When judicial candidates accept campaign contributions from their constituents, it shows a connection to the community; it is commonplace, ethical, and a legal right as citizens of our district. In the last local judicial election in 2018, both candidates, Wes Williams and Mona Williams, accepted donations. Doing so is not untoward, as suggested by Jared Boyd in a recent news article. Rather, these donations show support and trust from a community that believes the candidate will apply the community’s values if elected.

A judge is not beholden to anyone if their campaign accepts donations from community members. Most citizens are fortunate to never have to go to court or be before a judge, and their donations are simply a way to have a voice in the leadership roles in our community.

Furthermore, judicial candidates do not know who donates to their campaigns. The judicial code of conduct requires the candidate not solicit nor be notified of contributions. Although accidental and incidental knowledge of donations will occasionally happen and are not unethical, Judge Williams and his campaign committee take this requirement very seriously now and when he ran in 2018.

Judge Williams’ campaign proudly and humbly accepts contributions from the citizens of Union and Wallowa counties as well as from his family. Donate to a campaign or not, it is the voter’s right to choose, and it has nothing to do with how judges make their legal rulings.

Judge Williams will continue to uphold his campaign promises to ensure equality before the law, treat all people with respect, and protect our constitutional rights.

Anna Stever

Citizens to Re-Elect Judge Wes Williams

La Grande