Valentine

Mendoza

Bartel

Lester

Franklin

MacLeod

We vote our hopes and fears

To the Editor:

As I am certain Professor Grigsby would admit, he is not an “oracle on the hill” propounding truth etched in stone, but simply an individual who has the time to give us his opinions on the current state of political affairs. His opinions are filtered through his own political leanings, and are neither more nor less correct than someone whose reasoning comes from a different philosophy.

For instance, in Portland last week, Ralph Nader opined that he could not see much difference in either candidate for president. He believes both support corporate interests and that Sen. Obama was “the biggest con artist in our generation by far” (as quoted in The Oregonian on Oct. 21).

However ridiculous Nader’s assertions may be, they are based on the influences that have shaped his career. Proponents for both parties have similarly demonstrated a range of actions, emotions and statements: reasoned, disrespectful, sanctimonious, truthful and nontruthful.

As individuals, we ultimately vote our hopes and fears, however well or ill founded factually, on the candidate we support. We then wait to see how well the elected candidate meets those expectations.

Eric Valentine

La Grande

Intelligent, workable solutions

To the Editor:

We would like to bring to the attention of your readers that in her race for 2nd District representative in Congress, Pacific Green Party candidate Tristin Mock has done her homework.

Dr. Mock, a local naturopathic physician, has developed positions on the environment, sustainable development, peace and universal health care that are both intelligent and workable. This is just the kind of perspective that reminds us of the importance of having more than a two-party system, that challenges the cautiousness of the major parties on making real change, as well as the tendency of the media to focus on marginal issues rather than substance.

We encourage voters committed to progressive solutions to complex issues to visit Tristin Mock’s website at www.votemock.com and study her ideas for themselves.

Sherry Mendoza, representative

C.U.R.R.E.N.T.S. of Justice For Peace

La Grande

Reasonable and responsible

To the Editor:

I encourage the citizens of Union County to vote for Mark Davidson for Union County commissioner in the upcoming election.

An effective county 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 Mark Davidson allows me to make an educated and sensible decision with 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.

Mark is definitely the most suitable candidate for this position. He has the greatest amount of experience to offer our community and his attributes 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

Davidson letter 8 of 12

Good listener, willing worker

To the Editor:

We are two of many who own property in La Grande and pay taxes on that property but cannot vote on city matters. However, we are interested in city affairs and are writing to support Dan Pokorney for mayor.

Dan has always been involved with community-based services. He was on the school board for eight years and is currently finishing up a four-year term on the city council. He is active in his church and a familiar face at its Union County Fair food booth as well as many other activities. He was always actively involved, giving his all to the best of his ability.

Dan is a good listener and is always available to encourage others to express their ideas and suggestions. Being a good listener and a willing worker are top priorities for a good leader.

Our vote would be Dan Pokorney for mayor. We encourage all La Grande city residents to vote.

Lonnie and Ruth Lester

La Grande

Pokorney letter 9 of 12

Instrumental in ODS decision

To the Editor:

I write this letter today to support the re-election of Colleen Johnson as mayor of the city of La Grande. I met Colleen more than 10 years ago and believe she possesses the qualities and experience necessary to continue her service as mayor.

In 1998, in my role as senior vice president and chief operating officer for The ODS Companies (ODS), I embarked on a state-wide search for a new office location outside the Willamette Valley. After considering 22 cities, we selected La Grande. Mayor Johnson and her team were instrumental in our choice.

The result was better than I or ODS could have imagined. Working closely with Colleen, ODS and La Grande were able to collaborate on a plan that would revitalize downtown, and most importantly, bring jobs and training to the area. A public-private partnership was created, which led to the development of the old Safeway site on Adams Avenue. This site is now the home of the new public library, ODS offices and the ODS College of Dental Sciences.

Throughout the development of this project, Colleen was supportive and actively showcased her leadership skills, particularly when Wes Hare was called to Iraq and Colleen had to step into the role of project manager.

I support the re-election of Colleen Johnson. I believe her desire to continue to serve the citizens as mayor of La Grande is admirable and am confident her re-election will ensure the continuation of progress in La Grande.

Andrew Franklin

Senior vice president and chief operating Officer

The ODS Companies, Portland

Johnson letter 10 of 12

Legislator keeps in touch

To the Editor:

In the frustrating and often combative world of local politics versus that at the state and federal level, Northeast Oregon holds an enviable edge. Too often the representatives that Oregonians send off to Salem or Washington, D.C., do not consider the local impacts of the legislation or rules that they enact. Union County has been fortunate on all levels.

Our county has found itself in the enviable position among our peers of having, in Greg Smith, a state representative who actually calls back to check in and ask how pending legislation will affect us. That certainly is not the case or a common statewide example.

Greg Smith understands that governing is a system and he has always been conscientious of how economic and social imbalance can occur when that system is out of alignment.

Make sure you vote. I have never seen a more important year to make your values known. Make sure that votes represent what we cherish here in rural Oregon.

Please return Greg Smith to the Oregon House of Representatives.

Colleen MacLeod

Union County commissioner

Smith letter 4 of 12