To the Editor:

It’s time for a new conversation in Grant County — a conversation focused on our future instead of our past. I believe that Gordon Larson is the candidate to lead our county in having a new, positive conversation focused on our future. I have seen Mr. Larson in action during his 12 years of service on the District 3 School Board. He listened to all sides of an issue, and was dedicated to representing all parts of the school district. His positive and collaborative leadership gets results. Because of his years of public service, he has common sense experience in working constructively with both private and public sectors, as well as experience in management and budgeting. Please vote for Gordon Larson — the candidate for county commissioner who emphasizes working together to restore and revitalize our county’s economy!

Adele Cerny

Bear Valley

To the Editor:

Hard working and dedicated are the words that I would use to describe Scott Myers. Being the county judge isn’t an easy job: There are more than 30 boards and committees that the position of county judge is obligated to fulfill, and at the same time, he is the CEO of the county plus the county administrator. Scott succeeds in all these roles, building positive relationships across the county and the state.

Scott has been willing to step up time after time to be in a leadership position in Grant County, from being councilman and mayor of Canyon City and then county commissioner and now judge. He’s willing to do it again. He has history with every other set of commissioners and council persons in Eastern Oregon. He has a wide network of partners, stakeholders, state agency staff that he is willing to call to get a question answered. He gets answers if he doesn’t know. He is non-partisan and looks at both sides of an issue. I am voting for Scott Myers because I believe Grant County will benefit by re-electing Scott Myers as county judge. Keep a good man working for us!

Mark Cerny

Bear Valley

To the Editor:

Come on, folks. Do you really believe initiative 43 and 44 that may show up on the ballot this November are about public safety? Are we the people really that naive or that gullible? Do we think gang members, common criminals or mass shooters are going to register their arms or disable them with trigger locks? Nice thought, but most of those folks are already felons, so don’t try to frighten them with that threat. Have we become so afraid now that we will vote away our own rights and allow the criminal element free access to those rights? They will not be controlled by these initiatives for public safety, because they aren’t concerned about the safety of the public. These initiatives, if they become law, will only infringe on those who are harmless not on the harmful.

“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” — Harry S. Truman

Michael R. Christensen

John Day

To the Editor:

As a former Grant County resident with family still living in the area, I try to stay abreast of happenings that would affect my loved ones and their chosen way of life. I was very distressed to see challenges to county ordinances, initiatives, resolutions and everything related to customs and cultures brought before the Grant County Court; and those challenges upheld in spite of being created by the people, for the people and seriously lacking transparency. Federal government take-over for access closures, indiscriminate “prescribed” burning in what appears to be a cover up of incomplete project clean up and total destruction of the local economy through a “partnership” designed to eliminate local loggers and timber workers. There are administrative agreements that favor the few at the expense to the majority, such as poorly planned fiber optics installations in a community well served by established fiber optics companies, and an indication of several years of misuse of county funds, which deserve to be audited. The Forest Service is a visitor in Grant County, and their operations are subject to approval of the people according to various initiatives that have been ignored by the county government. Where are the county administrators that were elected by the people to represent the majority, not the vocal minority? It appears that the time and opportunity has arrived to repopulate the governing body with people having ethics, honesty and honor. For the survival of a unique way of life, I hope the people of Grant County will vote wisely and, using the catch phrase so widely used, “drain the swamp” of under-the-table dealings. Beware of the alligator candidates waiting in the wings to swim in with selfish motives and serving select groups.

Jodi Cook

Sherwood

To the Editor:

I support Gordon Larson for county commissioner. The responsibilities of our county court require broad administrative experience. Gordon has that experience. Gordon’s experiences on the school board give him a unique perspective into the needs of our students to have access to the latest technology to give them the tools to be successful in today’s technology-based work force.

Gordon recognizes the divisiveness that exists in this county and will use his experience to foster a climate in which we can work together in a positive direction, a positive economic direction. He recognizes that we will still have differences of opinion, and those differences will be respected.

Yes, I support Gordon Larson for county commissioner for these reasons and more. I hope you also will support Gordon Larson for county commissioner.

Eva Harris

Canyon City

To the Editor:

As a resident of Prairie City, I have watched Jim Hamsher reign as mayor for two terms. He has proven himself to lack the leadership skills it takes to run a small population like Prairie City. Our struggle for a sufficient supply of water stems back to bad decisions made when Jim was mayor 15 years ago. Bad decisions made under his leadership are exemplified in Iron Triangle’s new log deck based in Seneca. Iron Triangle first approached Prairie City with the opportunity. Instead of accepting a reasonable offer for the surplus city property, the council led Mayor Hamsher in a counteroffer of $50,000 over the appraised value. Iron Triangle then took their job opportunities to Seneca, where they were welcomed with open arms. Jim Hamsher has failed us on a city level and county level when he led his council to a no vote for the opportunity to better our internet in Prairie City (and the county). He fails to realize a better internet connection to the outside world would bring the much needed internet-based educational and employment opportunities that our community needs. Mr. Hamsher is unable to see valuable opportunities. On Jim Hamsher’s Facebook page, he likened the position of a county judge to that of a mayor. To see how Jim has done as mayor, take a look at Prairie City. Our lack of water, empty storefronts and inefficient internet is a prime example of how Prairie City has sat idle during his terms as mayor. The same will happen to Grant County if Jim Hamsher is appointed county judge. Do not let yourself be swayed by the black hat and smile. There is too much at stake. The position of county judge should not be filled by a popularity vote, but instead should be filled with someone who has shown himself to have the leadership skills that Judge Scott Myers has demonstrated. Do what is best for Grant County and do not vote for Jim Hamsher. Re-elect Scott Myers for Grant County judge.

Susan Harris

Prairie City

To the Editor:

I have known Gordon Larson since I moved with my young family to Grant County in 2000. While no longer a resident, I continue to own property and have many family and friends there, and am invested in the success of the county. I first began my association with Gordon through my work as a defense attorney while he served the community as an Oregon State Police sergeant. That association continued while I served for two terms as the elected district attorney of Grant County. Gordon and I worked on the school board together, where he was the acting chair. Finally, I spent a fair amount of time standing on the sidelines with Gordon at various youth sporting events where we watched our children participate.

Through my many years of working with and observing Gordon in action, it became clear to me that he is a man of integrity. He is committed to the success and safety of the community, and has a drive to make it a good place to raise our families, work or retire. He is thoughtful and deliberate, collecting the evidence first and then making an informed decision. He is respectful of those who offer differing opinions and seeks to understand their positions. He is a true collaborator, working to help those who might have differing approaches come together for the common good. Gordon is a natural leader. Gordon is a good man, and the right person at the right time, for the job of Grant County commissioner.

Ryan Joslin

Corvallis

To the Editor:

I am always amazed how Grant County steps up to help individuals and or groups in need. Grant County Senior Center is replacing their condensing units for their walk-in cooler and freezer. We had no place to store our perishable foods. I approached Pete Teague, owner of John Day Dairy Queen and Figaro’s, about using his refrigerator truck. Even though the truck hasn’t been used since the eclipse last year, Pete got it up and running for us. We will be using the truck for at least a week, while the units are installed by a local business. We are truly blessed to have individuals, such as Pete, stepping up to help our fellow neighbors.

Chris Labhart, president

Grant County Senior Center

To the Editor:

In looking at the decisions to be made by voters for the May election, it comes to mind individuals like Jim Maple, George Hansen, Francis Cole, Lorene Allen and others who were the governing body for Grant County in years past. Matters before the court were important but seemingly insignificant compared to issues facing the court now. Money was not so much of a challenge, as the county was blessed with interest from forest receipts. Those days are history, money is limited and issues before the court are much more numerous and complicated with various individuals having interest and a suggested “how to” address these issues.

The recent Blue Mountain Eagle provided candidates for commissioner and county judge an opportunity to comment on their position on various matters. While each feel qualified and likely hope to have a quick fix to pressing matters, it is yet to be seen if their qualifications and thoughts will adequately provide solutions to the many pressing matters.

Commissioner Britton will be leaving an empty seat at the court, and I ask voters, who really has the background and experience to replace Boyd? While each commissioner candidate stated their position on various issues, being right or wrong, none have the governing experience as Gordon Larson. He will prove to be the best candidate worthy of your vote. It is also fair to state Scott Myers has demonstrated a commitment for the welfare of Grant County, and there is no basis for change in that position.

Jim Spell

John Day

To the Editor:

Primary election is approaching fast. Time to elect Jim Crary to represent Oregon Congressional District 2.

Jim’s campaign is 100 percent funded by individual donations — no PACS, corporations or special interests. He has signed the Candidates With a Contract (he helped write it), focusing on combating corruption in politics and campaign finance reform. He is the only Oregon candidate to have signed this. He has also signed the No NRA Money pledge — again, the only Oregon candidate to sign this pledge. And, he has signed the OFF Fossil Fuels Act pledge, HR3671, introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) — one of 121 candidates who have signed this pledge. He has received a Candidate Distinction from Moms Demand Action Gun Sense. Endorsed by Mayor Embanks of Madras and Manuel Gutierrez, Hermiston City Councilor and member of Hispanic Advisory Committee.

Jim’s website is loaded with answers to your questions. He is also available on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Jim is approachable and friendly. He has criss-crossed our District 2 steadily for the last two years. He has been knocking on constituent doors in every part of CD2. Holding town hall discussions, neighbor meetings. Jim loves talking to people! And he answers his phone when you call. He returns phone calls. He has promised that when he gets to Washington, he will personally answer his phone at least five hours a week. Cool!

With Jim Crary as our CD2 Representative, we won’t have to stand on the corner and ask “Where’s Walden?”

Barbara “BJ” Thomas

Bend