kuetzing has been removed and the PHD Superintendent is now in charge of the agency. The published announcement is a study in Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Christine Minney
Written on July 27, 2020 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
A truly remarkable woman is running for the San Juan Island seat on the county council. Christine Minney owns and runs Ernie’s restaurant with her husband Patrick and raises much of the produce for the restaurant in her garden. She has a 24-year history on the island, during which time she has owned and/or worked Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 22, 2020 at 6:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the San Juan Update mailbag this morning we find this letter from Karin Agosta… A friend asked me yesterday about Ryan Palmateer’s strengths as a candidate for San Juan County Council District 1. This is a great question in today’s confusing, demanding world. Here’s what I wrote her: First, his work in sustainable construction Continue Reading
Letter in Support of Ryan Palmateer
Written on July 15, 2020 at 8:42 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Katie Fleming… Dear Editor, I support Ryan Palmateer for the County Council District 1 position. I have worked with Ryan for 3 years on energy conservation, renewable energy promotion, and climate action programs in the San Juan Islands. Ryan is very committed to the resiliency Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 10, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
Today in the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter from Gay Graham… To the Editor: Covid-19 has caused us to make any number of changes in the paths that we used to take. One of these can be forgetting to renew or not having the opportunity to support those organizations and causes that need Continue Reading
Letters
Written on July 8, 2020 at 1:45 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag we have this letter today from Daniel Schwartz, SJC Republican Precinct Committee Officer… Response to the San Juan County Democrats Resolution on Police Reform The San Juan County Democrats have produced a resolution filled with the fabrications, revisionist history, and outright falsehoods that make up the woke playbook of today’s Continue Reading
Hospice in the Time of Covid19
Written on June 30, 2020 at 4:08 pm, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Beth Helstien… A huge shout out to Hospice of San Juan and San Juan County Senior Services for all their services! Do you know that our local hospice organization loans all kinds of equipment to the community whether you need Hospice volunteer services or Continue Reading
Against Common Sense: White Male Privilege and Me
Written on June 29, 2020 at 8:40 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update mailbag this morning we have these thoughts from David Kobrin… As an historian, I know there can be two opposing accounts of the same event, both of which are equally accurate. I’m not alluding to “alternative facts” or made up fictions. I mean exactly what I wrote: two stories that contradict Continue Reading
Letter from Ron Whalen
Written on June 17, 2020 at 7:33 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning we have this letter from Ron Whalen… I request posting of the following; June 7th Amanda Azous posted a letter titled Fact Check of Whalen Petition. Therein Amanda alleges I request signing a petition to eliminate the Land Bank (LB). She alleges I have spread falsehoods and attempted Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 8, 2020 at 6:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Janet Thomas… Dear Islanders, The Southern Resident orcas are facing imminent extinction. Unlike other orca species they do not eat other marine mammals. Their primary diet is Chinook salmon–specifically the salmon that comes from the Fraser River in B.C. and migrates along the west side Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 8, 2020 at 6:47 am, by Tim Dustrude
And another letter, this one from Laura Saccio… To My Fellow Islanders, More than 20 years ago, my grandfather, a New Mexican farmer, rescued me from a life of impersonal work in the financial industry. I had been hired to work at an investment firm in Portland, and would see my family, including our two Continue Reading
Letters
Written on June 7, 2020 at 4:56 pm, by Tim Dustrude
Fact Check of Whalen Petition Dear Editor and Community, We recently received in the mail Mr. Ron Whalen’s request to have us sign a petition to eliminate the Land Bank by December 2020. The request was loaded with falsehoods and outrageously attempted to dupe our community into thinking that a yes or no answer meant Continue Reading