TWO The Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon, Thursday, May 18, 1978
The Heppner
GAZETTE-TIMES
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Voters have choices in May 23 primary
Local races for county offices include Judge
D.O. Nelson, running unopposed; Assessor Everett
Harshman, running unopposed; and Commis
sioner Homer Hughes, unopposed on the ballot,
although a write-in campaign for Dan Creamer of
Irrigon got an eleventh-hour start. Nelson,
Harshman and Creamer are all Democrats. Hughes
is a Republican.
The Gazette-Times urges a vote of confidence
on both Republican and Democrat ballots for
Nelson, Harshman and Hughes.
In the District 55 State Representative race
Billy C. Bellamy is running unopposed on the GOP
ballot. On the Democratic side incumbent Jack
Sumner of Heppner is being challenged by Chuck
Bennett, a resident of Gates.
District 55 is a large district geographically,
with the largest towns being Madras, Heppner, Mill
City and Estacada. Many people feel that Sumner
hasn't been responsive to the needs of the district in
his previous three terms.
Sumner responds that committee assignments
require his presence in Salem during much of the
year, and he acknowledges that he has let public
relations with his constituents slide.
A conservative Democrat, Sumner has attained
a position of seniority in the House of
Representatives and stands a good chance of being
appointed chairman of that body's Ways and Means
Committee for the next session.
While Eastern Oregon can ill-afford to lose
legislators with clout, that shouldn't be the only
determination. Sumner's character and reputation
here in his home county suffers and his record
indicates that he has perhaps spent more time
furthering his personal political career than
working for programs and legislation that directly
affect his district.
Bennett, a former newspaperman in the Salem
area, carries a more liberal philosophy than
Sumner, and pledges to be an outspoken freshman
legislator if elected.
Bennett has carried on a grass-roots campaign,
knocking on doors, visiting almost evey city or town
in the district, asking questions, giving his thoughts.
An observer of the legislature for the past three
sessions, Bennett feels that he knows the problems
of state government and he offers a few viable
solutions.
In summation, The Gazette-Times feels that
Chuck Bennett would make an effective legislator
for District 55. He is knowledgeable, capable, and
would be more responsive to the district's needs and
wishes than Sumner. With those traits, seniority
would come fast as it does in the Oregon
legislature.
The race for the governor's chair in Oregon this
year has brought forth four major candidates.
Incumbent Bob Straub on the Democratic side and
on the GOP ticket, former Governor Tom McCall,
Senator Vic Atiyeh and Representative Roger
Martin.
McCall certainly has the experience and the
support. In two terms as governor, McCall became
known for bold action, foresight and business savvy.
During that time frame state government also
began tremendous growth.
Vic Atiyeh is a long-time legislator known for
thoughtful consideration and judgement of legisla
tion. When it comes to problem-solving and
administration, however, Atiyeh seems to have a
voic as far as we're concerned and someone in the
governor's position must have those qualities.
Roger Martin has served six terms in the
Oregon legislature, including two terms as House
Republican Leader. Martin is a hard-liner when it
comes to burgeoning state government and we think
he is serious about cutting back state involvement
on a local level.
Roger Martin is The Gazette-Times choice for
governor.
A non-partisan race that has direct affect on
Morrow County is for Circuit Court Judge.
Incumbent William W. Wells is being challenged by
Milton-Freewater attorney Milo Pope.
Both men are extremely well qualified and
voters are fortunate to have such a selection for
such an important position. Wells has the edge on
experience, having held his judgeship since 1952.
Pope has been practicing law for about 16 years and
is a respected member of the state bar. His work
before the Court of Appeals is extensive and has
earned him the respect of clients, judges and other
lawyers. His colleagues claim he has ideal judicial
temperment, and the Gazette-Times
agrees.
The only complaint heard about the Circuit
Court in Morrow County is that it doesn't meet here
on a regular basis. When a attorney can't tell his
client when the court date for a simple dissolution of
marriage will be, the system is failing. Pope
maintains that Morrow County should have its own,
regularly scheduled Circuit Court date and since the
issue has become campaign material, Wells has
taken a similar position.
In terms of enforcement or punishment for
crimes committed both men would be fair and
tough. Neither man would be a hand-slapping judge.
The Gazette-Times feels that an endorsement in
this race, because of equal qualifications, would be
an endorsement of personality which isn't proper
reason for endorsement.
tmh
Q.Lt'iF'u'ECIlS EFU30rd"
Congratulations given on birthday
Editor
I wanted to take the opportunity of the 95th birthday of
the Heppner Gazette-Times to congratulate you on
continuing the tradition of this fine newspaper.
The citizens of Morrow County benefit tremendously
from the weekly news and advertising you provide to them. It
is indeed fitting to describe the newspaper as 95 years young.
6 Yes ' on Measure 4
Editor.
The Oregon Association of Water Utilities urges you to
vote yes on Ballot Measure 4. It would help water districts
and cities maintain, improve or repair the water systems
through which you receive your drinking water.
The program is modeled alter the successful Veteran's
Home Loan Program. The state would sell bonds and loan the
money to the public water provider with an interest rate high
enough to cover the state's cost in issuing the bonds. The
interest paid by the water district or city is frequently lower
than the cost if they were to issue their own bonds.
The result is significant savings to taxpayers while, at
the same time, improving the facilities through which we get
our drinking water. Please vote yes on Measure 4.
Sincerely,
Craig Henry
Executive Di -ector
Oregon Assn. of Water Utilities
based on its past accomplishments and its grip on the future.
Congratulations on the 95th year. May the newspaper
have many more.
With warm regards.
Rep. AI Ullman
Campaign corrections
Editor,
I am writing to inform registered Democrats in District
55 that an error exists in campaign information supplied to
them by my campaign committee.
Due to a clerical mistake in transcription, my campaign
brochure states that my opponent, Rep. Jack Sumner, voted
against city revenue sharing during the last legislative
session.
In fact, Rep. Sumner was absent during a committe vote
on this important program and was not present (excused),
when the issue came to the House floor.
I regret this error. Like many of youTl have been
chagrined by the state of the political art over the past
several years, particularly the lack of trust which has
developed as a result of misstatements and misrepresenta
tions among politicians. I have avoided this in the past and
will continue to do so in the future.
Sincerely,
Chuck Bennett
candidate for state representative
Gates, OR
William Joseph Van Winkle,
63, Lexington, died in Heppner
Friday, May 12.
He was born May 11, 1915 in
Arlington, the son of William
C. and Cleo Eskelson Van
Winkle, and lived in Lexington
all his life.
A U.S. Army veteran of
World War II, Mr. Van Winkle
was a member of the VFW
Post at Heppner, a member of
the Heppner Elks Lodge, and
was employed by Morrow
County Grain Growers at
Lexington as parts manager.
Seattle, Wash.; and six grand
children. Funeral services were Mon
day, May 15, at 11 a.m. at the
Christian Church in Lexing
ton, with the Rev. Steve
William Joseph Van Winkle
He is survived by his wife,
Gladys, Lexington; his moth
er, Cleo Van Winkle, Pendle
ton; three sons, Donald Van
Winkle, Tacoma, Wash.;
Charles W. Van Winkle, En
terprise; Robert Van Winkle,
Paulina; three daughters, Lin
da, Santa Monica, Cal.; Leora
Kane, Lexington; and Glenda
Bradd, Ontario; two brothers,
Alfred Van Winkle, Spokane,
Wash.; and Jack Van Winkle,
Heppner; three sisters, Alma
Green, Heppner; Lorene Toll,
Prineville; and June Duvall,
Tollefson officiating. Conclu
ding services and vault inter
ment were at the Lexington
Cemetery. Burns Mortu
ary was in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Devin
THEGAZETTE -TIME
The Official Newspaper of the City of Heppner
and the County of Morrow
Published every Thursday and entered as second-class matter at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon, under the Act
of March 3, 1879. Second-class postage paid at Heppner, Oregon.
G.M. Reed, Publisher Dolores Reed, Co-publisher Terry M.Hager, Managing Editor
Rick Steelhammer, News Editor Eileen Saling, Officer Manager- Elane Blanchet, Reporter
Gayle Rush, Composing Chloe Pearson, Composing Justine Weatherford , Local Columnist
Ron Jordan, Printer
Hazel Devin, 65, Woodburn,
died Wednesday, May 10 in
Woodburn.
She was born August 8, 1912,
in lone, the daughter of Lee
and Lana Padberg and spent
most of her life in Morrow and
Gilliam counties. She was
married to Harlan Devin on
August 9, 1947, at lone. They
moved from Condon to Wood
burn in 1970, and have made
their home there since.
Funeral services were Sat
urday, May 13, at Simon
Funeral Chapel, Woodburn.
Interment was at Willamette
National Cemetery, Portland.
Mrs. Devin is survived by
her husband, Harlan, Wood
burn ; a daughter, Lynn Marie
McDonald, Omaha, Neb.; two
stepsons, Glen Devin, Arling
ton and Dr. Boyd Devin,
Cheney, Wash.; a brother,
Darrell Padberg, lone; two
sisters, Opal Burton and Pearl
Kruse, both of Portland, and
two grandchildren. A son,
Ralph L. Benge, preceded her
in death in 1967.
The family suggests me
morials be made to the Senior
Estates Building Fund.
Ten years ago this week, the May 6 election which had
passed the Morrow County School District budget by a 3-vote
margin was declared void by the School Board. Five ballots
were cast by persons who had not registered to vote 30 days
prior to the election, as required by Oregon law at the time,
and since it could not be determined whether these were
negative or affirmative votes, a new election was called for.
The School Board decided to resubmit the budget with no
cuts, saying that the budget was already "tight" and any
paring would hurt the school program. The close first vote
and a low 25 per cent voter turnout also influenced the1
board's dicision to send the same budget back to the polls.
Primary elections were already past history this week in
1958, with Morrow County going along with the rest of the
state to give the nod to gubernatorial candidates Mark
Hatfield on the Republican ticket and Gov. Robert D. Holmes
for the Democratic nomination. In the single county contest,
Republican Harry Dinges, incumbent assessor, ran up a two
to one lead over his opponent for the post, Delmer Buschke.
Batie Rand of Boardman, a write-in candidate on the
Democratic ballot, was set to face Dinges in the general
election. Voters also gave generous approval to the
county's five-year serial levy for the Road Department 20
years ago. The measure was passed by a 646 to 360 margin,
gaining approval in ever y precinct except Irrigon where it
received a small 'no' majority.
Following the presentation of diplomas to 26 graduating
Heppner High School seniors in 1958, special awards went to
many students.
Student body officer pins were given to president Ed
Groshens, vice-president Len Ray Schwartz, secretary
Phyllis Quackenbush, and treasurer Joann Brosnan. Other
special awards included outstanding citizenship, Ed
Groshens and Helen Graham; outstanding athlete, (tie) Len
Ray Schwartz and Ed Groshens; school spirit, Peggy
Applegate and Burke Gentry; and Hehisch awards, Helen
Graham, Phyllis Quackenbush and Janice Beamer.
Primary elections were also in the news this week in
1948, with Thomas E. Dewey squaring off against Harold
Stasson for the Republican presidential nomination and
Pres. Harry Truman unopposed on the Democratic ticket.
The Gazette-Times commented: "Sparked by the battle for
Oregon's 12 delegates to the national convention which has
seen two of the leading contenders for the Republican
nomination visiting almost every section of the state,
Friday's primary gives promise of drawing out the heaviest
vote for many years. Interest has not run so high since the
days before FDR became supreme and securing the
Republican nomination became a matter of form..."
In local election news, Russell Miller of Boardman,
candidate for county commissioner, told the Chamber of
Commerce that the people at the north end of the county felt
they were entitiled to representation on the Court. He added a'
better understanding between the two ends of the county
would be reached by having someone from his section
participate in working out county problems.
A Notson for Congress Club had been formed in Heppner
during the primary elections in 1928 to support the candidacy
of a home town man, S.E. Notson, for Representative for the
2nd Congressional District. The Times reported on the
progress of his bid for the position: "The vigorous campaign
of S.E. Notson. ..is gaining him support in every section of the
district, according Jo advice received by his supporters at
Heppner. In fact, the success of his plan of 'meeting the
voters' has been such that political observers concede that he
will figure in the finals when the vote is registered
Friday. ..His record has been one of clean, conscientious and
efficient public service and he is represented as a candidate
without a weakness..."
One of Notson 's chief supporters, incidentally, was the
secretary of his campaign committee, Spencer Crawford,
who also happened to be co-publisher of the Gazette-Times.
Frank Gilliam was chairman of the Notson for Congress
Club.
While most issues of the Gazette-Times through thej
decades are filled with primary election politicking at this j
time of the year, the paper in 1918 featured mostly World War j
I news, sporting such headlines as "Young Men Will Register
For Draft" and "Khaki Handkerchiefs in Demand Over;
There".
There was s small article about the number of registered
voters in the county, a total of 2,077. The break down of voters
in the different parties showed much more variety andi
Imagination than nowadays: 1,361, Republican; 544 j
Democrats; 4, Progressive; 24, Prohibitionist; 89, Socialist; j
and 55, Miscellaneous. j
Only one short comment was made about any candidate 1
in the primary election 60 years ago: "Anyone who has been j
reading the bunk that Mayor Harley is putting out to advance I
his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor j
must realize what a handsome spectacle he would make in
the state's executive chair. The only trouble is that Harley j
will destract a lot of good votes that should go to one of the
regular candidates."
Community
BILLBOARD
Call 676-9228
Thursday May 18
Soroptomists, noon, Wagon
Wheel
Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.,
Heppner High School
Friday May 19
Puppet Show, 1:30 p.m.,
I Heppner Elementary multi-
purpose room
Heppner eighth grade din
ner-dance, 6 p.m., Elks Lpjge
Saturday-May 20
Babe Ruth tryouts, noon, lone
ballfield
Horror movie, 7:30 p.m.,
HHS Cafetorium
lone Eighth grade dinner
dance, 6:30 p.m., lone Cafetorium
Monday May 22 I
Chamber of Commerce,
noon, West of Willow
Pop Concert, 7:30 p.m.,
BMCC Pioneer Theater, Pen-
Tuesday May 23
VOTE! 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Election Day Dinner, 11:30
a.m.-l:30 p.m., lone Legion
Hall
Wednesday May 2 4
. County Court, 9 a.m., courthouse
I
Li
Sponsored
By
RAY
BOYCE
J INSURANCE
t
228 N. Main St. Heppntr 676-9625
' i I