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About The Record-courier. (Haines, Baker County, Oregon) 1932-2016 | View Entire Issue (April 7, 2016)
i Record-Courier --- O dm Ì m / JVtllM THURSDAY, APRIL 7,2016 itorial An UN-endorsement for County Commissioner I’m Supporting Bruce Nichols By Gina Perkins There's a fine line between respect and fear. Respect for some one results in trust, but fear and distrust go hand in hand. Citizens who choose to vote for a particular candidate are placing their trust in the judgement and quality of the decision making ability of the individual running for public office. A Commissioner's primary responsibility is the oversight and management of the county's day-to- day business. Their judgement and decisions affect all citizens of Baker County. In addition to the budget, 9,11 Dispatch, Emergency and Fire Management, Public Health, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children (CASA), New Directions, Juvenile Department, Economic Develop ment, Planning, Roads, Parks, Natural Resources, etc., are either under the Commissioners' purview or are close working partners. A candidate's experience, education, involvement and ability to build positive relationships in the community are important ingredients. But at the end of the day (or at the end of the countless meetings Commissioners have with Department heads, agencies, and constituents), the decisions they make and judgement they exercise, is what rpatters most. The best, and perhaps only way to help determine the kind of judge ment a person might exercise is to examine their past decisions. I'm deeply concerned about several de cisions, some recent and some span ning the course of' Kody Justus's adult life, that he has made. Whether Justus chose to deliver coffee, donuts, or comic books to the armed occupiers of the Malheur County Wildlife Refuge is one thing. I question more his decision ■ to take his 9 year old little girl there. Gunfire could have broken out at any time at that compound. " ISHEOSil ’ ‘Wore Than Just a Shed" Top Quality Custom Storage Buildings Greenhouses (800) 682-0589 (541) 663-0246 10102 S. McAlister Rd., Island City www.CountrysideSheds.com Kody Justus / Photo by Gina Perkins Self-described patriot groups and individuals, most of whom were heavily armed, were jockeying for power. Law enforcement could have made the decision to raid the compound at any time. Either way, there was a real chance deadly gunfire could have broken out in an instant We all regret the loss of LaVoy Finicum's life, but he was an adult man who made a series of adult decisions which resulted in very permanent consequences. Can you imagine the devastation we would all feel if the life of an innocent child had been lost? I can assure you there is. no way Justice Court Convictions December 15, 1994 Kody L. Justus, 180 days in jail sus pended, attend anger control classes, 12 months probation, $1,000 fine, $123 costs. Assault IV. from the Record-Courier files this Mama Grizzly would ever in a million years have considered, let alone allowed, my child or grand child to be placed in that extremely volatile and life threatening situation. Nor. would anyone whom I respect or trust. One does not have to look far to see a senes of decisions this candidate has made (all matter^of public record available for anyone to review), which demonstrate not only a lack of judgement but a lack of consideration for the likely impact they could have on another person's life. Justus has completed diversions for drunken driving, reckless driving, and has been cited for child endangerment (because ap parently he thought it wasn't &-£*ACTION PLUMBING J Since 1990 Serving Union & Baker Counties CCB# 103084 Baker City 541-523-7990 La Grande 541-963-9534 Dave Billings & Wendy Kohl-Billings Owners zt Judge Mile Pope five years later is evidence of this. After becoming aware of the domestic abuse and assault convic tion against Justus, I asked myself how that squared with the emotional statement Kody made in the Baker County Wildfire video about being entrusted by God to q^e for cattle andhbwhar4?t.^^s to lose them in a wildfire. Frankly, it doesn't. I dlso thought about my very favorite scene in the movie, Lonesome Dove. You know, the one where Captain Call sees the Army man viciously attacking his son, Newt. After standing up to his son's abuser, and seeing that his son is no longer in danger, Captain Call, a man of very few words Says to the horrified bystanders, "I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it." _______ _________ I hate rude behavior in a man Complete Residential & Commercial NEW - REMODELS - REPAIRS necessary to safely buckle up a child). Considering the aforemen tioned drunk and reckless driving charges, the child endangerment matter presents even more of a issue forme. Earlier decisions made by Justus are even more disturbing. Tn 1994, Justus was convicted of Assault IV for domestic abuse against his first wife who is also the mother of his two oldest daughters, now adults. Out of respect for the victim and their daughters, l am not going to include the harrowing and gut wrenching details contained within the court documents or from the first person accounts. It suffices to say, the experience the woman endured is not something any loving parent would want their daughter to endure. I will also add that according to the court records, the domestic violence occurred on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, the anger management classes ordered by the judge, suspension of the 180 day jail sentence, the year of probation, $1,000 fine and court costs didn't prevent future abuse. The restrain ing order against Justus issued by - - See3s Alfalfa • Grasses • Grains 100 "D" Street North Powder, OR 97867 54L898.7333 North Powder Girls’ Volleyball/Basketball 14th Annual Alaskan Halibut Fundraiser April 23, 2016 Powder Valley Gymnasium 4 sessions 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. 4:00 to 6:00 PM. 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. I won’t tolerate it! \ Woodrow F. Call Texas Ranger . 42 , is very helpful with explana tions to the budget commit tee when budget time comes around. I believe Bruce would be a good addition to the commis sioners as a strong financial background is essential for a strong financial Baker County. Carol Proebstel Secretary of the Haines Cemetery District To the Editor: I am a volunteer with Best Friends, and I am writing in support of Bruce Nichols. Our organization actively works to find adoptive homes for animals that have been abandoned or must be given up by previous owners. We are a last resort prior to eu thanasia. Our operating monies come from “adoption Nichols Right Man fees" on placed animals, memberships in Best Friends for the Job and funding from Baker City To the Editor: and Baker County. It was a pleasure to learn Although the $2000 from recently that our long time Baker County is not a large friend and ranch accountant sum In terms of the entire Bruce Nichols, has filed to County budget, to us it is run for the county commis hugely significant in our sion position that Tim Kerns work. It pays for the boarding now holds. fee at the Baker Animal • I would like to thank Tim for Clinic, where animals are his years of service. I know it safely, and securely, kept for wasn't for fame or fortune, up to a maximum of five (5) but his Commitment to the days until a new home can betterment of Baker County. be found for them. Thanks, Tim. Great job. Bruce understands that As with Tim, I know Bruce there is a need for the County has the desire to serve for to continue to support the im the betterment of our county. portant work of Best Friends Bruce and his family have ‘ in placing abandoned ani deep roots in Baker County. mals in loving homes. One of Bruce's ancestors I have known Bruce Nichols was an original homesteader most of his life, and consider on Burnt River in the Bridge him the best candidate for port area. County Commissioner. Bruce Over the years, Bruce has is personable, likable, and had many ag producer very honest. Additionally, he clients such as ourselves. cares a lot about the well Because of that experience being of his community. he knows very welt that agri *His strong financial back culture is the backbone of ground will be an asset in Baker County's economy keeping the County well and how important it is to do managed and in a good fi what can be done at the nancial position. county level to support the Carmen Ott county's ag industry. The Baker City majority of ag income goes back into the local economy •in the form of wages,« the Nichols a Good purchase of goods and Addition services, and property taxes. Bruce's experience in the To the Editor: budgeting process will be a Bruce Nichols should be real asset to the court. considered by all the voting Bruce has also shown his public as a great choice for a interest in the community by County Commissioner. I have serving on a number of local worked with Bruce for the last boards. I knbw Bruce to be a decade as Secretary for the man of honesty and integrity. Haines Cemetery District. I believe he is the best man Bruce is the Accountant for for the job. I encourage my the Haines Cemetery District. fellow Republicans not only When Bruce became the ac to vote for Bruce Nichols on countant the District was in May 17, but to encourage dire straights financially. Now others to do the same, the District is financially se Lynn Shumway cure thanks to Bruce. Bruce Baker City g <TT believe very much in second chances. I shared the same Easter Morning experience at a sunrise service with Mr. Justus. However, I also believe trust is earned and there are lapses in this candidate's judge ment which preclude him from earning my trust and my vote. Black Distributing Inc. Gas • Diesel Non-Ethanol • Heating Fuel 2150 Broadway Baker City, OR 97814 541-523-4575 (cell 541-519-5717) ^Lubricants Man Arrested for Domestic Violence On April 1, 2016, Baker County Sheriff's Office arrested Rory Dambach at 1546 Cherry Street Baker City, OR, after an investi gation into a domestic disturbance involving an adult female, the domestic occurred on March 29,2016 at 2215 9th Street in Baker City. During the assault the female reported she had been physically assaulted and choked. The assault occurred in the presence of minor children. Rory Dambach was lodged in the Baker County Sheriff's Office Jail and charged with Assault IV, strangulation and menacing. Citizen Arraigned on Grand Jury Secret Indictment On April 5, 2016, Antoine Mulder born November 30,1949 of 2306 Church Street, Baker City, Oregon, was arraigned on a Grand Jury Secret Indictment alleging one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class B Felony. The alleged victim in the case is a 10 year old girl known to Mul der. Circuit Court Judge Greg Baxter set bail at $50,000. An entry of plea date was set for April 26,2016. $20 per plate (Please make checks to PV Girls’ VB/BB Teams) TICKETS ON SALE NOW Includes: Alaskan Halibut, baked potato, coleslaw, french bread, dessert, and drink Hotdog tickets are also available for $5. This includes hotdog, chips, cookie, and drink. Benefits Powder Valley Girls’ Volleyball and Basketball teams - Camps and Activities For more information, please contact: Coach Allen Bingham 541 -898-2871 Coach Marji Lind 208-880-5855 Coach Suzi Dixon 541 -898-2244 ext 8887(school) Betsy Nedrow 541 -898-2862 (home) 541-898-2244 ext 8847 (school) PO n V Lit SfUPPBP TlRÊS "iA-f U?" OUR OR^&ON «(QHWAVS. tiS TiMg TO CHMGfc T(RF>- .
