This year’s May 21 primary features four hotly contested local races, with candidates vying for key government and judicial positions in Grant County.

Grant County Judge Scott Myers is stepping down after completing his current term at the end of this year, setting off a scramble to fill the county’s top administrative office. Competing to fill that seat are four candidates, including a former Grant County judge, a current county commissioner, the county watermaster and the current county justice of the peace.

With Grant County Commissioner Jim Hamsher seeking the judge position, his spot on the three-member county court is also up for grabs, with two candidates seeking to fill the commissioner No. 2 position.

Justice of the Peace Kathy Stinnett is another contender for the job of county judge, and three candidates have tossed their hats into the ring to take the reins of Grant County Justice Court.

Incumbent Grant County Treasurer Julie Ellison is hoping to hold onto her position, but she is facing two challengers to her reelection bid. A fourth candidate filed to run for the treasurer’s office and then withdrew from the race, but not until after the deadline — so her name will still appear on the ballot.

In three of the four races, if one candidate wins a majority of the ballots cast — 50% plus one vote — that candidate will be declared the winner.

If no one receives an outright majority, the top two vote-getters will move on to the November ballot. This does not apply to the treasurer’s race because the treasurer, clerk and sheriff cannot be elected in the primary according to Oregon law.

Grant County Surveyor Mike Springer and Grant County Assessor David Thunell are running for reelection, but both are running unopposed.

Sheriff Todd McKinley is running for a second term but is facing a challenge from Scott Moore, a former John Day Police Department sergeant and former Grant County sheriff’s deputy who is currently a public works foreman for the city of John Day. Because only two candidates filed for that position, it will be on the ballot in November.

Grant County Clerk Laurie Cates, who is running unopposed, will also appear on the November ballot.

We sent out questionnaires to all the candidates in contested races for county office that will appear on the May 21 ballot.

In addition to basic background information, we asked them to tell the voters of Grant County, in 50 words or less, why they’re running and why they’re the best person for the job. We also asked them to tell the voters, in 150 words or less, what they see as the top three issues facing the county and what they would do, if elected, to address those issues.

Most of the candidates running responded, although one chose not to. What follows are all the responses we received, lightly edited for spelling, punctuation and, where necessary, length.

COUNTY JUDGE

Grant County judge is the top administrative position in county government. The judge serves a six-year term and presides over the county court, voting on legislative matters with the two county commissioners. The judge also has some limited judicial responsibilities involving conservatorship, estate administration, guardianship and marriage. The proposed base salary next fiscal year for county judge is $97,848 a year.

Candidate: Jim Hamsher

Age: 58

Occupation: Incumbent Grant County commissioner

Education: Prairie City High School Graduate; a certificate in leadership training from the Leadership Plenty Institute; and elected officials training from the League of Oregon Cities

Political experience: Grant County Commissioner; Prairie City Mayor/City Administrator; Prairie City City Council Member; Chairperson League of Oregon Cities Small Cities Council; League of Oregon Cities Board of Directors; Land Conservation and Development Commission Local Advisory Committee; GEODC Board of Directors; Grant County Natural Resources Advisory Committee liaison; Grant County Wolf Depredation Advisory Committee; Prairie City Budget Committee; Grant County Budget Committee

Candidate statement: I am eager to serve as County Judge and build upon my two decades of experience serving Grant County. As the only County Commissioner running, I am committed to representing the citizens of Grant County and their needs above all others while using common sense solutions and effective leadership.

On the issues: We’ve been asked to do more from the state with less funding. A County Judge must coordinate with local, state, and federal leaders to find solutions without burdening our taxpayers. I have demonstrated the ability to lead Grant County with strong leadership. I will prioritize Grant County residents’ needs while addressing the county’s issues and keeping the American dream alive.

County services:

• Maintaining public safety

• Seniors and Veterans services

• Provide healthcare and mental health services

• Maintain quality education for our youth

• Maintain and create family wage jobs

Industry:

• Supporting our agriculture, timber and other industries is crucial. We must advocate for responsible forest management to minimize the risk of wildfires and ensure a steady timber supply.

Infrastructure:

• Maintaining county roads now and for the future

• Support well-planned development and affordable housing

• Support affordable broadband

I am committed to leading Grant County towards the fulfillment of this vision.

Candidate: Eric Wesley Julsrud

Age: 53

Occupation: Oregon Water Resources Department (NRS3) Watermaster, District 4 (2005 – Present); Assistant Watermaster District 4 (2000-2005); United States Navy (1991-1996)

Education: A.A. Applied Science, Water/Wastewater Technologies, Linn-Benton Community College (1997-2000)

Political experience: John Day Rural Fire Protection District (2015 – present)

Candidate statement: I have extensive experience in coordinating with local, state and federal agencies, administering state water law and management of the water resources of Upper John Day River Basin. I am running for County Judge to bring my skills to the job to benefit the people of Grant County. I will bring hard work, fairness, transparency, honesty, and fiscal responsibility to the position.

On the issues: Economy — Grant County is facing a crisis with our economy. State and Federal agencies control and govern the natural resources we rely on to have a robust and growing economy. We need a County Court that works strongly toward gaining access to our resources to support a sustainable economy.

Fiscal Responsibility – As for all entities the cost of doing business is rising faster than the income we receive. Grant County must become efficient and learn to live within our means to the best of our ability.

Strong Representation – The Grant County Court needs to be actively engaged with our State and Federal government and respective agencies. If we don’t have a strong presence and voice, we will not have a fair chance to get what we need out of the political process and we will not have a sustainable economy here in the County.

Name: Kathy Stinnett

Age: 65

Occupation: Grant County Justice of the Peace; President, Oregon Justice of the Peace Association

Education: 1977 Graduate Grant Union High School; Licensed Contractor; Certificate in Special Court Jurisdiction, University of Nevada, Reno; 500+ hours of Continuing Legal Education credits

Political experience: Grant County Planning Commission 2008 – 2012; Justice of the Peace Pro-tem 2010-2012; Elected Justice of the Peace 2013-2018; Re-elected Justice of the Peace 2019-2024; President, Oregon Justice of the Peace Association 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024; Association of Oregon Counties, Public Safety Committee; County Building Committee; County Website Committee; County Wage Step Scale Committee

Candidate statement: I have watched Grant County government from a front row seat since 2009. Some say that we need to hire a professional County Administrator; I say we just need the right people in government. I have the skills and the desire to work in partnership with you to find the solutions.

On the issues: Leadership: Grant County needs strong leadership from a County Judge that understands effective administration and unbiased public service. Every decision made by the County Court should be based in fact and treated like a contract; made in good faith with enforceable accountability. Budget: We need to explore new sources of revenue to secure a stable budget for our future and place an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and accountability. The County’s business processes must be improved by phasing out the use of hand calculations and by installing modern software with more controls. Representation: We need to protect our freedoms, rights and safety from burdensome regulations, overreaching government, and increases in criminal activity. The County Judge must be the relentless voice of Grant County with state and federal agencies, and must ensure that we have effective law enforcement, prosecution, and judicial services.

Candidate: Mark Webb

Age: 65

Occupation: Executive Director of Blue Mountains Forest Partners; Fence Contractor; Wildland Fire Fighter

Education: Reed College, BA Philosophy; University of Notre Dame, PhD Philosophy

Political experience: Grant County Judge (2007-2013); Environmental Quality Commission (current); Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (current); Community Counseling Solutions (a Community Mental Health Provider, current); many other state and federal boards and committees during my tenure as county judge.

Candidate statement: I’m running for County Judge because I care deeply about Grant County and know this position offers one of the best ways to help our communities. I’m the best choice because I will provide strong leadership, work with communities, and ensure Grant County is financially responsible and provides quality services.

On the issues: One critical issue facing the county is insufficient leadership by the County Court. I’m known to be thoughtful, solution-oriented, and decisive and would ensure strong oversight of the county’s financial system and administrative responsibilities generally. Another is the Malheur National Forest’s outdated forest plan, which limits our ability to restore and maintain forest health at scale, reduce wildfire risk to area communities, and fully support the county’s natural resource sector. I’d work with the Malheur to develop its new forest plan to ensure county interests are addressed in a manner that’s consistent with federal law—work I’ve been doing successfully for more than 15 years. And third, community challenges related to inadequate levels of affordable family housing, law enforcement coverage, etc. Addressing this issue for area communities as a court member requires a level of engagement and partner building that I’ve been doing successfully for more than 15 years.

County CommissionerTwo people are running for Grant County commissioner No. 2. The seat carries a four-year term and is one of three voting positions on the county court, which serves as the main governing body of Grant County. The county court passes ordinances, sets policy and oversees county employees. The proposed base salary next fiscal year for county commissioner No. 2 is $32,580.

Candidate: Frances M. Preston

Age: 76

Occupation: Retired USDA Forest Service Administrator having served at all levels of the agency with extended detail assignments to headquarters in Washington DC.

Education: High School Diploma, Business School Diploma, Business credits, Portland State University and University of Alaska, Juneau.

Political experience: 46 years as Administrator in various Forest Service positions across the contiguous United States plus 25 years served in Juneau, Alaska. Grant County Senior Advisory Board 6 yrs., Prairie City Emergency Management Response Team Planning Team, Budget Committees for City of Prairie and Grant County Emergency Communications Committee.

Candidate statement: Born in Prairie City and raised in the Logging Camp of Bates I am running to better serve Grant Counties Senior Citizens to make it possible to provide future opportunities for the current services. I have a lifelong passion for the Natural Resources of Grant County.

On the issues: Natural Resources: Through coordination we can work closely with Federal agencies to build a better future for: Range, Wildfires Management, Timber, and Recreation. The Forest Plan is up for revision; it should be a working document that can be utilized in a practical sense to the benefit of all citizens. No more set-asides and most importantly assure that the Malheur National Forest remains an Open Forest with NO designated Routes. Transparency in Financial Management: Balance budgets to available funds. Secure the Local Assistance & Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) money $4.3 million into the future. Monthly reporting at County Court, how will the additional $250,000 from federal payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) be spent? Childcare: A number one priority need in Grant County it is critical to every employer and next to housing availability is the number one reason employers have difficulty hiring.

Candidate: Mitchel Wilson

Age: 40

Occupation: Certified welder; Owner of Wilson’s Welding & Fabrication

Education: Grant Union High School diploma, Treasure Valley Community College welder/fabricator certificate

Political experience: Former Mt. Vernon city councilor and past council president

Candidate statement: To try and make some positive progress for Grant County. I feel I am best for the job because of my common sense approach and ability to work with everyone and their opinions.

On the issues: Declining revenue and budget: I feel like until a person is in it and boots on the ground, nobody has the answers, but if elected I will work hard to make the changes that need to happen to help the county as a whole.

Justice of the PeaceThe justice of the peace is elected to a six-year term. The job entails presiding over the Grant County Justice Court, where civil trials and misdemeanor cases are heard and adjudicated. Three candidates are vying for the seat in this year’s election. The proposed base salary next fiscal year for the Justice of the Peace is $74,016 a year.

Candidate: Josh Fuller

Age: 49

Occupation: Welder, Fabricator

Education: High School

Political experience: Voting American

Candidate statement: I am running for Justice of the Peace because I have always had an interest in the justice system and respect for what they do. I am looking for a career where I can learn, grow and be involved in the community. I am committed to honesty and integrity, elected by the people for the people.

On the issues: I feel that we are being governed by a district that is unfamiliar with our way of life. I will advocate for Eastern Oregon and our rights as Americans. Lack of Youth activities: I do not feel that we have enough outlets for our youth. I will work with community partners to brainstorm ideas that will not put the entire burden on the taxpayers. Community Partnership: I will work hard to maintain an integral relationship with all of our community resources and be a positive voice for the people of Grant County.

Candidate: Richard A. Tirico

Age: 55

Occupation: Medical Death Investigator and Special Investigator for the Grant County District Attorney

Education: Golden West College and Chemeketa College for a total of 92 completed credits in Criminal Justice; 2000 hours of training in Law Enforcement; 24 years of Civil, Criminal, Vehicle code & working with the Public

Political experience: (1991-2013) I worked for the City of John Day in the position of Police Officer, Sergeant, and Chief of Police. I gained experience during this time in criminal cases, civil cases, and traffic codes. I supervised employees and kept a balanced budget for the department. I was trained in the Court Legal Process and Procedures as well as State Criminal Codes and State Vehicle Codes. I have worked with the Safety Coalition. I was a member of the Local Public Safety Coordinating Committee.

Candidate statement: I feel that I have a numerous amount of experience working with the public and community partners and heard their concerns. I want to provide access to Justice in a safe, fair and impartial environment by providing a fair and approachable system of Justice by respecting the law and resolving disputes peacefully, fairly and effectively.

On the issues: Hours of operation of the Justice Court to be open to the public and to be used in the best manner for the citizens and court. Keeping a balanced budget and keeping in the needs of the court not the wants. And to cut unnecessary spending. Making the public feel they have a voice and rights in court and do the best job for the citizens of Grant County.

Candidate: Dale Valade

Age: 39

Occupation: Ranch Hand, Hunting Guide, Freelance Writer

Education: Spray High School Class of 2002 Salutatorian

Political experience: Leadership Experience: Texas Houston Mission (2007-2009); Regal Entertainment Group Assistant General Manager at Old Mill Stadium 16, Pilot Butte 6 and Edwards Grand Teton 14 (2010-2016)

Candidate statement: To be a successful Justice of the Peace (of the people), one must have a proper perspective and understanding of every day life in Grant County. I bring the perspective of a younger, working class family man, but with traditional morals and values. I am bilingual, fluent in Spanish as well as English.

On the issues: It will not be a legislative office I am seeking but a judicial one. It is my job to interpret legal vs. illegal, not set any sort of precedent of right vs. wrong as it is a nonpartisan office.

TreasurerThree candidates are running for Grant County treasurer, which carries a four-year term. The treasurer acts as budget officer for the county, manages revenue and investments and pays the county’s bills as directed by the county court. (The name of a fourth candidate, Stacie Holmstrom, will be on the ballot, but Holmstrom has publicly stated she has withdrawn from the race, although she missed the March 15 deadline for removing her name from the ballot.) The proposed base salary next fiscal year for treasurer is $74,016, plus $4,968 for the role of budget officer.

Candidate: Dani Carter

Age: 42

Occupation: Bookkeeper

Education: High school diploma Grants Pass High School; Rogue Community College course of study business and accounting; tax preparers certificate, former certified tax preparer, and notary public

Political experience: 4-H association member, former association secretary and current association treasurer

Candidate statement: I am running for your Grant County Treasurer because I am passionate about our community and the offices affected by our current budget crisis within the County. I feel that it would be irresponsible not to step up and offer myself to the position.

On the issues: Transparency with the public and other community partners is an absolute necessity when in the office of Treasurer. Accurate record keeping and communication with each County department and the County Court, including owning mistakes and being held accountable for them. Willingness to think outside the box to help the County meet financial goals. Assisting the County to look at investments to grow and secure our departments future. We can’t keep wasting a dollar to save ten cents. Updating County systems and procedures to be more efficient. We must have checks and balances in place, so things don’t fall through the cracks. Our community is growing, and we must advance, or we will be left behind.

Candidate: Julie Ellison

Age: 61

Occupation: Current Grant County Treasurer

Education: Grant Union High School graduate and 40 years of working in this community

Political experience: I am currently serving my 8th year as Grant County Treasurer and I served as a director on the Mid-County Cemetery Board for 6 years

Candidate statement: I am running again for Grant County Treasurer because I love doing what this job requires. My entire working career has been in bookkeeping and balancing numbers. With my 8 years of County Treasurer experience I feel that I am the best candidate for this position.

On the issues: The State and Federal governments continue putting additional requirements on the county with no additional funding. The revenue that the county receives is not keeping up with General Fund expenses. The County will need to prioritize services by mandated vs. unmandated while trying to retain necessary services that the citizens expect. Unfortunately, property taxes only cover 29% of the General Fund budget. The authority is with the governing body and I would work with them to find solutions to live within our means. I will continue to watch and question expenses that are unnecessary.