Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

Bob Mohrbacher Commentary: Real Solution to Student Debt Is Making College Affordable

Student debt has been in the news a lot lately. We’ve all heard and read the horror stories of students who took out federal or private loans and are now unable to get out from under the weight … more

By Bob Mohrbacher / Centralia College president | 9/12/22

Commentary: Many Who Claim Climate Spending Is Good Can’t Really Explain Why

Simple question: how should we measure the success of climate policy? Answer: By maximizing CO2 reduction for every dollar spent. This smart approach is standard practice for many private … more

9/9/22

Gov. Jay Inslee delivers an address from his office during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This photo was provided by the governor’s office.

Brian Mittge Commentary: It’s Time for State Worker Vaccine Mandate to End

On Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that Washington’s nearly three-year state of emergency would end on the last day of October. What will not end is his rule that state workers be … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 9/9/22 | 1 comment

The Pearl Street Pool is pictured from above in this photograph taken in Centralia.

Bill Moeller Commentary: Hey, Centralia City Council — What Are You Thinking?

I don’t remember when I’ve been more upset about the Centralia City Council’s attitude than when a recent article in this newspaper revealed the thinking about the future — if … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 9/7/22

Highlighting Lewis County: Oregon Trail Pioneers of 1847 Left Mark on Northwest

My favorite Oregon Trail pioneer, Matilda (Glover) Koontz Jackson, crossed the Oregon Trail in 1847 with her four sons and watched her husband, Nicholas, drown in the Snake River at Three Island … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 9/5/22

A trailer reads “Bathroom” written in spray paint at a homeless encampment at the end of Eckerson Road in Centralia on Thursday.

Peter Abbarno Commentary: Tour of Homeless Camp Offers More Proof Washington Is Failing Residents

The past few weeks have been filled with a lot of local information about substance abuse, illegal drug trafficking and the impact drugs have on families, crime and homelessness. We are … more

9/2/22

An eagle flies past boaters on Offut Lake last week near Tenino.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Summer Thoughts on Fire, Water and Love

My wife and I were on our way home from Tenino, celebrating our wedding anniversary with a kayak trip to Offut Lake, when we noticed a plume of smoke on the horizon. Billowing smoke in late … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 9/2/22

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

Kris Johnson Commentary: Washington Employers on Edge as Uncertainty Swirls

Is the U.S. economy headed into a recession? Has inflation peaked? When will the labor market ease? While economists debate questions like these, it’s helpful to hear from employers on the … more

By Kris Johnson | 8/31/22

Paperback books sit in boxes inside the Lewis County Mall in this file photo.

Bill Moeller Commentary: Is it Literature or Trash?

Mark Twain said, “A classic is something everybody wants to read and doesn’t want to read.” That’s a good response to one of the most famous books in American literature: … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 8/31/22

Other Views: Lawmakers Must Support Mental Health Care

The history of mental health legislation in the United States demonstrates the difficulty of dealing with the issue as a matter of politics. With the stress of modern life being compounded by the … more

By The Columbian Editorial Board (TNS) | 8/31/22

Julie McDonald Commentary: McAtees, Reinkes Part of Salzer Valley History

Although Salzer Valley was named for the large German family that settled southeast of Centralia, other early families left their mark in the community — and local roads today even bear their … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 8/29/22

Don Brunell Commentary: Drained Snake River Reservoirs Would Resemble Parched Rhine Riverbeds

If you want a glimpse of parched river bottoms behind “would be breached” lower Snake River dams, look at recent photos of European rivers and lakes. On parts of the picturesque … more

By Don Brunell | 8/29/22

Commentary: Climate Math of AG Ferguson’s Natural Gas Protest Doesn’t Add Up

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson recently announced he opposes the expansion of a natural gas pipeline in Washington state, claiming “This pipeline is bad for the environment and … more

By Todd Myers / Washington Policy Center | 8/26/22

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

Richard Stride Commentary: Great Principles Don’t Get Lost Once They Come to Light

Do we have an identity crisis in America? Some say “yes.” Some say “no.” Others say, “well, maybe.” If you are in the category of those who believe we do, let … more

By Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 8/26/22

Power Rankings Commentary: A Guide to Recognizing Your Committees

In a meeting last Monday, Lewis County commissioner Sean Swope again called for more accountability as to how the funding for homeless services is spent — going so far as to suggest the … more

By Aaron VanTuyl / For The Chronicle | 8/26/22

FILE PHOTO — A "No Trespassing" sign hangs on a tree next to a large makeshift structure in the middle of a homeless encampment at the end of Eckerson Road in Centralia in late 2020.

Commentary: It Is Time to Change How Money Aimed at Homelessness Is Spent

Editor’s Note: The following op-ed was written by the City of Centralia officials listed at the end. $22,000,000. Roughly speaking, that is the amount of money that Lewis County has … more

8/24/22

Sun shines through plant life in the Seminary Hill Natural Area in Centralia.

Bill Moeller Commentary: Down and Up — or Is it Up and Down?

It’s strange, but pleasant, when you can change a feeling of darned near total despair into one at the other end of the spectrum, isn’t it? I happen to be writing about a … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 8/24/22

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: ‘The Death of Common Sense’ Needs a Modern Rewrite

Some years ago, I read a book called “The Death of Common Sense” and marveled at the amount of stupidity permeating our country. It was written in 1995, my first year as Lewis County … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 8/24/22

Keynoter of the nonprofit conference is Jeff Wheeler, an Idaho author of more than 30 young adult and fantasy novels that have sold more than 5 million copies.

Highlighting Lewis County: Bestselling YA Author Keynotes Centralia Conference

A keynote from a Wall Street Journal bestselling author of more than 30 novels. A master class taught by a writer who has sold 5 million copies of his books. A choice of 18 workshops by published … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 8/22/22

Richard Stride Commentary: Knowing Your Past Gives More Meaning to Your Present

Have you ever been curious about your ancestral roots? The science of genealogy can provide answers by tracing your DNA. Maya Angelou, American memoirist, poet and civil rights activist, … more

8/19/22