Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

In response to Vicki Zoller’s letter to ‘The Times’ on January 6, 2022... I was disheartened to see that mudslinging and character assassination were used to undermine Commissioner Charles Amerein’s posture regarding the broadband project.

I heard Commissioner Amerein’s position statement on that, and it is apparent to me that Ms. Zoller is not being forthright in her depiction of it. Missing were statements made by Commissioner Amerein regarding the source of funding for said project, i.e....CARES act/ARPA funds. Commissioner Amerein, along with numerous citizens, expressed many ‘approved’ uses for the monies that would greatly benefit the whole of the citizenry, and not just a select group. Using the funds to support the broadband project was at the least, trying to fulfill a ‘want’ and not a ‘need’, and at worst, a misappropriation of public funds.

Bringing broadband in is not a bad idea, per se, however, as Commissioner Amerein so eloquently explained, that is something that private industry would (and should) be responsible for.

Ms. Zoller took aim at Commissioner Amerein’s affiliation with the Columbia County Conservatives stating they were NOT a Republican affiliate. This intended rebuke, in reality, is a compliment. In my opinion, the CCC is not beholden to party politics, but rather to true conservative principles, transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Further, and perhaps most importantly, are there to defend against those who hate our nation and our way of life. Of interest is the fact that during Ms. Zoller’s failed attempt at public office, the bulk of her support came from a small minority of local citizens that embraced other Democrat or left leaning candidates.

To the credit of the Columbia Count Conservatives, 7 of 8 candidates they supported and endorsed were voted into office by the citizens. Ms. Zoller stated Commissioner Amerein had an unwillingness to listen to the local businesses and was not doing things that were best for his constituents. I believe the voice of the people was heard loud and clear in the recent election when they shunned Ms. Zoller’s candidacy, and her agenda, which included support for the broadband project.

In my opinion, Commissioner Amerein is standing for the voice of the people. He should be commended for remaining resolute, standing firm on principals, and not acquiescing to a small, but vocal minority or special interest groups. As far as Commissioners Ryan Rundell and Marty Hall; I am questioning their judgement. Ms. Zoller, I would encourage you to speak the truth and not resort to underhanded, dirty tactics to attack those with whom you disagree. Mudslinging tends to alert and awaken the silent majority.

Steve Tapio

Dayton, Washington