To the Editor,
I was sad to read of the heavy-handed actions of the Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority (YRCAA) against the communities of Toppenish, Wapato and Harrah.  
I clearly remember spending countless hours of studying, speaking and writing on a local and statewide basis about the need for State Clean Air Authorities - all ten of them - to assert statewide sovereign authority specific to air quality.
This was over a period of at least three years.  I even wrote a doctorate thesis paper circulated widely called “Ethnic Air” - - opining that there is no such thing as Native American air, Hispanic air, Japanese air or Black American air or Anglo air.
The political insanity of this regulation needs no explanation.  All 10 of Washington State’s Clear Air Authorities are completely nullified and impotent regarding legitimate clean air in the State when 29 tribes can have their own little air quality jurisdictions.  
A third grader would get this. But Washington’s Governor’s past and present, never say “No” to a tribal whim...and all state agencies fall right into line.
Years of prodding the YRCAA to show a little courage and integrity, even when supported by the recommendations of their own former director, - got nowhere.  
So now the very same agency that will not assert its authority over air quality within the Yakama Reservation, has the audacity to threaten municipalities for failure to pay for services they refuse to provide. Does taxation without representation ring a bell here?
I’m proud of the position Toppenish has taken on this issue, and hope it soon benefits the other municipalities within the reservation as well.  Why are taxpayers being forced to pay for state service the YRCAA refuses to provide within a reservation?
On a much lovelier note, I was truly thrilled to see the wondrous portrait of Edith Foster and so appreciate the artist and all the folks that made this happen.  Edith was one of the first people I met in Toppenish and showed me what true stewardship of a community is all about.  To this day, I miss her and so many others like her that once served Toppenish.  
 
Elaine Willman
Hobart, WI