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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 9, 2022)
~ Letters to the Editor ~ The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the following criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to have the name of the sender along with a legible signature. We are also requesting that you provide your address and a phone number where you can be reached. The address and phone number will only be used for verification and will not be printed in the newspaper. Letters may not be libelous. The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks will be placed in the classifieds under “Card of Thanks” at a cost of $10. Email to editor@rapidserve.net or upload to Heppner.net. Due to the number of letters to the editor, let- ters received after the Monday deadline will be published in next week’s Gazette. Get your letters in before 5 p.m. Monday if you want to be heard. Lindsay hard-working leader Commissioner Melissa Lindsay is of the hardest working leaders Morrow County has ever had. She is very community-minded; she puts the needs of this county above her own and she always gives us 110 percent. Whether in her role as a commissioner or just as a neighbor, Melissa is always the first to offer support on a project or vol- unteer her time when any- one needs help. She truly cares about this community and has worked extremely hard to make it a better place for all of use to live— and she has been successful at that. It is disappointing to see a few angry people try to discredit someone who has done so much to make us better. We need to support and stand with Melissa, just as she has done for us countless times. We need to thank her for her unwavering dedication to the county and the people she has served and represented. I stand with Commissioner Melissa Lindsay, and I hope you will do the same. (s) Kim Carlson Heppner, OR County deserves better In my opinion, Jim Doherty is a bully, and a liar. On Aug. 17 I came to the Morrow County Board of Commissioners meeting to honor Judge Tallman, who I served with for 10 years. During the meeting I was appalled by the profan- ity used by Commissioner Jim Doherty. I waited till af- ter the meeting was over to let Jim know that I felt that use of profanity in a public meeting was inappropriate. He then went back to his seat and told Commissioner Lindsay that I was out of line to mention his profan- ity. He then told her that he had seen the payoff by Mor- row County because of me inappropriately touching some woman when I was a commissioner. This is just a flat-out lie. There is no pay- out from Morrow County because of something that I did. I have never inappro- priately touched someone. Jim Doherty is a liar. During the most recent contract negotiations with the union at the road depart- ment, the road department asked for a 3 percent cost of living increase for the next three years. Commissioners Lindsay and Doherty were adamant that they would only give a 2.5 percent cost of living. In fact, Jim Doherty was heard in his usual agitated yelling voice that if the union did not accept the offer, he would paint the “damn picket signs” for them. The ink was barely dry on the con- tract when Jim Doherty was in, lobbying for a 40 percent increase for himself for the next year. At budget time, Jim voted for a 20 percent increase for himself. Why does Jim think so highly of himself and so little of the county employees who make the county function. Since Jim and Melissa have been elected, Morrow County has gone through two administrators, and are looking to hire a chief of staff without input from the two commissioner-elects who will work with this per- son—or if this is even the position that they want go- ing forward. They have also gone through two finance administrators, are on their third public works director, bullied the treasurer into re- tiring, bullied the planning director into leaving and thrown a fit because Jim’s wife was not appointed Justice of the Peace when Ann Spicer retired. The workplace environment at Morrow County is toxic, and if for no other reason, these two commissioners should be recalled. Mor- row County employees and elected officials deserve so much better. The partnerships with our partners, the Port of Morrow, City of Boardman, City of Irrigon as well as others have been broken because there is no respect for opinions that differ from the commissioners. Before Jim and Melissa became commissioners there were quarterly meetings with our partners to talk about common goals. Now no one wants to be in the same room to be yelled at and dictated to by the com- missioners. When I was a commissioner, it was okay to have a differing opinion; we did not yell and scream. The commissioners have a strict policy on out- of-state travel, except for Jim Doherty. Jim travels everywhere on the county dime. He has been to Wash- ington, D.C., Nashville, An- chorage, Las Vegas and Sun Valley for county business or vacation. He has never given a report on the benefit to the tax payers of Morrow County for these expendi- tures, and the cost of his travel would have more than covered the requested cost of living increase for the road department. (s) John Wenholz, Irrigon, OR Grass is not always greener I am writing this letter to express my concern with the recall of the two of the current Morrow Coun- ty commissioners. I have personally known Com- missioner Melissa Lindsay for my entire life. I was a coworker with her for many years. Missy is one of the hardest working women I know and puts herself 100 percent into any job she takes on. I understand that with any person in authority, everyone may not agree 100 percent with the decisions made by these individuals, but they were elected by their peers to be in these positions. I feel like in this day and age, people are so eager to jump on the bandwagon with others to tear people down, instead of lifting them up. From what I have come to understand about the ones who are asking for this recall, it seems to stem from a personal relation- ship with certain people being fired from positions they held in the county. I don’t claim to know what actually occurred, but as most people should know, there are certain things that cannot be disclosed for the benefit of that particular employee. It is the law that this information be kept confidential. It wasn’t that they didn’t disclose what happened, it was that they couldn’t disclose certain information. The county commis- sioners are the executive body for the county. It is the responsibility of the commissioners to oversee the county’s management and administration, repre- senting county interests at the state and federal level, to participate in long-range planning, and manage the county budget and finances. These commissioners have demonstrated their ability to do just that. They are do- ing what the county needs them to do. Just because you don’t agree with their decision, is not a reason to recall them. Commissioner Lindsay works with the citizens of this county to keep the qual- ity of life you expect. I ask you to think of the picture as a whole when it comes time to vote on this recall. Please join me in support- ing Commissioner Lindsay. People need to remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Be careful what you wish for as it may just come true! (s) Dawna Dougherty Heppner, OR Lindsay advocates for the county To the Editor: Morrow County has had the privilege, and con- tinues to, of having Melis- sa Lindsay be one of our county commissioners for six years. She has been, and continues to be, a strong ad- vocate for our county both locally and statewide. Melissa is not only ded- icated to doing what is best for Morrow County as a commissioner but also as a citizen of Morrow County. Let’s not forget the many hours she volunteers around the county, whether it be for a bereavement din- ner, fundraiser or helping out, one can always count on Melissa to be one of the first to volunteer. Please join me in voting no to the recall of Melissa Lindsay. (s)LaRae Kindle, Heppner, OR Support Lind- say & Doherty I am writing to express my support for Commis- sioners Melissa Lindsay and Jim Doherty. I was the Juvenile Department Director under their direct supervision. Mrs. Lind- say and Mr. Doherty work tirelessly at bringing good to Morrow County. They are fair and always were supportive and genuine- ly involved in all depart- ments, which is not normal for county commissioners. This recall effort appears to be vindictive in nature. The Morrow County citi- zens elected these officials to make tough decisions, which they have done, some more difficult than others, but their leadership, vision and compassion for their duties should not be in ques- tion. Mrs. Lindsay was very interested in the juvenile system and supported our work. Mr. Doherty’s work both at the state and fed- eral levels has been highly beneficial for the citizens of Morrow County. Both are dedicated to serving their constituents, the citizens of Morrow County. I strongly urge the voters of Morrow Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 9 , 2022 -- THREE County to support Melissa lissa is a huge advocate for one that stays focused on Lindsay and Jim Doherty. CCS (Community Coun- getting the important work Without their leadership seling Services). Mental done. Commissioner Lind- and drive Morrow County Health is a major crisis in say steps up, with passion will suffer. our communities, county, and heart, to serve in a way (s)Thomas Meier state and nation, and Melis- that is admirable and rare. Former Morrow Coun- sa will push for them to get My observation of her is ty Juvenile Director the funding needed. When that she’s more focused on Pendleton, OR Melissa’s term is up at the the service part of being a end of this year, she will not public servant that the po- be done advocating, helping litical part. I have found in- or serving our communities. teracting with her to be both She will continue to help inspiring and helpful; the Dear editor: I’m very disappointed make a difference to better woman knows what she’s to see that the recall is mov- all. Thank you, Melissa, for doing. I want to express ing forward. This recall is your commitment to our gratitude to Commissioner Lindsay for her integrity costing our citizens tens of county. Please vote no on re- and enthusiasm in tackling thousands of dollars—and tough projects for the ben- an unimaginable amount of call. (s)Jim and Becky Kin- efit of all Oregonians. wasted other resources. It’s (s)Klamath County not based on activities that dle Commissioner Kelly Minty Heppner, OR actually warrant a recall. Klamath Falls, OR It is petty and retaliatory. Anyone should understand that the job requires making difficult decisions. This can be aggravating and emo- Please look back at the tional for people that don’t many positive things Melis- Melissa Lindsay is have a clear understanding sa Lindsay and Jim Doherty of the issues. No elected Eastern Oregon. As a fifth have done for Morrow official would be able to do generation farmer, we be- County during their time their job if a threat of recall lieve Melissa Lindsay is as commissioners. We all was held over their head by a firm and positive repre- know that you can’t please every dissatisfied constit- sentative of sustainable, everyone all the time, but uent. Melissa Lindsay has agricultural values. She has these two dedicated people worked hard for all of us. exhibited a strong commit- have always made decisions She is honest and she cares. ment to community. We they thought were best for She does not deserve this. have all worked alongside all of Morrow County. The Please get out the vote. Do her for years, and we are majority of the people voted not let this recall happen. aware of her strong work them into this office, and it ethic, her drive for success Vote no. for Eastern Oregon and would be very disappoint- (s)Kim Cutsforth her compassion for those ing to not support them by Heppner, OR around her. Her decision voting for this recall. Please vote no on the making is selfless and her recall of Melissa Lindsay goals are to progress her and Jim Doherty. community and Eastern (s)Judy Buschke, We are writing today in Oregon as a whole. We are Heppner, OR favor of Melissa Lindsay. beyond blessed to have Me- Recall is disappointing Lindsay is Eastern Oregon Vote no on recall In favor of Lindsay We know personally how much Melissa loves Mor- row County and its people. As commissioner she works tirelessly for you, the cit- izens of Morrow County. She asks, “How can I ben- efit the people of Morrow County,” not, “How can I benefit myself?” We know this because we know Me- lissa, and her heart is in Morrow County. She truly wants every town in the county to be the best place to live, work and raise a family. Isn’t this what we all want? If so, then you too should support Com- missioner Melissa Lindsay. (s) Mark and Terrie Cutsforth Kennewick, WA Thank you, Commissioner Lindsay We ask that you vote no on the recall. If you don’t vote, you have no reason to complain on the outcome. Mrs. Lindsay has been a great commissioner for Morrow County the last six years. She does not just sit back and complain; she gets involved to help make a difference in our commu- nity, county and state. Mrs. Lindsay’s endless hours of dedication and commitment will never be matched. If you have an idea or need something done, get Me- lissa involved and it will be accomplished and done exceeding expectations. Melissa pushed hard to get the new Morrow County Justice Court and offices in Irrigon, which was very much needed on the north end of the county. Melis- sa has worked on sever- al infrastructure grants to cities based on population yearly. Melissa fought for better bonding language in a CREZ agreement, which benefits the district sur- rounding Boardman. Me- lissa helped with getting the Gilliam Bisbee building up and going for an awesome venue for Heppner. She worked tirelessly along with her peers as a member of Morrow County Emer- gency Management as they navigated the Covid-19 pandemic. Melissa helped in pulling together a region- al solutions team to get the septic system in Ione. Me- lissa Lindsay as an advocate for Morrow County. We all benefit from her efforts in our small corner of the world. Signed, Bobby Levy, Tami Sinor, Erin Hansell Heide- mann, Fran Rice, Sally Hansell, Cam Preus and Caryn Appler Vote no on Commissioner recall I have observed Me- lissa Lindsay in various situations, including her duties as county commis- sioner. She is passionate about Morrow County and conducts herself in a pro- fessional manner. She is very knowledgeable and fights for fairness across the county. She is extremely dedicated and continues to devote herself to our com- munity with all her energy. I want to address Rob- erts Rules of Order regard- ing an executive session. Executive sessions are for the commissioners only and the individual involved. The contents of these dis- cussions are treated as con- fidential information. You don’t know what was said and cannot judge because you don’t have all the facts. The efforts for recall are a waste of our county’s time and money. Let those you have elected to these posi- tions do their jobs. We ask that you support Melissa Lindsay as she completes her term as our Morrow County Commis- sioner. (s)Gerry and Nancy Arnson Heppner, OR Lindsay is a public servant Dear Editor, While elected officials are accustomed to taking criticism, there are certain parts of the responsibility often overlooked in the sphere of public aware- ness. We are all aware how contentious the political realm is, and yet there is still important work to be done that goes unnoticed. Over the last several years working with Commission- er Melissa Lindsay, I have observed her to be some- Lindsay positive presence Melissa Lindsay has been a most positive pres- ence in the Association Of Oregon Counties (AOC). Since first meeting her in 2017 until present time, she has always represented her county and Oregon extremely well. The com- bination of tough, thought- ful, caring intelligence has been a positive influence, especially where finances are concerned. I have had full confidence in Melissa’s ability as AOC Treasurer to handle budgets and analyze complex balance sheets. She will be missed at AOC, Eastern Oregon and Mor- row County. It is with sad- ness that I see my friend and ally no longer in service as a county commissioner. I hope the very best for her in whatever she pursues and will always hold the highest respect for the integrity in which commissioner Lind- say conducted herself. Sincerely, (s)Todd Nash Wallowa County Com- missioner Vote like family and children in cross hairs To the Editor It is not difficult to de- termine who is behind this recall against County Com- missioners Melissa Lindsay and Jim Doherty. Sure, Ann Spicer and Coral Mitchell micromanaged the Don Russell/Darrel Green-or- chestrated, drummed up public hysteria to ruin two public servants. The real is- sue is why. Melissa Lindsay was not re-elected. What is the purpose of going after her? A slap in her face on her way out? A message to any future commissioner candidates to watch their back lest they offend those pulling the strings of this recall attempt? More dia- bolical agenda, much more. All we have to do to understand this recall that is tearing the heart and soul out of our county and way of life: follow the money. Amazon is about to build -Continued to PAGE SIX
