To the Editor:

It is with honor that I write this letter of endorsement for Kathy Stinnett as Grant County judge.

I have known Judge Stinnett since 2013, when she took office as Grant County justice of the peace. From the beginning of her time as justice of the peace, Judge Stinnett stood out as a leader. I have found over the years that you will meet people who let others lead, or you will meet people who jump in to lead.

Judge Stinnett is that leader. One of the first times I met her, she immediately volunteered to coordinate a judicial education conference for attorney and non-attorney judges to benefit quality judicial education, and she was successful in doing so.

Judge Stinnett has been instrumental in advocating for judicial education and legislation to provide access to justice statewide. She has held offices in leadership within the Oregon Justice of the Peace Association and represented the judiciary with Association of Oregon Counties. Although she has served as president of the Oregon Justice of the Peace Association in the past, she has been called upon one more time to lead us during her final year as a JP.

When it comes to standing up to the Legislature, I have firsthand experience working alongside Judge Stinnett. She will advocate for anything necessary for the greater good of Grant County. In addition to leadership, Judge Stinnett has well-rounded administrative, staff management, and community engagement skills, making her uniquely qualified to serve as your Grant County judge.

As a colleague and trusted adviser, I support and encourage you to vote for Kathy Stinnett as your next county judge.

Cris Patnode

Gilliam County Justice of the Peace