To the Editor:

Understanding the history, customs and culture of a rural community is critical to maintaining a stable economy and preserving the moral and ethical standards that this community holds.

The Organic Act of 1897 established the U.S. Forest Service with the intention to improve and protect the forest — securing favorable conditions of water flows, and to furnish a continuous supply of timber for the citizens. This community was here before the Organic Act. Some of the early water rights were filed in the 1860s.

We all have family and friends that have jobs dependent on accessing our national forest. Some are USFS employees, and all are a respected and productive part of this community and must be considered and represented fairly as well.

As a community, we are to have a seat at the table in decisions affecting the lands within the borders of Grant County, and we must elect someone who understands this. A county commissioner is to represent the people of this county, not the bureaucrats from the west side of Oregon. This understanding is so much more important than connections and influence with friends in high places.

Please consider voting for Sam Palmer. He is committed to giving the local people a voice in federal land management at the local level.

Elaine Smith

Prairie City