Commentary | The Daily Chronicle

A sign posted outside the Seattle Public Library’s Broadview Branch on Sunday, July 17, 2022, warns that a ballot box there is "under surveillance." (Jim Brunner/The Seattle Times/TNS)

Commentary: The GOP's Election Conspiracy Scam Has Come Full Circle in Washington

The other day out in the Tri-Cities, in Central Washington, an unusual bulletin appeared from a local chapter of the Republican Party. "Don't vote early!!!" read an alert, from the Benton County … more

Danny Westneat / The Seattle Times | 7/27/22

The newly finished dance floor of Swede Hall is pictured in this photograph shared by the Rochester Citizens Group in January.

Bill Moeller Commentary: A Look at the Rich History of Swede Hall

Earlier this year when I was writing about the south Thurston County schoolhouse in what used to be the town of Gate, I was approached by one of the citizens who works toward its maintenance. Her … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 7/27/22

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: I’m Almost Starting to Miss the Jimmy Carter Years

I survived President Jimmy Carter and the gas rationing, super high home interest rates, unemployment and weakness on the world stage. Those of us who did can see similarities to what’s … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 7/27/22

Ruth Peterson, state committeewoman for the Lewis County Republicans, talks with Ron Averill before a Lewis County Republicans meeting at the Chehalis Eagles Aerie. Peterson is the author of this commentary.

Commentary: What Direction Do We Go as a Republican Party?

We live in a society that is becoming more angry and less civil every day. Lack of civility has unfortunately come to the Lewis County Republican Party, and it’s even become headline news. … more

By Ruth Peterson / Lewis County Republicans committeewoman | 7/27/22

Don Brunell Commentary: Restoring America’s Semiconductor Edge

Surprisingly, recent U.S. presidents and congressional Democrats and Republicans agree America’s economic and national security hinge upon tiny, yet powerful semiconductors. Semiconductor … more

By Don C. Brunell | 7/26/22

Julie McDonald Commentary: Responses — and Lack Thereof — Offer Insight Into PUD, Commissioner Races

Like others in Lewis County, I received my Aug. 2 primary ballot as well as the informative local elections guide provided by the auditor’s office that provides biographical information and … more

7/25/22

Commentary: VA Fails Veterans, Putting Single-Payer, Government-Run System on Display

Well, this is embarrassing. And dangerous. And writing on the wall. A computer system’s failure to deliver orders at Spokane’s Veterans Affairs hospital, part of the … more

By Elizabeth Hovde | 7/22/22

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

Richard Stride Commentary: The Roosevelts Would Be Good Models for Politicians in 2022

With all the confusion in politics today and the seeming agendas politicians on both sides of the aisle have, I began to ponder on what has made America great in the past. In our nation’s … more

By Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 7/22/22

Brian Mittge Commentary: Across the Spectrum, Support for Herrera Beutler

Last week’s column, which urged people of all political stripes to support courage and statesmanship by voting for Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, prompted quite a variety of replies. The … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/22/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: Life Goes On — So Let’s Have a Summer

All my life I’ve been under the impression that old age was something that slowly crept on you when, possibly, your back was turned. It was supposed to be like wanting to sleep an extra 10 … more

By Bill Moeller / For The Chronicle | 7/20/22

Don Brunell Commentary: It’s Time for Congress to Reassert Itself

While critics contend the U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting how the nation’s main anti-air pollution law can be used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants was a “gut … more

By Don C. Brunell | 7/19/22

From top left, Joseph, Jacob, Paul and Gustave Salzer. From bottom left, Dan, Gottlob, Frederick and John Salzer.

Julie McDonald Commentary: Salzer Sons Left Mark in Lewis County

The sons of Joseph and Anna Marine Salzer helped shape Lewis County and their progeny scattered throughout the Pacific Northwest, although tragedy struck one son’s family and three of their … more

7/18/22

FILE PHOTO — Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler speaks at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis.

Brian Mittge Commentary: Herrera Beutler Earned Our Support With Her Brave Vote

“One man with courage makes a majority.” — President Andrew Jackson During the hours that the U.S. Capitol was still a scene of chaos and violence on Jan. 6, 2021, … more

By Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 7/15/22

Gov. Jay Inslee talks during a press conference in November 2019 at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Chehalis.

Commentary: What Is Gov. Inslee Agreeing to in Secret Union Employee Compensation Talks?

Did you know the governor's office is currently negotiating pay and compensation with state employee unions for the state's 2023-25 budget? What is on the table? Will the outcome of these secret … more

By Jason Mercier / Washington Policy Center | 7/14/22

John McCroskey Commentary: Taking a Look Around Our Twilight Zone

Sometimes it feels like I’m in the twilight zone. We now have a new, lifetime-appointed U.S. Supreme Court justice who couldn’t define what a woman is in her hearing. … more

By John McCroskey / For The Chronicle | 7/13/22

Bill Moeller Commentary: And This Is Your Announcer...

I know I’ve touched on this topic before, but I’ll try to express it again, hopefully in different words. As any person who can still remember old radio programs will tell you, they … more

7/13/22

Commentary: Politicians Aren’t Responsible for High Gas Prices? Oh, Give Us a Break

Ever since gas prices shot into the stratosphere, I’ve been hearing a chorus of apologists declare that elected officials aren’t responsible for high gas prices. Well, I happen to be … more

By Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview | 7/11/22

Richard Stride Commentary: If You Want True Credibility You Will Have to Earn It — And It Can Be Lost

I am reading, for the third time, a book called “Credibility, How Leaders Gain and Lose it” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. My last column was focused on character. … more

7/11/22

Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, is budget leader for the Senate Republican Caucus. She serves Washington’s 17th Legislative District.

Commentary: The Best ‘Targeted Investment’ in Washington Families Is Tax Relief

Remember how state government had a $15 billion budget surplus during this year’s legislative session? At the time, I and other Republicans said some of that should be returned to the people, … more

By Sen. Lynda Wilson | 7/11/22

The location of the home of the Salzer family is pictured in this photograph by Julie McDonald.

Highlighting Lewis County: In 1875, the Salzer Family Settled in the Valley Now Bearing Their Name

Fifty years after his birth in 1825 in Germany, Joseph Salzer settled nearly 5,300 miles away in a valley 3 miles southeast of Centralia that now bears his name. He and his wife, Anna Marie, … more

By Julie McDonald / For The Chronicle | 7/11/22