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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 2020)
OPINION READER’S FORUM Founded in 1906 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020 A4 EDITOR’S DESK The right to vote shouldn’t be taken for granted O n May 7, 1955, Reverend George Lee was shot and killed by an unidentifi ed assailant while driving his car. Lee was the fi rst Black resident of Humphreys County, Missouri, to reg- ister to vote, and after he registered he worked hard to register other Black residents to vote. He received death threats demanding he remove Jade his name from the vot- McDowell ers rolls and cease his NEWS EDITOR activism, and historians believe his murder was in retaliation for his efforts. On Nov. 14, 1917, in an event dubbed the “Night of Terror,” 33 women who had been arrested for peacefully protesting outside the White House for the right to vote were brought to the Occoquan Work- house. Women there that night later described being beaten, pinched, thrown to the ground or choked as they were thrown into fi lthy, rat-in- fested cells. On April 22, 2018, a suicide bomber at a voter registration site in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed more than 50 people waiting to register to vote. It wasn’t the fi rst time or the last time that polling places and reg- istration events have been bombed in Afghanistan. In Georgia (the state, not the East- ern European country), people voting early in the presidential election this month have had to stand in line for as long as 10 hours to do so. I’m sure any of the people affected by these events would feel incredu- lous that someone who could simply fi ll out a ballot at home and drop it in Staff photo by Ben Lonergan, File Dan Lonai, the Umatilla County director of administrative services, watches as ballots run through a counting machine at the Umatilla County Elections offi ce in Pendleton on May 15, 2020. their mailbox, without any legitimate fear of violent retribution, would not choose to do so. And yet thousands of eligible Umatilla and Morrow County voters do so each year. I’ve talked to some of them. They say they don’t feel confi dent they know enough about the candidates and issues to make the right decision, or they don’t think their vote will count. Those are valid concerns. But fortunately those concerns are more easily dealt with in comparison with concerns about being beaten, killed or arrested. To the fi rst point, there are resources readily available to assist people in learning about candidates and measures. Voters are sent a voter’s guide, featuring statements submitted by candidates and people backing mea- sures, discussing their accomplish- ments, values and who has endorsed them. Most candidates have websites or social media pages that can give you a feel for what is most import- ant to them. Candidate forums — usually fi lmed and posted online for those who couldn’t attend in per- son — allow for a less fi ltered look at the candidate’s thoughts. And local newspapers and other news media act as watchdogs to help inform peo- ple of those things a candidate might wish stayed hidden. Those sources of information may not be as enticing, but the cast of “Orange is the New Black” doesn’t get to decide what your water rates are. Some low-profi le candidates — say, someone running for the board of your local cemetery district — are pretty hard to fi nd information on. But voters have an option of leaving some races blank while only voting on the races they do know about. To the second point, that voters are concerned their votes won’t count, I don’t believe that’s the case. I’ve covered local races that have come within fi ve votes. You may not be the deciding factor on the next president, but then again, the 2000 presidential election came down to 537 votes in a recount in Florida, and I don’t think anyone would be shocked to see a recount or Supreme Court decision involved again in this year’s presi- dential election. If you’ve fi lled out your ballot and returned it already, great. If you have received one but haven’t returned it yet, please consider blocking out some time to consider the candi- dates and issues and vote in at least a few of the races. Ballots can be mailed back, no postage required, but remember that they must be received, not merely postmarked, by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. You can also drop them off at secured drop boxes in front of city halls and county court- houses, including the one in the drive-thru outside the old Hermiston City Hall. And if you’re voting in this elec- tion but are part of the more than half of Umatilla County residents who skip the primary elections, consider voting during springtime elections too. Smaller numbers mean your vote holds more sway, and a strong pri- mary turnout can help prevent a sit- uation in the general election where no one is thrilled with either of their choices. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Maier has the skills to be commissioner Here we are nearing Election Day and we have new develop- ments in our county commissioner race. When Pat Maier told me she is doing a write-in campaign I was excited for Umatilla County, as I knew we now had a great choice of who to vote for! I personally support Pat Maier for Umatilla County commissioner because she aligns most with what I believe Umatilla County needs compared to the other candidates. Maier is a successful business- woman, intelligent and will nego- tiate what’s best for the county, not special interest groups. We need more successful business people involved in government, people that are used to spending their own money tend to be fi s- cally conservative and not will- ing to grow government. Maier is a level-headed problem solver that looks at all sides of an issue in order to make the best decision. She listens, asks questions and does the research to fi nd solutions. Maier is pro-business and will work toward a business friendly environment for the entire county. In the years I‘ve known Pat, we’ve spoken many times about issues in the county and while we’ve not always seen eye to eye, I knew I could trust her judge- ment and we collaborated on many issues. I like the fact Maier is not beholden to anyone; I cannot say the same thing of Dan Dorran. I listened to Dorran in several of the county charter review meet- ings I attended and was very dis- appointed he supported having a county manager and part-time commissioners. We don’t need to change our county form of gov- ernment and if Dorran is elected, that’s what he will work towards. In my opinion Dorran would be a liability to the county, hav- ing a recent arrest for DUII and an accident, during which thankfully no one was seriously injured. This shows poor judgment on his part. I hope you join me and write-in Pat Maier for county commis- sioner. Let’s hire a successful busi- ness person for the job, she is our best choice! Suni Danforth Milton-Freewater Best councilors for the job Dear voters, I attended the forum held at the Community Center in Hermiston where the candidates voiced their concerns and opinions on how to help and solve issues within our town and county. After listening and reading about the candidates, I highly recommend the ones that I believe are the best qualifi ed and will lead with intelligence, skill, and compassion where necessary. They will represent all of the cit- izens of Hermiston and Umatilla County. For Umatilla County com- missioner I recommend Dan Dor- ran; for Hermiston City Coun- cil, Rod Hardin, David McCarthy, Nancy Peterson, and Doug Prim- mer. We want the best and we deserve the best. Thank you. Jackie Linton Hermiston Smith has true compassion Our election ballots are on their way to our mailbox and we are waiting for our opportunity to cast our votes for Rep. Greg Smith. Greg has been a personal friend for many years but more impor- tantly, he has been a friend to East- ern Oregon. Living in a smaller town within his district, Greg knows and under- stands the issues facing rural Ore- gon. He understands the strengths and challenges of our communi- ties. We continue to watch as he fi ghts with honesty and common sense for Eastern Oregon. Greg has a strong grasp of the greater Hermiston area and the economic development therein. He is a strong advocate and has the ability to continue the leader- ship necessary to help continue the growth and area development. Greg will continue to fi ght for our local communities and continue making a signifi cant impact. Greg Smith has true compas- sion for the residents of District 57 and a willingness to listen to peo- ple’s problems, concerns and sug- gestions. He is a true leader giv- ing careful thought to decisions he makes, and he is willing to share those reasons. Often he is called upon to lead discussions and bring all sides into focus, coming out with a consensus of the whole — not an easy task. Please join us in supporting Representative Greg Smith in his bid for reelection to the Oregon House of Representatives. Bryan and Lou Ann Wolfe Hermiston Umatilla County needs Dorran’s leadership I am strongly supporting the candidacy and election of Dan Dorran for Umatilla County com- missioner Position #3. Dan is a proven leader with a “can do” atti- tude with regard to many of the issues facing Umatilla County. Umatilla County needs lead- ership that promotes collabora- tion and cooperation, which are two strengths that Dan brings to the table in any forum. This is crit- ical in the governance of Umatilla County in relationship to its char- ter. Dan understands the impor- tance of the county’s economic development, whether it be in the areas of water infrastructure, the development of the Depot land, transportation infrastructure, and land use planning. His ability to listen, research and apply prob- lem-solving skills is extremely needed in the position of Uma- tilla County commissioner in these unprecedented times. In work- ing with Dan over the years I have CORRECTIONS Printed on recycled newsprint VOLUME 114 • NUMBER 41 Andrew Cutler | Publisher • acutler@eomediagroup.com • 541-278-2673 Jade McDowell | News Editor • jmcdowell@eastoregonian.com • 541-564-4536 Jeanne Jewett | Multi-Media consultant • jjewett@hermistonherald.com • 541-564-4531 Audra Workman | Multi-Media consultant • aworkman@eastoregonian.com • 541-564-4538 To contact the Hermiston Herald for news, advertising or subscription information: • call 541-567-6457 • e-mail info@hermistonherald.com • stop by our offi ces at 333 E. Main St. • visit us online at: hermistonherald.com The Hermiston Herald (USPS 242220, ISSN 8750-4782) is published weekly at Hermiston Herald, 333 E. Main St., Hermiston, OR 97838, (541) 567-6457. Periodical postage paid at Hermiston, OR. Postmaster, send address changes to Hermiston Herald, 333 E. Main St., Hermiston, OR 97838. Member of EO Media Group Copyright ©2020 It is the policy of the Hermiston Herald to correct errors as soon as they are discovered. Incorrect information will be corrected on Page 2A. Errors commited on the Opinion page will be corrected on that page. Corrections also are noted in the online versions of our stories. Please contact the editor at editor@hermistonherald.com or call (541) 564-4533 with issues about this policy or to report errors. SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR Letters Policy: Letters to the Editor is a forum for the Hermiston Herald readers to express themselves on local, state, national or world issues. Brevity is good, but longer letters should be kept to 250 words. No personal attacks; challenge the opinion, not the person. The Hermiston Herald reserves the right to edit letters for length and for content. found Dan to be a person of integ- rity, honesty and one that will stand up for his beliefs. My wife Anne and I have the greatest respect for Dan Dor- ran and his wife Terry. They are grounded individuals that only have the best interest of Uma- tilla County. We encourage you to vote for Dan Dorran for Umatilla County commissioner #3. Larry Givens Milton-Freewater Educate yourself on issues It is not about a person, it is about policy. It is not about a party, it is about a platform. It is time to be an informed voter! Voting is a privilege, and with it comes responsibility. Study your candidates and the measures and fi nd out what each person/measure really represents. If you are passionate about individual rights, research. Is a pro-life stance your main concern? Find out which party/candidate supports your beliefs. Are tax and fi scal issues your focal point? Do your homework and vote for the position that most closely aligns with your point of view. Please, Oregon voters, do your job and be an educated part of our constitutionally guaranteed right to participate in deciding the future ... of our town, county, state and country. Karen Carlson Hermiston Letters must be original and signed by the writer or writers. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Writers should include a telephone number so they can be reached for questions. Only the letter writer’s name and city of residence will be published. OBITUARY POLICY The Hermiston Herald publishes paid obituaries. The obituary can include small photos and, for veterans, a fl ag symbol at no charge. Expanded death notices will be published at no charge. These include information about services. Obituaries may be edited for spelling, proper punctuation and style. Obituaries and notices may be submitted online at hermistonherald.com/obituaryform, by email to obits@ hermistonherald.com, by fax to 541-276-8314, placed via the funeral home or in person at the Hermiston Herald or East Oregonian offi ces. For more information, call 541-966-0818 or 1-800-522-0255, x221.
