A loving heart is the truest wisdom
The Editor:
I have a little rescue dog that is now 15. I got him when he was 6. He was a very abused, angry, tense little dog. In the beginning when he was outside, he barked at everything that moved — cars, trucks, people, etc. I always scolded him in no uncertain terms: "Bad dog. Stop that. Be quiet. Don't bark." After a month of constantly scolding him to stop, he wouldn't stop barking. In fact, my irritated voice seemed to make him even more agitated.
So, I tried a different tactic. When he'd bark, I began speaking to him calmly, "It's okay. You're a good boy. Relax. Don't bark. You're okay." As I spoke, I very gently stroked his head and back. It took a month, but he finally stopped barking. That was nine years ago.
It took time, but now he is a relaxed, quiet, happy little dog. Try a softer approach with your children, pets, etc. It may take longer to see results, but it works like a charm. And you may find yourself becoming more peaceful and calm, as well.
"A Loving Heart is the Truest Wisdom."
Cindy Kisska
Birch Bay
YES on Ryan Swinburnson
The Editor:
I am endorsing Ryan Swinburnson to be our next Whatcom County Prosecutor because I believe a change is needed in that office, and Ryan possesses the qualities and qualifications I am looking for in a leader.
Ryan will bring professionalism, stability, and accountability to the prosecutor's office. In recent years, the office has faced challenges that have eroded public trust and contributed to significant attorney turnover. Effective leadership is essential to restoring confidence and ensuring the office fulfills its important role in our justice system.
As the former Chief of the Bellingham Police Department with 32 years of law enforcement experience, I know firsthand how critical a strong working relationship between law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor's office is. I have seen the frustration officers and detectives experience while waiting for cases to move forward, only to see them dismissed or resolved through plea agreements without meaningful communication with the case investigator or the families affected.
Ryan has the experience and leadership skills necessary to run the office effectively. He understands that every case is unique and that accountability requires thoughtful, case-specific approaches. He will hold offenders accountable while ensuring that the office operates with professionalism, integrity, and transparency. Just as importantly, he will set high expectations for his team and foster a culture of professionalism and responsibility.
When the Bellingham Police Guild, Whatcom County Sheriff's Guild, Lynden Police Guild, and the Everson Police Foundation endorsed Ryan, they were sending a clear message: they want change. Transforming the culture of an organization often requires fresh leadership and a new perspective. I believe Ryan Swinburnson is the right person to bring that change to the Whatcom County Prosecutor's Office.
Flo Simon
Bellingham
Another YES for Ryan Swinburson
The Editor:
I am supporting Ryan Swinburson for Prosecuting Attorney because I believe he will lead the office with a steady competence we need at this time.
As one of Whatcom's former County Executives, I've experienced the rewards and challenges of balancing the mandates of an elected office with the needs and desires of the County Council, employees, and citizens. I believe Ryan has the skill set to manage the myriad of duties required directly of the Prosecutor, while communicating and working for and with citizens, the many boards, commissions, councils, staff and other elected officials he will be engaged with.
More specifically, Ryan impressed me with his knowledge of our local criminal justice system, the current challenges of the Prosecutor's Office related to caseload and staffing, and most importantly, his plans for improvements within.
Ryan's resume is well-suited for him to be our Prosecutor, and I believe he will serve Whatcom County with vision, integrity, and purpose.
Please join me in voting for Ryan Swinburson for Prosecuting Attorney.
Jack Louws
Bellingham
A three-fer for Ryan Swinburson
The Editor:
I am proud to endorse Ryan Swinburnson to serve as our next Prosecuting Attorney.
Ryan brings the vision, experience, integrity, and leadership our county needs to meet the challenges facing public safety and the effective administration of justice. He understands that the role of Prosecuting Attorney carries enormous responsibility — not only to hold offenders accountable, but also to ensure victims are heard, respected, and protected, and that our community’s safety remains a top priority.
Ryan is committed to working closely with law enforcement, victims, community leaders, and local partners to build a stronger, more effective justice system. He recognizes that public safety depends on collaboration, accountability, and principled leadership.
Bill Elfo
Whatcom County Sheriff, retired
Won’t somebody think of the taxes
The Editor:
A recent letter from Mr. Ensign regarding the financing forecasts for the City of Birch Bay, he raised what I believe is the ONLY argument the opponents of the proposed incorporation of the City of Birch Bay can make, i.e. fear of the uncertainty of increased taxes.
He references a proposed “no tax increase” forecast and surplus of $22,000, as insufficient for unexpected costs or revenue shortfalls, and that the public - deserves a clear understanding of the numbers.
As a CPA, I have prepared hundreds of “budgets and forecasts” for clients. Their value is in causing management to try and anticipate problems, the numbers on a budget, will be different than reality. Remember, Whatcom County government can raise taxes.
For me the ONLY question is: Who will be a better STEWARD/PROTECTOR of Birch Bay? The people who live here, or distant bureaucrats whose only interest is tax revenue?
Stephen Nelson
Birch Bay
Citizenship 2026
The Editor:
It is hard to remember that the most important person in our government is YOU, the voter! 250 years ago, this country changed the world by forming a government by the people and for the people. We are citizens, not subjects of a sovereign entity. The world was changed completely by empowering citizens to elect and form their own government and no longer be serfs, subjects, pawns to be manipulated and dominated by a separate power. The sad fact is that most people are not, nor, were never aware of our essential power, or have willingly forfeited power because it is easier to let others do the work and then be angry over the results. We have allowed governing by prestige and money. Governing as citizens requires knowledge, voting and action. Citizenship requires doing the work. Vote, sign the envelope and use a drop box. Write letters and make calls to congress and local representatives. Ask questions and demand answers.
Let’s take back our citizenship and Democracy!
Donna Starr
Blaine
No on tax repeal
The Editor:
High income people in Washington want you to vote to repeal the Millionaires Tax. Half of our fellow citizens have to share less than 3% of the total wealth in this country and most struggle from pay check to pay check. So why should we give the rich a tax break?
By the way, the retirement income of Washington teachers and fire fighters does not get them anywhere near a million of annual income. If you make $70,000 a year, a million a year would be 14 times what you are making today and none of it is subject to the “millionaires tax.” You would have to figure out what to do with that extra $930,000.
I will vote NO on repealing the Millionaires Tax.
Jim Thomson
Blaine
Yes on tax repeal
The unconstitutional “Millionaires Tax” is a masterful example of leftist class warfare/ propaganda against the residents of Washington state. Why would you want to send even more of your hard earned money via an unconstitutional state income tax to a state government that has shown time after time it cannot/will not control spending? The lack of an income tax in Washington has been one of the great attractions for business and individuals since the state constitution was adopted.
This will soon be a tax on everyone with an income/pension. Democrat politicians have openly
said so. We have already seen economic impact in anticipation of this tax with businesses leaving to or expanding in lower tax states along with individuals who can, selling their homes to get away from this tax. We know capital(money) flows to where it’s welcome/wanted. Vote yes on Initiative-645 to repeal the unconstitutional state income tax.
Michael Harkleroad
Blaine
