Tired of paying high tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge? This candidate has good plan | Opinion

Mitchell would help with tolls

In 2022, our state legislature passed a bill that reduced tolls by 75 cents for those crossing the Narrows Bridge, coupled with a $130 million transfer from the state’s General Fund to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Account over ten years. While that toll reduction and general fund transfer was a critical first step, residents of the Kitsap Peninsula still take on an oversized burden of paying for the bridge, which will not be paid off until 2033. Tiffiny Mitchell, who is running for LD26 state representative, will push for legislation to tap into additional transfers from the General Fund and reduce tolls that create a financial burden on working families in our district.

Margie Esola, Gig Harbor

Here’s why we need Reichert

Bob Ferguson added hundreds of lawyers to his office to make it the largest law firm in the northwest. Why, so he could better meet the needs of our citizens? Because he is an “Empire Builder” and we cannot afford him as governor.

Forty years of democrats in charge in this state. The last 28 years were Democratic lawyers. Ten times we have voted down state income tax, and they did it anyway. Now some of the richest and most charitable residents are moving out of state. You wait, they will find a way to tax all of our income.

Now the Democrats want to take out the Snake River dams for billions of dollars to save fish that are eaten by thousands of protected Sea Lions before then even reach Bonneville Dam.

We need balance in Olympia. We have been run over by one party that has hurt small businesses, passed laws that we have to change through the initiative process, allowed drug sales, a homeless mess, and increased crime. We need Dave Reichert.

John Brandt Olaughlin, Nine Mile Falls

Hitchen is the obvious choice

The Pierce County Council 6 race shouldn’t be close. Jani Hitchen, strongly endorsed by the The News Tribune’s editorial board, is a straightforward, research-based problem solver who effectively negotiated more reasonable ferry fees, Family Resource Center services, improved parks and playgrounds, youth mental health services support, affordable housing, $5 million for hospital services and much more. As chair or vice-chair of several of the 14 council-related committees she serves, Jani has worked tirelessly on solutions for the homeless, support for military members and domestic violence solutions. She has sponsored legislation prioritizing the health and sustainability of our communities.

Jani’s opponent, as a member of the Steilacoom School Board, voted repeatedly to approve spending beyond budget, resulting in a substantial tax burden. Jani’s opponent is financially supported/endorsed by MAGA extremists and businesses that will likely seek favor from a county council member. An honest public servant, Councilmember Hitchen refuses such support/endorsements. Re-Elect Hitchen.

John C. Alessio, Steilacoom