>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Carter, Cahill, Wilson, Dunn, Clegg, Anderson, Uchison, Hemstreet, Morehead, Albrecht, Howell, DeNault, McGuire, VanLeuven, Feasel, Tate, Zinzer, Clegg, Birnbaum, Lowe, Howell, Roberts, Koza, Winn, Bergette, Perkins, Harris

The Dennis Wilkinson letter about Judge Phil Mendiguren that appeared in Friday’s Observer was Mr. Wilkinson’s opinion and was not substantiated by The Observer.

Mendiguren disputes the claims in the letter and said that “while I love golf I am limited to weekends and maybe a Thursday afternoon when the docket clears.’’ Mendiguren said at such times he uses his vacation time.

Wilkinson’s claims that Mendiguren can be found on the golf course “several days a week’’ and rearranges his court schedule to accommodate golf are absolutely false, Mendiguren said.

All of us in this valley enjoy the magnificence of Mount Emily. We could write about the historic recreational use Boise has generously allowed ATVers, hunters, skiers, mountain bikers, huckleberry pickers, hikers, etc., or we could write about the value of the timber that secures any potential indebtedness and also secures a continuing source of logs for employing our neighbors who work at Boise. Or, we could write about the tourism impact of this area.

Instead, however, we want to point out the value this area represents for our youth. Throughout the years, Boy Scouts have used this property in a variety of ways: for camping, for merit badge work, for Eagle Scout projects. Particularly now, with the increasing cost of gas and with the closure of Camp Wallowa, this Mount Emily area offers an incredible opportunity for Scouts to enjoy expanded programs.

The diverse ecological attributes of the area, established trail network, scenic views and close proximity to all Union County residents makes the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area a valuable community asset. In a time period of increasing fuel costs, hectic schedules and reductions in access to nearby private lands, the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area becomes even more attractive.

Whether an oldtimer or a newcomer, we as citizens of this county need to preserve the multiple uses that Mount Emily offers. We urge voters to support this measure in the May primary election.

Bob Carter

Eric Valentine

La Grande Scouters

I’m a registered Republican, and I’ll be voting for Barack Obama in the November general election — if the Democrats nominate him, that is.

One of the reasons Obama has my vote is that I’m disgusted with the political culture of this country. For the last eight years that culture has been personified by George Bush and Karl Rove. Before them it was Bill Clinton and Dick Morris. Now we have the specter of Hillary Clinton bringing us Rove redux as she wages her own scorched earth campaign against Barack Obama.

Whatever high ground Democrats may have imagined they had after the debacle of the Bush presidency, they are in the process of frittering it away by revealing themselves to be held in thrall by the same Machiavellian imperatives that the GOP used to divide this country and remain in power. I’m embarrassed by my own party’s divisive and unprincipled tendencies; I wonder if conscientious Democrats feel much better.

Say what you will about the Clinton and Bush political policies and legacies, there is no denying the fact that the American electorate has until now become increasingly disenchanted with our political process. It’s been 38 years since 60 percent of registered voters even bothered to cast a ballot for president in a general election.

Take a moment and digest that fact.

Now ask yourself, who among the three candidates running for president has the most potential for reviving public participation in American democracy and for restoring pride in our government and for mobilizing coalitions of people from across the political spectrum to tackle the problems facing our country?

Democrats: Wake up and deliver Obama to us. America needs him.

Kevin Cahill

La Grande

I am voting yes on the proposed 3,669- acre Mount Emily Recreation Area, a yes vote for local control; sustainable, managed natural resource production; economic development; and keeping land open for public recreation.

I’ve lived in Union County for 24 years and hiked, biked and ATVed in the area since 1987. I have belonged to the Grande Ronde Bowmen for nearly 20 years. The trail system and scenic views in the area are incredible. The thought of losing Mount Emily — public access, archery range, elk and deer habitat and timber for our economy — is disheartening to say the least. We have an opportunity to save these important community assets.

The proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area is a community-based project. We all benefit directly from the area: timber for mills, forage for livestock, wildlife habitat, water for streams and aquifers, a place for recreation. With rising costs of transportation, having such areas nearby adds immeasurably to our quality of life.

In the May 2008 primary, the Union County commissioners are asking the residents of Union County whether they would support the county acquiring the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area. If acquired, the county proposes to manage the area for timber production, livestock grazing, wildlife habitat and motorized/ nonmotorized recreation. I have read the feasibility study (2/18/2008) prepared by the Mt. Emily Recreation Coalition, which provides the framework for future management and funding of the area, post acquisition. Union County is pursuing grants and investment by a philanthropic organization to acquire the property. If successful, Union County would acquire the property at no cost to the residents of Union County.

I am voting yes to have Union County continue to pursue acquisition of the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area. This area is too valuable to our community to lose. Get the facts by contacting Union County at 963-1014 or by visiting www.mtemily.org.

Scott Wilson

La Grande

I have known Jim Mollerstrom for several years, and have found him to be a very intelligent, hard working individual who works tirelessly for what he believes in.

I have worked with him on DHS cases as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children) and found him to be honest and caring. He knows no boundaries when it comes to getting to the root of a problem. He does his job in an honorable way with the utmost respect to all individuals he is in contact with, yet is firm in his convictions.

The thing I notice about Jim that I feel is such a very important quality in any public employee is he knows how to work well with others and listens to any and all input other folks have. He is not a “loner” in any sense of the word, but a real team player. I feel this is the kind of person we need in such an important position as Union County commissioner.

Please join me in support of this man who has Union County in his heart and who will work hard to benefit all citizens as well as Union County.

Also, I would like to wish Colleen MacLeod well in her future and thank her for all her hard work for us.

Bonnie Dunn

Union

I think Judge Mendiguren deserves the full support of Union and Wallowa county voters. He is a man of great integrity who does his job well in the courtroom. He always conducts his court in fairness in any decisions he makes.

Please vote for Judge Mendiguren to retain his job as Circuit Court Judge, 10 District.

Bob Clegg

Enterprise

Union County is a great place. It’s full of good, honest, hardworking people. Under the leadership of those we’ve elected, Union County has been moving steadily forward the past 35 years, since the time I made the decision to call this valley home. We don’t need a person like John Lamoreau to represent our interests in county government.

We have other candidates who’ve stepped forward.

John needs “issues” to feed his campaign. One relates to his support of the Sheriff’s Department budget, and a 9-1-1 call between 3 and 7 a.m. recently. The caller was told no one was on duty (a budget issue?). Some 14 minutes later, someone from the department responded. Our sheriff has made an administrative decision not to have someone on duty during those hours. Thanks to John, now every crook in our county knows when to strike.

When John last attempted to serve, he turned Union County government into a political farce. He identified himself as the maverick and painfully proved that to us the next four years, until he was defeated by Nellie Hibbert.

He kept county government stirred up. Compromise and consent are not words in his vocabulary. And with this distrust and micro-management, John became the critic of everyone and everything related to county government.

He’s already shown us his distrust of most of the county’s elected officials and many of the county’s employees. Let’s not allow the morale of these hardworking individuals to sink to the depths they were at when John last served on the commission. We should not allow this self-serving individual to move into a leadership role.

His ads are already touting him as a “fighter” — just the style of governance we don’t need for a “second round.”

We have too many other good choices, and too much to lose if we elect John again. We Republicans can keep this situation from plaguing us again in this election.

Steve Anderson, P.E.

La Grande

For part of Dan Ousley’s term as district attorney in Wallowa County I had the privilege of working in that office as the victims’ assistant.

During that period of time I grew to respect Dan for his understanding of the law, his organizational skills, his willingness to listen, his integrity, honesty and the calm manner with which he handled some very volatile situations.

Since these are all characteristics I very much want to see in a Circuit Court judge, I will be casting my vote for Dan in the upcoming election. If these characteristics are important to you, I invite you to do the same.

Lynn Uchison

Enterprise

The truth should be told about defeated Wallowa County DA Dan Ousley, who is now running for circuit judge.

His misuse of valuable law enforcement resources to pursue non-criminals with frivolous prosecutions while allowing felons to roam free says it all.

My wife, friend Gregg Clapper and I were some of the victims of his misplaced priorities.

Ousley, together with other state officials, unsuccessfully prosecuted us, dragging it out for more than two years. They piled on more than 20 frivolous misdemeanor game charges. It didn’t work. We didn’t give in.  We were all ultimately vindicated and all charges were dismissed.

During that same time period, Ousley refused to prosecute clear crimes in which we were victims of felony theft and cattle rustling. It was only after Ousley was removed from office that law enforcement has been freed up to do its real work in that case. Prosecutions of real criminals are now proceeding.

I have learned of other victims of Mr. Ousley’s tactics — other good citizens who have suffered while he was wielding his abusive power without discretion.

We need to re-elect an honest, impartial and fair judge for our circuit court. We desperately need good judgment from those in whom we place our trust and to whom we give our votes.

If it can happen to me, it can happen to you. 

That’s why I’m voting to re-elect Judge Phil Mendiguren.

Mark S. Hemstreet

Portland and Wallowa County

Due to ODFW’s failure to regulate predators, large portions of the Chesnimnus elk population here in Wallowa County have moved out into the private ground known as Zumwalt. All this ground is posted and unless you have more money than sense, don’t go there because ODFW law enforcement is heavy and they will prosecute you for trespassing.

Fingers of Forest Service land blend into private ground and this is where the elk stay just close enough to open ground and safety that it’s a short run from predators or hunters.

If you are in need of meat in this time of criminally high prices due to the oil crises, you will be better off to buy a beef or hog from a local rancher instead of paying the price of a tag, gas or diesel, tires, groceries and then not being sure of getting meat. At least with the rancher you get something for your money. This from an ex-hunter with 55 years of experience in this hunting unit. I practice what I preach.

Paul Morehead

Joseph

I would like to respond to Friday’s article regarding the sex charges leveled at La Grande’s former superintendent Irv Nikolai. Like most, I was surprised and disgusted that such an act was possibly perpetrated on anyone, let alone a small child. While I believe all people are innocent until proven guilty, my editorial today is regarding the tactless way The Observer reported the story.

The article begins as it should with the charges, the victim, the time frame etc., for approximately half the article. Then it goes on to highlight Nikolai’s career, his education and finally wraps up with a tribute to his football career. “He was a football star at Stanford ... He played in several AFL exhibition games for the Oakland Raiders in 1960 before an injury ended his playing career.”

I can imagine that if I was insulted by what read as a tribute to Mr. Nikolai’s football career, the parents of this little girl in the midst of this nightmare are incensed. Imagine a news story that read, “Man ran down small child with truck ... but he was an exceptional athlete that led La Grande to a state title.”

Your coverage of this story was insensitive, ridiculous and irrelevant.

Kristie Albrecht

La Grande

Union County Republicans have a very clear choice to make with regard to the county commissioner race. I urge voters to cast their ballot for Mark Davidson.

Mark is a strong individual with many qualifications to serve us as a county commissioner. Among the qualities I like about Mark is his ability to listen to facts, comments and opinions in formulating his decisions. Mark is not quick to judge, developing concepts with careful thought. He has served our community volunteering on various boards and commissions and brings a wealth of positive, progressive ideas to the county table.

Mark has the right personality and temperment to be a commissioner for all of us. Mark Davidson will work well with others, whether with the other commissioners, county employees or state and federal officials. He can be very effective in advocating the best interests of Union County.

I have personally seen his wealth of solid traits in action. A vote for Mark Davidson is the best choice you, the voter, can make for Union County.

Curt Howell

La Grande

Judge Mendiguren and Dan Ousley served on the committee that selected me in 1997 to serve as administrator for our circuit court. I held the position until my retirement in 2006. During my nine years with the court, I had a professional working relationship with both men, in and out of our courtrooms.

Selection of the right person to serve as one of our judges is not an easy task. We give our judges tremendous authority and responsibility. We ask our judges to render decisions in the most difficult cases — cases involving our cherished rights, our safety and the future of our children.

The Oregon Code of Judicial Conduct requires that our judges adhere to some fundamental principles. Our judges must: be faithful to the law; put the performance of judicial duties above all other activities; maintain the integrity to the judiciary; maintain order and decorum; and be patient, dignified and courteous to everyone having business with the court. Judge Mendiguren does not consistently adhere to these principles. I believe Dan Ousley will.

To learn more about our judicial candidates, you may talk with your friends and neighbors. Many have come in contact with our court as jurors, witnesses, litigants or spectators. You may talk with professionals in law enforcement, social services and the legal profession who come into our courts on a regular basis. You may visit the Oregon State Bar website — osbar.org — where all judicial candidates have answered questions drafted by the State Bar.

I encourage you to evaluate the character and fitness of our judicial candidates. When you mark your ballot, I encourage you to vote for Dan Ousley.

John DeNault

La Grande

Sens. Clinton and McCain are both bashing Sen. Obama because he doesn’t support them in their effort to suspend the federal gasoline tax during the summer months.

Our national debt is more than $9 trillion, a figure that has grown about $4 trillion under George W. Bush when he in fact promised us that his fiscal plan, announced shortly after he took office in 2001, would reduce “the deficit by an unprecedented amount over the next four years.”

I have seen a few different sums but, overall, suspending the federal gas tax will save the average American about $10 a month. It hardly seems worth it to me. The federal gas tax is what helps to pay for our infrastructure. The roads in many areas are already in terrible condition. Can we afford to lose this tax money? What about all the people whose jobs depend on highway projects?

Hillary says her plan will replace the lost revenue with a windfall profits tax. Does she really believe that she can get such a bill passed? Even if she does succeed, it will most likely get vetoed. Sen. McCain claims he will replace the money by “ending wasteful federal spending.” Hmm, can he be any more vague?

I have to agree with Sen. Obama that this is just a ploy to help Clinton and McCain garner votes. There is no significant gain to be had by suspending the gas tax but there certainly does appear to be much to lose.

Kathy McGuire

La Grande

In the May 2008 primary, voters have a “once in forever” opportunity to save a special tract of land for use by all — the Mount Emily Recreation Area. As a senior at Imbler High School, I’m asking people to vote yes in the primary election to save Mount Emily.

I completed my senior project in the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area. With assistance from other students, my parents and members of the Blue Mountain  Singletrack Trails Club, I designed, constructed and placed three wooden bridges at trail crossings of drainages in the area. There are about 11 miles of trails that are used extensively for hiking, mountain bicycling, trail running and horseback riding. These trails are used by many residents of Union County as well as visitors to the county — those who have heard about the quality of singletrack trails in the area. The trails cross drainages multiple times and bridges were lacking on several crossings.

I chose to do my senior project in the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area because I’ve enjoyed the challenging and scenic singletrack trails in the area for years. I jumped at the opportunity to be able to contribute to the trail system in the area — something that all residents of Union County regardless of income level or proximity to the area can enjoy.

The proposed recreation area includes about 3,700 acres of land that is located just two miles north of the La Grande city limits. Union County is researching options for acquisition of the area. If acquired by Union County, the area would be managed for sustainable timber production, livestock grazing, wildlife habitat and related watershed resources, and public recreation — both motorized and non-motorized.

Please join me and my family in helping to preserve a legacy with longstanding value for the residents of Union County.

For more information about the proposed Mount Emily Recreation Area, visit www.mtemily.org.

Tyler VanLeuven

Imbler

I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim Mollerstrom for many years as a friend and neighbor.

Jim encourages respect and has an outstanding relationship with others he comes in contact with. He is very optimistic and is more than willing to be involved with people. He is outstanding in building projects and committee work and has an extensive background in both areas.

He understands, presents and discusses concepts precisely, and answers questions clearly. He listens and responds to constructive comments and maintains a good sense of humor.

Please put political party differences aside and vote for this qualified citizen of Union County for county commissioner. I know he will appreciate your vote!

Gary Feasel

La Grande

It begins again: Mr. Lamoreau with his fact-twisting, fear-monger brand of politics.

He ran a three-column ad damning the good name and dedicated efforts of the sheriff, his deputies, employees, 9-1-1, city police and specifically the sheriff’s supposed inadequate budget.

The incident in question happened to one of John’s most vocal and avid supporters. He continues to use the sheriff and his office as a bully pulpit for his own re-election efforts. He paints a picture of himself as the single and only champion of local law enforcement. He is falsely campaigning that he saved the sheriff’s office from drastically being cut to only two officers.

Here is some factual data the ad did not bother to tell you:

• If there is no one on duty from 3 to 7 every morning, it is the sheriff’s call or it is simply a management decision

• It takes five officers to cover the 168 (24/7) hours in a week

• The sheriff’s office has more than adequate staffing to cover two deputies on duty the 168 hours with 24/7 coverage

Twenty-four hours in a day multiplied by seven days in a week equals 168 hours, and five full-time officers working 40 hours a week equals 200 hours. That leaves an allowance of 32 hours for sick and vacation time.

The sheriff has 11 deputies plus himself to run the sheriff’s office. Most deputies take their cars home at night so they are readily available for call out. The officer was on site 14 minutes after receiving the call, not 45 minutes as Lamoureau is reporting.

His deja vu zeal to stir up public outcry in his favor preys on residents’ fears, pits much-needed services and people against each other and reminds us of why he is no longer in a decision-making capacity in this county.

We are all smarter than deceptive, negative politics.

Gary L. Tate

North Powder

I want to thank all candidates who participated in the Opera House Candidates Forum and Jamie Stewart at KLBM, Rep. Greg Smith, Gene Hardy, Matt Insko, Terry “Opera House” Hale and Lance Shoemaker.

Each candidate offered a unique perspective.

Both Democrats were optimistic about the future. Jim Mollerstrom appeared agreeable and willing to connect with citizens. Greg Franklin showed knowledge of the issues. I found them both likeable.

Republican Kyle Corbin was intelligent and energetic; with more experience, he has real potential.

Lamoreau and Davidson were the most interesting.

Davidson puzzled me. He appeared negatively critical of the railroad, yet he’s on the WURR board. He was once mayor of

La Grande, but failed to mention that fact. He suggests increasing taxes on wind energy, but as I recall, another commissioner tried to hang a 7 percent decommissioning fee on Horizon, nearly killing the deal. With new energy companies looking at Union County, raising taxes would be a mistake. Davidson seemed vague, guarded and “too political.” He lacked specifics and played it safe.

In contrast, Lamoreau offered substantive details and specific ideas such as “transparency” in government, making the inner workings more accessible to the public. Two evening commission meetings every year in each Union County township. With his help in crafting renewable energy policies, we’re currently attracting three additional wind power companies to look here. He sees renewable energy as one solution to declining timber revenues. He said law enforcement and winter road maintenance are a higher priority than golf courses, “training golf course employees to drive snow plows.”

At this forum, Lamoreau offered the most specific facts and figures regarding county budgets, expenses and projections. His experience, capability and thoughtfulness was obvious. He displayed a working knowledge of county government clearly beyond the rest of the field. If elected, he seems ready to hit the ground running.

Rich Zinzer

Elgin

Dan Ousley did not allocate resources to investigate Mark Hemstreet regarding alleged game violations, as stated in a letter from Hemstreet that appeared in Tuesday’s Observer.

Ousley pointed out that the OSP did the investigation and that at no time was any other investigation or prosecution jeopardized or delayed.

Hemstreet was cited for possessing a resident hunting license because at the time his residence was in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Also, the case was not dismissed. Hemstreet entered into a diversion to resolve the case, paid $5,000 and agreed to the terms of the diversion regarding residency.

I first met Phil Mendiguren on the golf course in La Grande 25 years ago. We quickly struck up a friendship that has lasted through the years. I watched as he moved from practicing law in La Grande to seeking and winning the election as Circuit Court judge for Union and Wallowa counties in 1996.

While I have not had the opportunity to personally sit in on any court sessions presided over by Judge Mendiguren, I have read about many of his trial results and judicial decisions rendered by him. I have also talked with many people who have attended his courtroom.

Based on these observations I believe he has strived to be the best judge possible — fair, honest and consistent in all decisions. From our many discussions I know how passionate and caring Phil is about the quality of the job he does.

Yes, I know there have been occasions when some litigants and a part of the general public have not been pleased with his court decisions, but that’s true of all judges. I believe he has kept those times to a minimum.

The status quo with Phil has been solid. A change now is not warranted. Let’s keep 12 years of experience for another round. I also assure you his courtroom abilities far exceed his golfing skills, and those aren’t too bad either. I encourage you to join me in voting to re-elect Judge Phil Mendiguren for our Circuit Court judge.

Jim Clegg

Enterprise

I was a lawyer in Union and Wallowa counties from 1990 until I retired a couple of years ago, and I’ve worked with both candidates for Circuit Court judge.

Phil Mendiguren is a very nice guy. He’s a good golfer, plays hard racquetball and tells great locker-room jokes. He wants to be a good judge, and he thinks he’s a good judge. But in the courtroom he’s rude, usually late and almost always unprepared. He makes little effort to control his temper. He doesn’t respect the people who appear before him, and he’s inconsiderate to the people who have to wait for him. He doesn’t read the legal documents that are submitted to the court, and he frequently makes judicial decisions based on favoritism rather than fairness or legal principles. For a long time, the courts in Baker, Umatilla and Malheur counties just wouldn’t accept him as a visiting judge.

Dan Ousley is also a nice guy. But he’s also a hard-working lawyer who puts in a full day on the job. He treats everybody with equal respect, and his legal judgments are always professional. He’s committed to the legal process regardless of personalities, and he has the wisdom, the common sense and the humility that characterizes the best judges.

I’m going to vote for Ousley for Circuit Court judge, and I urge your readers to do the same, because Union and Wallowa counties deserve a judge who’s hard working, fair, but tough.

Martin J. Birnbaum

Union County district attorney, retired

After reading former La Grande Mayor Mark Davidson’s answers to questions asked by The Observer, I still don’t know where he stands on some of these issues.

For example, the Observer asked, “Do you support establishment of a Mount Emily Recreation Area?”

That is a simple yes or no question and then say why he believes his answer. But he declines to say “yes” or “no.” The only thing that he states is what other people have told him about how they feel about the project. Why won’t he publicly let us know how he feels?

The Observer also asked him about “some contentious issues” that arose during his term as La Grande City councilman (mayor) and how he felt he handled them. He refuses to discuss those issues and proclaims he is a “team builder.”

That is at odds with two Republican council members who served with him and who both threatened to resign because they could not work with him. Perhaps those two city councilors who served with Davidson were correct when they were quoted in two January 1997 issues of The Observer as saying Davidson’s political behavior “deviates to the lowest common denominator of backroom politics” ( Steve Joseph) and “If you can’t trust a man’s word or handshake, I don’t know if you can trust that person” (Kirk Achilles).

I wish Mr. Davidson would explain why in his ads and campaign material he never even mentions he was mayor of La Grande. Is he embarrassed about it?

It is hard to trust anyone who keeps changing his answers to some questions or won’t answer others. We deserve better.

Ben Lowe

La Grande

I second the motion to Steve Anderson’s May 6 letter regarding John Lamoreau. Lamoreau was voted out of office last time for very good reason and I sincerely hope the people of Union County haven’t forgotten why.

At a time when our dedicated commissioners are considering creating more recreational opportunities for the residents of Union County with the Mount Emily project, he opposes Buffalo Peak golf course even after it’s become one of the finest public courses in Oregon. He opposed the Wallowa-Union Railroad, which has become a successful premier attraction in our area and sells out virtually all runs.

Attaching his name to the power windmill project and posing with political figures does not qualify him as the person we need as a leader. His slogan “Fighting for Efficiency” means nothing to me unless he identifies what and/or who is inefficient and what he would do to eliminate it. Sloganeering is the hallmark of politicians, not local government servants of the public.

We must remember that Buffalo Peak is a public recreational facility owned by the people of Union County and operated for our benefit. Not everyone is a golfer but neither is everyone a hunter, fisherman, hiker, off-roader, camper or boater.

We’re fortunate that our county is able to provide recreational opportunities for everyone and also provide great incentives for business and industry to locate here where we have such a fine quality of life. Public recreational facilities do not have to “operate in the black” and most never will.

I am perfectly fine with my tax dollars being spent to provide such facilities as long as they are maintained and operated in the best interest of the taxpayers. However, I’m certain that Buffalo Peak will become self-supporting or very close to it in the near future.

Ralph M. Howell

Elgin

The Union County Vector Control Board is asking your support in renewing the operating level for the Union County Vector Control District. As board members, our objectives are to protect you from discomfort and the adverse effects of mosquito bites and minimize the risk of human exposure to mosquito-borne disease such as West Nile Virus.

We work to achieve mosquito control through direct and indirect intervention by eliminating or reducing the size of mosquito populations in areas identified throughout our county. Mosquito control is a public health necessity. Not only can mosquitoes be nuisances, they can transmit potentially fatal diseases.

Our board implemented an integrated pest management plan to control mosquitoes here in Union County in 2000. This plan includes physical control or surveillance, biological control, chemical control and a public information program.

If we are to successfully carry out this program, the local operating levy must be renewed at a rate of .1639 per $1,000 assessed value.

We ask you to vote yes on the Union County District four-year operating levy.

Shirley Roberts, Mary Koza, Doug Winn, Shaneen Bergette, Marlene Perkins

board members, Union County Vector Control District

We are writing this letter in support of Daniel Ousley for Circuit Court judge. Meeting him in person, we were impressed with his kind demeanor, professional attitude and the depth of his law experience.

Hearing him speak at the candidates fair, we found him to be well-prepared, articulate and insightful. We feel Dan could bring a new level of courtesy, preparation and knowledge of the law to our circuit court.

It is time for a change and Dan Ousley is up to the challenge. We encourage voters to join us in support of Dan Ousley for Circuit Court judge in District 10.

Lynn Harris, DMD

Jan Harris

La Grande