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Letters Blue Mountain Eagle LETTERS Continued from Page A4 Look at Walden’s voting record To the Editor: Before you reflexively mark your ballot for Greg Walden, please look closely at how he has voted over the last 20 years. We did. What was apparent was that he has consistently voted against the majority of his constituency, be they children, the less ad- vantaged, seniors or veterans. His votes to strip health care from everyone, and his no votes on legislation to help veterans are especially appall- ing. Now you can add his sup- port for tariffs that directly hurt agriculture in his district. There is a good chance if you do your research that you will vote for Jamie McLeod-Skin- ner instead, as we are. Sandy and Mark Murray Prairie City ‘I will not tolerate’ To the Editor: “I will not tolerate” — Gordon Larson, Grant Coun- ty commissioner candidate, Prairie City meet and greet. To me, a strange way for a candidate for county commis- sion to talk about public dis- course, or public participation in county matters. I know Mr. Gordon Larson, currently run- ning for Grant County Court, has stated how he “would not tolerate” a lack of “decorum” in the county court if elected, so I wonder, just what does that mean? 1) If I want to simply speak, is that a lack of deco- rum? 2) If I roll my eyes si- lently in protest, is that a lack of decorum? 3) If I question the court on a matter, is that a lack of decorum? I’ve seen personally with my own two eyes what I deem as a lack of decorum. On Jan. 26, 2016, when Gordon Larson angrily told a woman and her children from another state to go home, simply because they want- ed to express their feelings on public lands management issues. He very tersely informed them that they didn’t speak for him, and he didn’t need people from another state speaking for him. The sad part was, they weren’t; they were speaking for themselves, and since he “wouldn’t have it,” he belittled them to the point of silence. I’ve listened to Mr. Lar- son’s “meet and greets” and heard him repeat that he is not “authoritarian” (controlling) numerous times, but in the same talk how he “will not tolerate” certain actions or speech if elected county com- missioner. If you “will not tolerate” some things, but you will others, and you project that out before you are even elected, that by its very defini- tion is the signs of an author- itarian personality telling you one thing and saying another. I know this: I will not cast my vote for Gordon Larson after listening to him speak. As, while he states he not “authoritarian” in his talks, he clearly shows he would be “authoritarian” in the state- ment of “I will not tolerate” and in his actions. “Will not tolerate” equals “authoritarian.” Billie Jo George Bates Larson has ‘long history of civic involvement’ To the Editor: Gordon Larson is the no nonsense leader Grant County needs. He will not waste his time grandstanding. He will focus on the real issues facing the county. Most of it is not glamor- ous — budgets and such. I truly appreciate that someone with such a long history of civic involvement and lead- ership (and simple decency) is willing to do this. Vote for Gordon! Jim Kelly Kimberly No debate by candidates is a loss for all To the Editor: We have two candidates asking for votes to become our county commissioner. The Grant County Chamber of Commerce, with our interests at heart, invited Gordon Lar- son and Sam Palmer to hold a public meeting to debate local issues and share their visions. Gordon responded he was eager to participate and he’s willing to debate with Sam about local issues any time. What was Sam Palmer’s response? No debate. Realize what is lost be- cause Sam is denying voters the opportunity to compare candidates’ ideas. Candi- dates would express oppos- ing viewpoints and points of agreement. Debating, they would flush out the nuances of policies and reveal the best and worst ideas. We would have the information we need to choose the candidate who will impact our future. As it is, we are voting half-blinded because one candidate, Sam Palmer, will not participate in public discussions that would strengthen our understanding of issues and direct us in pol- icy choices tested by debate and built on consensus. A candidate debate could be an example of “being one in spirit” (Philippians 2:2-4) — coming together to eval- uate local issues, rather than adding to partisan divide. We all could applaud both can- didates for putting the com- munity first, above their own personal interests (vulnera- bilities). Some defend Sam Palmer’s choice not to debate with Gordon Larson, saying it would just be “argumenta- tive.” To argue points, not per- sonalities, is a good thing. We are about to choose a commis- sioner to represent us on mat- ters and in places reaching far beyond the county. Shouldn’t we have a chance to evaluate each candidates’ ability to de- fend our interests? Both love Grant County, and both want the commis- sioner job. Gordon Larson is the one who has worked for it. He has held 13 public meet- ings in every corner of the county. Another is scheduled Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. (Canyon City Community Hall). We hear he has had good dis- cussions with supporters and challengers. Amazingly, he gets nods of approval across the political spectrum. This happens when people and policies matter more than par- tisan politics. Vote for Gordon Larson — his skills and openness are impressive. Kay Steele Ritter Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Larson has spoken of his ambition To the Editor: Gordon Larson has spoken of his ambition to become an Oregon state senator. Is being a Grant County commissioner a stepping stone towards that goal? Gus Ballard Mt. Vernon Larson ‘will make solid, informed’ decisions To the Editor: I support Gordon Larson for county commissioner. Gordon has a reputation of always having our county and its citizens’ best interests in mind. I am confident that Gordon will make solid, in- formed, fair and caring deci- sions and will be an asset to our county. Elaine Mezzo John Day Larson best for the job To the Editor: It is time to vote for our new county commissioner. We believe Gordon Larson is the best man for the job. We went to one of Gordon Lar- son’s meet and greet meet- ings. At that meeting a great variety of questions were asked of Mr. Larson. We were extremely impressed with his answers to the questions. He has experience and un- derstanding of law from his state police career. He has experience with budgets and government agencies from his time spent on the school board. He was open to listen- ing to changes that people thought needed to happen in the management of the court. We believe that he has the temperament to work with others. Over 70 percent of the land in our county is owned by the federal government. We believe that Gordon has the experience to work with the government agencies in a positive way. When selecting our new county commissioner, vote for Gordon Larson. Tom and Sandra Sutton John Day Larson ‘will make an excellent county commissioner’ To the Editor: We have known Gordon Larson for over 20 years and know that he will make an ex- cellent county commissioner. He will bring knowledge and fairness to the court. Nancy Chase and Dwayne Timmons Canyon City Honesty, integrity more important than experience To the Editor: A prepaid ad for the Blue Mountain Eagle was refused publication even though it was later rewritten at the ed- itor’s request. The truth will be avail- able when federal and state agencies reveal their findings. Documentation will be avail- able to satisfy the doubtful. Choose carefully when voting for a Grant County commissioner. Honesty and integrity is far more import- ant than “experience.” County citizens cannot afford to go backwards to commissioners that “go along to get along” or favor decisions that benefit themselves and their ideolo- gies. When that happens, Grant County gets the short end of the stick. We cannot afford those attitudes or actions again. Dave Traylor John Day A5 Larson served well on school board To the Editor: We support Gordon Lar- son’s candidacy for county court. My wife, Crish, is a retired school teacher from this area, and Gordon Lar- son used to be on the school board. She felt he did a really good job on the school board and could do a good job on the county court. We both support him. David Hamilton Mt. Vernon Regarding Gordon Larson and Sam Palmer To the Editor: I feel strongly that it is imperative to vote for a can- didate that has actual experi- ence in citywide issues and direct participation in county governing and organization and decision-making. Gordon Larson has that with 25 years in the state po- lice as an officer and trainer both, 12 years on the school board, a business man and rancher who has direct un- derstanding of the issues with both ranching and the forestry issues, as well as the immediate concerns and issues of the community at large, both with the coun- ty and the towns of Grant County. Sam Palmer is the broth- er of the county sheriff and a nurse with the hospital, a clearly honorable profession, but hardly qualifications to now jump into being a county commissioner. Gordon Larson has the experience, the skills and the knowledge to provide a pos- itive influence on our county court. Need I say more? Need there be any further consider- ation? Jim Bay John Day The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. www.eomediagroup.com Hello Grant County, Our Installation Dinner was a success! Thanks to all who attended and a special thanks to everyone who donated items for our silent auction and raffle. 77206 Monday - Thursday 7am- 6pm Friday 8am - 5pm Mendy Sharpe FNP Apppointments available People have asked me recently why a business should join the Chamber. Well, this is what I tell them – National Survey says the Chamber is the #1 contact point on the web, by email, by phone or visiting in person to gain information about the area. We get calls all the time for names of and phone numbers for businesses in Grant County; Chamber members always get first referral. Chamber members are listed on our website and member businesses get their own page. VOTE ‘YES’ ON MEASURE 104 Oregon’s Constitution requires a 3/5ths majority in both state houses to pass legislation that raises revenue, a threshold designed to encourage a bipartisan approach to raising taxes. Recent interpretations of this law have created new loopholes allowing the legislature to get around this important constitutional provision. This means the legislature can, by a simple majority vote, eliminate important deductions for things like federal income taxes, mortgage interest, property taxes, or charitable contributions, in addition to other beneficial tax treatments Oregonians have supported in the past. Each of these changes would directly impact the taxes you pay. THIS IS NOT RIGHT! We join with our neighbors, customers, and local communities to close these loop holes and end easy tax increases that hurt families and small businesses. YES ON 104 We urge you to protect every Oregonian’s constitutional right for fair taxation. The Chamber offers its members opportunities to promote their businesses or services with cooperative marketing and advertising which gives the business exposure and advantages that are cost effective. National survey shows that the public tends to trust and look for businesses that are members of the Chamber of Commerce. Chamber membership means that you are welcome to attend meetings, work on Chamber projects and get involved as a board member if you desire. All new businesses will receive a membership sticker and four 30-second spots on KJDY. So, if you’ve been thinking about joining the Chamber, give us a call! The October business meeting and Chamber Luncheon will be Thursday, Oct. 18. The board meets at 10:30 a.m. at the Chamber office and the No-host Luncheon is at noon at the Outpost. Please join us! This month’s Guest Speaker will be Paula Gunther, district ranger of North Fork John Day Ranger District, Ukiah. She will be talking about ideas to move forward for potential uses of the site at the Forest Service Compound at Dale. VOTE YES on Measure 104. See you soon! Tammy Bremner Chamber Manager beobank.com Member FDIC 84486 84030t
