Bhagwandin a Skilled and Proven Community Leader:

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com. Posted Thursday, September 29, 2022 9:40 am I am supporting Harry O. Bhagwandin for Lewis County commissioner because over the past 37 years as a Lewis County citizen he has demonstrated his dedication and commitment to making Lewis County a better place to live, work and play. Harry is a skilled and proven community leader and communicator. He will be an excellent county commissioner and will always keep the best interest of our citizens and the county in mind.

-Joanne Schwartz

Chehalis

Bhagwandin Is Best Qualified Commissioner Candidate:

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Monday, October 10, 2022 4:19 pm.

I support Harry Bhagwandin for Lewis County Commissioner District 3 and I have supported him since the primary in August when there were five candidates. Why do I support Harry? Because he’s qualified for the job. He has a proven track record of working aggressively to bring our state and federal tax dollars back to our communities. To quote Harry, "We need to plan for good growth or we are going to lose this natural beauty." As taxpayers, politicians work for us. They are basically our employees. If we were hiring an employee for a business, we would hire the best candidate based upon their resume. When we vote, we often forget that step. We pick our candidates for different reasons. Reasons that seldom have anything to do with the job they are applying for. This year, I hope we will all research the candidates. I hope we will vote for the candidate most qualified for the job. This year, I will vote for Harry Bhagwandin.

-Teresa Fenn

Packwood

We are about to elect a new County Commissioner for East County:

The candidate who lives, works, and knows East County issues best is Harry Bhagwandin. Too often we are treated like step-children when it comes to Lewis County government. That changed significantly with the election of Gary Stamper - who always showed up, asked our opinions, and listened to us. Unfortunately, he died. Candidate Brummer lives in Winlock, a community and economic area centered on I-5 and its connections to Chehalis/Centralia to the north and Longview/Kelso to the south. Mr. Brummer has repeatedly said it was his intention to run against Commissioner Pollock in District 2, but with the redistricting into our District earlier this year, decided to run now. Electing Brummer will effectively give District 2 two Commissioners. East County will be left out again. The people of East County deserve their own Commissioner, one with knowledge of our particular issues. Bhagwandin is much the better choice to follow in the leadership example of Gary Stamper. The I-5 corridor doesn’t deserve all three Commissioners. East County deserves the long-term experienced voice of Bhagwandin at the Commissioner’s table.

-Pete Krabbe

Randle

Harry Bhagwandin for County Commissioner:

Posted Monday, July 18, 2022 4:41 pm

Harry Bhagwandin has the experience, knowledge of issues and compassion necessary to be an effective Lewis County commissioner. For decades, he has contributed significantly to the creation, expansion and success of programs and events both in Onalaska and Lewis County that have improved educational opportunities and quality of life. Harry has a proven record of leadership and involvement in Lewis County since his arrival in 1985.

If you are looking for a county commissioner with the experience, wisdom and the community-based support necessary to help lead Lewis County into the future, vote for Harry! If you would like a county commissioner that works hard for you in the future, vote for the guy that has worked on Lewis County citizen issues for years! Vote Harry Bhagwandin for Lewis County commissioner.

-Bob Russell

Chehalis

A Vote for Bhagwandin as County Commissioner an Investment in Good Governance:

Posted Monday, July 25, 2022 3:43 pm

I have been farming in Lewis County for 42 years and have known and worked with Harry Bhagwandin for the past 37 years.

He is an honest, hardworking, dependable family man with many great skills and ideas that will be a real asset in preserving our rural way of life in Lewis County.

A vote for Harry Bhagwandin as Lewis County commissioner is an investment in good governance, accountability, and prosperity.

-Michael Dolan

Onalaska

Bhagwandin Is Most Experienced Candidate for County Commissioner:

Posted Monday, July 25, 2022 3:43 pm

When I arrived in Lewis County almost a decade ago, I immediately realized that it is full of unrealized potential for its residents. Agritourism, rich natural resources and beautiful landscapes to recreate in make it a gem of the Pacific Northwest.

I also realized that to capitalize on these things, new leadership was necessary to help Lewis County adapt to all the change happening in the world around us. We all love this area for its small-town Americana feel, and fear that without a plan, we could lose it.

Harry Bhagwandin is the most experienced leader we have to ensure that these values and opportunities are preserved, and we should all vote for him for county commissioner. Harry is honest to a fault, a great quality for civic leaders. He believes that companies like Crystal Geyser should be kept out of the county, and that preserving our salmon runs is as important as preserving our values. His experience managing his own forest (which had me awestruck at its beauty and function) is a model for our timber communities.

The future is full of coming change, of that I am sure. And if things are destined to change, I want to know that my leaders are people who have lived the many phases of life here, so they know what is needed for everybody. I want them to love this place as much as I do, and appreciate its people, landscapes and businesses.

Harry Bhagwandin has spent most of his life right here in Lewis County. He has dedicated his life to improving the county, in so many humanitarian and economic ways. He recognizes our strengths and has worked to use them to keep Lewis County strong and adaptable to the current world.

As a small business owner myself (Raintree Nursery and Packwood Station), I know how important economic development is to Lewis County. Harry knows this, too, and is driven to make sure that it happens in a way that benefits the people of Lewis County, rather than outside corporations that come here to extract money from this area. Agritourism and recreation tourism will be the single biggest source of revenue for Lewis County in the future. These industries can be fantastic for the economy, bringing in outside money that stays in the county. He also knows that with tourism comes issues that need to be addressed to preserve housing for locals. None of the other candidates bring such a wide range of experience combined with a history of public service.

Vote for Harry!

-James Owen

Randle

Vote to Allow Bhagwandin to Continue Caring for Lewis County:

Posted Wednesday, July 20, 2022 4:11 pm

As East Lewis County residents and former voters for Gary Stamper, we support Harry O. Bhagwandin for Lewis County commissioner in District 3. As per the voter's pamphlet, he shows the most already achieved accomplishments in caring for our county.

As the founding President of Onalaska Alliance, he focused on tourism and economic development in rural areas. He has 23 years of experience in salmon recovery. He was a program administrator for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. He brought back state and federal tax dollars to benefit local communities. He managed multi-million dollar budgets for Washington residents with accountability. He’s a timber and agriculture property owner. He’s the father of four children raised in Onalaska with a loving wife of more than 40 years.

He is our choice to continue his work, caring for Lewis County.

-Lance and Judith Nowland

Randle

Your Vote for Lewis County District 3 Commissioner is Crucial:

Posted Monday, July 25, 2022 3:47 pm

Your vote for Lewis County District 3 Commissioner on Aug. 2 has never been more crucial for the future of East Lewis County. The interests of East Lewis County and our rural community way of life need to be strongly represented.

Harry Bhagwandin has lived in the heart of East Lewis County for 40 years. He and Annie have lived the Lewis County dream and raised their family here. After living in Morton for six years, they found and purchased their 65-acre property outside of Onalaska, where they live today. Over the course of his life, Harry has worked as a conservation program manager and environmental planner for the Washington Department of Natural Resources and a wildland firefighter, teacher and, in retirement now, as a professional grant writer and project manager. Harry is a member of Lewis County Farm Forestry, Lewis County Farm Bureau, Washington Stewardship Forestry, Northern Nut Growers Association and the Chestnut Growers of America. Harry has served on the Lewis County Lodging Tax Advisory Commission and the Citizens Budget Committee. He has attended hundreds of county meetings and follows the Lewis County Planning Commission closely. Harry is involved in the sub-area planning process to get ahead of the unmanaged growth we are currently experiencing in our rural communities.

Throughout Harry’s life, he has been civically engaged, contributing to the betterment of the wider community in many ways. Harry has strong interests in forestry, fish recovery, adventure tourism, community development and strengthening our local rural economy. He is the founding president of the Onalaska Alliance, and with community volunteers and the help of the county, turned the old Carlisle mill pond into a terrific park which is now the centerpiece of a renewed Onalaska.

As president of the nonprofit organization, he helped start the Onalaska Apple Harvest festival, now in its 14th year. Harry was also a founding member of the annual Ride the Willapa event and started Tour de Farms to support local farmers. He helped the Onalaska Future Farmers of America students start a fish rearing enhancement project, still run by high school students and annually contributing coho and steelhead smolts into the Chehalis River system.

We need a strong voice on the Lewis County Board of Commissioners who understands our rural way of life. Harry Bhagwandin has been our good neighbor for 40 years, understands our issues and concerns and is the most qualified of the candidates to represent us on the Lewis County Board of Commissioners. He listens to you, studies the issues, is not afraid to make a decision and understands how to get things done. It is important to vote in the primary on Aug. 2 so we can have our East End needs fully represented.

-Bill Serrahn

Packwood

We Need Harry O. Bhagwandin as Lewis County Commissioner:

Posted Monday, July 25, 2022 3:46 pm

If there is one person who loves Lewis County and wants us to have a voice in shaping the future of our rural communities, it is Harry O. Bhagwandin. He and his wife of 40 years, Annie, raised their four children here and are invested deeply in the wellbeing of its residents. His concerns are our concerns.

There are critical decisions to be made about the unmanaged growth and huge increases in property taxes, funding a permanent sheriff substation near Morton, property rights, keeping local family rural businesses and farms viable, wildland fire management, balanced flood protection and recovering our Cowlitz and Chehalis river fisheries.

If you care about these things, vote for Harry Bhagwandin and have a voice in shaping Lewis County’s future. You can have a voice in shaping the future of our rural communities. Harry O. was the founding president of the Onalaska Alliance and will work tirelessly on our behalf. I know him and his family well and trust him to put the concerns of the people he represents first and foremost.

-Miriam Feldman

Onalaska

Bhagwandin Interested in Listening to and Representing All Residents

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Friday, October 28, 2022 6:22 pm

Have you made your decision for Lewis County District 3 commissioner yet? Please consider Harry Bhagwandin.

Harry and his family have been residents of the Onalaska area for years. He is centrally located to the district. This will allow for greater access by both east and west county residents. He is a farmer and conservationist, maintaining forest lands on the family farm.

Harry helped in setting up the fisheries program at Onalaska High School. He helped in getting the Onalaska Apple Festival going. He worked as a welding instructor at Centralia College.

He has been a volunteer on the County Citizens Advisory Board for the annual budget of Lewis County, so he is intimately aware of how the county’s dollars are being spent.

There has been talk in a negative way about Harry being endorsed by the Thurston Lewis Mason Counties Labor Council and Laborers Union Local 252. He reached out to them in the interest of being inclusive and representing all the citizens of Lewis County. He filled out their questionnaires, met with them for interviews and listened to their concerns. Other candidates did not reach out.

He has shown that he is open to listening to and representing all residents of Lewis County. Please support Harry Bhagwandin as our next Lewis County Commissioner Dist. 3.

Peter Lahmann

Centralia

Your Vote Matters in Bringing Better Broadband to Lewis County

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2022 4:16 pm

Lewis County suffers from an all-too common malady for rural Americans: inadequate internet connectivity.

This has serious economic consequences. In this day and age, established businesses need to be able to count on decent broadband to grow and prosper. New businesses — small and large — will not be interested in establishing themselves in a county that lacks adequate internet if they have other alternatives with better broadband. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw what an impact decent internet has on our ability to educate our kids, for parents to work remotely, for people to access telemedicine and a whole host of other important activities.

The Lewis County commissioners have made a bit of progress to improve our internet situation, but much more of their energy, attention and investment is needed to really make a difference.

Of the two candidates for county commissioner, only one supports improving rural internet in Lewis County: Harry Bhagwandin. In his public campaign statements, he stands in support of doing more as a county commissioner to help Lewis County improve our internet situation.

Candidate Scott Brummer, on the other hand, has not voiced support for or even mentioned improving rural internet as an issue of importance to him. Instead, he has publicly identified himself as a “free market” and “small government” proponent.

The problem with the free-market and small government approach to broadband is that it has given us exactly what we have now.

For-profit providers like Comcast, CenturyLink and the few other internet providers don’t make a profit when they invest in sprawling areas like Lewis County that lack population density. And so they don’t invest. As a result, consumers have to make do with what they get, even if market forces provide them only with substandard options, or in some cases no options at all. This is the sad state of affairs that exists throughout much of Lewis County.

As a free-market proponent, it is a virtual certainty that Scott Brummer would not support efforts by the county commissioners to improve internet connectivity in this county. And county residents will continue to be stuck with inadequate internet or even no internet access at all.

If you’d like to see improvements in rural internet here in Lewis County, you would be wise to cast your vote for Harry Bhagwandin.

LL Hauer

Winlock

Bhagwandin Will Help Us Grow Responsibly

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Friday, October 28, 2022 6:19 pm

I’d like to let others know about Harry Bhagwandin, running for county commissioner District 3. I’ve owned a home in Winlock for 17 years, and I’m a financial representative for Allstate financial services with one of my offices in Winlock.

I’ve known Harry and his family for almost 14 years now. Harry’s wife and kids are amazing, a testament to their father and husband. Harry is a hardworking, honest man of integrity that will work hard for the residents in the area.

His common sense approach to problems and goals is a breath of fresh air in today’s world.

With the rapid growth of South Lewis County, we really need a voice to help us grow in a responsible way. Harry will work hard to see the growth work for our benefit in the long run.

Harry has the experience and knowledge to get it done. I’m hoping you’ll consider Harry Bhagwandin for county commissioner in District 3.

Jim Hammer

Winlock

Bhagwandin Is Best Qualified Commissioner Candidate

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Monday, October 10, 2022 4:19 pm

I support Harry Bhagwandin for Lewis County Commissioner District 3 and I have supported him since the primary in August when there were five candidates.

Why do I support Harry? Because he’s qualified for the job. He has a proven track record of working aggressively to bring our state and federal tax dollars back to our communities. To quote Harry, "We need to plan for good growth or we are going to lose this natural beauty."

As taxpayers, politicians work for us. They are basically our employees. If we were hiring an employee for a business, we would hire the best candidate based upon their resume. When we vote, we often forget that step. We pick our candidates for different reasons. Reasons that seldom have anything to do with the job they are applying for.

This year, I hope we will all research the candidates. I hope we will vote for the candidate most qualified for the job. This year, I will vote for Harry Bhagwandin.

Teresa Fenn

Packwood

Bhagwandin Is the Leader Lewis County Needs

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Wednesday, October 12, 2022 4:18 pm

I attended a community meeting with Harry Bhagwandin on Saturday. We discussed many issues affecting Lewis County: flood control, drug abuse problems, homelessness, dams and water issues, and the future of TransAlta.

I was impressed with Harry's knowledge of the issues, his desire to hear what our concerns are, and his thoughts on solutions. His contributions to the community over the years have made really positive changes.

That's the kind of leadership I want to see for Lewis County.

Ben Turner

Onalaska

Vote Experience for District 3 — Vote Harry Bhagwandin

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Wednesday, September 21, 2022 4:35 pm

Harry Bhagwandin is:

• A 37-year resident of Lewis County living in the heart of rural District 3.

• A timber owner, farmer and steward of 65 acres in Onalaska.

• A community volunteer that helped start the Onalaska School fish hatchery program.

• An eight-year citizen representative and vice-chair of the Chehalis Lead Entity Habitat Work Group.

• The founding president and community organizer who started the Onalaska Harvest Festival.

• A professional grant writer with a proven track record of successful rural economic development projects.

• The man mentored by former Commissioner Gary Stamper to serve as a future District 3 commissioner.

• One of three finalists chosen by the local Republican Party to complete Commissioner Stamper’s term.

Vote experience. Vote Bhagwandin!

Bob Russell

Chehalis

Elect These Two Excellent Candidates for Our Top Jobs

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2022 5:00 pm

In Lewis County, we are fortunate to have two excellent candidates for our top county leadership jobs in November’s election. Besides being genuinely nice people, Harry O. Bhagwandin and Tracy Murphy are both highly experienced and qualified, love Lewis County and want to continue their careers in public service as our Lewis County commissioner and Lewis County sheriff.

Both candidates have lived their lives here and understand the uniqueness and livability of Lewis County. Both have long histories of community and public service applicable to the positions they seek.

Every organization, including the county government, needs good new people to move into the leadership roles. Changing times require people with strong ethics bringing their experience, innovative ideas and new enthusiasm to these offices. This year, we have such candidates in both Harry Bhagwandin and Tracy Murphy.

Let us not miss this opportunity to put two exceptionally good people in these offices. Elect Harry Bhagwandin for Lewis County commissioner (District 3) and Tracy Murphy for Lewis County sheriff.

Watch your mailbox for more information on these excellent candidates.

Bill Serrahn

Packwood

Bhagwandin Reliable and Dependable

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Friday, October 28, 2022 6:23 pm

We support Harry Bhagwandin for Lewis County commissioner.

We are Bill and Marcy Anholt, longtime community members and current or past volunteers for Sertoma, ARTrails, Lewis County Community Trails, the Chehalis Renaissance Team, American Legion and Reliable Enterprises.

Harry has a proven track record of volunteering, doing the committee work, doing the legwork and getting things done. Harry creates events that support local economic development and projects to make our county a better place.

Harry is reliable, dependable and an all around nice guy.

Please vote for Harry.

Bill and Marcy Anholt

Chehalis

Bhagwandin for Commissioner

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2022 4:53 pm

Vote Harry Bhagwandin District 3 commissioner

I have known Harry Bhagwandin since 1985; he has always had the public interest in his heart and will not change as Lewis County Commissioner.

Bob Guenther

Chehalis

Videos: Lewis County Candidates Sound Off in Chronicle Debates

Lewis County District 3 Commissioner Candidates Scott Brummer, R-Winlock, and Harry Bhagwandin, R-Onalaska.

Posted Friday, October 28, 2022 6:01 pm

By Isabel Vander Stoep / isabel@chronline.com

On Tuesday and Thursday, debates between candidates in Lewis County were hosted by The Chronicle Editorial Board. The purpose of the debates is to provide more information to the public ahead of the Nov. 8 general election.

The second was held between Lewis County District 3 Commissioner Candidates Scott Brummer, R-Winlock, and Harry Bhagwandin, R-Onalaska. The two did not use any rebuttals and answered questions on homelessness, flooding, energy and broadband internet.

The top vote-getter between the two will be elected immediately in November to replace current commissioner Lee Grose, who was appointed to the seat after the death of Commissioner Gary Stamper, whereas most other elected officials will be sworn in at the beginning of January 2023.

To view the interview please click on this link:

https://youtu.be/knhOJMb2EZg

I Encourage All Voters to Elect Harry Bhagwandin

Letters to the editor can be submitted to letters@chronline.com.

Posted Wednesday, November 2, 2022 4:36 pm

We would like to offer our sincere endorsement for candidate Harry Bhagwandin for Lewis County commissioner District 3. We have known Harry for some time, and have been greatly impressed with his focus, his dedication to improving Lewis County, his commitment to serving the county for the last 37 years as a business owner, community leader, dedication to planning and commitment to growth in a meaningful way for the people of Lewis County.

Without Harry, there will not be a commissioner east of Interstate 5. We met him when he was volunteering for the Lewis County Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Commission from its initial beginnings. Harry has been involved in getting the east end of Lewis County recognized and part of the discussion for all issues in our section of the county.

Being the most rural portion of the county, it is easy to forget us. But Harry has provided consistent and dedicated efforts to bring greater planned growth for our area. Harry, unlike his opponent, has the experience, dedication and long-term commitment, particularly for the east end. Harry consistently shows up and lends his expertise and energy to solving the issues we face, particularly for the east end, by bringing people together.

Unlike his opponent, he has a very long track record of supporting local businesses, planned growth for Lewis County, being a successful business owner himself and finding solid solutions for the complex problems our county now faces. Without Harry as our commissioner, East Lewis County remains unrepresented as we move forward with unprecedented growth and change. An official from west of the I-5 corridor, 50 miles away, cannot adequately represent the many needs of our section of the county.

I encourage all voters to elect Harry Bhagwandin, who will not only represent us, but will help Lewis County migrate toward very planned and careful growth for the future.

Gina and David Owen

Randle