Letters to the Editor

To the editor,

Judge G. Scott Marinella is the right choice for Superior Court Judge–Asotin/Columbia/Garfield Counties.

I have known Judge Marinella professionally for over 10 years. He possesses 36 years of combined diverse, solid judicial and legal experience. He is currently an elected District Court Judge and Superior Court Commissioner. His legal experience also includes many years as a private practice attorney and as a deputy prosecuting attorney.

In reference to an article dated July 22, 2020 in the Lewiston Tribune, Judge Marinella’s opponent made light of the duties of a District Court Judge. This is a common tactic in judicial races when the opponent cannot match the judicial experience and/or qualifications of the other candidate. To clarify District Court duties, Judge Marinella handles traffic infractions, misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor criminal cases, including all pre-trial motions, plea and sentencing changes. Many criminal cases involve domestic violence, protection orders, and anti-harassment/stalking orders. He is also responsible for impaneling a fair and impartial jury, making evidentiary decisions and managing all aspects of both civil and criminal jury trials. This does not include the additional duties as a Superior Court Commissioner.

Experience Matters. Judge Marinella is intelligent, hard-working and he is well prepared to be your next Asotin/Columbia/Garfield Superior Court Judge. He cares deeply about his family and the communities he serves. He believes all cases are important. Judge Marinella will be an excellent addition to the Superior Court bench.

Joseph M. Burrowes

Judge, Benton-Franklin Superior Court

West Richland, Wash.

To the editor,

Letter of Endorsement for Perry Dozier for State Senate, District 16. Our region must come together to vote and Elect Perry Dozier for State Senate Dist. 16. This election puts us at a crossroads of where we will be in a few years.

Will we be more in debt? Will parents’ choices on how to raise their children be infringed on even further? Will hardworking laborers that make our region so vibrant go unrepresented?

All these are issues that affect me personally, my parents who work the fields and processing plants, my children who I am choosing to raise in a conservative manner.

Perry Dozier will ensure that all these are represented in manner that reflect the values, morals, and economic need of the residents in the 16th District.

I ask that you please take a moment, educate yourself, and vote responsibly.

My name is Esther Duncan, and I am proud to support Perry Dozier for State Senate, District 16.

Esther Duncan

Burbank, Wash.

To the editor,

It has recently been brought to our attention that a formal complaint has been filed with the County Commissioners against LeeAnn Literal at the fairgrounds. As parents of the children she is currently mentoring, we would like to extend our support and gratitude to Ms. Literal for all of her dedication and hard work.

She has selflessly donated not only hours a day of her time, but also, the use of her horses and tack to the children who want to ride but don’t have their own mount. The only thing she has asked for in return was our commitment to getting our child to the fairgrounds so they could ride often.

She has not only found something positive and healthy for our children to do but also, tapped into an underused resource in our community. We would love or the fairgrounds to continue to be able to serve us all. It is obvious to all the children and parents in her club that the safety and well-being of our children and their animals is her top priority.

Next on the list is learning to ride and having fun. She is always supportive and honest when the children express a desire to learn something new. If she feels they are not ready, she reminds them that this is not a race; learn to trot before you lope.

If the kids are hesitant but ready, she is their biggest cheerleader. She knows horses and she knows her kids. If you have any doubt about the wonderful things she is doing, please feel free to stop by the fairgrounds. You will most likely catch her there working with one of our children.

A group of very grateful parents: Anndrea Anderson, Adriann Close, Bekah Lael, Tressa Buman, Selena Sparrell, Tracie Sinkbeil, Dakota Buman, and Chryssee Pettit, all of Dayton, Wash., and Aimee Lork of Pomeroy, Wash.

To the editor,

I am writing in support of G. Scott Marinella for the position of Superior Court Judge.

I am a Superior Court Judge in Spokane County, having served in this position for 16 years. Before that I served as a District Court Judge for 6 years. I am a 40-year member of the Washington State Bar. I have known Scott for over 36 years, first meeting him as we began our careers in the law. I have worked with him as a lawyer and then again on various boards and committees when we were the Presidents of our respective Judicial Associations.

Scott has the experience to do the job of a Superior Court Judge today. He has practiced law for 36 years, been a prosecutor for 14 years, and a District Court Judge and Superior Court Commissioner for 18 years. He knows the work and can do it on the first day and every day he is on the bench. Scott brings not only a wealth of experience to the position, but also integrity, common sense, and a work ethic to everything he does.

The citizens of this Judicial District will be well served by electing G. Scott Marinella to the position of Superior Court Judge. Please consider him when you go to mark your ballots this fall. It is appreciated.

Harold Clarke

Spokane Superior Court Judge

Spokane, Wash.

Dear Editor:

I have known Mike Mitchell both professionally and personally and believe that he is the most qualified to be our next Superior Court Judge. Mike is a man of the utmost integrity whose legal career has extended over all areas of criminal and civil law. He has 42 years as a practicing attorney including working in the Prosecutors office where he was involved in numerous jury trials. He was also a partner in a local law firm handling criminal cases. Since 1989 Mike has been a sole practitioner where he has gained the diverse skill sets required to manage a multi-faceted legal practice. Mike has experience as a Superior Court Commissioner, has served as Judge Pro Tem and has Mediator and Arbitrator experience as well.

The difference between Mike and his opponent is significant and should be the most important to voters. It is for me and it’s the reason I am supporting Mike Mitchell for Superior Court Judge. Please join me and cast your ballot for Mike Mitchell.

Kristal Hassler

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

I want to express my gratitude to the staff, teachers, and administrators of the Dayton school district for their immense efforts to get and keep our kids in school, in-person, for six weeks now! I know that it has taken ingenuity, a “can-do” mentality, and a lot of extra work.

The effort has paid off–our kids are happy and thriving and so relieved to have a sense of normalcy once again. Every day I think about how lucky we are to live in a town where the citizens are supportive, the schools can meet the health and safety requirements, and the school staff are willing to go the extra mile for our kids. No parent that I have talked to takes these efforts for granted. From the bottom of my heart, you are appreciated!

Leigh Cranmer

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor,

For several years before broadcasting my weekly radio show, The Brief Congressional Update, on KYRS Thin Air Community Radio (92.3 and 81.1 FM), I believed that the political party to which one belongs really doesn’t make a big difference–just vote for the person who is honest, has integrity, and is friendly. Preparing for the radio show by studying local, state, and national politics, however, I learned so much, and changed my mind entirely. I realized that the political party to which the candidates belongs makes a HUGE difference. What each party supports is really important, as the controlling party in power makes the decisions about which bills are brought forward to be considered. Even the winner of one seat can flip the power to determine whether or not issues that are so important to the people are presented for a vote.

Ballots in Washington State soon will appear in your mailbox if you have registered. Please remember what each political party supports in regards to education, healthcare, environment, veterans’ affairs, regulations, taxes and human rights. If integrity and honesty are important to you, make your choice by considering which political party as well as which candidate reflects your values. An informed choice can be made by consulting your Voter’s Guide. Submit your ballot in the mail or drop box near you as soon as possible to make sure your vote is counted. This year’s important election will set the trajectory for the country for many years to come.

Nancy Street

Cheney, Wash.