Don C. Brunell

Trade war could hit Washington hard | Brunell

Any trade war between the United States and China is worrisome, but if it escalated and tariffs are imposed, it will hit Washington particularly hard.… Continue reading

Water pressure mounting in West as population spikes | Brunell

As we deal with our population growth, we must address sufficient supplies of drinkable fresh water for residential, commercial, agriculture, fisheries and industrial needs. Not… Continue reading

A forgotten side of the Alamo | Brunell

Most of the 2.5 million annual Alamo visitors focus on the epic 1836 battle in which a small band of brave Texans was eventually overrun… Continue reading

China now driving car market | Brunell

In the 1950s, America’s “Big Three” automakers (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) were the pacesetters for our industrial dominance. They had the skilled workers, the… Continue reading

Ireland: cleaner, greener and more prosperous | Brunell

Ireland: cleaner, greener and more prosperous | Brunell

This St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), the Irish have lots to celebrate. Ireland is cleaner, greener and more prosperous. Ireland is an island nation roughly… Continue reading

Ireland: cleaner, greener and more prosperous | Brunell
South Korea success goes beyond Olympics | Brunell

South Korea success goes beyond Olympics | Brunell

It was hard to get excited about the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, but give the South Koreans credit for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to pull the… Continue reading

South Korea success goes beyond Olympics | Brunell

Military leaders can transform education | Brunell

Do good military commanders make good education leaders? That is a question Montana’s Higher Education Commission will answer in the coming years. However, if the… Continue reading

Cities balancing budgets with fees | Brunell

Cities balancing budgets with fees | Brunell

State considering additional taxes

Cities balancing budgets with fees | Brunell
Washington’s carbon tax differs from B.C. | Brunell

Washington’s carbon tax differs from B.C. | Brunell

In Olympia, Gov. Jay Inslee is pushing lawmakers to enact a new tax on carbon gas emissions before the legislature adjourns on March 8. Inslee… Continue reading

Washington’s carbon tax differs from B.C. | Brunell

John Spellman: best leader for tough times | Brunell

Too often, virtues and accomplishments of quiet leaders go unsung. Such is the case with John Spellman, a former Washington governor and King County executive,… Continue reading

China’s sword policy cutting deep into recycling | Brunell

China’s sword policy cutting deep into recycling | Brunell

Earlier this month, China launched its “national sword” policy which bans many recyclable materials it traditionally imported. Meanwhile, its upcoming March edict imposing a lower… Continue reading

China’s sword policy cutting deep into recycling | Brunell
Online sales good for Washington papermakers | Brunell

Online sales good for Washington papermakers | Brunell

Curbside recycling bins are packed with cardboard shipping boxes from Christmas online shopping. The uptick in consumer shipments is not only good news for the… Continue reading

Online sales good for Washington papermakers | Brunell
Time for railroads to implement positive track | Brunell

Time for railroads to implement positive track | Brunell

While the investigation continues into the deadly Amtrak derailment near DuPont, the clock continues to tick on the implementation of Positive Track Control (PTC). The… Continue reading

Time for railroads to implement positive track | Brunell

Laying a million Wreaths Across America | Brunell

Christmas is an especially difficult time for anyone grieving for lost loved ones. It is especially painful for America’s military families whose son, daughter, spouse… Continue reading

Finding balance in occupational licensing | Brunell

Recently, the Institute for Justice (Institute) determined state licensing barriers for lower-income workers and aspiring entrepreneurs not only hurts people trying to establish themselves in… Continue reading

Camas papermill may be harbinger | Brunell

Camas papermill may be harbinger | Brunell

Editor’s note: In 1978, I was hired by Crown Zellerbach. Part of my responsibility was to help with the permitting, incentives and public support for… Continue reading

Camas papermill may be harbinger | Brunell

About our business climate today? Remember 1993 | Brunell

Twenty-five years ago, business took a beating in Olympia. The swing to the left in the 1992 general election was swift and potent. It drove… Continue reading

Expanded Panama Canal among challenges for Washington ports | BRUNELL

The $5.4 billion spent to expand the Panama Canal is paying off for East Coast and Gulf of Mexico seaports; however, it is putting more… Continue reading

Texas flush with transportation cash | Brunell

In the last decade, there has been a highway construction boom in Texas. On the other hand, lawmakers in Olympia still scramble to fund road… Continue reading

Massive fires increasing wood prices | Brunell

Massive forest fires in western parts of Canada and the U.S. are not only choking us with layers of smoke, but are cutting off lumber… Continue reading