Letters to the Editor

Major stories in the Spokesman-Review recently illustrate the impact of budget cuts made through the actions of Elon Musk/DOGE and budget cuts resulting from Michael Baumgartner’s vote for the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill (1BBB). Absent from those articles is the underlying reason these cuts were implemented: tax and other financial breaks for the wealthy and corporations, continuing the top-down governing philosophy the Republican Party has followed over the past 45 years. One was a front-page story on Data Centers. Baumgartner introduced legislation, which on careful reading, streamlines permitting, thus benefiting a wealthy corporation. Another story highlights congestion in the National Parks resulting from staff cuts (DOGE), budget cuts (1BBB), and entrance fee diversion for the vanity remodeling of Washington, D.C. Nearly every day this past week, articles describe wildfires in the region, while firefighting agencies operate at reduced funding levels (1BBB). An opinion piece from a Republican think tank supports Medicare subsidy reductions, resulting in increased prices for prescription drugs for seniors. An article notes inflationary pressures on food prices due to ICE activity (1BBB). High consumer gas prices due to the Iran war, supported by Baumgartner, all while oil company profits reach record levels. These stories and others note that while ordinary citizens are increasingly struggling, they fail to mention that the elites and their supporters (the Musk/Epstein/ Baumgartner class) are doing just fine. They always want more. They will never have enough.

Major stories in the Spokesman-Review recently illustrate the impact of budget cuts made through the actions of Elon Musk/DOGE and budget cuts resulting from Michael Baumgartner’s vote for the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill (1BBB). Absent from those articles is the underlying reason these cuts were implemented: tax and other financial breaks for the wealthy and corporations, continuing the top-down governing philosophy the Republican Party has followed over the past 45 years. One was a front-page story on Data Centers. Baumgartner introduced legislation, which on careful reading, streamlines permitting, thus benefiting a wealthy corporation. Another story highlights congestion in the National Parks resulting from staff cuts (DOGE), budget cuts (1BBB), and entrance fee diversion for the vanity remodeling of Washington, D.C. Nearly every day this past week, articles describe wildfires in the region, while firefighting agencies operate at reduced funding levels (1BBB). An opinion piece from a Republican think tank supports Medicare subsidy reductions, resulting in increased prices for prescription drugs for seniors. An article notes inflationary pressures on food prices due to ICE activity (1BBB). High consumer gas prices due to the Iran war, supported by Baumgartner, all while oil company profits reach record levels. These stories and others note that while ordinary citizens are increasingly struggling, they fail to mention that the elites and their supporters (the Musk/Epstein/ Baumgartner class) are doing just fine. They always want more. They will never have enough.

National Parks
I recently read an article on the National Parks in Washington state. Our parks are priceless jewels, and their beauty and grandeur are recognized throughout the Northwest and indeed the entire world. More and more people are hiking their trails, climbing their mountains, and enjoying their awe inspiring beauty. Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic parks being in close proximity to densely populated Puget Sound attract many return visitors, supplementing those from other states and countries who inject significant dollars into area economies. Despite the popularity of our parks, DOGE slashed management budgets by 25% in January 2025 and ended the controlled entry reservation system designed to ease the overcrowding of entry roads, parking lots, and visitor centers. As predicted then, today there are long lines for restrooms, which can lack toilet paper and other amenities. In addition to the budget cuts, park entrance fees have been redirected to the other Washington (D.C. that is) to pay for gold plating fountains and other vanity projects. Who voted for these budget cuts? Our very own Representative Baumgartner did in the Big Beautiful Bill that cut funding for maintenance, interpretive ranger talks, children’s programs, and public safety. Why would he vote to degrade our parks? Is it part of a plan to privatize or sell off these public treasures? We could ask him, but he refuses to meet with the general public, instead holding invitation-only events. To save our parks, vote Baumgartner out.

To the Editor Recent campaign comments describing the Stevens County Auditor’s Office as a “toxic workplace” does not reflect my experience. I worked in the Stevens County Auditor’s Office from January through May 2026. During that time, I found the staff to be professional, courteous, and committed to serving the public. Employees worked together as a team, willingly sharing knowledge and helping one another to ensure the work was done accurately and efficiently. I also observed leadership that set clear expectations, trusted well-trained employees to do their jobs, and held everyone to consistent professional standards. Good leadership is not about micromanaging every task; it is about building a capable team, accepting responsibility for difficult decisions, and maintaining accountability. Those decisions aren’t always easy or popular, but they are necessary. The Auditor’s Office is responsible for far more than administering elections. It serves as the county’s chief financial office, overseeing accounting, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, public records, and numerous other legal responsibilities that affect every county department. That role requires proven financial expertise, careful stewardship of public funds, and a commitment to accuracy and compliance. Like any workplace, not every employee will leave with the same perspective. Individuals who were dissatisfied or struggled to meet expectations may understandably have a different opinion. My own experience, however, was one of respect, teamwork, and dedication to public service. As voters evaluate the candidates for county auditor, I hope they will consider firsthand experiences like mine and remember the broad financial and administrative responsibilities entrusted to this office.
Sincerely, Angelica Perazzo

Representative Baumgartner’s recent CNN interview is yet another example of his hypocrisy and complete disconnect from his constituents’ reality. First he tries to blame the current economic difficulties on a past president, who has been out of office for over a year-and-ahalf. Then, when called on it, tries to say that presidents don’t actually have much to do with the economy anyway – well, which is it? Both Trump and Baumgartner frequently brag about all the bold moves Trump has made to “better” our economy, but when rising costs on every front (rent, groceries, fuel, health care, the list feels endless) are rightfully explained as the result of Trump’s erratic decisions, ever-changing tariffs, military aggression, and destruction of federal standards, suddenly it’s that other guy’s fault? Not the one who’s been bragging about all his power and decisions for the last 19 months, no not that guy, the retired one. Do they really think that you and I are so ignorant we can’t see this as insultingly blatant deceit and misdirection? You are smarter than that and you can choose not to support this hypocrisy in the midterms

And speaking of Dems taking the gloves off (finally) in opposition of fascists and fascism (aka the Trump-Epstein Crime Syndicate), look around and see where all the AIPAC money and oligarch donors efforts go to save the status quo in the Legislative Branch, disparaging legitimate lefty candidates for the Peoples, please take note in Washington state Congressional 9 race where Adam Smith is likely to finally lose his perch and a loss wellearned. Brilliant former Seattle City Councilmember Sawant, is comparatively left-winging Adam Smith’s congressional terms ending. Comparatively, as other progressive lefties are burning down the fascist houses nation-wide, and rightly so. After the last “No Kings” rally, I asked, “Where are the youth?” Well, they’re in deep, deep opposition to fascists and fascism. Please help them, they are the future. We know better, we can help these young people: These young people, learning deeply from video games as little ones, see clearly, for instance, the threats to humanity and the planet from AI and data centers alone. Alternatively, I wish no one ill will. Yet, the Democratic Establishment selfishness is causing that establishment to miss this glaring point, the gravity of these realities. That selfishness is self-destructive and wholistically, institutionally, culturally, destructive. This is the critical time for clear critical thought. Use it or lose it. You decide.

Angela Perazzo’s July 8 letter in the Statesman-Examiner was a testament to Shannon Hughes’ 30 years of outstanding service in our Stevens County Elections Office. I concur with that assessment and can personally attest to Shannon’s professionalism, her integrity, and dedication to serving the citizens of our County. As either an observer or Lead Democrat observer of ballot processing and counting in just about every primary and general election since 2004 up to now in 2026, I have seen Shan- non at work making sure our elections were conducted fairly, accurately, and according to stringent state and federal laws. She treats all observers equally with the same respect, courteousness, and helpfulness be they from Re- publican, Democrat, Libertarian, or whatever political party represented, as well as welcoming ordinary citizens who also wish to individually witness and observe our American democracy at work. And she did so first under leadership of Democrat Auditor Tim Gray, and now un- der Republican Auditor Lori Larsen. As such, Shannon is an exemplar of a democracy’s true non-partisan governmental public civil servant, serving all the citizens in Stevens County. In doing so, she has helped transform Stevens County into both a regional and state, even a national, role model on how to properly conduct an election. Congratulations to both Shannon and our Elections Office

Please Vote
On July 16, President Donald Trump gave a speech criticizing the U.S. voting system and warned that the upcoming midterm elections could be “rigged.” Many of his allegations were fact-checked and found to be untrue. Trump continues to claim that the 2020 presidential election was “stolen” despite over 60 court cases investigating the claim finding no merit in it. He criticizes our election system, though election experts say that voting machines are secure and extremely difficult to compromise. He insisted that the SAVE Act be passed by Congress, Angela Perazzo’s July 8 letter in the Statesman-Examiner was a testament to Shannon Hughes’ 30 years of outstanding service in our Stevens County Elections Office. I concur with that assessment and can personally attest to Shannon’s professionalism, her integrity, and dedication to serving the citizens of our County. As either an observer or Lead Democrat observer of ballot processing and counting in just about every primary and general election since 2004 up to now in 2026, I have seen Shan- non at work making sure our elections were conducted fairly, accurately, and according to stringent state and federal laws. She treats all observers equally with the same respect, courteousness, and helpfulness be they from Re- publican, Democrat, Libertarian, or whatever political party represented, as well as welcoming ordinary citizens who also wish to individually witness and observe our American democracy at work. And she did so first under leadership of Democrat Auditor Tim Gray, and now un- der Republican Auditor Lori Larsen. As such, Shannon is an exemplar of a democracy’s true non-partisan governmental public civil servant, serving all the citizens in Stevens County. In doing so, she has helped transform Stevens County into both a regional and state, even a national, role model on how to properly conduct an election. Congratulations to both Shannon and our Elections Office. Larry Ludwig Kettle Falls requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. This would create barriers for eligible voters, especially married women whose names differ from their birth certificates. This legislation would disable online and mail-in voter registration and community voter drives. Trump is also actively trying to do away with mail-in voting, making it more difficult for people to vote. Our voting system is not rigged. Trump is the one who is trying to rig the election by promoting lack of confidence in it among citizens, because his poll numbers are very low due to his focus on issues that do not serve the needs of the American people. With a fair election, he knows his party would lose; thus he would lose the pow- er he has wielded over this Republican Congress. Please vote. Believe in our system, not the manipulations of Trump. And remember that this Republican Congress, including Baumgartner, has enabled Trump to execute plans and policies that make our lives more difficult.

The Washington State Supreme Court has become an activist group that ignores both our state and federal constitutions. Now there is a chance to support judges who are more respectful of our rule of law and its original intent.
Are you tired of our taxes paying for transgender affirming surgery? Or unlimited and unaccountable homelessness? How about the carbon pledge gas tax? I recommend these judges:
Position 1 Scott Edwards
Position 3 David Stevens
Position 5 Dave Larson
Position 7 Todd Bloom
Freedom folks have carefully vetted and endorsed these judges. Thanks,

I remember waiting in line to vote in one of those booths after work, and watching results from a TV with an antenna. We’re so lucky here in Washington to have secure postage paid mail-in ballots, filled out thought- fully at the kitchen table. However, I still like the feeling of delivering my ballot in person to the Stevens County Auditors Office, and proudly wearing my “I have voted” sticker. I feel good about being part of the process and letting my voice be heard. Powerful and important stuff. New this year: a 17-year-old who will be 18 by the November election can vote in the August primary. Visit the state’s website at sos.wa.gov/elections. I’m counting on my vote to elect true leaders – those with integrity to tell the truth and believe the United States should be united with liberty and justice for all. Not registered? Contact the election dept. at 509-684- 7514. Your postage-paid ballot must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, Aug. 4, to be counted. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

A vote cast for a Republican or a Democrat is a vote for corruption. The reps in these two parties ignore what voters clearly say they want, and instead represent the billionaire parasite class. Both Democrats and Republicans in D.C. funnel our national wealth to the ruthless, amoral people who destroy our economy, America’s relationships with other nations, and the lives of countless people around the world. And the lies – aren’t you sick of the endless, blatant lies? The primaries are the best opportunity to get rid of candidates who don’t represent your interests. Vote in primaries, vote against corruption, vote independent. And for heaven’s sake, abandon the media outlets that exist to turn Americans against each other instead of against the real threat – the ultra-wealthy

Fellow Citizens: You recently received your primary election ballot in the mail. The U.S. Postal Service established new policies last Jan. 1 that changed the timeframe for how mail is postmarked. Currently, our mail is transported to Spokane for postmarking, meaning a one day (or more) delay between the time you mail it until it is actually postmarked. This means that mailing your ballot on election day will likely result in your vote not counting. The USPS recommends that you return mail ballots at least five days prior to election day, or you may drop a completed ballot into ballot drop boxes (located throughout the county) up to 8 p.m. on election day; for locations, refer to your Voters’ Pamphlet or call the Stevens County Elections Office at 509-684-7514. You can also present your mail ballot at your post office and request a hand postmark, prior to and including election day. To follow your ballot through the counting process, sign up at votewa.gov to check your registration and “Subscribe to SMS Messages” to receive text notifications when your ballot is received by the county elections office, and when it has been screened for valid signatures and accepted for counting. Our mail voting system is supervised by trained professionals and has a nearly flawless history of security and accuracy. We can all do our parts to assist them by returning our completed ballots in a timely manner.