Letters to the Editor

To the editor,

In the course of her career with the U.S. Department of State under both Republican and Democratic administrations, Danielle Garbe Reser served the United States in a variety of roles. These roles included crisis management in response to both the Syrian war and the Bali terrorist attacks in 2002. As a diplomatic advisor to the U.S. Senate, Garbe Reser performed diligent work with the Armed Services Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Returning to her Eastern Washington roots in 2015, Garbe Reser managed over $30 million dollars as CEO of the Sherwood Trust, guiding initiatives which benefitted community infrastructure, job growth, and nonprofit programs. In 2019 she received national recognition in the form of Exponent Philanthropy’s award for the “outsized impact” of her work in the region.

Garbe Reser possesses regional roots, political acumen, and a demonstrated commitment to the growth of our community. These skills and attributes would make her a powerful and effective advocate for the many interests of the 16th Legislative District. Cast your vote for Danielle Garbe Reser on or before August 4. We all will benefit from having her in the race for State Senate.

Peter de Grasse

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

On occasion, the 16th legislative district has the opportunity to elect a new state senator. When we do, it is important to elect an individual with the most extensive knowledge and comprehensive experiences in our district which will assist them while representing the district in Olympia. Education complimenting the responsibilities of the position and relationships with the current and former state and federal delegations is a point that shouldn’t be overlooked as they are also beneficial in representing our district.

Perry Dozier IS the candidate with the in-depth knowledge, broad experiences and relevant education seeking this position. He is a life-long resident of the district and holds a BA degree in Economics from Whitman College. He has farmed in both Franklin and Walla Walla counties for over 40 years and his community service extends throughout his entire adult life. Perry has served in numerous leadership positions over the years and has lobbied on behalf of the wheat and barley industries. At the request of US Senator Patty Murray, he testified before Congress on the importance of maintaining our transportation options in Eastern Washington to transport our commodities. During his tenure as a county commissioner (2009-2016), he lobbied for county government issues in Olympia as well as Washington, D.C. Perry is no stranger in Olympia or Washington, D.C.

Current and former state senators, Maureen Walsh and Mike Hewitt as well as former state representatives Terry Nealey and Dave Mastin from the 16th legislative district have worked with Perry for over 20 years, respect his abilities to represent the residents of the district and in fact, have endorsed his candidacy for this important position. He is a fiscal conservative and social moderate individual.

Perry is a true statesman with integrity and character. He IS the most overall knowledgeable and qualified candidate seeking this position. I would encourage you to view his website http://www.dozierforsenate.com to learn more about Perry. Please join me in voting for Perry Dozier on the primary ballot August 4th.

Pam Ray

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

Perry Dozier has the most knowledge and experience to be elected to the 16th District Legislative Senate Seat. He grew up in Walla Walla County and has farmed for many years. He understands the needs of County Government and the needs of farmers. Perry served as Walla Walla County Commissioner from 2009-2016. During this time he lobbied on county government issues in Olympia and Washington D.C. Current and former state senators are endorsing Perry. They are Maureen Walsh, Mike Hewitt, Terry Nealey and Dave Mastin. Having known Perry and his family for many years, i know that he will listen to people’s concerns and issues. He is the most knowledgeable and qualified person seeking the 16th District Senate Seat position. Please join me in voting for Perry Dozier for the 16th District Legislative Senate seat.

Linda Stevens

Walla Walla, Wash.

Letter to the editor,

With the August 4th primary election approaching I feel it is important that each voter examine the qualifications of the candidates and make a well-informed choice. As a taxpayer and resident of the 16th Legislative District for forty-seven years, I, along with the rest of the District, have been fortunate to have fiscally responsible elected officials throughout the years. Many of which have signed both sides of a paycheck and met that obligation with their own money. I feel very strongly that this single point should be a requirement for all elected officials.

Regarding the race for State Senator for the 16th District, Perry Dozier has demonstrated that he possesses all of the attributes required to be an effective Legislator. Perry has served with distinction in leadership rolls on countless community, county, regional, and state boards including Walla Walla County Commissioners for eight years; President of the Washington Wheat Growers Association and a State Barley Commissioner representing thirteen counties in eastern Washington to name a few.

As a dryland and irrigated farmer, Perry knows the importance of not only our water rights and the accompanying issues but also the many challenges we face from regulations placed on our industry. He served on the Snake River Salmon Recovery Board and the Walla Walla Watershed Partnership Board for 8 years and worked directly with many state departments and legislators over the past 20 years on these issues to ensure that we do not lose forward progression on our accomplishments to protect our farms.

Perry has an Economics Degree and served as Chair of the Walla Walla County Budget Committee for five years during the time our nation was facing an economic recession. Due in part to his leadership the county was able to not increase property taxes, keep job loss at a minimum, while continuing to deliver the same level of service to the County residents. As a farmer, it is necessary to have strong budgetary skills in order to be profitable.

In addition to Perry’s fiscal understanding and proficiency, he brings his vast experience in land development to his elected position. Perry possess the ability to work with others to reach a solution to the most challenging issues.

Perry Dozier is the correct choice to represent our District in the State Senate. Please join me in casting your vote for Perry Dozier for 16th District State Senator.

Frank O’Leary

Walla Walla, Wash.