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Letters to the Editor

The following are letters to the editor that appeared in the Oct. 21 print edition of The Herald. To submit a letter, e-mail editor@puyallupherald.com. Please keep letters submissions to 250 words.

We need affordable health care for working families

Re: “Finding health care solutions is one of the most important issues facing society,” letter, 11/18

I’ve dedicated my working life -- my career -- to saving lives as a nurse. When the citizens elected me to the state House of Representatives, I avoided the trap of being a full-time politician and still work in hospitals, trying to help the sick and injured. And I’ve worked hard on health care reform, because there’s no issue that I care more about.

I will lay out the facts about health care, because there are too many myths and falsehoods floating around.

Fact 1: We need reform to cut rising health care costs, which are a cancer that’s eating our state budget, killing jobs at small businesses and hurting families all over this state.

Fact 2: The biggest cause of bankruptcy isn’t charging five VISA cards to the max. It’s medical debts for people with health insurance. As a nurse, I see people every day that tell me they thought they had good enough insurance until they got sick, and now they are in serious debt, with their health and finances in jeopardy. This is wrong and it’s nothing to play politics with.

Fact 3: Real reforms that save money -- and cover more people -- aren’t simple or easy. Health care is complicated. We need real solutions, not more sound bites and scare tactics. It is possible to make progress on health care. We’ve done it right here in Washington state by passing Cover All Kids, and every year, we’re closer to the goal of making sure every child, rich or poor, has health coverage. We will implement our small business partnership this next year to allow small business an affordable option for quality health care coverage. We have laid the groundwork for comprehensive reform if federal laws change.

Dawn Morrell,

State Representative, 25th District

Councilmember Dill ‘was a champion for every citizen’

I will be just one of many who will sorely miss George Dill. For the short four years I’ve known George, he has consistently demonstrated his honest, humble and unconditional commitment to serve his community. He was the impetus for many to get involved in their neighborhoods. He was a champion for every citizen. He was in our homes. We’ll miss you George.

STEVEN SHORES,

Puyallup

Puyallup food bank is not connected with county

A recent article, “Weight Watchers joins forces with food ban (Oct. 28),” incorrectly identified Puyallup Valley Food Bank as a member of FISH Food Banks of Pierce County. The article stated, in reference to the food bank’s lease of a warehouse, “But its parent group, FISH Food Banks of Pierce County, has been unsuccessful in grant writing opportunities to find a permanent building.”

Puyallup Valley Food Bank operates separately under its own 501(c)(3) contract and is not connected to FISH Food Banks of Pierce County. Therefore, FISH Food Banks of Pierce County would not be assuming any financial responsibility. There are a number of FISH Food Banks in Pierce County and it is a common misconception that all come under the umbrella of FISH Food Banks of Pierce County.

FISH Food Banks of Pierce County is an organization of seven food banks, two of which serve the Puyallup area. Edgewood, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 3505 122nd Ave. E., Edgewood and South Hill/Graham at Holy Disciples Catholic Church at 10425 187th St. E., Puyallup together have served over 55,682 individuals in need from January through October 2009.

I wish Puyallup Valley Food Bank the best of luck in their effort to secure a permanent building and applaud Weight Watchers for joining them in the important task of providing food for the hungry.

Sandy Roszman,

Board President,

FISH Food Banks of Pierce County