In Our View

FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2019, file photo, Washington Supreme Court Justice Steven González listens to testimony during a hearing in Olympia, Wash. González has been elected as the next chief justice of the Washington state Supreme Court. He was elected by his colleagues on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, according to a news release sent by the court. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Editorial: Daunting fix to fund right to public defenders

With a court system in crisis, threatening justice, local governments say they can’t pick up the tab.

 

Killer whales not trapped in nets during the 1970 Penn Cove capture stayed near penned kin until the last one was hauled away on a truck. (Wallie Funk/Whidbey News-Times file)

Editorial: After 50 years, the message in orcas’ Penn Cove return

The return by L pod, following deadly roundups in 1970-71, should serve as a reminder of responsibility.

 

FILE — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) on a ride-along with a Skamania County paramedic captain near Carson, Wash. on Feb. 26, 2024. Perez, who is on track to win re-election in her rural Washington district, says her party needs to stop demonizing others and recruit candidates from diverse backgrounds. (M. Scott Brauer/The New York Times)

Editorial: What Washington state’s results say about election

Both parties should consider what state voters had to say on the economy and government investments.

 

AquaSox centerfielder Jared Sundstrom throws the ball to a cutoff man during a game against the Vancouver Giants on une 5, at Funko Field in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald file photo)

Editorial: Keep AquaSox in Everett with a downtown ballpark

The school district park has served team and city well, but a new park offers economic power-hitting.

AquaSox centerfielder Jared Sundstrom throws the ball to a cutoff man during a game against the Vancouver Giants on une 5, at Funko Field in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald file photo)
FILE — Supporters of President Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. The Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump enjoyed broad immunity from prosecution over official acts has opened the possibility that more evidence in his attempt to subvert the 2020 election could be revealed in public court filings — maybe even before the upcoming presidential election. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)

Editorial: As important as voting is acceptance of voters’ will

Regardless of outcome, voters must acknowledge the result, then work within democracy’s framework.

FILE — Supporters of President Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. The Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump enjoyed broad immunity from prosecution over official acts has opened the possibility that more evidence in his attempt to subvert the 2020 election could be revealed in public court filings — maybe even before the upcoming presidential election. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times)
A wall diagram shows the “journey of the ballot” at the new Elections Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Editorial: Holding confidence in process, results of election

Election officials have worked to make the process transparent to remove doubts about its integrity.

A wall diagram shows the “journey of the ballot” at the new Elections Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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Editorial: A recap of Herald Editorial Board endorsements

The editorial board recommends the following candidates and votes on measures on the Nov. 5 ballot.

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Waitress wears food at work in the restaurant

Editorial: Everett voters should reject both wage initiatives

The complexities of wage and employment law require consideration of the issues by the city council.

Waitress wears food at work in the restaurant
Homeowners Jim and Chris Hall stand beneath their new heat pump, at right, inside their Whidbey Island home on Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023, near Langley, Washington. The couple, who are from Alaska, have decreased their use of their wood burning stove to reduce their carbon footprint. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Editorial: Reject 1-2066 to preserve a climate solution

The initiative’s repeal of a state law could make it less affordable to move from gas to electric heat.

Homeowners Jim and Chris Hall stand beneath their new heat pump, at right, inside their Whidbey Island home on Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023, near Langley, Washington. The couple, who are from Alaska, have decreased their use of their wood burning stove to reduce their carbon footprint. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
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Editorial: Pellicciotti, Kuderer best for state posts

Voters should return Mike Pellicciotti as treasurer and elect Patty Kuderer as insurance commissioner.

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FILE - In this May 17, 2018, file photo attorneys walk up the steps of the Washington Supreme Court building, the Temple of Justice, in Olympia, Wash. The court on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, unanimously upheld the Washington's tax on big banks aimed at providing essential services and improving the state's regressive tax system. The 1.2% business and occupation surtax, a tax added on top of other taxes — was passed by the Legislature in 2019. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Editorial: Sal Muniga deserves seat on state Supreme Court

The Tacoma attorney has fought for reforms that assured fairness and access to the legal system.

FILE - In this May 17, 2018, file photo attorneys walk up the steps of the Washington Supreme Court building, the Temple of Justice, in Olympia, Wash. The court on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, unanimously upheld the Washington's tax on big banks aimed at providing essential services and improving the state's regressive tax system. The 1.2% business and occupation surtax, a tax added on top of other taxes — was passed by the Legislature in 2019. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, speaks during a campaign rally in La Crosse, Wis., on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. At the rally, Harris slammed Donald Trump and said Americans were “exhausted with his gaslighting. Enough. We are ready to turn the page.” (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)

Editorial: Harris-Walz best to lead the American people

Guided by her loyalty to the rule of law and respect for all, Harris will serve voters’ best interests.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, speaks during a campaign rally in La Crosse, Wis., on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. At the rally, Harris slammed Donald Trump and said Americans were “exhausted with his gaslighting. Enough. We are ready to turn the page.” (Jamie Kelter Davis/The New York Times)
Rep. Kim Schrier speaks with Regional Manager Susan Rushing about a room designated for serving homeless veterans during a visit to the new VA Puget Sound Health Care System Everett Clinic on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Editorial: Schrier proves her skills at listening, legislating

The three-term 8th District representative works with members of both parties to find consensus.

Rep. Kim Schrier speaks with Regional Manager Susan Rushing about a room designated for serving homeless veterans during a visit to the new VA Puget Sound Health Care System Everett Clinic on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Executive Director of Pilchuck Audubon Brian Zinke, left, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Washington Trina Bayard, center, and Rep. Rick Larsen look up at a bird while walking in the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Editorial: Larsen proves benefit of his tenure to 2nd District

Seeking a 13th term, Larsen has a considerable list of policy wins and a key leadership post.

Executive Director of Pilchuck Audubon Brian Zinke, left, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Washington Trina Bayard, center, and Rep. Rick Larsen look up at a bird while walking in the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rep. Suzanne DelBene and South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman chat during a tour and discussion with community leaders regarding the Mountlake Terrace Main Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Traxx Apartments in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Editorial: DelBene working for an effective Congress

The six-term House member advocates for meaningful legislation and a working Congress.

Rep. Suzanne DelBene and South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman chat during a tour and discussion with community leaders regarding the Mountlake Terrace Main Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Traxx Apartments in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (center) walks through the Lynnwood Center Station to board the train during opening celebrations the Link light rail station’s opening on Aug. 30, in Lynnwood. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald file photo)

Editorial: Cantwell’s tenure proves skill, value as senator

The four-term senator is practiced at working with both parties for negotiated, effective outcomes.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (center) walks through the Lynnwood Center Station to board the train during opening celebrations the Link light rail station’s opening on Aug. 30, in Lynnwood. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald file photo)
Second grade teacher Debbie Lindgren high-fives her students as they line up outside the classroom on the first day of school at Hazelwood Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Editorial: Reykdal best to aid achievement of schools, students

The state superintendent has led through challenging years, with funding and other tasks ahead.

Second grade teacher Debbie Lindgren high-fives her students as they line up outside the classroom on the first day of school at Hazelwood Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Jack Armstrong, a Starbird Unit forester, cores a tree located in a portion of the Stilly Revisited timber sale on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)

Editorial: Herrera Beutler best to lead public lands mission

The former member of Congress would balance the state’s trust lands for revenue and conservation.

Jack Armstrong, a Starbird Unit forester, cores a tree located in a portion of the Stilly Revisited timber sale on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks at the Snohomish & Island County Labor Council champions dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Editorial: Ferguson makes case as best choice for governor

The three-term AG knows Washington’s needs and challenges and is prepared to lead the state.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks at the Snohomish & Island County Labor Council champions dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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Editorial: Heck a champion for better discourse, government

The former state legislator and member of Congress works for civil debate and good governance.

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