Valade will be a good justice of the peace

To the Editor:

Dale Valade is a family man, with roots that go back several generations in Eastern Oregon. I have found him to be intelligent, well-informed and fair, with a desire to be a responsible part of Grant County.

I feel confident, as friends do, that Dale will serve well in the position of Grant County justice of the peace. A vote for Dale Valade will be a vote for Grant County.

Dave Traylor

John Day

Stinnett has the skills to be county judge

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

Leadership matters, and Webb has it

To the Editor:

During 40 years of teaching, I observed the importance of having mental health services available to families in Grant County. I am voting for Mark Webb for county judge because during his previous term as county cudge, he helped bring Community Counseling Solutions to Grant County. CCS provides mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment, gambling recovery services, and support for people with developmental disabilities.

Before CCS, the county court was responsible for hiring mental health directors and there was a high rate of turnover. Because Mark Webb worked to explore other options, Grant County has a permanent CCS treatment center and services for the citizens of Grant County.

Leadership matters! Please join me in voting for Mark Webb for judge.

Adele Cerny

Bear Valley

Hamsher will work hard for betterment of county

To the Editor:

Jim Hamsher has my endorsement for county judge. I have personally known him for many years and can vouch for his unwavering dedication to Grant County, combined with his exceptional leadership skills, making him the ideal candidate for county judge.

As a descendant of Grant County residents dating back to my great-great-grandparents, I have a deep connection to this county and want to ensure its well-being through responsible leadership and I am committed to supporting the only candidate who is a good steward of this special place. It is a privilege to endorse Jim knowing he will continue to work towards leaving a legacy that you and I can be proud of for generations to come. Jim is committed to preserving the past and solidifying a fiscally strong future for Grant County. He truly cares about the people, has a heart of gold, a true statesman, and a darn good cowboy.

Effective leaders prioritize improvement, making decisions based on what is right, not on personal preferences, outside agendas, or popularity. Jim, a committed public servant, has volunteered tens of thousands of hours up to and beyond his elected roles, studying issues thoroughly and communicating with local, state, and federal leaders to make informed decisions and advocate for Grant County. I believe he will continue to lead with honesty and passionately work towards improving Grant County.

Jim has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the county by showing up and being present for its needs, both in the courtroom and out in the community. He secured millions of dollars for the county from multiple sources, delivered over 1,000 tons of hay for cattle ranchers during the Canyon Creek Complex Fire, and completed water and sewer projects, among other accomplishments. Jim’s strong work ethic, values, knowledge, and fiscal responsibility align with the ideals I was taught to expect.

I strongly urge you to vote for Jim Hamsher by May 21. I am confident that he will continue making a positive impact and work towards the betterment of our county. Please join me in supporting Jim Hamsher by electing him as Grant County judge.

Kay Cardwell-Davis

Pendleton