Let me start this off by saying, I love a mural. Art is a unique way a community can express its values, remember its past, and envision its future. While many of the murals in The Dalles currently could use a little love (and a lot of updating), some of them are beautiful artistic expressions of our local flora, fauna, and historical community figures. With such a rich history and so much imagination for how our town can improve and grow, it was so disappointing to see the list of suggestions presented by the Walldogs for the upcoming Northwest Mural Fest Voting Event taking place on October 15, 2021. Not a single one of their suggestions highlighted historical or current figures in our diverse LGBTQ+, Latino/Hispanic, or Black communities. I ask, why are we so stuck telling the same story of a town whose truth and future are more interesting than we’ve allowed ourselves to explore?

We sincerely want to thank the Columbia River Gorge Community and our partners North Central Public Health District and One Community Health for your enthusiasm and commitment to clinical research to find new tests to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Mount Adam’s Ministerial Association makes push for public health, urges Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer to enforce mask mandates. Read their letter to the editor here. “The science clearly shows that wearing a mask reduces an infected person’s chance of spreading the infection to others. Masking prevents unnecessary deaths. We urge the Sheriff to act in ways that uphold public health.”

Sound judgment, good values, and a commitment to the safety of our children are all qualities we should seek in every elected official. That is why I was appalled and sickened to learn that Dr. John Willer, a candidate for Port of The Dalles Commission, has publicly endorsed Frank Polehn for the position of Columbia Community College Board.

I’m a small business owner, mom and volunteer in our community. For this May’s election, I will be voting for Marcus Swift for Port of The Dalles Commission, Position 3. As I think about the leadership our community needs, Marcus’ firsthand experience starting and building his own small business will be invaluable as a Commissioner.