Former state Sen. Ted Ferrioli was the master of ceremonies at a candidate forum at the Trowbridge Pavilion in the Grant County Fairgrounds on April 22.

About 250 people attended a candidate forum in the Trowbridge Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds April 22. Former state senator Ted Ferrioli read questions to the 10 candidates for county judge, county commissioner, justice of the peace and district attorney.

Scott Myers, the incumbent county judge running for re-election, said he supported the people’s right to vote on Initiative 12-71, which would allow sales of marijuana in Grant County for recreational use, but he wouldn’t say whether it was good or bad. If it passed, he said, he would vote to impose a tax on recreational marijuana sales.

Several candidates agreed with Myers about not stating a position and their willingness to tax marijuana sales. County Commissioner and judge candidate Jim Hamsher suggested that having a single legal dispensary might stem the growth of a black market in the county.

Commissioner candidate Tanner Elliott said he supported the initiative, saying the tax revenue will help the community. The war on drugs has failed, he said, and while not completely harmless, alcohol was much worse than marijuana.

Commissioner candidate Sam Palmer said he didn’t want to “support something just for the money.” Otherwise, the county might as well be like Nevada and legalize prostitution, he said.

Commissioner candidate Gordon Larson, who investigated drug cases for the Oregon State Police, said he was a staunch critic of the initiative but “you can’t stuff it back in the bottle” and that he would support a tax if the initiative passes.

All the judge and commissioner candidates said they backed a 1999 ordinance in support of the county’s culture and custom, but Larson said he had concerns about county laws challenging federal supremacy. Commissioners should look out for potential legal conflicts, and if people don’t like a law they should follow the legal process to change it, he said.

Larson also said he had “grave concerns” about a county ordinance claiming jurisdiction over roads on federal lands. He said he got along with Malheur National Forest Supervisor Steve Beverlin and believed in the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution. He added that he believed he could advocate for people who disagreed with him.

Commissioner candidate Archie Osburn said he strongly opposed the creation of a natural resource adviser position for the county. He said he can work well with federal agencies and he’d rather see the funding used elsewhere. County court members should stay on top of issues, he said, adding that it could be a long time before the county found out if they hired the right person for the position.

Larson said he supported the position with limitations, citing concerns he had with similar positions in other counties where the position became too strong.

Myers said the position had become a “hot topic lately.” Relations between the county and the Forest Service were much better than in the past, he said.

Several candidates objected to Elliott’s suggestions that he was the only candidate with no conflicts of interest and who is not owned by anybody. Palmer noted that his brother was sheriff, but county budget decisions were made by a committee, and the sheriff’s office rarely asked for a budget increase, so he saw no significant problems.

People in public office needed to recognize conflicts right away and determine their significance, Myers said. Hamsher noted that situations may arise as “perceived, actual or potential” conflicts, and public officials should always recuse themselves and always be transparent.

Kathy Stinnett, the incumbent justice of the peace, said she was fiercely patriotic and proud of the oath she had taken, and she supported keeping local justice courts. Her challenger, Harold Preston, said he filed because he believed no one should run unopposed, and if elected he would be humble and educated.

Incumbent District Attorney Jim Carpenter, who is running unopposed, said methamphetamine use in the county has become a major issue. A shortage of police officers and passage of a bill making meth possession a misdemeanor was making the problem more difficult, he said.

Several candidates emphasized the need for the county to heal and for residents to end their divisiveness. Palmer called the last election cycle “very disheartening” and “ugly,” with threats that needed to stop. Hamsher suggested that social media made it too easy for people to criticize each other.

Myers said he believed he could work alongside any of the other candidates. Above all, Myers encouraged everyone to vote.

Commissioner candidate Richie Colbeth was called away and didn’t participate in the forum.

“It wasn’t an emergency,” Colbeth later told the Eagle. “It was at the point when I realized that I had absolutely no business even sitting at the same table with those gentlemen. I apologize and wish them well. Whoever wins, know that Grant County is in good hands.”

County judge: Jim Hamsher, Scott Myers

County commissioner: Tanner Elliott, Gordon Larson, Archie Osburn, Sam Palmer, Richie Colbeth

Justice of the peace: Harold Preston, Kathy Stinnett

District attorney: Jim Carpenter