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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 7, 2020)
FOUR - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, October 7, 2020 DOHERTY -Continued from PAGE ONE years, Kelly, my son Bryce and his beautiful wife Han- nah and a little cowboy or cowgirl on the way. Why are you running for a county office? Four years ago I felt called to carry the message of the honest folks of the county who heretofore had no standard bearer. Whether it is the neglected agricul- ture and small business folks or those yearning for an even break, their mes- sage is building in strength, and strengthens my resolve. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the office you are running for in Morrow County? If a snapshot in time, it is certainly the monumental challenges of Covid 19. The healthcare implications from both contracting the virus and the devastation wrought by suppressed per- sonal productivity. I am re- luctant to otherwise denote a “biggest challenge.” I see our county as a whole, no north, no south. No part of the county should be left out or left behind. There should be no blighted areas. Our unincorporated rural areas need to share in the success of the county as our farms and ranches remain the PRATT Officer for newly hired deputies/officers. What, if any, prior ex- perience do you have? I have been involved in some aspect of public service since I was fifteen years old. It started over 29 years ago, when I joined the Washington State Patrol Explorer Program as a teen. While at college I obtained an EMT certificate, and subsequently joined the Douglas County Fire Dis- trict #2 (WA) as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, serving for about five years. I was then recruited to join the Chelan Police Department (WA) as a reserve police officer. I was also hired by the Doug- las County Sheriff’s Office (WA) as a dispatcher. At which point, I was actively involved as a volunteer fire- fighter/EMT, reserve police officer and dispatcher all at PETERSON -Continued from PAGE ONE backbone of our economy and through proper plan- ning, our commercial and industrial sectors should know no bounds. How would you address that challenge if you win? As far as, “biggest challenge” I hold that we need a holistic approach as everything is intimately connected. Our number one resource is the people of Morrow County and it’s their voice I stand behind. To address their needs, the things they desire and their wants for the future. My plan is their plan. Summary I have a record that reflects accomplishments and no fear of fighting back against the establishment when it breaches our trust. I have no hidden agenda and no political backers influencing my vote. Don’t get me wrong, I won’t nec- essarily turn away assis- tance. I just worry that asking for funds is asking for trouble. Some special interests’ group or people with an agenda will prop up a candidate and “own” his or her vote. I work for you, all of you and pledge to pour my heart and soul into the effort. here? Spouse? Children? My family operates a Century Farm south of Ione, and my brothers still farm in the area. My wife, Lea Mathieu, is an educator and minister who has taught and preached in Boardman, Heppner and Ione. Lea is currently the minister of The Dalles United Church of Christ Congregational. Our three children gradu- ated from Ione schools and our oldest son, August, has returned after college to continue the family farm- ing tradition with his wife Sami, who grew up on a cat- tle ranch near Baker City. Why are you running for a county office? I have volunteered with local and countywide or- ganizations all my life, and now that my children are grown and my son is a partner on our farm, I have even more time to devote to public service. I am run- ning for Morrow County Commissioner because my family – past and future – is rooted here and I want to see our strong individual communities cooperate for everyone’s benefit. The county has seen significant growth in the past several decades and I would like to see us come together for continued sustainable -Continued from PAGE ONE growth and positive change one time. I remained a reserve police officer until I was hired by the Douglas Coun- ty Sheriff’s Office (WA) as a deputy in 1998. In 2000, I accepted a Deputy Sheriff’s position with the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office. In 2007, I was promoted to the rank of sergeant. I was in charge in supervising pa- trol deputies, assigned as a search and rescue coordina- tor, and I was the director of the reserve deputy program. I served as one of the agen- cy’s emergency vehicle operations instructors, taser instructor and field training officer. In 2016 I accepted a sergeant’s position with the Boardman Police Depart- ment, where I continue to serve today. I have or current- ly serve on the following boards: Boardman City DIEHL Council (elected-past); Morrow County School Board (elected-past); Port of Morrow Budget Com- mittee (appointed-current); Umatilla Morrow Radio and Data District (elect- ed-current) Do you have family here? Spouse? Children? I have been married to my wife, Lisa, for 21 years. My wife and I have resided in Morrow County since moving here in 2000. Mor- row County is where we raised our oldest daughter, Marissa, and are currently raising our two other chil- dren, Hailee and Konner. Why are you running for a county office? It’s time for a change which will provide a new way of leadership within the Sheriff’s Office. I will embrace a collaborative environment where all em- -Continued from PAGE ONE in the future. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the office you are running for in Morrow County? The biggest challenges facing us are related: We are too often divided by community and agencies to work effectively for the economic well-being of the entire county. Issues that apply to multiple commu- nities in Morrow County include housing, internet access, infrastructure and employment opportunities. These and related issues are best addressed by the coun- ty working in cooperation with towns and agencies. How would you address that challenge if you win? Even though I have lived my entire life, other than college years, on farms south of Ione, I recognize the need for a vision wider than my own small com- munity. It is imperative that we listen to, learn from and work with each other. I will address the challenge of fractured communities by listening to all sides prior to making informed decisions for the betterment of all, and by earning the trust of those I work with and for. Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the job? As stated above, I have extensive experience in agriculture, policy and busi- ness development through- out the county, and I have respect for all of our com- munities and agencies. I know the other commis- sioners I would work with – Melissa Lindsay and Don Russell – well enough to know that we could work together with mutual re- spect and for the betterment of all Morrow County. budget. Do you have family here? Spouse? Children? My beautiful wife Tra- cie and I have been married over 26 years and have raised two grown children that we are very proud of. Why are you running for a county office? I am running because I love serving and helping the public. Continuing as your Justice of the Peace will allow me to continue in my lifelong career in criminal justice service. Thirty-five plus years ago, I got into law enforcement because I wanted to make a difference and above all help people and that desire still holds true today. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the office you are running for in Morrow County? In today’s environment where more and more par- ents are required to both work, we are seeing less and less parental involve- ment and/or guidance. This is leading to issues with some juveniles as it pertains to truancy and delinquency. This is becoming a commu- nity issue as today’s youth are tomorrow’s adults and hopeful leaders. The issues are: A. How do we ensure our youth stay in school? How do we get the parents involved? How do we help guide the families and get them the training and edu- cation they need to succeed as an individual with a future? B. How do we hold them accountable and teach / encourage these youth to follow the rules (laws) of society so that they can become not only useful and productive people, but contributing members of our communities both now and in the future? How would you address that challenge if you win? By continuing the work already being done in your Justice Court. We are work- ing closely with school dis- trict administrators, school resource officers and our other community partners. We have had multiple meet- ings and recognized that “one size doesn’t fit all.” I have conveyed to these professionals that my door is always open and that I welcome their input as we work together to find ways to keep these kids in school. With our communi- ty partners, I am looking at many “out of the box” ideas and programs as it applies to delinquency. I am committed to working with our community partners to reduce youth crimes and turning them around before they end up in the criminal justice arena. Our goals of teaching them to make pos- itive choices and helping them understand how their actions can affect others as well as their future and by empowering the families to support their children’s positive actions. Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the job? I believe that my com- bination of education, train- ing and experience makes me the best candidate. My record of commitment to the law in addition to my balanced and fair-minded approach makes me unique- ly qualified to continue serving you, as your justice of the peace. And with your support I will continue serving. ployees will be expected to be leaders and provide input on how the Sheriff’s Office reaches its goals that are set by the employees and com- munities working together. The Sheriff’s Office must work with any enti- ty in order to provide an increased level of public safety to the people. The Sheriff’s Office needs a new approach which fosters better relationships with the communities they serve by encouraging everyone to engage on a personal level. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the office you are running for in Morrow County? Fostering positive rela- tionships with our commu- nities, employees and other entities, both governmental and non-governmental. How would you address that challenge if you win? First, and most im- portantly, is showing the Sheriff’s Office employees they are valued and will be expected to professional- ly grow. They must have ownership in the direction the Sheriff’s Office will head. This will be accom- plished by providing them with a clearly written and followed set of policies and directives that are followed by everyone equally. The relationships with the communities and other entities will be accom- plished by showing them, through the actions of my- self and the employees, the intent of the Sheriff’s Office will be safety of the people above all else. Hi! I’m Linda, your Morrow County Veterans Services representative, aka VSO- Veterans Service Officer. As your local VA Advocate, accredited under Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, I’m here to assist you and your family access benefits that you may be entitled to. Each county in Oregon has an accredited advocate who helps veterans and their families understand their benefits available through the VA and state. This can include information on veterans health care, state veterans homes and veterans disability income benefits, and much more. There is no charge for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a claim. Only accredited VSOs by VA are involved in the processing of a claim. VSOs have your best interest in mind and will help you get the benefits you deserve. VSOs assist veterans and their families in many ways, including: • Answering questions, advising, and educating individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county, and local resources • Assisting eligible persons in filing the necessary claims • Representing individuals and presenting claims in VA hearings • Referrals to additional services We’re here for you! Call today 541-922-6420 ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M.
