Opinion | The Daily Chronicle

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Letter to the editor: Please respect the American flag and retire the tattered ones

Recently, Rev. Alta Smith wrote an article on “respecting our national flag.” As a Vietnam Marine veteran, my love for this country is limitless. That being said, I carry new flags … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: Defunding of libraries is disturbing

We are deeply disturbed by the removal of federal funds for our libraries and museums. Libraries are the most generous institutions; ours has been called “the heart of the town.” … more

4/14/25

Letter to the editor: Gun violence and the evolution and power of language

Gun violence is unfortunately ingrained in the ethos of the United States. It is a component of life for all Americans, causing us to learn a language we must use to mourn and respond and prevent; … more

4/14/25

Melody, left, and Lilyan Reynolds shovel compost into buckets at Seminary Hill Natural Area in Centralia on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Brian Mittge: Spring cleaning, Earth Day and a new celebration

I love the winter, but it’s hard not to get excited as warmer days, green growth and the flowers of spring begin to emerge. And despite weather that changes faster than a … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 4/11/25

State Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia

John Braun: Property tax hike plus rent control could be last straw for affordable housing

Marie, a Mason County resident, ended up with her parents’ home after their passing. To pay the property taxes, she’s already had to take from her retirement and sell her late … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/11/25

Letter to the Editor: Reject trickle down economics

Republicans like U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse browbeat Democrats in and out of Olympia and Washington, D.C., for spending on popular populist agendas. During the pandemic, the Democrats in Washington, … more

4/9/25

Letter to the Editor: Arbor Health honored to serve you in these uncertain times

We understand that recent discussions about federal funding for Medicaid may have left you feeling uncertain about your health care coverage. At Arbor Health, we want to reassure you that no … more

4/9/25

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the Washington state Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday, April 2.

Guest commentary: Budget savings for Washington cuts health care access for state employees

The Washington state Legislature is poised to make decisions that have serious consequences for access to health care for state employees and everyone living in South Puget Sound. Budget … more

By Darin Goss and Will Callicoat | 4/9/25

Jeff Wilson: State must act to protect salmon from sea lion predation

Last month, it was mealtime on the Lower Columbia. We could hear the excited barking of sea lions across the city of Longview, where I live, as they hauled themselves onto the rocks near … more

Commentary by Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview | 4/7/25

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, speaks at a public hearing for House Bill 1719 in the John L. O’Brien Building in Olympia on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Peter Abbarno: Washington state families need relief — not more taxes

Washington doesn’t have a budget crisis — it has a priorities crisis. Last week, the House passed an operating budget that relies on more than $15 billion in new and increased taxes. … more

Commentary by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia | 4/7/25

Commentary: Washington state lawmakers should follow the lead of small businesses

Amelia Cook runs an innovative high-tech manufacturing company in Mount Vernon along with her brother. The products they make at Goodwinds Composites are literally out-of-this-world: They made the … more

By Kris Johnson / Association of Washington Business | 4/7/25

Richard Stride is the current CEO of Cascade Community Healthcare.

Richard Stride: What’s the difference between authoritative and authoritarian parenting? A lot

From last time, let’s do a deeper dive into Abigail Shrier’s book “Bad Therapy,” shall we? Shrier is convinced that authoritarian parenting is the best parenting style. … more

Commentary by Richard Stride / For The Chronicle | 4/7/25

Brian Mittge: Bad education bills move forward; time to stand up for sanity in schools

Of all the fights in our modern society, all the polarization and division, our schools and classrooms should not be battlegrounds or places where politics permeate. Unfortunately, a slate of … more

Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle | 4/4/25

Chad Taylor is the publisher and co-owner of The Chronicle. He can be reached at chad@chronline.com.

Publisher's Note: Why school boards pay public employees to leave — and why Olympia is the problem

For decades, the Chehalis School District has earned a reputation for excellence. It’s been a model of public education, gaining state and even national attention for its career and … more

4/4/25

Sen. John Braun of Centralia serves the 20th Legislative District, which spans parts of four counties from Yelm to Vancouver. He became Senate Republican leader in 2020.

John Braun: Senate Republican budget is the better solution to governor’s concerns

The fourth quarter of this legislative session hasn’t started off well for the state Senate’s majority Democrats. Republicans put a no-new-taxes, no-cuts, sustainable operating … more

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia | 4/4/25

Letter to the editor: Chronicle makes the right call on All-Area co-MVPs

W.F. West’s Julia Dalan and Adna’s Karsyn Freeman sharing co-MVP on The Chronicle’s 2025 All-Area Team was earned and well deserved. Really appreciate The Chronicle and the … more

4/2/25

Letter to the editor: Try juvenile assault suspect as an adult

Aiden Riley Smith should be tried and convicted as an adult. He chose to nearly kill another citizen with his adult size, strength and body. The excuse that his brain is not fully developed … more

4/2/25

Letter to the editor: Bring DOGE to Washington state government

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently implemented DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) for the State of Florida. A billion dollars in savings has been found so far. If Washington state implemented a … more

4/2/25

Letter to the editor: Not finishing United Learning Center would be devastating

When I drive by the building under construction that is to be the United Learning Center, I am filled with hope and excitement. Hope that it might soon be finished, and excitement because of all the … more

4/2/25

Letter to the editor: Mossyrock School District levy is an investment I can get behind

It has been said that you can tell what a person truly values by what they choose to invest in. This notion is true as individuals, and it also bears true for communities. It is this principle … more

4/2/25