To the Editor:

I attended the candidate forum and was struck by a remarkable difference in the way the county judge candidates introduced themselves.

Jim Hamsher does not need copious notes to speak in front of a large crowd of Grant County residents. He did not have a prepared speech with a list of his accomplishments to tell us every committee he has served on. Jim simply stood and spoke from the heart of his concern for the survival of our communities and way of life.

Since Jim does not toot his own horn, here is a list of some of his accomplishments: He is a Grant County commissioner and has served three terms as mayor of Prairie City; former Prairie City councilman; Prairie City Budget Committee; Association of Oregon Counties Federal Lands Management Steering Committee member; Association of Oregon Counties Veterans Affairs Steering Committee member; G.R.E.A.T board member; chairperson of the League of Oregon Cities, Small Cities Council; Prairie City Senior Center board member; and president of the Grant Count NPRA Rodeo Committee and longtime Grant County Rodeo Committee chairperson.

Jim organized the hay drive to help those who had livestock and the forage was destroyed by the Canyon Creek fire.

Jim wants to see “a new start for Grant County. Our residents cannot afford the status quo. The American Dream and Grant County customs and culture are at risk. The return of honesty, ethics and common sense is critical and the minimizing of regulations, taxation and litigation.”

Jim Hamsher knows the county, understands the customs and culture and he will be proactive to protect this. Jim will be a voice for all of Grant County, not just the people who live within the city limits of John Day and Canyon City.

Jim Hamsher has my endorsement for county judge.

Elaine Smith

Prairie City