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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
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