07/18/06 Disaster Relief

Living in the heart of pear country it has been tragic to witness the devastation hail can reap on fruit. Central Washington recently experienced one of the worst storms on record resulting in horrific crop loss for many farmers, who now hope that they will qualify for disaster aide. In other parts of the Northwest, salmon fisherman too cling to the hope of receiving aide and cross their fingers that the fact the commerce chief just declared a fishery resource disaster will initiate the first step of aide for Oregon and California fisherman. Just like the tree farmers, they have experienced the worst salmon season on record. Now the fisherman have the muscle of California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski while Washington tree fruit growers must rely solely on Governor, Christine Gregoire to lobby on their behalf. It is political ping pong, and for the sake of both of these valuable NW industries lets hope that the fisherman and fruit growers receive a fair share of disaster relief funds.