(This letter published in the Sept 17th edition of The Chronicle.)
To the editor:
I’ve got to admit that the contest for Lewis County Commissioner, District 2, had me feeling confused.
On one hand, you have Lyle Hojem. He has great name recognition, and he has been active here in Lewis County for not just years, but decades. Then you have his opponent, a guy named Bill Schulte. Never heard of him. He is new to the area.
Myself being a Lewis County native, anybody who hasn’t lived here for 10 to 15 years is still “new to the area” and is suspect - an “outsider” if you will.
A couple of weeks ago, by surprise, I bumped into this Schulte character at a pig roast. He wasn’t there in political mode, just there having a good time. I didn’t want to ruin his night out by talking politics, but I still felt compelled to quiz him on a few things, and he obliged.
I told him my view. Most people running for office will tell you what they think you want to hear. But not this guy. He told me what he thought, even though he knew I wouldn’t like it – no two faced weasel words.
I asked about his background. He had been in the service of our country since 1978. I think he got out in 2002, but ’m not sure. But think about it. 1978! WE were still playing eight-track tapes and LP’s back when he entered the service. Disco was just starting. Johnny Carson was at the helm of “The Tonight Show.” There weren’t even cell phones; it was that long ago.
My point? Think of all the experience he gleaned in those 24 years. The guy made it all the way up to the rank of commander. Deductive reasoning tells me that this man not only understands chain of command, but respects chain of command. As a commander, he must have been in charge of quite a few people. I would imagine his daily management and leadership responsibilities on a slow day would be comparable with a crazy busy day at the county commission level.
Fellow Lewis County voters, we should feel lucky to have such a talented man volunteer for this job. We better take advantage of his offer.
Even if he is a “newbee” around these parts. I heartily endorse this new guy in town. Bill Schulte, for District 2 Commissioner.
Tommy Thompson
Winlock
(This letter published in the August 29th edition of The Chronicle.)
Two years ago, I was working on the Horizons Project in Pe Ell. This is a program about reducing poverty in small rural communities, sponsored by the N.W. Area Foundations. We wanted to get the youth of the community involved, so I spoke with Pe Ell School, Superintendent Scott Fenter.
He gave me Kyle Muir (valedictorian 2007) and Alex Schulte (valedictorian of 2008). Mr. Fenter also sat in on many of our meetings. Because of Alex’s involvement, Bill and Susie Schulte became involved in the project, too. For two years they have remained active and influential members of Horizons. Bill is the co-chairman, and Susie and Alex are on the steering committee.
The Schultes may not be natives of Lewis County, but you can be assured that they atively work to make Lewis County a better place to live. If you are still undecided about Lewis county commissioner, vote Bill Schulte.
Pat Miller
Co Chairman, Steering Committee for Horizons Project
(This letter published in the August 27th edition of The Chronicle.)
To the editor:
I would like to take a moment to express my disappointment at the fabrication your newspaper has served up to the voting people of Lewis County.
As well as the misuse of influence or plain dishonesty, The Chronicle is now showing political prejudice against a candidate who I and many others believe would be the best county commissioner.
His name is Bill Schulte. He is a man of honor, a devoted leader, a caring person who inspires confidence working with the public, military service and law enforcement, I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding men and feel fully qualified to say that Schulte is a fine man.
On more than one occasion I have seen Schulte exercise impeccable leadership as well as superior acumen. Schulte was in the Coast Guard for 23 years, starting at the very bottom as an enlisted man. Then through hard work and diligence, he was accepted to officer candidate school and later retired as commander.
While on active duty, he was assigned to budget the millions of dollars the Coast Guard receives along with daily responsibilities to his crew and for the multimillion dollar equipment left in his charge.
Later in his career, he was tasked by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to provide coastal security for the launch of a space shuttle. This man is no lightweight and no stranger to responsibility or daunting tasks. He is a loving husband and a father of five, two boys and three girls, who are intelligent, goal-orientated and driven.
These are all facts that were all somehow overlooked or intentionally omitted by your newspaper. In closing, I would like to add that a newspaper’s responsibility is to print the unbiased facts so the people are informed, and not swayed by personal opinion of the writer or editor. This has not been accomplished.
The information you printed on Schulte is wholly inaccurate and left me to question why The Chronicle isn’t called The Enquirer.
Lewis R. Musick
Chehalis
(This letter published in the August 23rd edition of The Chronicle.)
To the editor:
Because Bill Schulte made a decision based on what he thought was a flawed process by The Chronicle, you had no reason to trash him and/or say he was not fit to be one of our next county commissioners.
I know Schulte, and know him to be a professional with extraordinary people and organizational skills. His 20-plus years in the service of our country in the U.S. Coast Guard, ending as a captain of a Coast Guard cutter, also tells me he has the stuff needed to be a leader in this county.
Your newspaper has been unfair and unprofessional in the way you handled this matter.
Dick Eberle
Chehalis
(This letter was published in the August 19th edition of The Chronicle.)
To the editor:
The commissioner race for Lewis County District 2 is one of great concern to me.
It is my district, but more than that, the district of my family and many friends. There are several pressing issues with no easy answers.
One is the flood problem, and another is the replacement and/or repair of several bridges. I am, at this time, the fire chief for District 16, and I get frustrated when I think of ever again having to go through our nightmare of December 2007.
This brings up the subject of how we fix these problems. First, we need to find good leadership someone who has fresh ideas and perhaps a different way of studying and looking at things.
In two separate articles, Dec. 13 and Dec. 19, The Chronicle’s editorial asked us for just that. Someone new. Someone who owed no one. Someone who could not be bought. Someone strong and smart and ready to work for us. We have that person in Bill Schulte.
In a very recent article, it was pointed out that Schulte “imploded” at his “board review” with The Chronicle. He knew that it was a stacked deck, and chose not to stay. Wise men do not knowingly walk into an ambush.
I am sick and tired of The Chronicle Editorial Board trying to run the county and telling us who we should or should not have as leaders, how we should or should not vote, how we should or should not act, and what sort of government we should have. They don’t need to be bashing people such as Richard Graham and Dan Swecker, who are out there helping people regardless of what party they belong to. And they have done a great job for us and are still helping us today.
Take some advice from your own reporters. They have done a great job for us through our ordeal. The Editorial Board has no reason to endorse anybody. Provide the people with the information. We’re were big folks and we can make our own decisions. If you want changes made in the structure of our county government, run for office. I have yet to see anyone’s name on the ballot from the Editorial board. They have been wrong before and they are wrong now.
We have in Schulte an extraordinary leader who can get the job done. He served in the Coast Guard, protecting the U.S. He is on several boards, working to make Lewis County better. He went back to school and earned his degree. He has been studying and learning just what is expected of a commissioner. He is a goal-driven man and an exceptional candidate, ready, willing and able to step up and take on the issues facing the county at this time. He has the experience.
Schulte demonstrated the ability to get things done after the flood when he helped collect sufficient funds to buy dehumidifiers for the many soaked homes on Leudinghaus Road, and surrounding areas. Schulte himself got 7 feet, 4 inches of water in his own home. You could say that Schulte is definitely motivated to finding a solution to our flooding problems.
Chip Elliott
Chief, Lewis County Fire District 16
Doty-Dryad-Meskill
(This endorsement was received by the editor of The Chronicle on August 14th. The paper declined to print it.)
The Chronicle has recently berated my husband, Bill Schulte, and I want the truth about this man of honor and integrity to be known. The absolute truth is that Bill was looking forward to an interview at the Chronicle for an endorsement, he was excited because we knew that he was the best qualified candidate to make a positive impact on our county government, but above all else Bill is able to assess most situations and can usually predict a reasonable outcome. He is a man of his word and has the power of his own convictions.
The Chronicle's review panel had at least one gentleman who should have excused himself, as it is known that he has assisted with the Hojem campaign. When he didn't excuse himself, it was obvious to Bill whom the newspaper planned to endorse, whether Bill interviewed or not. Bill felt it was better to leave the interview rather than subject the public to a very biased interview process.
Please note that in the past members of the interview panel have excused themselves when they were backing candidates; this is the honorable thing to do. Why in this instance this panel member didn't feel it necessary to excuse himself is the question the Chronicle's readers should be asking.
Bill has so much to offer us, the people of Lewis County! He would be an avenue for voices to be heard. He is definitely tough enough to offer real answers to the flooding issues, effective government and economic development, things that are crucial for our county. Bill has spent his lifetime giving of himself in service to his country. He served 23 years in the United States Coast Guard on missions of rescue, law enforcement and fiscal management. The public needs to know these things about this man of principle.
We have been married for 28 years and have five wonderful children, two awesome sons at home and three grown daughters. Two of our daughters are married and we have two beautiful grandchildren, with one on the way. Bill is a man of God, he is a devoted husband and father who has given good advice, counsel, and guidance. Bill has always given a helping hand to those who genuinely need assistance, sometimes on an individual basis, sometimes joining forces with others. He is concerned about our farmers, our firemen, our police and most of all he is concerned about our communities. You can learn more about Bill on his campaign web site. (www.billschulte.com)
Bill has always been a man of decision. I have never known him to back away when he knew that the outcome was worth fighting for. This is the man I want to be my commissioner. We deserve a well educated, well respected individual who can represent the best about Lewis County at our local and state level. Please join me in voting for the this man of integrity, Bill Schulte for our County Commissioner of District 2.
Susi Schulte
(This letter was published in the June 27th edition of The Chronicle.)
To the editor:
I consider myself, neighbors and friends to be very fortunate to have such a wonderful news reporting vehicle in our area, namely The Chronicle. Every day we are brought up to speed on many of the issues facing the county, from flooding, to development, to stories about individuals willing to throw their hats in the ring and run for public office. I am a councilman for the city of Pe Ell. We are not the largest entity in the state but for those of us who live in and around Pe Ell, we are very concerned with the issues facing Lewis County.
I am writing today to help your readers learn “the rest of the story” about Bill Schulte, candidate for Lewis County Commissioner, District 2. This office is being vacated by Richard Graham, who is retiring after 16 years of service to Lewis County. Bill is the best person to fill that position. The Chronicle in two recent articles pointed out that Bill is a relative newcomer to politics. What it does not tell you is the fact that he has been a public servant for the last 30 of his 51 years. Bill started his career in the Coast Guard as a boot camp recruit. He spent nearly 24 years serving in the Coast Guard, 6 years enlisted and 18 years as an officer. Determined to become captain of his own ship, he worked hard and was goal oriented and focused. He earned the rank of Commander and served as Captain on the Monhegan and the Diligence.
Bill has been all over the world yet settled in Lewis County. We should take advantage of his talent, knowledge and experience. Bill’s house, on Leudinghaus road, was flooded in the 2007 disaster. Though the Schultes had 7 feet, 4 inches of water in their own home, they pitched in and did their share for family, neighbors and other flood survivors. Bill has a positive attitude, is encouraging and is willing to assist wherever he is needed. Bill is one of the most approachable, down to earth guys I have ever met. He is invested in his community. His wife, Susi, works in Chehalis at Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute. His boys go to school in Pe Ell. He belongs to and works with several community groups to help make Lewis County a better place to live. Last summer Bill was selected to serve on the Lewis County Public Facilities District’s Board. His ability to listen, study and implement workable solutions are skills sorely needed in our county government.
Schulte is an individual who will bring fresh ideas and new approaches to helping solve some of the pressing issues facing Lewis County. Bill is one of the most qualified candidates we here in Lewis County have ever had the opportunity to elect. Bill Schulte will be an outstanding commissioner! Please join me in voting for Bill.
Rick Clouse
Pe Ell
Town Council member
It has been my pleasure to associate with and get to know Bill Schulte over the last several years. Education, training, and experience attained during his time with the Coast Guard have equipped Bill with a number of management tools. He has dealt with high dollar budget planning, honed his people skills, and understands the decision making process.
As a commissioner seeking solutions, Bill will bring a fresh approach balanced with seasoned life experience. He will not be handicapped with a predetermined agenda. Bill has proved to be a serious stakeholder in Lewis County. He planted his family in Western Lewis County, built his home in Dryad, and enrolled his children in Pe Ell schools. He has become involved and is making significant contributions to a number of respected organizations.
As a survivor of the recent flooding event, who provided leadership in the recovery process, I am sure that Bill is motivated to stay focused on our community's need to find a solution to this problem.
I get a comfortable feeling when I consider that Bill Schulte as a County Commissioner would listen attentively to constituents and bring his considerable capacity of experience planning, perspective, and leadership to solving the various problems that will surface in the future of Lewis County.
John Alexander Jr.
Community Leader / Banker
(This letter was published in the April 29th edition of The Chronicle. It is reprinted here with the permission of the author.)
To the editor:
A person who has that rare combination of character, ability, specific experience and good old common horse sense needed by Lewis County has stepped forward just at the right time.
That person is Paul W. “Bill” Schulte, Republican candidate for county commissioner, 2nd District.
I met Schulte several years ago when I attended the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Museum. I have gotten to know him and his fine family very well since then.
Throughout his varied career of 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, during which he rose from a boot camp recruit to the rank of commander, Schulte honed his management skills and was given ever-increasing responsibility.
While serving at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., he was resource manager for “Rescue 21,” a $1.5 billion acquisition project that is replacing the current “command and control system” for Coast Guard search and rescue operations.
Additionally, he served as liaison with the British Navy in anti-drug operations, was part of a team sent to help the Republic of Georgia set up its own coast guard and was the commanding officer of the cutter Diligence, in which he led a crew of 82 sailors and airmen and was responsible for more than $200 million in assets.
Upon retirement from the military, he had four goals: live in Lewis County, build his own home, finish his college degree and become involved in serving his community.
He earned his degree, built his own home on Leudinghaus Road and has become very involved in our community.
Schulte is active with the Lewis County Farm Bureau, Chehalis Rotary, Pe Ell Horizons Project, Chehalis Basin Partnership, Chehalis River Basin Land Trust, Toastmasters and the New Harvest Community Church. Schulte also is the elected Republican precinct committee officer for Dryad precinct.
I observe Schulte interacting at breakfast each Monday morning, at a men’s early morning prayer and Bible study group. He became study leader due to his knowledge of Biblical history and his ability to come up with challenging questions that make one think.
Schulte also regularly attends breakfast with the “gang” on Saturday mornings at Frosty’s in Napavine. As he participates in our discussions, I am constantly amazed at his breadth of knowledge.
Schulte brings to the table valuable experience in operations, engineering, health services, human resources, communications, finance, logistics and law enforcement and in planning for and responding to natural disasters.
Who could be better motivated to find answers to Lewis County’s flood problem than someone who not only had 7 feet, 4 inches of water in his own basement, but also witnessed the destruction of his sister’s home and those of his other Doty/Dryad neighbors in the December flood?
This is the reason that Bill is very involved with and strongly supports the grassroots flood mitigation movement known as "One Voice."
I have found Schulte to be a man of great character, integrity and ability. I hope that you will soon get the chance to meet and talk with him.
I recommend Schulte to you as your next county commissioner for the 2nd District.
Robert A. Wheeler,Napavine
During the December flood we came to appreciate our neighbor, Bill Schulte, for his positive attitude, encouragement, and willingness to help where needed. Please join me in voting for: Bill Schulte - Lewis County Commissioner!
Chip Elliott
Fire Chief - Lewis County Fire District #16