Bullying, abusive behavior is serious. So are accusations against Rep. Melanie Morgan

Bullying behavior

After the recent article by the Associated Press regarding accusations of bullying by state Rep. Melanie Morgan, I would hope that The News Tribune Editorial Board will be rescinding its endorsement of this candidate.

There is too much of this behavior going on behind closed doors; when it is brought to light by those brave enough to come forward, it needs to be addressed.

I await your public statement rescinding support of a candidate who operates in this manner when out of view of the public.

Nick Cruthers, Tacoma

Tacoma encampment ban

The Tacoma City Council’s approach to homelessness is misguided. For years, Washingtonians — residents of King and Pierce County specifically — having been struggling with a painful housing shortage. In 2019, Washington had a deficit of 140,000 units.

For metropolitan areas, the squeeze has been especially painful. Since 2017, median rents in Tacoma have increased by more than 30%. The solution is simple: Governing agencies should increase the housing stock by removing barriers to development and generously funding the creation of affordable — preferably public — housing to drive down rents.

Unfortunately, the Tacoma City Council’s efforts toward this goal have been lukewarm. Despite needing thousands of units, the city’s plan for new affordable units next year is in the hundreds. Meanwhile, it is criminalizing public camping.

Overcoming our housing shortage will solve the homeless crisis. Bans on public camping directed against a homeless population that has no other place to go will not.

Marco Rosaire Rossi, Tacoma

Homelessness in Tacoma

I agree that something needs to be done with our homeless issues. I do not have the answers, but fining people who have no home and are living on the streets makes absolutely no sense.

Some of our homeless are in desperate need of services and need to be given some help. Some of our homeless are simply there because they want to be. Others are so addicted they have no clue where they are.

As I drive by the Tacoma Rescue Mission very day I am offended that the city of Tacoma can issue me fines and ultimatums to clean up the property that I own and pay taxes on — remove garbage, cut down weeds, remove old cars, etc — yet our homeless can make a royal mess and not a thing is being done.

Why are some citizens being held to a different standard than other citizens. I thought we were all equal?

Lorrie Brunson, Tacoma

We don’t need a new airport

Last week The News Tribune reported that Pierce County leaders want two local sites scrapped from list of potential locations for a new regional airport.

Our transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas-driven climate change. Airplanes that burn fossil fuels are dirtier and less efficient than trains that carry passengers and freight using clean electricity from hydro, solar and wind. Rather than build airports in green space, we can expand rail on new and existing lines to serve a growing population. Dual civilian-military use of the airfield at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, conveniently located along highway and rail corridors, is also a viable option that must be considered.

We must make healthy choices now for future generations.

Breck Lebegue, Steilacoom

Guardian angels

Thank you to the two guardian angels who assisted my lost, cognitively-impaired husband. Two off-duty healthcare professionals from Tacoma General, Amanda and Matt, sized up my husband’s situation and invited him to join them for breakfast at the Art House Café while they figured out how to contact me. When I arrived, he was happily munching on eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, at their expense.

If any of their co-workers recognize Amanda and Matt, please show them this letter with my heartfelt gratitude. Their generosity and caring continue to lighten my heart.

Judith Kay, Tacoma

This story was originally published October 20, 2022 at 5:00 AM.