Forum: New Herald columnist hopes to encourage dialogue, insight

Todd Welch is a Navy veteran and former member of the Lake Stevens City Council and will focus on local issues.

By Todd Welch / Herald Forum

Editor’s note: The Herald Opinion section is welcoming a new regular columnist to its pages. Look for Todd Welch’s columns regularly on Wednesdays.

I’m Todd Welch, and I’m thrilled to join The Herald as a new columnist. As someone who values thoughtful discussion and robust debate, I’m excited to bring a right-of-center perspective to the community’s conversations on the issues that shape our lives.

A little about myself: After moving to Snohomish County in 1995, I’ve immersed myself in the Northwest’s vibrant culture and its unique challenges. My professional journey has been diverse, including a 20-year Navy career and then the information technology field. After retiring from the Navy in 2011, I was elected to the Lake Stevens City Council, where I served for eight years. I then served on the city’s planning commission. I now live in Everett. Through these experiences, I’ve cultivated a deep appreciation for pragmatic solutions, individual responsibility, and the importance of fostering opportunities for all.

In my column, I aim to address a range of topics: local governance, economic policy, cultural trends and beyond. I will be focused on Washington state and Snohomish County. A regional perspective is vastly more important to your life than what is occurring in the other Washington. While my viewpoint leans conservative, my goal is not to stroke division but to encourage understanding and discussion. I believe in the power of respectful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, and I welcome readers from all perspectives to engage with my writing.

As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, I’ll strive to bring you commentary that’s informed, balanced and grounded in principle. I hope to shine a light on our community’s challenges and opportunities with a commitment to solutions promoting prosperity and liberty.

Thank you for allowing me to be in your homes and have conversations. I look forward to the journey ahead and invite you to share your thoughts and ideas as we explore these critical issues together.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, Jan. 16

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

A Microsoft data center campus in East Wenatchee on Nov. 3. The rural region is changing fast as electricians from around the country plug the tech industry’s new, giant data centers into its ample power supply. (Jovelle Tamayo / The New York Times)
Editorial: Meeting needs for data centers, fair power rates

Shared energy demand for AI and ratepayers requires an increased pace for clean energy projects.

Schwab: Or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the Don

As I have always said, the facts side with Trump and his team; on the ICE fatal shooting and more.

Kristof: ‘We’re No. 1”? How does 32nd of 171 countries sound?

Regardless of presidential administration, the nation’s standing on several measures has dropped over the years.

Comment: Decency demands Good’s death be mourned, investigated

Neither side of the tragedy can claim to know all; that’s what an independent investigation is for.

Comment: How Trump’s 3 architects have aided in nation’s decline

Stephen Miller, Russell Vought and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have shepherded the most damaging policies.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Jan. 15

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

State must deliver on promises for state ferry system

Washington State Ferries’ crew shortages continue to cancel crucial sailings on Mukilteo-Clinton… Continue reading

State can’t tax income if robots take jobs

A recent Herald Forum commentary was essentially about how, “Everyone knows that… Continue reading

Comment: What Vance doesn’t get about ‘heritage’ or Americans

Ask the Founders or many who fought for the nation, immigrants are in every sense American.

Comment: Why Trump isn’t likely to back democracy in Venezuela

Based on Trump’s stated desire for control of the country’s oil, his best bet is its current autocracy.

Comment: Are we trending toward another devastating Dust Bowl?

It’s not a certainty, but heat and drought are more frequent in the U.S., upping the odds of the disaster’s return.

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.