Sheriff Swank is a growing liability for Pierce County | Opinion

Swank is a serious liability

It is not up to Sheriff Keith Swank to determine whether a state or county law is valid, and choosing to just not enforce a law is a violation of his constitutional duties.

Swank has challenged Gov. Bob Ferguson on social media, asking who would enforce the new no-mask mandate for officers. The answer is, the people will. The people will sue their sheriff if they are approached by masked officers. I would.

And that means we as residents will pay for this nonsense.

Swank is a liability for Pierce County.

I believe the County Council — and indeed the entire county government structure—is painfully aware of that fact. I have some faith that some safeguards or plans are in the works to protect residents and the county as a whole from his dangerous posturing and the me-me-me of his online and in-person trashing of the reputation of the highest law enforcement office in the county.

I’m asking Council and the executive and county staff and whomever else can speak up — including county residents — to turn up the heat on efforts to curb his dangerous antics and/or to somehow rid us of the threat he poses.

Kristy Gledhill, Gig Harbor

Consider the Libertarian Party

Politics in Washington often feels like a constant tug-of-war between the left and the right, with voters expected to pick a side. But more people across the state are realizing there is another option.

As a Libertarian, I’ve seen a growing presence of the Libertarian Party of Washington, both at the State Capitol and in communities across the state. That growth reflects frustration with a system that limits the conversation to two competing visions of government expansion.

Libertarians offer a different approach. Instead of asking whether government should do more or less, we ask whether it should be involved at all. That perspective is resonating with people who feel politically homeless.

At the Capitol, Libertarians are showing up, engaging with lawmakers and encouraging more people to participate. Across Washington, local outreach and events are creating space for new voices and ideas.

A healthy political system should not be limited to two choices. Competition in ideas leads to better outcomes and more accountability.

There is a third option, and more Washingtonians are starting to take it seriously.

James Holcomb, Olympia

Electronic vehicles a solution

As communities across the country grapple with rising fuel costs, air pollution, and the growing impacts of global warming, one solution is becoming increasingly clear: the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Electric cars offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. By producing zero tailpipe emissions, they reduce air pollution and improve public health, especially in urban areas where smog and poor air quality disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

When you factor in that EVs cost roughly 40% less to fuel, and with fewer moving parts, require about half the maintenance of internal combustion engines, eliminating oil changes and frequent brake replacements entirely, the total cost of ownership is now a clear win for the consumer.

Advances in battery technology have extended driving ranges, while the expansion of charging infrastructure is making electric vehicles more convenient than ever.

Owning an electric car is not just a personal choice. It is a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future. By embracing this technology, we can reduce our dependence on carbon dioxide polluting fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Ron D. Sadler, Tacoma