Columnists | The Daily Chronicle

John McCroskey was Lewis County sheriff from 1995 to 2005. He lives outside Chehalis and can be contacted at musingsonthemiddlefork@gmail.com.

John McCroskey Commentary: Keep the Adult Material Out of the Classroom; Liberal Ideology Destroying Us

My wife and I just had the good fortune to spend a few days in some sunshine without cellphones or news. There was nothing about the border crisis, nothing about drag queens performing in some school … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 5/4/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: A Bit Late, But What Isn’t Late These Days?

To begin my weekly confession, I recently did one of the most stupid things any old man can do. Before shopping for my groceries, to save time at check out, I made out a check to pay for them … more

5/4/22

State Rep. J.T. Wilcox, author of this commentary, talks during an interview inside his office at the state Capitol in 2019.

Commentary: 2022 Legislative Session Marred by Missed Opportunities

As someone who represents a largely rural district and leads a caucus of members who represent most of rural Washington, I have grown increasingly concerned about the Legislature’s inability to … more

By Rep. J.T. Wilcox, R-Yelm, House Republican Leader | 5/3/22

Robert McInnis stands on his porch in the Edison District next to a sign reading “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

Highlighting Lewis County: Centralia Marine Veteran Shares Early Recollections

A Centralia nonagenarian recently shared with me a thin book his childhood friend published last year about his Army years during the Korean War, “The Lost Two Years: an autobiography” by … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 5/2/22

Andrea Culletto speaks at the Twin Transit Mellen e-Transit Station grand opening.

Commentary: Saying ‘Goodbye for Now’ to Andrea Culletto, a Friend to Our Community

When those in leadership leave an organization or their community, there is often a feeling of uncertainty as to what lies ahead. But when strong leaders leave an organization, they leave behind a … more

By Twin Transit staff | 5/2/22

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare. He can be reached at drstride@icloud.com.

Richard Stride Commentary: Amid Stressful Times, Try Watching Cartoons

What cartoons do you remember? What Disney or animated movie did you watch over and over and over again? Are you thinking about it? I know I am. Of course, by the 100th time, you could recite every … more

5/2/22

Mariya Frost is the director of the Coles Center for Transportation at the Washington Policy Center.

Commentary: Washington Attorney General Fires Ukrainian Paralegal Over Vaccine Mandate

Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson, like Secretary Millar at the Washington State Department of Transportation, claims to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and … more

By Mariya Frost / Washington Police Center | 4/29/22

Kris Johnson is president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s chamber of commerce and manufacturers association.

Guest Commentary: Survey Shows Inflation Tops a Long List of Employer Challenges

The soaring inflation rate has turned trips to the gas station, grocery store, shopping mall and restaurants into nerve-wracking experiences. Not to mention buying a used car or a sheet of plywood. … more

By Kris Johnson / Association of Washington Business | 4/29/22

Brian Mittge and Chris brewer unload bark chips on a trail during the Friends of the Seminary Hill Natural Area Earth Day Work Party in Centralia.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Amid Spring Rain, a Day of Sunshine and History

Last Saturday was one of those days that makes you celebrate life in our small towns and communities. The mercurial spring weather was perfect (more or less). Appropriately, a number of Earth … more

4/29/22

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson talks with The Chronicle's Editorial Board in March 2015.

Other Views: Stop the Name Games With Washington's Capital-Gains Income Tax

Washington's experiment in creating a capital-gains tax ought to be weighed on its true merits. Unfortunately, the tax's advocates cannot seem to resist putting a pinkie on the scale. Rhetorical … more

Commentary by The Seattle Times Editorial Board | 4/28/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: Am I Getting Out of Step?

I don’t know if this is in my regular category of “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” or “Stupidity — once learned — is hard to forget.” In any … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 4/27/22

Commentary: Seattle World’s Fair Highlighted Electric Transportation Network

The Seattle World’s Fair in 1962 was awe-inspiring. It previewed developments that would improve our daily lives in the next millennium. While “Century 21” memories have faded, … more

By Don Brunell | 4/27/22

The Capital Building is seen Monday, January 8, 2018 in Olympia.

Commentary: Washington State Stubbornly Refuses to Cut Taxes for Families

Most politicians could only dream of a scenario in which a flood of extra tax revenues suddenly lets them cut taxes in an election year. But clearly Washington state leaders think … more

By Chris Cargill | 4/25/22

Robert Foxcurran shows a photo of Simon Plamondon Jr.’s family during a recent presentation in Toledo.

Highlighting Lewis County: Pioneer Edward Warbass Jumped Toledo Claim of Simon Plamondon Jr.

Although I’ve always known Native Americans lost much of their land to white settlers, I was appalled to discover recently that Edward Warbass, who established a townsite in 1850 south of … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/25/22

Commentary: Look North to Alaska and Canada to Increase Gas Supplies

The news that President Joe Biden plans to resume leasing of federal land for oil exploration may be good five years from now, but that action alone won’t bring down record gas prices at the … more

By Don Brunell | 4/22/22

FILE PHOTOS — Attendees flood into Orin C. Smith Elementary during the grand opening in 2019.

Brian Mittge Commentary: The Thrill of V-I-C-T-O-R-Y, the Agony of D-E-F-E-A-T

This week I had the pleasure of watching from the sidelines as a dramatic competition unfolded before me, a battle of will and skill, where endless practice culminated in a succession of … more

4/22/22

Richard Stride Commentary: Make a Mistake? You Should Hang a Lantern on It

I have been a student of leadership for many years, which means I try to learn all I can about effective leadership. One of the life lessons I have learned that translated well to leadership … more

By Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 4/20/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: Miscellaneous Thoughts

You’ve read it before, haven’t you? I mean the part where this so-called columnist complains about an overcrowded drawer in his file cabinet just bulging with bits and pieces that he … more

By Bill Moeller / For the Chronicle | 4/20/22

Other Views: Salary Transparency Will Benefit Workers

A new Washington law supporting wage transparency will benefit workers and, overall, the companies that pay them. While there might be some unintended consequences, requiring the inclusion of a … more

The Columbian Editorial Board | 4/20/22

The moon, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens glow at sunset Friday.

Guest Commentary: Clean Energy Transition Would Break Russia’s Geopolitical Hold

Washington state is a recognized leader in the transition to clean energy, and recent legislative results underscore Washington’s commitment to a healthy environment and vibrant economy through … more

By Alan Hardcastle, Sabra Hull and Madeleine Para | 4/18/22