How many voters are at all knowledgeable of the Constitution of the United States? My guess is not enough.

In recent years, many of our politicians seem to consider that document an obstruction to their cause and therefore choose to ignore it or lobby to change it. The age-old axiom of be careful what you wish for was never more relevant. The unintended consequences of ignoring or altering the constitution can only lead to eventual losses of our basic freedoms.

We have an opportunity to correct the damage by voting for politicians who support the Constitution as it was written. …

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I was more than a bit surprised to hear that Eric Choiniere, Democratic candidate for state representative in the 28th District, professed his opposition to a state income tax at the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce candidate forum Sept. 27.

Last April, I sat on a panel of teachers’ union members in which he did just the opposite: He indicated the need for a state income tax.  Talking in a casual and friendly way with union members whose collective bargaining status, he promised, would only be taken away over his “dead body,” the discussion turned to the necessity of generating more revenue …

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I don’t think I’m the only one who dislikes the cluttering of our area with political signs. I understand the need for name recognition, but I find it annoying and confusing when they litter the landscape.

On that note, I would like to thank Malcolm Russell for removing the political sign from my property, which backs on to 67th Avenue West in University Place. It was possibly installed by a zealous volunteer who may not have known to get permission before posting the sign on private property.

Russell’s prompt response to my request via phone message to an answering machine …

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I read the letter to the editor (TNT, 7-16) which stated that state Rep. Troy Kelley does not respond to constituents, and I was personally offended.

As Kelley’s former legislative assistant, I know firsthand how hard he worked to respond to everyone. In fact, when I was hired the first thing he told me is, “I respond to every constituent.” And he verified this by the shear time and effort he put into his constituent services.

The 28th Legislative District is diverse, and people do not always agree, but Kelley took time to listen, discuss his views and build …

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Voters in the 28th district have the opportunity to return an effective, caring member of the Legislature this year. In contrast to the stereotypical corporate-machine politician, Tami Green is a working person who truly represents the common people of our district.

Green’s career as a nurse is based not on a desire for power or wealth, but as a sincere commitment to serve her fellow human beings. We urge all voters in the district to put narrow partisanship aside and re-elect Green.

John and Donna Mollan

We have been made aware of a desperate mailer, intended to smear Paul Wagemann, by insinuating that he exhibited financial mismanagement in the development of The Commencement project in Ruston.

We would like to set the record straight: He is acting responsibly and diligently to ensure that all subcontractors and suppliers are paid. Despite today’s catastrophic climate in the construction and commercial-banking industries, Wagemann is determined to complete this project.

Those of us who work in the construction industry know all too well the devastation caused by the commercial-lending crisis and poor economic conditions. Federal dollars are not getting out …

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I write in support of Steve O’Ban, 28th Legislative District candidate.

I have been a public school teacher for 19 years. Public school teachers have to pay union dues of between $700 and $1,000 per year to the National Education Association (NEA), the Washington Education Association (WEA), area Uniserve Councils and a local associations.

My local association works tirelessly for me advocating for a great workplace environment and negotiating contracts with the school district. Though I support my local union, I do not see eye-to-eye with the political agenda of the NEA and WEA.

Naturally, I do not want my …

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Well, you certainly ruined my Sunday. After a heart-warming family birthday celebration, Bill and I finished cleaning up, and only then did I have time to open the Sunday News Tribune to find that you have endorsed Patty Murray for re-election to the U.S. Senate.

Then in the next day or two or three, you continued to endorse every incumbent to the U.S. House of Representatives and even the 28th Legislative District.

Can’t you figure out what is wrong with this wonderful nation of ours? Who we should put in office in are new representatives with new ideas, …

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