Letters to the Editor, Sept. 16
Presidential candidate’s racist insults cause a dark shroud of hate
I served in both the 82nd Airborne and the 7th Special Forces where no one accused me of being a bleeding heart liberal. For several reasons I always believed our borders should be protected, one reason being the protection of the wages of American workers.
But when I watched ad infinitum a candidate for President of the United States characterize Hispanic migrants as murderers, rapists, and thieves, I simultaneously watched a dark shroud of hate descend on the Statue of Liberty and the American Dream.
I will refrain from repeating the candidate’s name since the repetition of his name is his single most important cause. But I will refute his racist insults with a stanza from Samuel Coleridge’s epic poem ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’:
“He prayeth best, who loveth best/All things both great and small;/For the dear God who loveth us,/He made and loveth all.”
Leigh Hunt
Gig Harbor
Perrow is a voice for Gig Harbor citizens
As mothers of two young children and residents of Vernhardson Street, our concerns regarding vehicle speed and pedestrian safety surrounding Crescent Creek Park led us to contact the City. In our ongoing requests for improved safety we eventually included the City Council. It was Michael who promptly responded to further discuss our concerns and offer ongoing support. His involved actions and numerous follow-ups prompted a meeting and collaborated efforts between our City Administrator, Police Chief, City officials and concerned citizens to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety near the Park. Michael played an active and instrumental role at that meeting. As a result, Vernhardson Street now has a digital driver feedback sign, a marked crosswalk with flashing light beacon, a sidewalk on both sides of a portion of the street, increased police patrol and heightened driver awareness. We are now able to walk our babies, toddlers and young children to the park with greater peace of mind.
Michael’s concerns for the people of Gig Harbor and dedication to our City are evident through his actions. As a father of two young children himself, he understands the value and importance of a safe community. Michael has been our voice in Council, and will continue to be the citizens’ voice upon his reelection. He is exactly the person we need representing us. He certainly has our vote.
Nicole Hicks & Betsy Yeager
Gig Harbor
Woock a strong advocate who puts constituents and their needs first
I am a registered nurse working with Oncology patients in Gig Harbor in an outpatient oncology infusion clinic. I am so fortunate to work with Jeni Woock two days a week. She is a volunteer that serves the needs of our patients. Jeni is always looking for a way to help our patients during their stay at our clinic for treatment. She is the provider of warm blankets, beverages, and a listening ear. Jeni is kind, bright and intuitive. In fact, our patients ask if “today is Jeni’s day?” As nurses, we depend on Jeni to assist in various duties, including reviewing our supplies so that we remain stocked and can focus our time on our patient care.
She has taken on many projects including a lending library for our patients to share their interests, donations of pizza from Papa John’s and juice from Costco. Jeni makes valuable community connections and advocates for our patients with the help of the entire healthcare team and administration. In short, Jeni believes in serving her community, she understands the diversity in her community and welcomes a challenge. She is a strong advocate and puts her constituents and their needs first.
I am so pleased to endorse Jeni Woock for Gig Harbor City Council.
Carey Alvestad
Port Orchard
Jackson knows needs of students, teachers and community
Almost a third of the voters in the Peninsula School District supported me in my bid for school board, for which I am truly grateful. Although unsuccessful, I believe my campaign highlighted important issues which still need to be addressed.
In reviewing the experience and positions of the remaining candidates, it’s clear that the candidate who most closely aligns with my positions is Garth Jackson. Having been a teacher for over 12 years, Garth knows the needs of our students and teachers. As a resident of this area for over four decades, Garth also knows our community’s needs. And as the parent of four children who went through our schools and the grandparent of three now enrolled, he has a vested interest in our schools’ success.
As such, I wholeheartedly endorse Garth Jackson for Position 4 on the Peninsula School Board and urge all who supported me to support him as well. I also encourage all other voters to review Garth’s training, experience, and community service and offer their support.
Our kids and our community will benefit greatly from Garth’s leadership on the Peninsula School Board. Let’s all step up to help and make sure he gets elected!
Zachary Smith
Gig Harbor
GUEST SUBMISSIONS
The Peninsula Gateway accepts guest columns up to 600 words and letters to the editor up to 250 words. Priority consideration is given to those who live on the Gig Harbor or Key peninsulas. Letters and columns should be submitted by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to the next publication. The Peninsula Gateway reserves the right to edit for space, style and potentially libelous material. To submit a letter or column, email gatewayeditor@gateline.com (preferred), or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, 3226 Rosedale St., Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 2:35 PM with the headline "Letters to the Editor, Sept. 16."