Newhouse listens to citizen’s concerns at local meeting

Mikki Kison then discussed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) portion of the Farm Bill.

Kison encouraged Newhouse to support the program during the discussion of its budget due to the decrease in funds made in the previous bill. She informed Newhouse the program especially benefits the local schools by providing students with information on the importance of nutrition.

Kris Robbins said as a mother, she has witnessed how the program in the schools has benefitted her children.

“I can see a difference with my children. The overall impact is a lot bigger than you think. And it comes homes,” Robbins added.

Newhouse said he admires the program and understands the importance of nutrition education. He reminded the public a healthy diet can be encouraged at home as well to assist students in understanding the benefits.

As a district leader for the United States Humane Society, Kison then expressed her concern for the current horse soring tactics, which continue to be practiced by some trainers on the Tennessee walking horse.

Kison encouraged Newhouse to support the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which would ban the use of the devices used in soring, and strengthen the consequences of the practice.

Newhouse stated he had no knowledge of this practice and would look into signing a letter of support for the bill.

Cook then directed the discussion towards the frequent coal and oil trains which pass through the City about every half an hour. Newhouse asked the public what improvements they are seeking in this area.

McFadden informed Newhouse the leading issue is the fact Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway has began the process of double tracking in order to increase profit. He stated the Pacific Northwest is the last region of BNSF track throughout the nation that is not double tracked and the railway plans to have it completed double tracking from Spokane to Pasco by 2023.

Newhouse discussed the possibility of establishing an underpass or overpass within the city due to the fact the railroad tracks divide the town.

Cook and McFadden expressed their concerns for the lack of funding available for the city to supply the proper emergency equipment in the case of a fire caused by a train or derailment. They informed Newhouse the tracks sit very close to residential areas and businesses, which could be extremely tragic if an accident were to occur.

Robbins informed Newhouse the communication between the city and BNSF is in need of improvement in order for them to discuss these issues.

Newhouse stated he would be in contact with BNSF about their community relations and ensure the public’s concerns are addressed.

Mikki Kison then discussed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) portion of the Farm Bill.

Kison encouraged Newhouse to support the program during the discussion of its budget due to the decrease in funds made in the previous bill. She informed Newhouse the program especially benefits the local schools by providing students with information on the importance of nutrition.

Kris Robbins said as a mother, she has witnessed how the program in the schools has benefitted her children.

“I can see a difference with my children. The overall impact is a lot bigger than you think. And it comes homes,” Robbins added.

Newhouse said he admires the program and understands the importance of nutrition education. He reminded the public a healthy diet can be encouraged at home as well to assist students in understanding the benefits.

As a district leader for the United States Humane Society, Kison then expressed her concern for the current horse soring tactics, which continue to be practiced by some trainers on the Tennessee walking horse.

Kison encouraged Newhouse to support the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which would ban the use of the devices used in soring, and strengthen the consequences of the practice.

Newhouse stated he had no knowledge of this practice and would look into signing a letter of support for the bill.

Cook then directed the discussion towards the frequent coal and oil trains which pass through the City about every half an hour. Newhouse asked the public what improvements they are seeking in this area.

McFadden informed Newhouse the leading issue is the fact Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway has began the process of double tracking in order to increase profit. He stated the Pacific Northwest is the last region of BNSF track throughout the nation that is not double tracked and the railway plans to have it completed double tracking from Spokane to Pasco by 2023.

Newhouse discussed the possibility of establishing an underpass or overpass within the city due to the fact the railroad tracks divide the town.

Cook and McFadden expressed their concerns for the lack of funding available for the city to supply the proper emergency equipment in the case of a fire caused by a train or derailment. They informed Newhouse the tracks sit very close to residential areas and businesses, which could be extremely tragic if an accident were to occur.

Robbins informed Newhouse the communication between the city and BNSF is in need of improvement in order for them to discuss these issues.

Newhouse stated he would be in contact with BNSF about their community relations and ensure the public’s concerns are addressed.