Preserve and expand Washington's traditional manufacturing jobs

As the budget battles continue in Olympia, state lawmakers are rightly focusing on the need to retain and expand good-paying aerospace and high-tech manufacturing jobs. At the same time, we shouldn't overlook - or take for granted - the considerable economic contributions of Washington's traditional industries. Wednesday, June 12, 2013 More...

Where's the bubble?

You know the stock market is really going strong when the "bubble" talk starts - and it officially has. The financial media is buzzing with a very impressive array of "bubble-related" topics. Because I know that you are eagerly anticipating my words of wisdom on the topic, here's my short answer: This bubble talk is nonsense. For the longer answer, keep reading. Wednesday, June 12, 2013 More...

Can it be done in 7 months?

In reading about the City Council's decision to terminate the contact with the Chelan County Sheriff's Department, I have some concerns. While I understand the costs and level of service issues, I have a greater concern that the council is rushing this and wanting to implement a Leavenworth Police Department by year's end. Implementing a "new" police department in six months seems farfetched, if not impossible. Wednesday, June 5, 2013 More...

Higher taxes and costs will send jobs out of state

As lawmakers scramble to fund the state budget, some legislators and interest groups are targeting tax incentives designed to attract businesses and create jobs. Meanwhile, much-needed workers' compensation reforms languish in the Legislature. Critics say that, in these tough economic times, we can't afford tax incentives. The real question is, can we afford not to have them? Wednesday, June 5, 2013 More...

Forests primed for another disaster

Cruising over Blewett Pass this weekend on our way to celebrate my granddaughter's first birthday, I couldn't help but notice the fire hazard still lingering on the west side of the road. Wednesday, June 5, 2013 More...

Supporting Immigrants

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 More...

State Senator Linda Evans Parlette's update

Monday was Memorial Day and while we enjoy the company of friends and family on this extended weekend, it's important that we also keep in mind the significance of the holiday. The true meaning of Memorial Day is to honor the men and women who died serving in the United States Armed Forces, and I'm taking this opportunity to begin this week's update by recognizing their service and sacrifice. Wednesday, May 29, 2013 More...

Oil and water can coexist

There's an old saying that oil and water don't mix. That may be true, but apparently they coexist quite well. Wednesday, May 29, 2013 More...

The power of the printed word is still alive and well

You have undoubtedly heard the word that newspapers are dead. Killed by the power of the Internet. You've seen the proof. The Seattle PI is now a shadow of its former self as an on-line only publication. The King County Journal, Rocky Mountain News, Honolulu Advertiser and many others are no longer publishing. Wednesday, May 29, 2013 More...

The human spirit is our greatest asset

With a steady stream of bad news stories about maimed soldiers, the Boston Marathon bombing and the house of horrors in Cleveland, it would be natural to despair for the human condition. What defect in the human character allows us to do such things? But the survivors of these terrible ordeals tell a different story, one of courage, strength, determination and hope. It is the story of the indomitable human spirit. Wednesday, May 22, 2013 More...

How did we get so far off track?

When did it become the job of the IRS to require one group of citizens to register their members and answer intrusive questions about their personal beliefs? What ever happened to those timeless personal freedoms embodied in the Bill of Rights? Wednesday, May 22, 2013 More...

Dispelling the tax fairness myth

Richard Trumka wants you to believe that getting the rich to pay their fair share is only right. Really? Well first let's just clear up few of Mr. Trumka's facts. Wednesday, May 15, 2013 More...

Avoiding the Obamacare train wreck

Even some of its strongest supporters now say that the federal Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, is going to be a train wreck. The question is, what are we going to do about it? Wednesday, May 8, 2013 More...