Letters to the editor: May 15, 2024 (print version)

Published 4:00 am Wednesday, May 15, 2024

As the Hermiston School District superintendent, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to balance the needs of our educators, students, parents and community. In an age of political grandstanding, the easiest thing to do is to sit back and blame others for the problems we experience, and it seems many politicians do that.

Rep. Greg Smith chooses the harder, less politically expedient road. He focuses on finding common ground and developing pragmatic solutions to problems. He isn’t afraid to work across the aisle, across agencies, across the state and more if it means delivering for his school districts, ports, counties, communities or individuals.

Rep. Smith’s beliefs and values allow him to represent us well. At the same time, his experience and professionalism have allowed him to become an effective and powerful statesman for us in Salem. Many issues our region has faced have been quietly and effectively solved through his advocacy.

I cannot be more honored to have Rep. Smith as our voice in Salem. Thank you, Greg, for your service, your example and your leadership.

Tricia Mooney

Hermiston School District superintendent

Todd Nash has my enthusiastic support in the upcoming Senate District 29 election. Todd is honest, trustworthy and firm on his principles, making him the best candidate to be our voice and protect our values.

Todd leads with integrity, and his dedication to upholding ethical standards is clear to anyone who has the opportunity to meet him and get to know him.

I am particularly impressed by Todd’s endorsement by pro-life advocates, as he is the only candidate to receive an endorsement from the Oregon Right to Life PAC. This speaks volumes about his values and his dedication to defending the sanctity of life.

Todd’s children serving in our military reflect the strength of character and values instilled in them by their upbringing. It’s clear that Todd leads by example, nurturing a sense of duty and service in his family.

Todd’s approach to governance is refreshingly realistic. He doesn’t make empty promises. Instead, he offers practical solutions and a pragmatic outlook on what can be achieved in Salem.

In Todd Nash, we have a candidate who embodies integrity, family values and a realistic approach to governance. I wholeheartedly endorse Todd for Senate and urge my fellow citizens to join me in supporting him for a brighter future for our community and casting their vote for Todd Nash this May.

Penny Ottmar

Hermiston

Having served on the Hermiston City Council for many years — the last 12 with Dave Drotzmann as mayor — I feel I can accurately attest to both Dave’s heart for Eastern Oregon and his leadership skills.

Dave has proven himself to be an excellent leader. In Hermiston, he has been at the helm during these past few years of tremendous growth and has continuously advocated for the good of all the community.

Dave has also been in a leadership role for the League of Oregon Cities for the past several years. He currently serves as president of the league, which serves cities of all sizes throughout our state.

Dave is pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and pro-personal responsibility, which I wholeheartedly support!

He believes in local control, which encourages needed housing development, smart use of our natural resources and well-funded public safety.

Dave believes we need to rein in government taxes and spending. He believes spending should be focused on projects and programs that make the state a better place to live and do business.

I believe the leadership that Dave has brought to Hermiston would serve District 29 well. Please join me in voting for Dave Drotzmann, Republican for state Senate District 29.

Rod Hardin

Hermiston

Ballots are in the mail, and we would like to urge you all to vote to reelect Greg Smith, state representative for House District 57. Greg has been a personal friend for many years, but more importantly, he has been a friend to Eastern Oregon.

Greg knows and understands the issues facing rural Oregon. He understands the strengths and challenges of our communities. We continue to watch as he fights with honesty and common sense for Eastern Oregon.

Greg Smith has true compassion for the residents of District 57 and a willingness to listen to people’s problems, concerns and suggestions. He is a true leader, giving 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.

We urge you to join us in voting for Greg Smith. His work ethic, values and experience make him the right choice for District 57.

Bryan and Lou Ann Wolfe

Hermiston

For several years, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals facing houselessness. I have volunteered at our local shelter and have worked with public and private entities on a comprehensive plan to develop emergency and transitional housing for our area, as well as the necessary services to progress toward permanent housing of their own.

As mayor of Hermiston since 2012, Dave Drotzmann understands that what works for cities like Portland might not work for our communities here in Eastern Oregon. Dave has worked with our local project and has been involved with leaders throughout the state.

Dave believes in a strategy that encourages local decision-making, where officials can work directly with developers to build houses, apartments, mobile homes and other units that are a good fit. He will also prioritize efforts to connect people experiencing houselessness with mental health services and programs to help them develop the skills they need for a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.

Reducing houselessness is key to making our communities safer and more prosperous. Along with his pro-business acumen, Dave will be an invaluable voice in the Legislature driving results that are uniquely suited for our diverse state and citizens.

I would encourage each of you to consider supporting Dave Drotzmann for state senator, to bring his knowledge and depth of experience to Salem where he will advocate for tools to empower cities of all sizes and meet the needs of their residents.

Cathy Lloyd

Hermiston