Nadine Woodward has made "Spokane Solutions" and "more police downtown" foundational to her campaign to be our next mayor. This is in response to Spokane's growing homeless population, even suggesting they can be compelled into substance abuse treatment against their will. We have not however been told what "more police" are supposed to actually do.

In this campaign season, candidates are thankfully focusing on relevant concerns, such as the need for low-income housing in Spokane. They would do well to focus on another issue that is increasingly of local importance, namely, global warming.

The Republican Party has had a rich and long heritage. It was the political party of President Lincoln and President Reagan.

I wish to respectfully address James Alto and his question ("Armed citizens," Aug. 10) – would I choose "an unarmed elderly person or an armed veteran" as a neighbor. I totally understand that Mr. Alto is feeling like he needs to protect everyone. But I humbly suggest that he think about one "unarmed elderly person" - me. I hope my neighbors appreciate that I am here to watch out for them: pick up their UPS packages left on their doorsteps. I can dog/cat sit, bake cookies, listen to joys and sorrows with an understanding ear.

The recent mass shootings in El Paso, Dayton and Gilroy all had a common theme. The shooters used (AR-15 or AK-47) assault-style weapons to take innocent lives. These weapons, designed for the military to kill enemy soldiers, serve no purpose in civilian use.

Isn't it ironic that so many writers to the letters to the editor never criticize the worst country for human rights violations, China?