TNT letters: Troyer and the law; Woodards and the money; Anderson Island and the ferry

Laws for cops, too

Re: “Sheriff Ed Troyer charged over confrontation with Black newspaper carrier” (TNT, 10/20/2021)

All too often the rich and the powerful have a different set of rules than everyone else. I am sure Sheriff Troyer thought he could make a 911 “officer in distress call” when he was in no real danger and not get held responsible. I am sure coach Nick Rolovich — the state’s highest paid employee — thought he could refuse an order to be vaccinated and he could still keep his job. I am sure all the WSP troopers and Seattle police officers — with their strong unions — thought surely they could not get fired if they refused vaccinations.

No one is indispensable. There will be many who will gladly take their jobs. Any law enforcer unwilling to obey the law shouldn’t be in law enforcement.

Speaking of no one is indispensable or above the law: I am sure the person who encouraged a mob to attack the capitol and stop the election of Joe Biden also thought he could get away with it.

John Whitmore, Gig Harbor

Housing and homelessness

This year’s election will determine how Tacoma addresses two related problems: Tacoma’s unaffordable housing market, and the distressing number of residents without any housing. The city has done good work on these challenges. Important details of policy, financing and implementation will be up to the next Council. The impressive pool of this year’s candidates presents Tacoma with a good chance for more progress.

All candidates appear to rank unaffordable housing and homelessness high among their concerns. Also, they offer a good mix of incumbent experience and new voices. Mayor Woodards and Councilmember Ushka stand out for their solid experience, substantive knowledge, mature judgment, energy and close attention to the varied and conflicting interests at stake. The City Council will need their experience, especially since no incumbent features in the other three council races. Among the new voices, Sarah Rumbaugh displays impressive policy knowledge the work will require, showing her own experience as a city planner. The other council candidates — Kiara Daniels, Brett Johnson, Joe Bushnell, Anne Artman, Kelly Blucher and Israel James McKinney — also express notable interest in the issue.

With these leaders and candidates, the next few years offer a good chance for important housing progress in Tacoma.

Michael Mirra, Tacoma

Who’s giving to Woodards?

Re: “Candidates for Tacoma City Council, mayor raise $500K for election. Who’s donating?” (10/28/2021)

The story by Alison Needles shows the inherent bias of the TNT. She digs deeper into the finances of Steve Haverly than Victoria Woodard.

What are the donors of Victoria Woodard getting for their money? It sure is not a reduction in crime. Murders have increased under her “leadership.” Has it reduced homelessness? Gosh no. Under Victoria Woodard, homelessness has also increased..

Perhaps the donors of Victoria Woodard enjoy her seemingly tacit approval of street racing in Tacoma. It occurs every night under her reign.

What has she done worthy of donations as mayor? What has she done that is worthy to be re-elected? That may be the better question.

Douglas Aguirre, Tacoma

Ferry rate hikes

Re: “Pierce County could triple ferry fares by 2029. Would Anderson Island ‘wither and die’?” (10/28/2021)

My family is made up of six adults. Five of us had steady jobs before the pandemic struck. Today, 18 months later, one works full time and another works part time. Our vehicles must use the ferry at least 10 times a month. How can the county implement ferry rate hikes without input from the Anderson Island community?

A really bad situation will unfold for us and for others, too, if these outrageous new fares are approved. Not only will my family suffer financial hardship, many Islanders will suffer as well. Doesn’t the county realize that during these unprecedented times many seniors and families are barely getting by?

I’m not going to lie down and take it. I call on my neighbors to keep mobilizing and making your voices heard, loudly! I also call on our local reps to look into these proposed ferry rate hikes, immediately!

Jonathan Romero, Anderson Island