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

Pettit, Slater, Bare, Savage, Hurd, Samples, Ault, Byron, Terry, Lamoreau, Hibbert, Hills, Britton, McDaniel, Costigan, Hassinger, Clements, Shaw, McFetridge, Bozarth, Jones, Beith, Maxwell, Bartel, Fund, Knox, Barber, Erwin, Mendiguren, Ousley, McClure, Burke, Smiley, Clapper

I began my crusade for Dan Ousley for circuit court judge because of his wife, Lisa Robertson. Lisa is vital to the music programs in this community as concert master of the symphony, organizer and creator of string programs, as well as recruiter and teacher of string players from elementary through university levels.

I wanted them to stay in La Grande, not move west where Dan would accept another job.

However, I realized it would be unethical to vote for a candidate because of a spouse’s qualifications. So I began my investigation of the circuit court judge candidates in earnest. I am embarrassed to admit that in the past, if I did not know a non-partisan candidate, I would usually vote for the one with the most signs out — assuming the number of signs meant he or she was well liked. Boy was I wrong!

In talking with people who have worked with the candidates or who have in some way experienced their respective courts, I have been amazed to hear nothing but positive comments about Dan. On the other hand, I have been amazed as well to hear so many negative comments about the incumbent, particularly his lack of preparation, bias and unprofessional conduct.

I am completely sold on the fact that we need Dan Ousley as our circuit court judge, District 10, Position 1. He will bring responsible, prepared, impartial judgment to the system.

Julie Pettit

La Grande

I am an attorney in Enterprise and defense counsel for the Wallowa County Drug Court program. I am well acquainted with both judicial candidates and I support Judge Mendiguren due to his outstanding commitment to community partners. For example, the judge was integral to the formation of Union and Wallowa County Drug Court programs and more recently, the creation of Safe Visits, a supervised visitation and monitored exchange program for children of troubled family relationships.

Unfortunately, his opponent, whom I shadowed in the Wallowa County District Attorney’s Office for 14 months, does not share the same commitment. For example, his lack of support for our Domestic Violence Intervention Project, a federal grant award to combat local domestic violence, forced our team to shift the focus from the criminal to civil arena to retain our funding.

Beyond support of community projects, experience on the bench is a key factor in choosing a judge. Mendiguren has served our communities well, and his diligent efforts to better them through fair decisions and community involvement makes him deserving of our support and our votes.

Help us retain the wealth of our current judiciary by re-electing Judge Mendiguren.

Alyssa D. Slater

Enterprise

With rights come responsibilities and with (the abuse of) authority comes accountability.

For two months I have read and listened as Judge Mendiguren has portrayed himself as fair and impartial, completely accessible, helpful to families and a man of integrity. At the candidates forum he challenged voters to judge him on his record. I challenge the accuracy of his statements and would like to make part of his record public.

In the transcripts there are numerous instances that I believe show him being confused as to the facts and being inattentive during the proceedings. He often lashes out when unsure or feeling his authority is being challenged. When I tried to protect my daughter and myself by asking for a restraining order he said, “I’m going to throw your ass in jail.”

A year later he granted me a restraining order (after a death threat), modifying it to say “respondent may not stop (at my home) except in emergency.”

I have tried for eight years to talk to him about the conduct of those to whom he continually and carelessly delegated his authority. A letter from his court administrator says it best, “I told you I could not accept the documents and called our court security officer to the counter.” The idea that he is accessible is simply ludicrous.

Contrary to our wishes, Mendiguren sent my daughter to live with an acknowledged drug addict. With her went $4,875 of her assets, now gone ($14,000 total stolen through his court). After she failed to appear twice, my daughter and I petitioned the court for a warrant.

The warrant was signed and dated by Phil. His signature and the date are later obscured by whiteout and entered into the official record as denied — a clear indication of both his willingness to help families and his integrity.

Larry Bare

Union

Many voters relate their fatigue, dismay,  confusion and overload with the marathon Democratic campaign. It is not surprising because their party is so desperate to do a 180-degree turn from the workings of the Bush administration. Yes, even the Republicans want to distance themselves.

Barack Obama’s capability issue has surfaced from within his own party. Indeed many of the attacks could have been written by the GOP. This has not gone down well with party leaders who don’t agree with “win at all costs — even if it weakens the Democrats in the fall.”

A very good example of how candidates would lead the country is how they lead their huge campaigns, which is not unlike being the CEO of a large business. Hillary has had multiple leaders, advisers, managers who had to leave, did not get along and got fired in some cases. They have had many financial problems and have changed their “main messages” several times depending on polls and voting results.

On the other hand the Obama campaign has had good management. He’s innovated effective new ways to raise funds and recruit hundreds of thousands of new voters using fresh ideas. They have helped their candidate field some of the most destructive attacks aimed at him — sadly many from his own party and from a pastor whom he trusted. Obama has taken the high road (and been called elitist for this by the candidate who is worth $100 million). He has not responded in kind nor dredged up the old White House disasters, which dwarf anything Obama did by attending a certain fiery pastor’s church because it had the best outreach for the needy in that area.

I hope the Democratic voters will bring in Oregon for this strong, unique man whose character we need now to inspire us to join him in being the best nation we can.

Mickey Savage

La Grande

As students at La Grande Middle School, we feel our next school year, 2008-2009, should consist of a four-day week, having all Fridays off. We would begin around 8:10 or 8:20 a.m. and be dismissed around 3:35 p.m.

This plan would be better implemented than the 2008-2009 draft calendar the La Grande School District came up with. Their plan was to have every other Wednesday be an early release day. This would be a very confusing plan. Students and parents most likely wouldn’t remember which Wednesday was early release and which was not.

During the average school week, we go to school 30 hours and 13 minutes. If we went to school having a four-day week, we would have an average week of 29 hours. This is a difference of 1 hour and 13 minutes. During this time, we would save money on busing, electricity, water and gas bills. Also, as you probably know, some of our surrounding school districts like Cove, Union and Imbler get out early on Fridays or do not go to school on Fridays at all.

Having Fridays off could solve the problem of having absent students on Friday because of vacation. This could also result in better grades because students would not miss schoolwork and get behind due to missing school because of football, wrestling, basketball, track, etc., on Friday.

We hope this letter will make a difference in our next school year.

Tesmond Hurd, Deric Samples and Jonathan Ault, seventh graders

La Grande Middle School

I would like to recommend Jim Mollerstrom for Union County Commissioner. Over the years, I have worked with Jim in various committees, through the educational system and as a foster parent.

Jim has given his personal time and energy to several community committees that worked with children and families in need from within Union County. These families were those who had a strong need for support from many social service and law enforcement agencies. At that time, Jim led the team to develop a line of open communication between agencies and services for selected families, as well as the school system. He is an excellent team leader. I believe he would bring this positive quality to the county commission.

Jim has given extra hours of his personal time and energy to find a way for children to get what they may need. He talks with both parents and educational staff on their level. I believe that Jim’s service in our community stands above and beyond. He is non-judgmental and a good listener. He will work with those around him to make good decisions for our county.

Please consider Jim for Union County commissioner.

Carol Byron

La Grande

I worked for Daniel Ousley in the Wallowa County District Attorney’s office for over 11 years, and these are the reasons I’m asking voters to elect Dan for Circuit Court judge.

• As DA, Dan always maintained an open-door policy. He never refused to speak to anyone.

• Dan never went to court unprepared. The information for all legal documents was carefully and thoroughly researched, prepared and filed with the court in a timely manner.

• Dan treated all people appropriately, with dignity, respect and honesty, no matter what side of the fence they may have been on.

• He is a man of his word.

• Dan listened to what the people had to say, and acted on their behalf.

• He treated his office staff with respect, trusting them to get the job done without micromanaging their work.

Dan will bring professionalism, integrity, compassion and fairness back to the courtroom. You will not be disappointed.

Carol A. Terry

Enterprise

The Observer gave Mark Davidson 10 questions to answer. We feel we should respond to one of his answers.

While he rightfully acknowledged the key role our dad played in bringing wind power to Union County, he misses the larger picture by criticizing him for tax incentives given to Horizon Wind Energy to invest in Union County.

Union County has great wind resources but is located far from markets that would buy our power, making it a costly investment for any power company. Horizon Wind has to pay a fee to carry its power over transmission lines to take it to buyers. To compete with other counties for wind energy projects, Union County must offer incentives.

There was no guarantee that a wind power company would come to Union County, and had one not come, all Union County would have lost. What Davidson didn’t mention were the family wage jobs, revenue to land owners and clean energy the project brought.

The Observer reported July 17, 2007, on the windfall already being reaped by local businesses (Union, North Powder “Feeling Economic Benefits of Windfarm’’). The first $25,000,000 of the project will be taxed at the full rate with the company paying a percentage on the rest of the investment.

Over-taxing businesses is the wrong way to stimulate local economic development. Union County should continue to go out of its way to be a great place for companies like Horizon Wind Energy to invest in.

Kyson Lamoreau, Garron Lamoreau

La Grande

Two years ago, I too, was running for Union County commissioner and as I reflect on why I ran, I am reminded once again.

First of all, I view public service as a calling. When one observes that our county government is in a state of turmoil, there is a choice to be made. One can turn a blind eye or one can take a stand to improve what is splintered and broken.

I made the decision to run against John Lamoreau for commissioner. Make no mistake, this was not an easy decision and during the campaign it made me even more aware of the necessity for a change in Union County government.

As commissioner, I have found my colleagues respectful, hardworking and always making strides to improve Union County. Our collective efforts are of a positive nature with an outreach to other commissions, agencies, state and federal congressional delegations.

My appreciation for Union County and its citizens continues to grow and with your help, we can assure Union County moves forward. Please mark your ballots carefully. During this primary election, I encourage you to vote for Mark Davidson.

R. Nellie Hibbert

Union County Commissioner

Mr. Ousley says he can improve on the courtroom performance of incumbent Judge Mendiguren.

Since this is not a stage play, I would look for knowledge of the law, rulings overturned, etc., not for performance unless a majority of lawyers complained of the judge’s performance. Thus far, the little I have read on that subject has been complimentry.

I will be voting for Judge Mendiguren.

Roy Hills

Island City

By now you have received your ballots and unfortunately there is a conspicuous absence for the role of Commissioner Colleen MacLeod.

In my role as a Grant County commissioner I have been fortunate enough to serve with Colleen representing Eastern Oregon for the past six years. She has been a tireless, eloquent, tenacious advocate for the issues that affect all of us in Eastern Oregon. In state and national venues, Colleen is respected, and when she speaks people listen.

It is my understanding that in the past few years (because of a very small group of individuals) the level of political discourse in Union County has deteriorated. In some cases, there have been personal attacks against Commissioner MacLeod.

We all have disagreements from time to time. These discussions should be done professionally to address the issues at hand, and then move forward. The well-being of the community demands this.

It is tragic that Colleen has decided not to run again because of a few misguided individuals attacking and attempting to intimidate her as a dedicated, effective public servant. I would hope that when you mark your ballots you would remember what these individuals have done and said, and take that into consideration.

Colleen, thank you for your service. I will miss your professionalism, passion and wisdom. God bless.

Boyd Britton

Grant County Commissioner

I have worked for Safe Harbors for the past six years and during this time have worked with both Mr. Ousley and Judge Mendiguren.

I choose to stay out of any political arenas until it impacts the people I work for and with. Should Mr. Ousley be elected, I will have a real concern for the victims I help. Our agency, along with other partnering agencies, came out in support of Mona Williams for Wallowa County district attorney in 2006. Here are some of the reasons why: Mr. Ousley stopped supporting community partners and isolated them instead of supporting them during his tenure as district attorney.

He ignored our needs and didn’t take time to listen. At times, we thought the support was there, but in the end we were consistently disappointed by his lack of follow through, his defeating demeanor in court and his inability to relay to the court firm recommendations with regards to judgments on criminals. Due to his lack of camaraderie and effort, we turned to someone who could support our needs.

In working with Judge Mendiguren, even if our views differed, I have always felt comfortable approaching him to discuss an issue. After a national domestic violence/child custody training we attended together, he expressed the strong need to have a supervised visitation program put in place. Our partnering agencies worked diligently and within six months had the program up and running. This successful program serves both Union and Wallowa counties.

In my experience, Judge Mendiguren is genuinely concerned about the safety of victims and their children. I strongly support Judge Mendiguren continuing as our circuit court judge and urge you to vote for him.

Wendy McDaniel

Joseph

My family and I, newcomers to La Grande, are starting from scratch in learning about the issues/candidates on the ballot, basing decisions on data, records of experience and responses — not on friendships, family relations or church choices. No axes to grind or favors to dispense.

Because of my background in law enforcement, probation and parole, youth social services and government personnel security, I chose to first investigate the credentials/backgrounds of the circuit judge candidates. I would like to share some of the results researched on the web and validation sites:

I. Judge Mendiguren was censured by the Oregon Supreme Court last year for violating two judicial codes of conduct (www.publications.ojd.state.or.us Commission on Judicial Fitness/March 23, 2007).

2. Assess different dimensions of the candidates (as opposed to voters’ pamphlets or paid ads) by checking out their Judicial Election Questionnaires on the web. In comparing documents, Mr. Ousley’s responses appear professional and succinct, reflecting continuing education, course instruction and the pursuit of legislative/committee involvement. Judge Mendiguren doesn’t recall if he has served on a judicial committee.

3. Learn about each candidate’s election committee and contributions including the names of individual(s) contributing over $100 at www.oregonvotes.org. As of this writing, the incumbent shows nine bulk entries reflecting unidentified, miscellaneous cash contributions of over $3,100. Mr. Hemstreet has contributed over $4,500, as well.

I am not suggesting this is an end-all of the decision-making process — but a prudent beginning. Learning more from the candidates themselves (i.e., candidate forum) is also an integral part of the process.

Winston Churchill insisted that truth stands every measure: The truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it, ignorance may deride it, malice may distort it, but there it is. Let us strive to discern the truth and support the best candidate for the job.

Sheila Costigan

La Grande

When I come into the season of political elections, I take pause for the great privilege it is for me to cast a vote. This opportunity has been paid for, in blood, by those with vision in the founding of our country.

We should not take it for granted. I hope we will revere the opportunity to participate in our government and vote after careful consideration of the candidates or measures.

Recently my wife and I have attended several candidate forums, as well as personal visits with most of the candidates. Having done that, we will be supporting and voting for John Lamoreau for county commissioner.

During the questioning at the forums ,Mr. Lamoreau actually answered the questions asked. He did so with answers that reflected his experience and also concerns for the economic future of our county.

As farmers, we respect John’s concern for the viability of agriculture.

Living in a rural part of the valley, we are glad to hear of Sheriff Rasmussen’s confidence (and endorsement) of Mr. Lamoreau. John advocates for transparency in county spending, perhaps the most compelling reason for our votes.

Your vote is precious. Please exercise it!

Phil Hassinger, farmer

Trudy Hassinger, retired teacher

Cove

I thank the Vector Control board for the letter to the editor on May 10. The members volunteer to do the best for our community. I wish, however, they would dispense with fear mongering and disclose more about the tax increase in their plea for support.

Mosquitoes carry illnesses, no question. In the May 10 Observer, we read that in 2007, seven people tested positive for the West Nile virus. With roughly 25,000 people in Union County, that makes less than 0.03 percent of the population testing positive for the disease.

According to the WNV website, “Statistically, a person’s risk of contracting West Nile is low, and less than 1 percent of those infected develop serious illness from the virus.” So that’s a 0.0003 percent chance of serious illness from WNV in Union County. I’m not a betting person, but with these odds I’d wager I won’t likely be contracting WNV anytime soon.

In the letter to the editor there is no mention of a 30 percent tax increase. I can’t think of another taxing entity brazen enough to ask for such an increase! Vector Control has a plan on how to spend the money, a great move towards government accountability. But it seems excessive to raise taxes by 30 percent on a risk already ridiculously low. Property owners can spend a lot less per year on personal protection from mosquito bites and simple measures to reduce breeding habitat than it will cost for the tax increase.

Current vector control funding is doing a considerable amount of monitoring and control of mosquitoes throughout the county. I say leave the funding where it is and let the county come to voters with tax levies for real necessities like better roads or increased police coverage.

Steve Clements

La Grande

My dad is Phil Mendiguren, your Circuit Court judge. I have worked with him this election. As his daughter and campaign manager, I can personally say that we have run an honest campaign.

As a voter myself, I personally hate to see campaigns fueled by negative sentiment. As a daughter, my parents always taught me to turn the other cheek. As a campaign manager, I realized that my dad’s record speaks for itself.

Therefore it’s no surprise that my dad has refrained from dirty politics and has run a campaign that emphasized his experience on the bench, rather than anything negative about his opponent.

I am proud of my dad, his judicial record and his restraint this election. I know it bothers my dad that people have negative opinions of their time in court. But before he took this job he explained to all his kids that as a judge, people might not always be happy with his rulings in court. He explained when people get in trouble and someone has to decide ... no matter the decision however right or wrong — someone will be upset.

I have read each letter regarding my father and I have done so with what he said in mind. I hope others do the same. I encourage those who have yet to send in their ballot or have not chosen a candidate for the judicial election, to take the time to visit the court and see my father in action, or ask his many supporters about him.

I know whatever happens after this election, someone will be unhappy ... as my dad explained — that happens when people have to decide. No matter what, I am proud of my dad. I am proud of his campaign and I am proud of his record.

Shelby Mendiguren Shaw

Roseburg

I have been a resident of Wallowa County since 1947. In all of those years, I have never seen such a mudslinging attack on one of our citizens as the one Mr. Hemstreet has recently done to Dan Ousley.

It has been my understanding that the position of district attorney requires that person to represent and protect the interests of the citizens of Wallowa County. Dan was only doing his job after Mr. Hemstreet and those with him were issued the citation. He certainly did not issue the initial citation and only followed through with his job requirements.

If the current judge is in favor of this attack, then I question his integrity. I have voted for Dan Ousley and I urge the voters of Union County and Wallowa County to do the same. Dan Ousley is the man for the job.

One other comment: I see that Mr. Hemstreet lists himself as a Wallowa County “resident.’’ I am surprised to find that Wallowa County reaches clear into Southern California.

Glenda McFetridge

Joseph

Mark Davidson is a fiscal conservative with a great business sense. Mark will make an excellent county commissioner because he has the leadership and teamwork skills necessary to make decisions for our county’s future.

I know that he will be able to work well with other commissioners to ensure that decisions are well thought out and good for Union County. Without the ability to work with others, goals cannot be accomplished. A vote for Mark Davidson ensures that we will move forward to better employment and local opportunities for our children and grandchildren.

Join me in selecting Mark Davidson as our next county commissioner.

John Bozarth

La Grande

I am writing in response to recent letters from supporters of Mark Davidson attacking John Lamoreau. As John Lamoreau’s wife, I’ve had ample opportunity to watch the flow of politics in Union County. I have a hard time with the misrepresentations and negative letters, those letters designed for the sole purpose of tearing down a candidate, instead of letters about a candidate’s actual political stance.

Two recent letters have not been accurate. One belittled John’s Christian faith and was so untruthful The Observer ran a retraction the next day. The other tried to undercut John’s support for local law enforcement and their need of more funding. Rather than a rational discussion of issues the author chose a negative attack.

John’s ad regarding a recent incident when a local couple found a prowler at their home and called 9-1-1, only to find there was no deputy on duty, was accurate. Our Union County Sheriff’s Office per capita funding is the second lowest of Oregon’s 36 counties, and “funding issues” are the reasons given for no deputies on duty between 3 and 7 a.m.

Just last Wednesday the commissioners chose to not authorize purchase of replacement patrol vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office until after the primary election, again citing funding concerns.

John is willing to make a stand about a golf course subsidized with general fund tax dollars. This is not against the golf course, it is a statement about where our first priorities should be. If we can’t fully fund the Sheriff’s Office, the road department or help with rural health, then why are we fully funding a golf course?

John has integrity, he is willing to make a stand and I believe he is the best candidate for this position.

Nena Jones

La Grande

I attended the Oregon Symphony Saturday evening. It was a glorious presentation.

I was so very proud of the local musicians who performed: the Grande Ronde Symphony members, Cove and La Grande High School Band members and Cove, La Grande, Baker and Union choir members. Not only did they do a wonderful job, they listened courteously and seemed to enjoy the entire program. With young people of this caliber we need not be concerned for the future of the arts in Eastern Oregon.

Thank you all for a delightful evening.

Betty Beith

La Grande

It is that time of year again. Spring, when the birds start chirping, the flowers are blooming and politicians start campaigning. It is that time of year when all of us have to make a choice. Who will we trust to take care of our county?

Even though I am not legally old enough to vote, it is my choice to support former County Commissioner John Lamoreau. I have personally known John for about six years now. He is a great family friend and I truly enjoy being in his company. I sincerely believe John is fully qualified to run the county, not just because he is a friend, but because he shows a genuine love for the people of Union County.

John cares about individual people. He has the gift of seeing the small and big picture at the same time. Anyone who personally knows John can vouch for the fact that people are always living or hanging out at his house (myself included).

He is always wanting to serve people. But that is not all that he does. What do Denver and the Mile High Orchestra, SONSOFDAY, the recent Seder Dinner and the SonLight Fest all have in common? All of these in some way have John behind them. He constantly is advertising, setting up and is always one of the last to leave.

His display of servant leadership inspires me. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can trust John to do a great job serving the county.

Anna Maxwell

UHS sophomore

Union

I encourage the citizens of Union County to vote for Mark Davidson for Union County Commissioner in the upcoming election. A reputable commissioner is someone who sincerely cares about the well-being of their community, is able to work cooperatively and productively with other members, and is knowledgeable and rational in decision-making. This person should be fiscally conscious, economically aware and be willing to serve their community rather than themselves.

My familiarity with both Mark Davidson and John Lamoreau allows me to make an educated and sensible decision in my vote. Mark is level-headed, reasonable and responsible. He has demonstrated the ability to start, grow and maintain a successful local business. Mark is very concerned with the growth of our county’s economy and promotes constructive, consistent and sustainable economic growth. He has consistently offered wisdom and experience to our community through participation with numerous groups throughout the county.

Compared to the other candidates, Mark is definitely most suitable for this position. He has the greatest amount of experience to offer our community and his assets match those of a valuable county commissioner. I urge you to join me and vote Mark Davidson for Union County commissioner.

Brian Bartel

La Grande

I have known Judge Mendiguren for several years, both professionally and personally.

I find him to be a fair, dedicated and personable man, a man not afraid to show human emotion.

If that’s broken, I for one don’t want it fixed.

Nor would I throw out experience because of a man’s hobbies.

Steven “MadMax” Fund

Biker/business owner

La Grande

I would like to add my voice to those who support Judge Mendiguren’s re-election.

I have known Phil since he was a young attorney new to Union County. I have observed him on the bench and off for many years. I have always found him to be an honest, hardworking and very businesslike on the bench.

To those who complain of him being a grouch, I think that they would also be a grouch, if they had to listen to whiners and liars all day. Mr. Ousley has never been on the bench.

Union and Wallowa counties do not need a judge that the voters of Wallowa County found to be lacking, not re-electing him to another term as their district attorney.

Intellectual superiority is not an asset on the bench. Good, hard-nosed decisions from a judge with some real life experience is the better choice.

Vote for Phil Mendiguren.

Donna Knox

La Grande

With all the effort the county commissioners and the Mt. Emily Recreation Coalition (MERC) have put into public information meetings, going to local service clubs and city council meetings, articles in The Observer, advertising and a website, it continues to amaze me how many people still do not understand the Mount Emily Recreation Area proposal.

Marie Lester’s community comment is a perfect example of this misunderstanding. Virtually all of her concerns and questions have been addressed on numerous occasions.

The number one concern I hear about is the loan and people’s fear that it may be hard to pay back. Remember that taking out a loan for two-thirds of the timber value is only an option. The commissioners may decide not to take out a loan and let Forest Capital harvest two-thirds of the timber value over the next four years. The county would then own the property and all the future timber value.

The Mt. Emily Recreation Coalition and the county commissioners have tried to make acquisition of MERA as public as possible by bringing information to the public as the process unfolded. No one is trying to hide anything, or to deceive or scare anyone.

People can hope all they want, but if the county does not acquire this property, the public will be locked out in the very near future. We have one chance to keep MERA open to all residents of the county, and this is it. So let’s stop fabricating “what ifs” and make it happen.

Mark Barber

La Grande

After reading Marie Lester’s community comment in The Observer concerning Mount  Emily, I am surprised she has so little information. Her concerns have been addressed for several months in The Observer, on radio and in town hall meetings. The answers have also been on the coalition website — www.mtemily.com. Either she didn’t care or she had already made up her mind.

She questions the cost. If the Mt. Emily Coalition is successful in getting both grants, the county will gain all land and one-third of the timber. This would require mortgaging the timber for the balance of the purchase price to an as-yet undetermined philanthropic organization for an interest rate of between 1 percent and 3 percent. Their mortgaging agency would then own all liability with no liability reverting to the county for the remaining loan balance.

Lester asks who would manage it. Having been a county commissioner, she should remember that the county does not appoint a lone person to manage such a project. There will be two advisory committees — one for the motorized and one for the non-motorized portions. The committees will undoubtedly consist of members from each user group, the ODFW and adjacent landowners. If the county gets the property, it plans to selectively log two-thirds of it in no less than eight years while the current owners plan to log two-thirds within four years.

Considerable recreational activity exists on Mount Emily but is uncontrolled. Trash dumping, unrestricted target shooting and other abuses have forced the current owners to gate off roads, limiting recreational use. By gaining ownership, activities can be regulated.

If the land is sold in 240-acre plots to private owners, it is only logical to assume it would be locked off from the public when considering the problems the present owners experience.

Gene Erwin

La Grande

Anyone believing they can step in and do a better job than a seasoned judge is simply unaware of the real demands of the job. Experience does count.

When I first ran for judge, I was like my opponent, naive to the responsibilities of a judge. Once elected, I received the intensive training judges receive. It honestly took a while, but now I thoroughly know this job.

I have had to put aside family obligations to take calls, sign warrants, deal with time-sensitive issues and consider prisoner-release, even on the weekends. At night when the police request a search warrant, I don’t just sign and return to bed, I ask the questions that ensure rights and laws are upheld.

I diligently read each and every written pleading, letter and document for every file before my final ruling.

Supporters of my opponent have found ample time to “sling mud” in my direction. Regardless of their motives, their claims have little substance, are misleading or are just not true. For whatever reason, they may disagree with my rulings. This would be true regardless of the judge. For the few who are unhappy, there are many more who feel justice was served.

It’s reassuring to see the many judges, lawyers, law enforcement and community members who recognize my hard work and dedication.

My work as a judge for the past 12 years has been more than competent. Good intentions aside, my opponent can only make political promises, whereas I have demonstrated that I have done and will continue to do the job.

I have run an honest and clean campaign. Please look to my experience and accomplishments when voting. I look forward to serving six more years.

Judge Phillip Mendiguren

La Grande

I have worked hard in this campaign for Circuit Court judge, going door to door in every community, and I appreciate very much the support that I have received in our two counties.

My experience as an attorney for 35 years includes a broad spectrum of legal practice. As a district attorney, I prosecuted thousands of cases, all without fear or favor, including Mark Hemstreet, the owner of Shilo Inns and a disgruntled defendant in a game case, who, by the way, contributed more than $4,600 to the campaign of my opponent.

If elected, I will listen carefully to all sides, read all documents before holding court, be on time with court proceedings, research legal issues and be respectful, fair and impartial in all of my decisions and rulings.

You can count on me doing everything that I have promised in this campaign, and more. I appreciate your trust and will honor it as your judge.

Dan Ousley

Enterprise

Mark Davidson is the best choice for Union County commissioner. His experience as a small-business owner, together with fiscal responsibility, is what is needed as Union County faces serious revenue shortfalls.

Mark will work positively with the other commissioners to make Union County a better place to live and raise a family. I strongly urge you to vote for Mark Davidson.

Steve McClure

La Grande

While driving over to Pendleton Saturday morning, I passed a Union County Sheriff’s deputy radaring traffic on I-84 near the county line. When I returned that afternoon the deputy was still out on the interstate in the same area. I observed an Oregon State trooper working only a few miles farther down the freeway.

I can’t help but wonder how his presence on the interstate was furthering the Sheriff Department’s mission of protecting the lives and property of Union County’s residents. He was certainly too far from most of Union County’s populated areas to respond to 9-1-1 calls in a timely manner.

Response time is precisely the issue that Union County Commission candidate John Lamoreau has been harping on in his campaign ads; yet, Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen, a fervent Lamoreau supporter, has his deputies patrolling out on the interstate.

So the question seems to be, is the Sheriff’s Department underfunded as Lamoreau would have you believe, or does Sheriff Rasmussen have his priorities wrong?

It is a mangement decision as to when deputies are on duty and when they’re on patrol.

Kenny Burke

La Grande

I find it ironic that the people that write about John Lamoreau continue to comment about how negative he is, while at the same time the very same people write negative and condemning letters about Mr. Lamoreau.

I have known John Lamoreau for over 25 years and have seen him consistently demonstrate integrity in all he does. John is very passionate about his work and about Union County. He continues to cast vision for the future of the county. Some say he is a maverick, but I would suggest that he is forward thinking and progressive in looking out for the future of the county.

It is interesting that he is opposed and constantly criticized by the old guard that seems to control our county government. Change is the theme in politics this year and it is time for the citizens of Union County to make some changes and put a vision-oriented, progressive-thinking person back into our county government.

A vote for John Lamoreau is a vote for the future of Union County. Anything less is a step backwards.

Duane Smiley

La Grande

The May 9 correction regarding game violation charges against Mark Hemstreet was factually incorrect.

Here are the facts: Mark, his wife and daughter, along with myself, were charged with more than 20 frivolous game violations. Every single charge was dismissed. Every one.

Dan Ousley claimed that Mark paid $5,000 to resolve one charge regarding his residency. Again, Ousley is inaccurate and wrong. The agreement Mark signed with the state reaffirms his innocence, with all charges ultimately being dismissed. He also reaffirmed his proud Oregon citizenship. The agreement explicitly stated that “The State of Oregon agrees that Mark Hemstreet continues to assert that he is a resident of Oregon and intends to remain a resident of Oregon.”

Defeated DA Dan Ousley wants to be promoted to the position of judge. When you’re batting 0 for 20, you don’t often get moved up into the big leagues.

Gregg Clapper

Portland