To the editor,

‘Setting the record straight’. I am writing in response to Vicki Zoller’s letter to ‘The Times’ on January 6, 2022. I was disheartened to see that mudslinging, character assassination, and defamation were used in an attempt to undermine Commissioner Charles Amerein’s posture regarding the broadband project.

I have listened to Commissioner Amerein’s position statement regarding that issue, and it is apparent to me that Ms. Zoller is not being totally forthright in her depiction of that. Missing were the statements made by Commissioner Amerein regarding the manner or source of the funding for said project. The monies in question were in the form of the ‘CARES’ Act (coronavirus aid, relief and economic security act) funding to state and local governments. Section 601 of the SSA, section 5001(a), outlined specific guidance for those funds, which for Columbia County amounted to around $96,000. Therein it states, “the CARES Act requires that payments be used only to cover costs that were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved.” Commissioner Amerein, along with numerous citizens of the county, 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 into the county 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. Ms. Zoller speaks of the Republican party as it being some sort of badge of honor to be included in its ranks. Of interest is the fact that during her failed attempt at running for public office, the bulk of her support came from a small minority of local citizens who embraced other Democrat or left leaning candidates.

To the credit of the Columbia County Conservatives, seven out of the eight candidates that they supported and endorsed were indeed voted into office by the citizenry of this county. Ms. Zoller stated that 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 most recent election when they overwhelmingly shunned Ms. Zoller’s candidacy, and her agenda, which included support for the broadband project.

In my opinion, Commissioner Amerein has time and again stood as a voice for the people of this county. He should be commended for remaining resolute, standing firm on principals, and not acquiescing and pandering to a small, but vocal minority and to special interest groups. As for 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. At some point, mudslinging tends to alert and awaken the silent majority.

Steve Tapio

Dayton, Wash.