I would like to add a perspective to the senate race in our area. We have some great options for the opening that Mr. Hansell is vacating. I truly appreciate the outstanding job he has done for us, and his shoes will be hard to fill.

We need a forward-thinking person looking from ten thousand feet that will include all of us, not just the populated areas. We do not need another good old boy who only helps with what and who they know, or who doesn’t look to build relationships across the state that bring opportunities for our area.

Our growth is moving at lightning speed as more technology and manufacturing industries are looking for opportunities here. We are not just an agricultural area anymore. Although we are rich in it and have a long history with it, agriculture doesn’t solely define us anymore.

I hope that our citizens understand that change is here and we need someone that will help be our voice.

Daren Dufloth

Umatilla