We have the opportunity to reelect Judge Wes Williams in the May election this year. You have probably read testimonials in favor of his reelection, and I too support that. But we have a unique way to make decisions for ourselves about judicial candidates — watch them in action. I did and I was impressed by Judge Williams.

I found a court date that sounded interesting and attended a hearing. I found Judge Williams to be a very engaged judge, listening, questioning and even helping the lawyers on both sides to give him a better picture of the issue before him.

If you are not sure how to vote, watch Judge Williams in action. Search for Oregon Judicial Department > Court Records and Calendars > Circuit and Tax Court Calendars. From there, search by “Judicial Officer” and enter the date range that works for you. I think you will be as impressed as I was.

Dan White

La Grande

When I was the Umatilla County district attorney, I always enjoyed when my office had a case where Wes Williams was the defense attorney. He was prepared and respectful, had full command of the facts and law, and was quick on his feet. He was an admirable opponent.

In 2007, I left the district attorney’s office to become a circuit court judge for Umatilla and Morrow counties. Over the next decade, I looked forward to having Mr. Williams in my court, representing people in both civil and criminal cases.

Now, as a fellow judge, I know Mr. Williams to have the right character and demeanor for the job. In addition to the above qualities, he is patient and dedicated to the rule of law. It is impressive that in five years as judge, he has only been reversed once — for giving a criminal defendant too much community service.

Judge Williams has my endorsement. He is a judge who personifies intelligence, integrity and honor. Wes is an incumbent worthy of a second term and your consideration when casting your vote. Vote Wes Williams.

Christopher Brauer

Pendleton

A letter to the editor in The Astorian on Feb. 17 called to eliminate the Second Amendment because “there have been more than 46 mass shootings already in 2024.” Mass shootings are when three or more people are shot, not including the shooter. This includes gang-related shootings and shootings involving illegally obtained firearms.

I am not discounting the fact that we have a problem with shootings presently, but eliminating gun ownership won’t stop that. Americans have owned guns since we formed our government, and when I was in school we took our guns in our vehicles so we could hunt when school got out, and we didn’t have an epidemic of school shootings or mass shootings.

The No. 1 cause of deaths with firearms is suicide, and that statistic probably was true also years ago. Our former President Barack Obama made public statements saying America’s love affair with big pickup trucks and guns was causing our problems in this country. If we get rid of big pickup trucks and guns, are we solving climate change and gun violence?

I believe we currently have a hate problem in this country and it isn’t about race, gender or ethnicity. We just can’t discuss issues in a civil manner with other people if they have different views than we do.

How about we work together to find the cause of what’s happening, instead of banning things just because other people disagree with our views? Mental health help could solve a lot.

Don E. Thornton

Warrenton

The Observer will run endorsement letters of no more than 350 words. We institute a deadline for letters to the editor so we can be fair with all the letters we receive and allow for responses before Election Day, if necessary. We run local letters of endorsement on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit your endorsement letters to the editor by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 26. You can email them to news@lagrandeobserver.com or mail them to The Observer, Attn.: Andrew Cutler, 911 Jefferson Ave., La Grande, OR 97850. We will publish our last endorsement letters on Saturday, May 18. Any letters received after the April 26 deadline will not be published in print or online.