The Don Quixote of Yakima
A local insurance agent's attempt to discredit the Priest Rapids Valley land project is dismissed by the Spokesman as a publicity stunt.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Wencil Burianek, an insurance and real estate operator from Yakima, has developed a strong grievance against the Priest Rapids Valley. Recently, he appeared at an American Legion post meeting to demand an investigation into the state-sponsored land settlement project for ex-service men. Appointed chairman of a committee, Burianek led a group on a quick six-hour tour of the valley, allegedly speaking only to a few malcontents. Despite the committee's internal disagreement over the findings, Burianek attempted to use his position to gain publicity, ultimately publishing his criticisms in the Yakima Republic. He labeled the location a mistake, citing poor soil and water supply. Local observers note that state experts spent weeks on geological and soil studies that contradicted his quick assessment, and many residents view his claims as laughable.
“Even if the state should give the settlers clear title to the land I do not believe they would survive five years.”
This reflects the long-standing animosity between regional power centers and the smaller valley towns they seek to influence. The skepticism toward outside 'experts' remains a staple of rural Washington political discourse.
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