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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 2, 2014)
4 letters to the editor/community bulletin board october2 2014 Readers Lend Their Voices... To the Editor, I am a former client of Cathleen Callahan and I want to let the voters of Columbia County know that she is the best choice for judge. I met Cathleen in July 2010 when I hired her to represent me in a divorce. I knew the process would be difficult as I knew my ex- husband very well. Our children had an attorney appointed to them, there were several pre-trial conferences, a first trial and settlement conference that took two days, a restraining order trial, an order of psychological testing, he was in jail for two weeks in jail for contempt against the Court, he refused to physically appear at numerous court proceedings, including the trial he requested and then too many status conferences and follow up to count before the divorce was finalized. He argued over every word. He filed numerous documents and did not provide copies to Cathleen. Many of his documents were nonsensical and were clearly a product of him venting and his anger. He hired and fired or was fired by at least four attorneys. Cathleen was with me the entire time. Not only as an experienced and dedicated advocate for me and the law but as my educator and guide to the legal process. She was always calm when speaking with my ex-husband and no matter what he did or said, she never gave up. My ex has even begrudgingly admitted respect for her. This is the type of judge Columbia County needs. management, to dealing with difficult family situations. She is compassionate and understanding in every situation. My case began in Columbia County but quickly spread outside the county, and involved the custody of my granddaughter after her parents were found to be deeply into drugs. I did not know which way to turn to help her, but Cathleen did. She handled everything discreetly and quickly so there was as little turmoil as possible for my then 8 year old granddaughter. I’m voting for Cathleen Callahan for Circuit Judge because mine is not the only story. She has helped many citizens of this community through some rough times, always with the most competence, compassion and respect. The example above was Cathleen wearing her “attorney” hat. I can’t wait to see her bring her many years of experience as an attorney, and City Prosecutor to the bench. residents. He has continually avoided the issue and will not even talk about how seniors and others who need public transit will fare if he is elected in November. Why doesn’t he support those who have no way of even getting to the grocery store or those needing to get to doctor appointments? If the only vulnerable spot he sees in his opponent is his stance on the oil trains, what does that do for the rest of the many important issues facing our quality of life in Columbia County? I am tired of politicians avoiding discussions that don’t seem to fit in with their own ideas of what is good for our county. How can I place my faith in Mr. Mayo if he doesn’t ask what types of services are needed or have any discussion about all of the issues? The officials we elect must represent all of us and be willing to talk to all of us. Even though I support and will vote for Heimuller in November, I feel even he could benefit from a wider Jo Boge perspective. I would hope when I show Rainier, OR my support for Heimuller that everyone understands that I think Heimuller is the To the Editor, best candidate that is running and that he It seems strange to me that while is not beholden to me. Mr. Mayo provides us with his ideas for how our democratic system should work, Thelma Bonar he doesn’t seem to have any idea about Warren, OR continued on page 13 how county government really works. What I see is that he is throwing out a bunch of “hot button” issues that he thinks will stick in order to get elected. If he is successful with this strategy, what will happen if he does get elected? Anything? Tina Blixt Or will we face the same mess we Yelm, WA continually hear about everywhere else Friday, October 3, 11:00 AM in this country? No action, road blocks, To the Editor, confusion and no direction that anyone Nature Journaling Cathleen Callahan has lived, can figure out. on the Timberbeast Trail worked and contributed her time At least I know where I stand Join us for a journey of mind and and energy to Columbia County for with Henry Heimuller. He is continually body down our freshly cleared many years. She is well known in the trying to do his best to inform me when I Timberbeast Trail. You’ll take community for her volunteer work and her ask questions. in the natural sights, sounds, and commitment to the justice system. She Over the last months I have smells then log the splendor in a has been proven to be a strong advocate tried to talk with Mr. Mayo regarding journal to reminisce about for years for the average person in the county his position on public transit and other to come. Delight in your time at dealing with everything from business important issues for Columbia County Stub Stewart State Park and capture the experience to share. Meet at the Welcome Center. HOW TO SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Vernonia’s Voice welcomes and requests your thoughts, opinions and ideas. Please include your name, address and phone number, limit your letters to 300 words or less. Vernonia’s Voice reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted. We will print letters space permit- ting. Deadline is the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Email: scott@ vernoniasvoice.com or mail to: Letters, PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064. Columbia Humane Society featured Pet They say with age comes wisdom. Don't overlook me at my age, I have a lot of great years left in my life. I like other dogs, however I find large male dogs to be a challenge. I recently moved to CHS and I would like to find a permanent home. If your interested in me, please ask. My adoption fee is $165, and I come neutered, microchipped and current on my vaccines. Please come see me at the shelter Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat from 10- 7 and Sundays from 12- 7. Email: animalwelfare@columbiahumane.org 2084 Oregon Street Phone: 503-397-4353 St. Helens, OR 97051 Web: www.columbiahumane.org Upcoming Events Salmon Festival - Saturday, October 4, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Hawkins Park. Car Seat Clinic - Saturday, October 25, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Vernonia Fire Station, 555 E. Bridge St. For more information call 503-556-3736. Nob Hill Nature Park Volunteer Work Party - Saturday, November 1, 1:00-4:00 PM at Nob Hill Nature Park in St. Helens. Preregistration is requested, call 503-397-7904. Timberbound Concert & Swing Dance, Saturday, November 15, 8:00-11:00 PM at the Vernonia Grange, 375 North St. Historic Keasey slide show by Cory Colburn 7-8 PM. Tickets $10 at the door or call 503-396-2046 Spirit of Christmas in Vernonia - Saturday, December 6, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Events at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Saturday, October 4, 11:00 AM Birding Basics Come learn how to go Birding like a pro. We provide the binoculars and field guides and basic tools to spot our feathered friends. The course includes a hike down to the Beaver Pond to discover various nests and signs of birds. Bring water for the hike and of course sturdy foot wear. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Dairy Creek Amphitheater. Saturday, October 4, 6:00 PM Vernonia: Growth, Prosperity, Obscurity This is a story about the upper Nehalem Valley and the small town that was home to the largest lumber mill. Hear about the little railroad that served the valley and the creepy crawly tunnel that was a problem right from the start. Meet at the West Meeting Hall. CAN YOU FILL THESE BOOTS? VOLUNTEERS WANTED Call Dean Smith for more information on free training (503)429-8252