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

Girard, Lamoreau, Johnson, Welch, Ogletree, Sands, Lane, Schwarz, Shoemaker, Awbrey, Pannier, Thomson, Nicholson, Lester, Wilkinson, Colwell, Isley, Rasmussen

I urge all registered Democrats to vote for Jim Mollerstrom on the upcoming primary election to place him on the general election ballot. Being a lifelong registered Republican and one who has never voted outside my party affiliation, I am willing to do a first and pledge my support to Jim Mollerstrom!

I have come to this conclusion after seeing for myself what Jim represents and the fact he is the right man to serve this position.

Jim’s career choice has always been working with others in very difficult situations as a counselor to troubled youths and as a child advocate.

Jim brings a wealth of real-world experience to this position and knows the issues that are troubling the community. Jim has demonstrated his actions speak much louder than words and he will serve us well.

If you want a teamwork-oriented, listening, caring, straight-talking county commissioner, I urge you to vote for Jim Mollerstrom.

Mark L. Girard

La Grande

Mr. Bigler’s recent letter didn’t discuss the county issue he and I disagree on (golf course). Rather, he again attempts to portray me as being unpatriotic for being a Quaker by faith. He has done that before.

In 1980, I co-wrote a book called “Waging Peace.’’ It was written for a Quaker publisher as a Bible study and has everything to do with studying scripture and the history of the early church.

Mr. Bigler claimed it was a book on “draft dodging.’’ He forgets our country’s military draft ended in 1973, seven years before I wrote the book. There was no draft in 1980. The Observer found Bigler’s claim erroneous and ran a retraction the next day.

There was a draft during Vietnam War of the 1960s and early 1970s. I did have serious concerns about that war. While I was not drafted I could have been and did not seek to avoid it by asking for conscientious objector status. Many of my friends were drafted including the man who later would be my best man.

I would sincerely encourage Mr. Bigler to learn about Quakers including the creation of Pennsylvania by Quaker William Penn. It was Penn’s government that gave citizens the right to trial by jury, freedom of press and religious tolerance almost 100 years before our Declaration of Independence.

Two Quakers have served as presidents of our country including the only U.S. president raised in Oregon (Hoover). Former Oregon Sen. Mark Hatfield has beliefs very similar to Quakers. It is not surprising he has taught courses with my co-author at Oregon’s only Quaker university — George Fox University. Quakers have played an honorable part in our nation’s history from the very beginning.

Let’s keep this election season civil and focused on issues.

John Lamoreau

La Grande

Regarding Susan Brigg’s April 8 letter, I was stunned she said Kyle Corbin should withdraw from the county Board of Commissioner’s race. We have primaries to reduce the party’s choice of one candidate. That decision belongs to the voters and not to the leaders of the party.

My choice in the primary will be the candidate who wants to provide the services needed and deserved by the citizens of Union County. I’ll consider the candidates’ experience and whether that experience has resulted in successful or failed programs. How active candidates have been in the party, or how many committees they are members of, won’t influence my decision.

Kyle must be doing some things right, since the traditional complaints reported in The Observer regarding Union’s city government seem to have dwindled since he became mayor.

As a lifelong registered Republican, I respectfully disagree with Susan. Three candidates in the primary are good for the party and for Union County. It provides the opportunity for new direction and for change that is needed.

Patricia L. Johnson

Cove

I’m pleased to see that Dan Ousley is running for Circuit Court judge in Union and Wallowa counties. Through both professional and personal experience from my tenure in La Grande, I know Dan to be level-headed, fair, calm and resourceful. A gentleman in the true sense of the word, Ousley has the ability to discern the multiple facets of any situation and make decisions based on the well being of all parties concerned.

I worked as a therapist and social worker in many venues in Union and neighboring counties from 1991 to 2003. When I left La Grande, Judge Mendiguren’s leadership was unreliable, the tone he would set for the court unpredictable from day to day.

I believe Dan will be able to establish a calm and consistent demeanor in his court, giving all parties and citizens faith in the judicial system of your counties.

Please vote for Dan Ousley for Circuit Court judge.

Aylee Welch, LICSW

Seattle

After reading one of Bill Grigsby’s columns, it was obvious that he leans to the liberal left. As a researcher of the media, news and propaganda, not one mention was made of CNN, MSNBC, the MSM alphabet networks and the news wires’ bias slant for the Democratic party. Seems like he only watches FOX and listens to NPR.

If I were an Obama supporter, I too would be angry at the FNC for exposing his black racist mentor and pastor, his domestic terrorist associates, the Weathermen (whose intent was to overthrow the U.S. government) and his wife who has never been proud of America until her husband was winning the Democratic presidential primary.

The story of his preacher has been out for over a year and without FOX informing its viewers, because no other news agency would, no one would know about Jerimiah Wright and his hate-filled sermons. FOX has informed and persuaded me that I do not want Barrack Hussein Obama as president.

As Mr. Grigsby is a researcher of the news media, I find that the FNC is way more “fair and balanced” than he is since he failed to mention MSNBC promoting Obama every evening so much that Chris Matthews gets a tingling in his legs just thinking of him. And, by the way, it was the ABC Democratic debate that asked the tough questions that made Obama spit and sputter without answering.

For him to become president, I would like to know the answer to these questions, but he won’t debate on FOX because they may not let him off the hook. And now he refuses to debate on any network because the truth will destroy his candidacy.

Mr. Grigsby, if you are going to write and teach on the media, you need to change the channel occasionally and stop spreading propaganda.

C.C. Ogletree

La Grande

Managing the work of our county government requires knowledge in a multitude of areas. I’m sure it is a demanding job and needs people with a broad understanding of business, people and the mechanics of making things happen.

I’m very pleased to give my support to Mark Davidson. I’m always pleased when people of his caliber step up to the plate when there are openings in the county commission. Mark’s background in business and many years on boards and committees in the public sector and his interest in giving us some years of his life to make our county move forward is a pleasure to me.

I’ve worked with the county court on a number of projects and am sure Mark will be a hard working contributor to this office.

Please cast your vote for Mark Davidson for county commissioner.

Don Sands

La Grande

As a Union County resident, farmer and father raising a young family, the health of our community is a priority in my life. Fairness and strength in our judicial system is a vital component to a safe and healthy community.

I have known Phil Mendiguren for more than 15 years and have always found his character and judgment to be of the highest integrity.

Union and Wallowa counties are fortunate to be served by a person with the qualities that Phil brings to our local justice system I would like to encourage voters to re-elect Phil to the position of 10th District Circuit Court Judge.

Rob Lane

owner, Lane Farms

La Grande

“Democrats have a common-sense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices by cracking down on price gouging; rolling back the billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, tax breaks and royalty relief given to big oil and gas companies; and increasing production of alternative fuels.” Wow! That sounds really good. Right?

But here’s a real inconvenient truth (sorry, Al Gore): These words were proclaimed by Nancy Pelosi two years ago. And, now that the Democratic majorities in both houses have had a year and a half to cut energy prices, especially gasoline, what are the results? The cost of West Texas crude oil is up by more than 70 percent. The cost of gasoline and diesel for our cars, trucks and farms has effectively doubled.

Ironically, we have plenty of new oil, at least 10 billion barrels in Alaska, 30 billion offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and an incredible 1.2 trillion in Rocky Mountain oil shale formations. But Pelosi, with her fellow Democrats in control, and some Republicans have chosen to do nothing to help with developing these supplies we desperately need.

Brazil has enabled drilling for billions in oil off its shores (and is energy independent), China has teamed with Cuba to drill for billions in oil off our shores in the Gulf of Mexico, our neighbors to the south (Mexico) and to the north (Canada) are drilling and mining for billions in oil. Both are energy exporters.

Meanwhile, our Congress concocts ethanol requirements that require more energy than they produce and which have already disrupted world food supplies. We pay more and grumble, but elsewhere people are rioting for food and starving, in part because of green-driven insanity here in the U.S.

And, sorry Professor Grigsby, this ain’t a Fox News lie. It is indeed a real inconvenient truth.

Lyle Schwarz

La Grande

Does anyone remember Mark Davidson’s first vote as a La Grande City Council member? He was elected along with two other Republicans (Steve Joseph, Kirk Achilles) and had decided with them to elect Steve Joseph mayor. Voting for mayor then was done by a city council vote.

Unbeknownst to Joseph and Achilles, Davidson had struck a backroom deal with Di Larsen-Hill to have him voted mayor and Larsen-Hill mayor pro tem.

The Observer ran numerous articles about Davidson’s journey to becoming mayor of La Grande. Both Joseph and Achilles threatened to resign their council positions over Davidson’s betrayal. Joseph was quoted in a Jan. 20, 1997, front page article as stating about Davidson: “That (behavior) deviates to the lowest common denominator of back room politics.” In another front page article two days later, Achilles questioned Davidson’s ethics stating, “If you can’t trust a man’s word and his handshake, I don’t know if you can trust that person.”

The Observer also chimed in with an editorial stating, “If Joseph had a handshake agreement with Davidson on who would vote for whom for mayor, Davidson owes an explanation of why he changed his mind and why he didn’t tell Joseph that he had.”

Can Davidson be trusted? Do integrity and an individual’s word mean anything anymore? It does to me and I expect my elected officials to act honorably. You decide!

We need honesty, not double talk.

Lance C. Shoemaker

Imbler

Harry Bigler’s letter about John Lamoreau was way off base. I appreciate Mr. Bigler’s military service during World War II, but he obviously doesn’t know John very well.

I met John when I was in high school. I have never known my real dad. John stepped up to help me and my sister. When I joined the Air Force, John was the one who drove me to my induction in Spokane. He was with me when I entered into the service.

Mountain Home, Idaho, was one of the bases I was stationed at. Often on leave days, I would stay at John and his wife’s home. I could bring people with me. We never had to ask. We always knew we were welcome. We appreciated what they did for us.

I sent John a bumper sticker that said: “My daughter serves in the Air Force.” He had it on his car the entire time I served. He has helped me before I served, while I served and after I served.

Mr. Bigler, John honors people who serve with more than words. You owe him an apology.

Lauren Awbrey

La Grande

If all these people who really want the facts on global warming would go to their computers and click on townhall.com and do a search on columns by Thomas Sowell called “Global Hot Air,” they could read the names and works of respected climate scientists who are open minded about whether global warming is man-made.

B.G. Pannier

Lostine

My son made a mistake, acknowledged his error and was prepared to accept punishment for his actions. His story differed from his accuser so he went to court. He looked forward to telling his side of the story. Judge Mendiguren presided. He was unfamiliar with the issues and refused to hear our lawyer when he tried to point out factual errors.

The judge went on a rant that culminated in him comparing my son to a mass murderer. He devastated a boy who had never been in trouble before. This boy never tried to hide what he had done and was trying to do the right thing. He is a 4.0 student, a varsity athlete and is one project away from being an Eagle Scout. He is recognized by teachers, church leaders and friends to be exemplary.

While consoling my son, I thought that maybe Judge Mendiguren had a bad day. Later I spoke with some leaders in the law enforcement community who said this was typical for Judge Mendiguren. Apparently he is notorious for his “tirades” in the courtroom.

As a member of the military for 15 years I believe strongly in our justice system. I was appalled that a system I have fought to defend throughout the world turned into nothing short of child abuse.

I met with Dan Ousley who states that he is running “to bring a professional approach to the Court,” “be thoroughly prepared,” “allow complete presentation of all legal issues” and “neither tolerate nor exhibit rude or discourteous behavior.” He knows what changes need to be made in the current court.

Many people I trust tell me Judge Mendiguren is a wonderful person. I’m sure that’s true, but our experience taught me that he is not always a wonderful judge.

Please support Dan Ousley for Circuit Court judge.

Brook Thomson, M.D.

La Grande

We are writing this letter on behalf of Jim Mollerstrom for County Commissioner No. 3.

We still recall the day we moved to La Grande almost 20 years ago. Our new neighbor, Jim, helped us unload the U-Haul. One Thanksgiving, while we were gone, Jim shoveled snow off our roof to keep it from collapsing. This is the type of person Jim is — caring and reliable.

We have been able to observe Jim as he served on the La Grande School Board and chaired the school district’s budget committee. Jim does not have a set agenda. He would listen to both sides of the problem, gather input from the community and then vote as to what the community members felt best for the students of

La Grande. Jim Mollerstrom would continue to represent the people of Union County.

Jim Mollerstrom is a perfect candidate for county commissioner. He is honest, intelligent and trustworthy. He has been a member on numerous boards and committees around the county. He knows the people of Union County and their needs. Jim is dedicated to this commitment and will put the time into making the right decisions for our county.

Please join us in voting for Jim Mollerstrom for county commissioner.

Larry and Lisa Nicholson

La Grande

It’s election time once again and time to express one’s opinions.

I became disturbed when I read a candidate’s ad that states he will see that a certain county department gets whatever financial help it needs to be an efficient department.

By law, it takes two (and hopefully three) commissioners on any budget or other decisions that need to be made. No one commissioner can make these decisions.

It takes level-headed, communicative and willing people to reach a consensus for the best possible help for the citizens of Union County.

This is why I am most urgently asking your support for Mark Davidson.

Vote Mark Davidson for Union County commissioner and rest assured that he is diligent, knowledgeable and has no ax to grind. Better stated — he has no hidden agenda.

Marie Lester

La Grande

The voting public of Union and Wallowa County needs to elect Dan Ousley as circuit court judge since Judge Mendiguren is not interested in spending time on the job.

Throughout the summer months, you can find Judge Mendiguren playing golf with his buddies several days a week at the

La Grande Country Club. Many times by 1 in the afternoon you can find the judge has already completed nine holes heading for the back nine. Ask many of the local attorneys about Judge Mendiguren when they have to go in front of him. He continually tries to arrange things so he can get to the golf course in the early afternoons by taking a recess or adjourn for the day.

If you look at the credentials of Dan Ousley you will see it is a no brainier as to who you should vote for. Mr. Ousley, as a former district attorney and with his experience in all levels of law, is the best choice.

 If elected, Mr. Ousley plans to move to La Grande so he can be on the job full time as the legal system dictates.

Dan Ousley will treat the position with honesty, respect and dignity and I am sure you will find him on the job.

A change is long overdue since it is obvious Judge Mendiguren does not take the $100,000 per year tax-supported position seriously. Elect Dan Ousley. He is the man for the job.

Dennis Wilkinson

Cove

We sure enjoy Bruce Mason’s sports

reporting.

Now we have the pleasure of going to watch the Union Bobcats smartly play their home ball games and then it’s followed by the pleasure of reading about the games after. Thanks for your way with words.

Course, helps that Union has two top-notch ball teams in boys baseball and girls softball.

One question: What happened to the name of the Blue Mountain Conference? Are we now known as “Special District 7”? I still miss the familiar great name of the Wapiti League Hate changes, but got to admit Blue Mountain Conference sounds much better than Special 7.

Anyway, you knock a homer outa the park in your fun-to-read stories in The Observer. Pinnnng!

Great job, from the honorary Bobcat grandfolks.

Jackie and Bruce Colwell

Union

Judge Mendiguren will keep the court moving and is the right choice for Union and Wallowa counties.

I have known Judge Mendiguren for 17 or more years, worked on his election committee in 1996 and have participated on several committees with him.

I have always appreciated his honesty, fairness and his proven abilities over the past 12 years.

Keep the continued support of our justice system by re-electing Judge Mendiguren.

Glenna Isley

Joseph, La Grande

Law enforcement agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office, are tasked with the tremendous responsibility to ensure that you and your families are safe and secure within your communities and homes. This protection from the Sheriff’s Office, however, cannot happen without commission support.

Thanks to past and current commissions, the Sheriff’s Office has made improvements and upgrades over the last three years with regard to vehicles. We believe the commission will continue to rotate our vehicles such that safe, lower-mileage vehicles are the norm for our office.

Early in this current fiscal year, however, we were asked to cut approximately $166,000 out of the Sheriff’s Office budget. We were able to secure a contract with Wallowa County to house its inmates to take up much of this shortfall. We did have to give up eight Union County jail beds to Wallowa County, but the other option would have required us to lay off patrol deputies who respond to emergencies and other calls for service.

I believe that under the circumstances, we made the correct decision by maintaining patrol services at the higher level.

It is not my policy to endorse county commission candidates. However, because I believe that the safety of Union County residents is of utmost importance and that stable funding for the Sheriff’s Office is needed to provide that protective service, I have endorsed John Lamoreau for Union County Commissioner.

It is my firm belief that John Lamoreau will work closely with the current commissioners in keeping your Sheriff’s Office funded at appropriate levels.

I truly appreciate the past and current citizen support for the Sheriff’s Office and will always strive to provide you with the best law enforcement service possible.

Boyd Rasmussen

Union County Sheriff