A4 • HERMISTONHERALD.COM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022
OPINION READER’S FORUM
Founded in 1906
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022
A4
OUR VIEW
We deserve better than bad water
A
bove all else, water should
be trusted to sustain us and
give us health, but this is
not the case for us. Not anymore. We
are learning that local nitrate lev-
els are high and the Port of Morrow
is adding to the problem with excess
disposal.
Our polluted drinking water is
increasing our risks of cancer and
causing many of us in Morrow and
Umatilla counties to pause before
going to faucets.
Suddenly, a problem that we asso-
ciated with far-off places is now our
trouble, too. We become like Haiti, a
place suff ering from a lack of potable
water, or like Flint, Michigan, a place
whose fame was acquired through its
polluted water.
Note that Flint has maintained its
association with contaminated water,
even after its crisis ended. Such rep-
utations are hard to shake. It could be
that our region, beautiful for its riv-
ers and farmland, will suff er a simi-
lar fate.
Will we be known as a dirty place,
an ugly place? Will travelers pass
through our charming towns but avoid
drinking from our taps? Will prospec-
tive employees reject our jobs because
they are worried for their children?
It is heartening to hear concern
from leaders in government. Hope-
fully, they are as troubled as they
appear and they will act as they say.
If they are to make progress in bet-
tering our situation, they will need to
hold people, organizations and possi-
bly entire industries accountable.
This will not be an easy task, as
the responsible parties are also pow-
erful, but our leaders will need to
show courage. And the public will
need to discover which of our lead-
ers stand for us; those are the people
who deserve our support.
COLUMN
Be on the lookout for a new Hermiston Herald
T
here are some new and
exciting changes coming
for the Hermiston Herald.
We will still off er the print edi-
tion of the Hermiston Herald free
to the community. However, the
distribution method will change
from mailed to free print cop-
ies of the paper off ered through-
out Hermiston and the local area
to high-traffi c areas on Thursday
to single copy, newspaper rack
locations.
In the next few months, we will
also off er a new digital and print
mailed subscription platform. The
mailed subscriptions will be deliv-
ered on Wednesday. The digital
subscription off ers 24-7 access to
your local news online at herm-
istonherald.com, plus the weekly
e-edition of the newspaper on
Wednesday mornings.
June 1, we plan to launch a
re-designed Hermiston Herald
ANDREW
CUTLER
FROM THE
PUBLISHER’S DESK
print product that will include
additional features that includes
more puzzles, a community calen-
dar, special sections and the popu-
lar Go! Magazine.
The redesigned newspaper
will also include unique advertis-
ing contracts for weekly sponsor-
ships and set ad spaces for weekly
advertisers. At the same time, we
plan to market new print-digital
subscriptions to former subscrib-
ers, major employers and area
chambers of commerce.
We also plan to seek grants and
other sponsorships to beef up our
reporting staff .
Obviously, there are probably
some questions from readers about
our planned changes. A key one is
most likely: Why are you chang-
ing the distribution format of the
newspaper again?
The answer is simple. The cost
of mailing the Herald to every
home in Hermiston is simply not
sustainable and postal rates are
scheduled to increase again. While
we can and do absorb rising costs
on a regular basis, the price hike
for postage is a challenge we
can’t embrace without great diffi -
culty. Readers, though, can con-
tinue to receive the Herald mailed
to their home, plus a digital sub-
scription, for $51 a year – which is
less than $1 a week – which pays
mail delivery costs. The subscrip-
tion also includes full access to the
hermistonherald.com, e-edition
and website.
Digital only subscriptions are
only $4 and includes 24-7 access
to Hermiston, regional and state
news and the e-edition copy of
the newspaper. The digital edition
has an audio player to listen to
stories in English, Spanish, Ger-
man, French, Chinese or Italian,
online puzzles and an area guide
to businesses.
The Hermiston Herald will also
continue to print and distribute
9,000 copies every week through
free rack copies on Thursday so
that the community has access to
the newspaper at no charge.
These changes are being made
based on a survey of Hermis-
ton residents conducted by the
University of Oregon School
of Journalism and Communica-
tions earlier this year. The sur-
vey demonstrated the Herald was
far and away the No. 1 traditional
media source for information and
the most trusted, followed by the
East Oregonian. Top interests by
Hermiston residents surveyed
included education, business,
housing, health and public safety.
We plan to follow the results of
the survey and to add new fea-
tures in our new design, includ-
ing a puzzle page, a community
calendar and add our regional arts
and entertainment magazine, Go!
Eastern Oregon.
I believe these changes accom-
plish a number of diff erent goals
at once. First, the changes allow
us to continue to be viable and, at
the same time, create a stronger
platform of news and other prod-
ucts for our readers. We are not in
any way slicing into our product
but, instead, investing in the future
with a stronger, more diverse
selection and distribution for our
readers.
█
Andrew Cutler is the publisher of the Hermiston
Herald.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Time for updates to schools in Morrow County
Join me in voting for Alvin Young
As a mother of children attending Morrow County
schools and a local realtor, I am voting “yes” on Bond
Measure 25-87.
In 2015, my family moved to Oregon for a career in
Boardman, when the total number of homes sold was six.
Like 70% of employees, we commuted until purchasing a
home here. Since becoming a realtor, I have helped dozens
of families do the same.
Between 2017 and 2021, home sales in Boardman
increased 132%. Based on data and construction develop-
ments underway, we are on track in 2022 to meet or exceed
the 65 homes sold in 2021. This growth will directly aff ect
our schools and demands immediate attention.
We must help the schools catch up and get ahead of the
curve. It has been 20 years since the district last requested our
support and, in that time, structural functionality has deterio-
rated making utility upgrades necessary. Security issues have
dramatically changed, requiring critical updates for student
and staff safety. Outdated classrooms need to become func-
tional with improved and modern learning opportunities.
Countywide, our schools are the hearts of our com-
munities that need our support to provide safe and ade-
quate spaces for students and teachers to thrive. When they
thrive, our communities do, too. In addition, improvements
this bond supports will foster a sense of pride in our towns,
energize students, increase teacher retention rates and
attract more families to call our county home.
Look for Bond Measure 25-87 on the May ballot. Learn
more at www.yesformorrowcountyschools.org and vote
“yes.”
Leslie Pierson
Boardman
I am endorsing Alvin Young for Umatilla County com-
missioner because I have known him for more than 40
years and he is a very caring and driven person.
He puts so much energy into everything he does. He
never does half measures. He gives 110% of himself to his
goals. He will do the same as our county commissioner. He
is someone who will listen to the people he serves and he
will act. I never met a person who doesn’t slow down. He
takes everything he does seriously.
Alvin Young will be an excellent county commissioner.
Please join me in voting for Alvin Young on May 17, 2022.
Jack McWhinnie
Umatilla
David McCarthy will speak for Hermiston residents
I support David McCarthy for Hermiston City Council. I
have known David for eight years.
He is a fi ne family man, who is not a just-get-along guy.
He will speak up for the residents of Hermiston. He has a
heart for Hermiston. He was on the city council for a short
term. It’s time now for a full four years. Support David.
Mark F. Gomolski
Hermiston
Printed on
recycled
newsprint
VOLUME 115 • NUMBER 19
Andrew Cutler | Publisher • acutler@hermistonherald.com • 541-278-2673
Erick Peterson | Editor • epeterson@hermistonherald.com • 541-564-4536
Angel Aguilar | Multi-Media consultant • aaguilar@hermiston herald.com 541-564-4531
Audra Workman | Offi ce Manager • aworkman@eastoregonian.com • 541-564-4538
Tammy Malgesini | Community Editor • community@eastoregonian.com • 541-564-4532
To contact the Hermiston Herald for news,
advertising or subscription information:
• call 541-567-6457
• email info@hermistonherald.com
• stop by our offi ces at 333 E. Main St.
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The Hermiston Herald (USPS 242220, ISSN
8750-4782) is published weekly at Hermiston
Herald, 333 E. Main St., Hermiston, OR 97838,
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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 ©2022
I support Jeff Wenholz
Morrow County residents should feel fortunate to
have such a qualifi ed county commissioner candidate in
Jeff Wenholz. He has lived in Morrow County for nearly
50 years. He attended schools in Irrigon and Boardman
and essentially lived only outside of the county during
his time at Portland State University where he majored
in accounting. Since returning he has served on a num-
ber of important committees to further his understanding
of the needs and concerns of Morrow County cities and
citizens.
For the past 20 years, he has served on the Morrow
County Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Morrow
County’s Planning Commission. Additionally, he served
on the Morrow County Umatilla Chemical Depot Cit-
izens Advisory Commission for 11 years. He has also
served for the past fi ve years on the Morrow County Bud-
get Committee, and since 2019, on the Good Shepherd
Hospital Board of Trustees.
Jeff also currently serves on Umatilla Electric Coop-
erative Board of Directors and has since 2004. I met
Jeff four years ago when I was elected to UEC’s Board.
During these years I have come to appreciate his care-
ful attention to details, his far better than average under-
standing of budget sheets, and his innovative and
thoughtful decision-making process.
Because of his experiences within the county, he
understands the importance of agriculture, manufactur-
CORRECTIONS
It is the policy of the Hermiston Herald to correct errors as soon as
they are discovered. Incorrect information will be corrected on Page
A2. Errors committed 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
541-278-2673 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
ing, processing etc. to the region. He also knows and
understands how to help and encourage planned growth
throughout the county.
Jeff is a local businessman, probably knows and
understands the needs and concerns within all of Morrow
County better than anyone. I believe Jeff will bring to
Morrow County thoughtful and innovative leadership to
help navigate Morrow County through current and future
issues and for that reason I fully support his election to
Morrow County commissioner Position 2.
Philip Hamm
Hermiston
Morrow County has a winner in Commissioner
Lindsay
I am writing to off er a strong endorsement for Melissa
Lindsay as a candidate for reelection to the Morrow
County Board of Commissioners.
I fi rst met Melissa during her 15-year tenure as a vice
president and manager of the mortgage division of the
Bank of Eastern Oregon, before she stepped down to
become an integral part of a growing family farming
operation.
Counties do many things, but a keen awareness of fi s-
cal issues is vital in the management of county budgets.
She brings a wealth of experience to the job and that has
not gone unnoticed. She is now fi nishing a term as trea-
surer of the Association of Oregon Counties, having been
selected by her peers. As president of that organization,
I work closely with Commissioner Lindsay on a regular
basis.
Umatilla and Morrow counties have forged a strong
partnership, and we work together often on matters of
mutual interest. Commissioner Lindsay has been a strong
supporter of that eff ort that has proven benefi cial for both
counties as a way of developing a stronger voice for our
portion of Eastern Oregon.
She is energetic, has roots deep in Morrow County,
and is a delight to work with. From my vantage point,
Morrow County has a winner in commissioner Lindsay
and the voters would be wise to return her to offi ce.
George Murdock, Umatilla County commissioner
Pendleton
length and for content. 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; death notices
and information about services are published at no charge.
Obituaries can include small photos and, for veterans, a fl ag
symbol at no charge. Obituaries and notices may be submitted
online at hermistonherald.com/obituaryform, by email to obits@
hermistonherald.com, 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 800-522-0255, ext. 2211.