Letters

Berger should quit, or prove innocence

After reading about Monroe City Councilman Ken Berger being fined by the Public Disclosure Commission for campaign contribution violations I felt compelled to share my thoughts on the subject. Mr. Berger denies wrongdoing, yet has agreed to pay one of the largest fines ($20,000) in state history. According to the paper, he claims he is “not guilty” but “paid the fines in order to avoid a costly legal battle.” Mr. Berger apparently expects us to take him at his word, but I think the citizens and taxpayers of Monroe deserve better than that.

We deserve to know and trust that the people we elect to represent us and make important decisions on our behalf are honest and ethical. I don’t know if Mr. Berger is guilty or not, but apparently the PDC’s investigation revealed something to warrant such large fines. In the interest of the Monroe City Council’s integrity, I feel Ken Berger should either step up and prove his innocence or immediately resign his position on the City Council.

Tim Bailey

Monroe

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

FILE - The sun dial near the Legislative Building is shown under cloudy skies, March 10, 2022, at the state Capitol in Olympia, Wash. An effort to balance what is considered the nation's most regressive state tax code comes before the Washington Supreme Court on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in a case that could overturn a prohibition on income taxes that dates to the 1930s. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: One option for pausing pay raise for state electeds

Only a referendum could hold off pay increases for state lawmakers and others facing a budget crisis.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, March 18

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Friedman: Rule of law is on the line in Israel and the U.S.

Both Trump and Netanyahu appear poised to force constitutional crises in their quests for power.

Comment: ‘Forced joy’ is alienating employees and customers

Starbucks baristas must now doodle greetings on cups. It’s the wrong way to win engagement.

Comment: How long can Musk count on being White House fixture?

With Musk’s popularity suffering from his DOGE cuts, his money may not keep him in Trump’s good graces.

Comment: Have lawmakers forgotten they have constituents?

Some, particularly in the GOP, are begging out of town halls. Others are trying to limit initiatives.

Comment: Jury’s still out on economy, except for road report

Regardless of opinions on the eventual strength of the U.S. economy, getting there will be bumpy.

**EMBARGO: No electronic distribution, Web posting or street sales before Saturday at 3:00 a.m. ET on Mar. 1, 2025. No exceptions for any reasons. EMBARGO set by source.** House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, (D-NY) speaks at a news conference about Republicans’ potential budget cuts to Medicaid, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 27, 2025. As Republicans push a budget resolution through Congress that will almost certainly require Medicaid cuts to finance a huge tax reduction, Democrats see an opening to use the same strategy in 2026 that won them back the House in 2018. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)
Editorial: Don’t gut Medicaid for richest Americans’ tax cuts

Extending tax cuts, as promised by Republicans, would likely force damaging cuts to Medicaid.

Two workers walk past a train following a press event at the Lynnwood City Center Link Station on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Open Sound Transit CEO hiring to public review

One finalist is known; the King County executive. All finalists should make their pitch to the public.

Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle. (Washington State Standard)
Editorial: Hold clergy to duty to report child abuse

Teachers, health care providers and others must report suspected abuse. Clergy should as well.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Learning costs of ignoring environment the hard way

EPA chief Lee Zeldin can’t flip a switch on protections, but we’ll lose precious momentum on climate.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.