Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez talks to visitors at Kemp Olson Memorial Park in Toledo during a town hall event on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Commentary: MGP asks — Should cops have to pay taxes?

Baby, you the whole package, plus you pay your taxes — B.o.B, “Nothin on You,” 2009 This lyric was in a No. 1 song that my kids liked. My wife and I would laugh at how the rapper had … more

By Danny Westneat / The Seattle Times | 4/29/26

Attendees stand outside of the Discover! Children’s Museum during the grand opening in Centralia on Saturday, April 25.

Dream of Discover! Children’s Museum a reality today

Four-year-old Brycen Milton’s meticulous eye for detail paid off when he won a coloring contest in 2013 sponsored by those seeking to start a children’s museum in Lewis County. As a reward, … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/27/26

Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, works on his computer during the last day of the legislative session on Thursday, March 12, in Olympia.

John Braun commentary: Democrats fail to protect children, but they’ll go after sheriffs

Olympia’s majority Democrats showed again this year how their priorities are way off when it comes to the safety of the public. The bills they rejected include two I had introduced that are … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/24/26

Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, speaks during a House floor debate on SB 6346 on Tuesday, March 10, in Olympia.

Peter Abbarno commentary: Successful STEP housing should be community-up, not Olympia-down

Washington state is facing a real and urgent housing crisis. Families are struggling, individuals are experiencing homelessness, and communities across our state are searching for solutions that are … more

By Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis | 4/24/26

Maureen Harkcom: Celebrating a well-traveled apple tree and top-quality cider at 3 Dog Cider and Brewstillery

I am seeing apple trees in bloom around the county. Spring is on the way. Or, at least we think and hope it is. There is one particular tree in Lewis County that has quite a history. She … more

Commentary by Maureen Harkcom / For The Chronicle | 4/24/26

In Centralia, the Friends of the Seminary Hill Natural Area are holding their monthly “Stroll With Friends” hike this Saturday. The hike begins at 10 a.m. or show up early at 9:30 for free coffee and conversation. This is a great, easy hike with stops to enjoy nature. This monthly event normally happens on the third Saturday of every month, so mark your calendar for May 16, June 20 and every third Saturday in the months ahead.

Brian Mittge: More screenless fun for your weekend

Are you ready to put down your phone this weekend and open your eyes to a crazy, imperfect, wonderful real-life world? I'm pumped and very grateful to the creative school board directors in … more

4/22/26

Wayne Fournier is a Thurston County commissioner and former mayor who has spent more than three decades working in public safety. His column appears in The Chronicle twice each month.

Wayne Fournier commentary: Compassion, reality and the path forward on homelessness

In my last column, I wrote about how Thurston County has built a compassionate and admirable system to respond to homelessness and how that system now faces the challenge of long-term sustainability. … more

By Wayne Fournier | 4/22/26

Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro Woolley, answers a question from the press following the State of the State address in Olympia on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Commentary: Fixing the hidden clogs in Washington state’s justice system

When we talk about public safety in Washington, the conversation rightly begins with the men and women in blue. The crisis in recruitment and retention of law-enforcement officers remains a paramount … more

By Sen. Keith Wagoner | 4/22/26

A grocery store produce section with apples, peaches and other fresh items.

Commentary: They block grocery stores, then build their own at four times the cost

Across the country, politicians are sounding the alarm about rising food prices and lack of access to grocery stores. Their solution? Government-run supermarkets. There’s just one problem: in … more

By Chris Cargill / Mountain States Policy Center | 4/22/26

Commentary: Olympia knew Washington farming is in crisis, but did nothing

As the 2026 Washington state legislative session came to a close, there was at least one thing worth noting: some of the worst anti-farm ideas introduced this year did not make it across the finish … more

By Ben Tindall | 4/22/26

Julie McDonald: Saying farewell to Centralia College’s most enthusiastic cheerleader

Few young people today realize how much they benefit from the enthusiasm and hard work of a man from Pasadena, California, who arrived in Centralia during a turbulent time in the mid-1980s. High … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/20/26

Gov. Bob Ferguson answers questions from the press during a legislative session preview in a Senate Hearing room in Olympia on Friday, Jan. 9.

Chad Taylor commentary: Ferguson isn’t here to reform out-of-control state government — he’s here to protect and expand it

The honeymoon period is long over and the verdict is in: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is, without question, the most disappointing governor in our state’s recent history. No, this isn’t … more

By Chad Taylor / chad@chronline.com | 4/20/26

Brian Mittge sings a song during the opening ceremonies of the fair at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.

Brian Mittge: Let’s emerge from a digital winter as spring bursts forth

The world is too much with us; late and soon... We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! — William Wordsworth, c. 1802 Last night, my phone didn’t go to bed with me. I plugged … more

4/17/26

John Braun: Look no further than Olympia for the true cause of high energy costs

Who’s most responsible for the high cost of filling your fuel tank and paying for the energy your home needs? Jay Inslee wants you to put the blame solely on the White House. In recent … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/17/26

The Washington state Capitol is pictured from Heritage Park in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Commentary: Washington fails the test for affordability

Washington continues to rack up poor rankings as one of the most unaffordable states in the country. A recent report shows the Evergreen State as the fifth most expensive state in the United States. … more

By Sam Cardwell / Mountain States Policy Center | 4/15/26

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

John McCroskey: Do I miss being sheriff? Not with the politicians we have

Sometimes, people ask me if I miss being sheriff, and I can say “no” pretty quickly. The reason could be my age, at least partially, but it’s mostly just the foolish politicians and … more

Commentary by John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 4/15/26

Peter Abbarno: Accountability and opportunity — getting child care right in Washington

Recent childcare reports raise serious concerns about Washington state’s handling of funding, with the state auditor questioning millions of dollars in payments tied to federal support. While … more

Commentary by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis | 4/15/26

Wayne Fournier: Considering housing, homelessness and when the system begins to bend

Over the past several months, I’ve been thinking a great deal about the ongoing conversations surrounding housing and homelessness in Thurston County. Whether it’s the future of Quince … more

Commentary by Wayne Fournier | 4/15/26

Attendees ask questions of two members of the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees during a Saturday meeting at the Centralia Library.

Julie McDonald: Kudos for TRL trustees fielding questions; more budgetary oversight needed

When Timberland Regional Library recently announced a budget shortfall of $3.8 million, library fans posted on Facebook the need to rally around the five-county district that plans to lay off 61 … more

Commentary by Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 4/13/26

State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, speaks during a Legislative Media Day at the Washington state Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 19, in Olympia.

John Braun commentary: Democrats are in no rush to settle concerns about potential fraud

A recent state audit questioned whether Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families had properly spent federal funds to subsidize childcare. Between compliance and documentation … more

By Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/10/26