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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 16, 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. Veterans celebration a job well done I would like to thank the people of Heppner and the staff and administrators at Heppner High for the Veterans Day event they organized on Nov. 10. I was extremely impressed with the planning, the exe- cution, the talks by the Vets, the reception, etc. Jeanne Collins and others—great job! I think this is a great tradition for the Veteran community, HHS, and for the community in general. While I was at the school I saw some pretty amazing things, from the student body and from the faculty. I saw a respectful student body that listened and reacted with the veter- ans, as well as sat quietly while they were telling their stories. This level of respect seems rare in today’s world from our youth, and Hep- pner should be very proud of that. Bravo Zulu! A job well done. Scott McEwen San Diego, CA Lindsay earned respect and trust “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words. It is expressed in the choices one makes. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt Please join us in voting no on the recall ballot. Me- lissa Lindsay has dedicated the past six years to the citizens of Morrow County. Her dedication, service, in- tegrity and perseverance are unparalleled. Her tireless effort for the county she calls home and is devoted to is rare, and we are grateful for that service. Commis- sioner Lindsay has done her job, is ready to gracefully pass her seat to the newly elected commissioner in January and will undoubt- edly continue to serve her communities in various ways. She has earned our respect and our trust...and our vote. We ask that you show your support for her and her work by voting no on the recall. The Grieb Family Lexington, OR Keep Doherty, Lindsay as commissioners Ballots are arriving in Morrow County for the recall of Jim Doherty and Melissa Lindsay. I strong- ly urge voters in Morrow County to vote to keep these individuals. Lindsay served the county in good faith, so terminating her on her way out is an unearned insult. Doherty has done his best to help find a true course for the community. The county has few people in it relative to the amount of industry, and we need leaders who are unafraid to take a stand for the folks who are too busy making things happen to speak up for themselves. Jim Doherty is doing his job. He may step on some toes, but that’s a lot better than having a representative who sits on the sidelines and rubber stamps what- ever is presented in pretty wrapping. I’ve lived all over the Northwest, and Morrow County is the only place where I couldn’t walk over to a hose connected to a well and drink out of it. There are a lot of people who are upset with Jim for trying to start to solve this problem, but he is right to have raised the red flag. Using taxpayer money to pay DEQ fines for years and continuing to pollute taxpayers’ wells is wrong. Thank you, Jim. I hope folks will vote to keep you doing your job. J Fletcher Hobbs Boardman, OR Hypocrisy and lies continue The hypocrisy and lies just continue with Doherty and Lindsay. I just read the flyer from Jim Doherty that says, if re-elected, he will con- tinue his work with the “Loop Program.” I just read the minutes for special transportation for the last two years and could not find where he has been to a meeting. No wonder the de- partment head just resigned. I also read in Melis- sa’s justification statement where she is taking credit for bringing in millions of dollars to fund fairgrounds and 4-H. Our State Rep- resentative Greg Smith is responsible for this. All 36 counties received fair- ground funding. Melissa is also taking credit for fund- ing infrastructures for cities and grants for housing. These programs are funded by the CREZ and were in place before she was ever elected. What Jim and Melis- sa are responsible for is threatened lawsuits against the county clerk’s office for doing the legal require- ments of her job. They are also responsible for retali- ating against anyone who opposes them. From the County Clerk’s webpage: “Voting is Confidential, if asked for a list of who voted their ballot, they will know that you returned your ballot, but will never know how or who you voted for.” If you feel like you are being harassed or threat- ened in any way, you may call the Secretary of State office to file a complaint at 971-369-4846 or email stepahanie.l.darcy@sos. oregon.gov. Don’t be intimidated. Send them both packing. John Wenholz Irrigon, OR Lindsay has earned respect and gratitude Dear Editor, As someone serving in planning capacities in Eastern Oregon, I appreci- ate one of the lesser-known state appointment commit- tees Commissioner Lindsay serves on, the Local Offi- cials Advisory Committee (LOAC), an advisory group to the Land Conservation and Development Commis- sion (LCDC) of the Dept. of Land Use in Oregon. As the only elected of- ficial from eastern Oregon, Commissioner Lindsay has advocated for issues im- portant to Morrow County. Commissioner Lindsay’s experience on the Morrow County Planning Com- mission gave her valu- able technical perspective, which she adeptly shared on LOAC. One example was her ability to educate LCDC about unique bar- riers to new housing de- velopment faced by small towns in remote areas. She is well respected by her peers on LOAC, as well as the LCDC. She has my respect and gratitude for the positive contribution she made on LOAC as well as her many other accomplish- ments as a county commis- sioner. Please join me in voting no on the recall. Wayne Seitz Heppner, OR Lindsay is asset to the county To the Editor, We are writing this let- ter in support of Commis- sioner Melissa Lindsay and a “no” vote on the recall election. Melissa Lindsay is an integral member of the Heppner community and Morrow County as a whole. Morrow County residents have benefited from her work and advocacy over the years, whether they realized it or not. We would like to highlight just a small portion of what she does for our communities. She spends hundreds of hours of her free time organizing funeral dinners to comfort grieving families out of the kindness of her heart. In work with the Heppner Community Foundation, she was instrumental in helping to obtain the Gil- liam and Bisbee building to give Heppner an incredible place to host events and bring the community to- gether. As another example that is not widely known, she recently obtained $50,000 in grants for the Heppner Daycare, blow- ing previous grant raising marks out of the water to help this vital community resource. Commissioner Lindsay is an incredible asset, and we are lucky to have her. We are saddened to see residents of this coun- ty, witnesses to and bene- ficiaries of her work over the years, alienate another community member and waste thousands of much needed tax dollars on this recall. Sincerely, Keenan and Emily Jack Stephen Thompson and Charlie Dimke Heppner, OR Lindsay strong advocate for Morrow County I would like to thank Commissioner Lindsay for her eight years of ser- vice as Morrow County Commissioner. I grew up in Morrow County and much of my family still resides there. I spend much of my time in the county, as a business owner, pro- viding insurance services to hundreds of clients. My agency’s primary focus is serving the agricultural market, and in this I have seen Commissioner Lind- say’s strong advocation for farmers, ranchers and the businesses who support this important economic and cultural facet of our region. I was also very appreciative of her response in fight- ing to re-open business- es during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Lindsay worked hard to unite all Eastern Oregon counties and commission- ers in a common voice, which helped neighboring counties open as well. I feel she did a great job for Mor- Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, November 16 , 2022 -- THREE row County. Commissioner publisher of the East Or- of Melissa Lindsay. Lindsay, thank you for your egonian, I have had the Thank you, service. Steve & Lisanne Currin opportunity to meet many Luke Swanson Heppner, OR wonderful Morrow County Hermiston, OR residents. Perhaps this is Speaking of Morrow County Ethics No one wins in a recall why I find myself disap- pointed and shocked that something like this could While never personally be happening. The East Oregonian’s George Murdock being the target of a recall article on Nov. 9 about Pendleton, OR election, I have had re- Morrow County’s recall calls touch my life through election raised some se- friends and family. My rious alarm bells for me. cousin was the target of a Why is our county clerk recall when he served on fielding phone calls from the Athena City Council. citizens concerned about What I have observed Our tax dollars have is that no one wins in a already been blown paying whether or not their vote is confidential? Are Morrow recall, especially in small- for the recall ballot. er rural communities. The I would like to see County voters being intim- hard feelings, animosity, something positive come idated about voting in this broken relationships be- out of this disgrace. Any- election? If so, that is both tween families, can cause one who has ever had the a federal and state crime. According to the Ore- wounds that may never toughness to put themselves gon Justice Resource Cen- heal. It doesn’t get to the in front of the public will ter (ojrc.info), unlawful level of the Hatfields and tell you it can be thankless, voter intimidation can be the McCoys, but sometimes but this time it doesn’t have committed by anyone, at it feels like it. to be. Melissa has shown any time or place. It in- Which brings me to strong leadership in the the reason for this letter to face of opposition many cludes the following guide the editor, concerning the times. She never gave up to determining whether you have been a victim. recall efforts in Morrow on us—never. “How Do You Know If County of commissioners Please join me in vot- you’re experiencing voter Jim Doherty and Melissa ing no on the recall for intimidation? Lindsay. Both are members Melissa Lindsay and Jim There are many differ- of multi-generational Mor- Doherty. Melissa is at the ent forms of illegal voter row County farm families. end of her term in January, intimidation. As a rule of With less than two months lets send her off with a big thumb, if you are unsure of left in her term of office, Thank You for her unselfish whether someone is illegal- a recall of Commissioner service to the citizens of ly targeting you, use your Lindsay seems to me to be Morrow County. best judgement and ask mean-spirited and unnec- Vote no on recall. yourself these questions: essary. Jerry Gentry • Is this person making Unless there is criminal Heppner, OR you feel afraid to vote, to behavior, or total neglect register yourself or others of duty, which I believe to vote, or to support or the recall provisions were advocate for a candidate? created to address, the bal- What a shame two of (This includes signing re- lot box is the way to elect our hard-working commis- call petitions and voting in or unelect those in public sioners are facing recall. recall elections) office. In the case of Com- • Is this person harass- missioner Lindsay, the vot- Melissa Lindsay and Jim Doherty have worked tire- ing you about voting or ers have already made that lessly during their years of your voting activities? decision. Morrow County service to Morrow County. • Is this person threat- voters would have the same It is never easy to please all ening you in some way? opportunity for Commis- constituents, but it is indeed • Would others also feel sioner Doherty in the next a sad thing when petty and scared or coerced by this election. personal grievances rise to behavior? Both Commissioners If the answer to any are hard-working individ- the level of a recall which will cost thousands of dol- of these questions is YES, uals, with deep roots in lars to the taxpayers. it’s likely that the person Morrow County. Have rea- Our community will engaged in unlawful voter sonable people disagreed miss the long hours of ser- intimidation.” on actions or decisions If you believe your made? Undoubtedly. Do vice and commitment to the betterment of Morrow rights have been violated, they rise to the level of a County these two have you should document it, recall? I think not. contributed during their then contact the Oregon Bill Hansell tenures. Secretary of State Elections State Senator District Join us in voting no on Division at 501-986-1518. #29 the recall of commissioners This is not okay. Hermiston, OR Lindsay and Doherty. Lisa Rietmann Terry & Karen Thomp- Ione, OR son Heppner, OR People doin’ good things for good reasons Recall is a shame Nothing good can come from recall Recall not the Melissa Lindsay is one of the most well-qualified, answer for successful and well-regard- ed county commissioners in Morrow the State of Oregon. I am County dumbfounded there could possibly be a malicious effort underfoot to slap her in the face when she is less than two months away from leaving her position. This is a Morrow Coun- ty native who had a distin- guished career in banking, is engaged with her hus- band in a major farming op- eration, and who has been involved in a wide variety of community events. I’m not sure how many generations of Turners and Lindsays have been part of Morrow County, but I do know they are a family who deserve far more respect than is currently being ac- corded them. I just read an article about the desperate need for public officials who are truthful, capable and have the courage to make the difficult decisions on behalf of the common good. It has been Morrow County’s good fortune to have had Melissa and at this point she should be accorded the opportunity to step down with dignity. Nothing good can come from this recall effort. During my career with the ESD, as acting super- intendent of the Morrow County and Ione School districts, and as editor and Support For Lindsay Dear Editor, I am writing this letter to show my support and appreciation for Melissa Lindsay. I’ve known Me- lissa for many years and am writing to highlight the positivity she brings and the work she does for others in the Heppner community. In addition to an in- credibly busy schedule, she has taken on the important and sometimes daunting task of planning and orga- nizing meals for memorial services for the families of members of the Heppner Elks Lodge. Two years ago, when my dad passed away, Melissa sat down with our family to discuss options and then took over the planning of the meal for the service. In doing so, she relieved a heavy burden for our family during our time of personal loss. The community of Heppner has benefited from the generosity and count- less hours Melissa has put into her community. She is valued and appreciated by so many. The Ward family, along with many others, are eternally grateful for her efforts. Yours sincerely, Sandra Ward Rice Hermiston, OR Please join us in voting no on the recall of Melis- sa Lindsay. Melissa has worked tirelessly for Mor- row County for many years. We truly believe she has put her heart and soul into the job of county commission- er, and as such has achieved numerous “wins” for all of Morrow County. She has been wholly committed to the job and thankfully she has been willing and able to ask hard questions, gather pertinent information and make hard and difficult decisions. Isn’t that exactly what we should want in our County Commissioners? While we’ve been blessed to have some great elected officials serve our County, at times it has been difficult to get qual- ified candidates to run for all elected offices. If they have to live under the threat of a recall when some- one doesn’t like decisions they’ve made, it will get more difficult, not less, to find qualified candidates to run for office. Melissa is passionate about Morrow County and -Continued to PAGE SIX its citizens. Please don’t punish a qualified, intelli- gent, honest, loyal, hard- working elected official for doing her job! Please join us and vote no on the recall Call Chris 541-215-2274
