Letters to the Editor

To the editor,

I am writing to endorse Mike Talbott for Columbia County Commissioner, Position #2. I have known Mike for over 40 years. Mike and I have daughters the same age, we both farmed, and have been involved in many similar community activities. Mike is a leader and has demonstrated his leadership skills in many ways. He has been a County Commissioner for eight years and served on the Dayton School Board for 17 years. He also served as President on the Columbia County Grain Growers Board and was a member of that board for many years. He has also served on several state commissions and boards.

All these board positions require knowledge of how a budget is developed and how the process works. Mike’s many years of service to our community has given him the experience and knowledge to continue to help Columbia County through the next few tough years due to COVID-19. His opponent, has indicated that he has been involved in our community, but his previous ads and interviews have not provided me with any assurance that he has the necessary experience, knowledge and/or skills for the County Commissioners position.

Please, when you vote on or before November 3 base your vote on experience and leadership. Remember the other two commissioners only have a total of two years’ experience as commissioners. We need Mike Talbott’s experience and leadership! Please join me and support Mike Talbott for Columbia County Commissioner.

James (Jay) Takemura

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor,

I had the opportunity to observe Brooke Burns practice law in my courts in the Hells Canyon Circuit, the Superior Courts of Asotin, Columbia, and Garfield counties, from 2006 until I retired in 2014. She was always well prepared, steady on her feet, and a great listener. Issue identification and analysis were second nature to her. She has a temperament that would suit her well on the bench. I highly recommend Brooke Burns for Superior Court Judge of the Hells Canyon Circuit.

William D. Acey, Retired Superior Court Judge

Clarkston, Wash.

To the editor,

With the November third election rapidly approaching, I feel it is important each voter examine the qualifications of the candidates and make a well-informed choice. As a taxpayer and 47-year resident of Walla Walla County, I believe our county has been fortunate to have elected outstanding Superior Court Judges throughout the years.

Like many of the residents of our community I did not have a clear understanding of the different levels of the judicial system. I have researched the scope and responsibilities of different courts and determine the types of cases that come before each. It became clear to me that a Superior Court Judge is a trial judge who requires extensive experience handling trials not to mention experience in criminal, family law, domestic violence, civil, and juvenile cases.

When you look at Mike Mitchell’s qualification and experience in all of the aforementioned areas of the law, his experience far exceeds that of his opponent.

Mike has over 42 years as a practicing attorney and since 2015 has been the attorney of record in Superior Court in 138 cases compared to three for his opponent; Mike has served a Superior Court commissioner for eleven years compared to zero for his opponent; Mike has presided over 300 days of domestic violence cases compared to fifteen for his opponent; Mike has 30 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor or defense attorney compared to zero for his opponent; Mike has over ten years of experience in juvenile court cases compared to zero for his opponent; Additionally, Mike has been attending judicial conferences or judicial college for the past 8 years compared to zero for his opponent.

When voting for our Superior Court Judge we need to make the decision based on knowledge and experience. The premise that Mike’s opponent is a nice guy or he will work hard is NOT a substitute for his lack of experience. I think each of us would assume the judge presiding over a jury trial in Superior Court would have at least brought a jury case to trial. Mike has done many such trials while his opponent has reportedly not done any.

Mike Mitchell is the correct choice for Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge. Please join me in casting your vote for Mike Mitchell for Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge on November 3.

Frank O’Leary

Walla Walla, Wash.