Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: More questions about PenMet’s levy request

Aug 07, 2023 | By: Craig McLaughlin

Editor’s note: Craig McLaughlin submitted this letter in response to our June 22 story, PenMet proposing levy lid lift renewal From 2017 to 2023, as property values rose at a greater than 6% rate so that the “rate” of taxation dropped below the 75₵, this did NOT reduce PenMet’s overall income from property tax levies. 

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Letter to the editor: Levy funds help Gig Harbor Fire protect the community

Jul 27, 2023 | By: Joe Urvina

Ballots have been delivered and more than 10% of those in the Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One service area have already been returned to the County Clerk. As Fire District Commission Chairman, I hope the majority of these, and the ones still sitting on kitchen counters, are cast in support of the District’s general

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Letter to the editor: Keep cats inside during this noisy season

May 25, 2023 | By: Sally Pataky

Many cats are reported lost here in Gig Harbor. Organizations advocating for animals do not advise allowing cats to roam outside. Cats are at the mercy of coyotes, raccoons, and dogs, as well as poisoned mice and cars. Unfortunately, studies have shown that cats are responsible for the diminishing numbers of songbirds. Some may use

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Letter to the editor: Community donated nearly 900 teddy bears

Apr 26, 2023 | By: Peninsula High Key Club

Kiwanis Club of Gig Harbor’s Key Club members at Peninsula High School, would like to express their appreciation to the entire community for generous contributions of teddy bears and money towards the Operation Teddy Bear project. Key Club members wanted to collect 600 new or gently-used teddy bears and enough money to ship the bears

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Guest editorial: Artificial intelligence and the end of freedom of thought

Mar 23, 2023 | By: Justin Teerlinck

I am writing regarding the March 16, 2023 article, “Peninsula School District embracing potential of ChatGPT.” Artificial intelligence is deadly poison, not a shiny new toy for kids to play with. Freedom of thought is the birthright of all human beings. Furthermore, it is a requirement for all human endeavors that demand creativity, innovation, and

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Guest editorial: What happens globally affects families locally

Mar 22, 2023 | By: Heather Maher

Heather Maher is a local Gig Harbor mom and resident for the past 14 years. She is also a member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s NextGen class of 2023.     I’ll never forget March 2020. As our kids were sent home from school, I watched as teachers wiped away tears, waving goodbye to

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Guest column: City council member wants input on short-term rentals

Jan 10, 2023 | By: Jeni Woock

Dear Gig Harbor Citizens, I would like your input on important legislation that will impact the future of your neighborhood, every block on every street. On Thursday, January 19, at 3 p.m. the Gig Harbor City Council will have a study session to discuss whether to allow short-term rentals in our residentially zoned neighborhoods 365 days a year. Public comment is

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Letter to the Editor: Thankful for Randall’s support of WA Cares

Jan 10, 2023 | By: Ben Patinkin

As we age, it’s important to start planning for the possibility that we will need long-term care. Studies show that 70% of us will need it at some point in our lives. And unfortunately for too many Americans, it’s cost prohibitive. I’m a successful small business owner and my wife is a substitute teacher. Together,

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Letter to the editor: Thankful gas prices haven’t gone up — yet

Nov 23, 2022 | By: Bruce Cook

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love to feel the cool crispness in the air and see the leaves on the hardwood trees change colors and fall to the ground. The daylight hours are shorter and rain and snow are welcome weather patterns this time of year to relieve the

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Letter to the editor: Gig Harbor Fire Chief says ‘thanks’

Nov 15, 2022 | By:

I want to thank our community for their support of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One’s EMS levy lid lift in the November 8 General Election. This renewal is important because more than 80 percent of our calls are for medical emergencies. Because of our community’s support, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One will continue

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