Letters to the Editor

To the editor.

Marinella would make a great judge. I hired G. Scott Marinella to join me in my Dayton law firm in 1983. I realized within a few weeks he was a very able, smart, young lawyer who would fit very well into our community.

In the many years we practiced together he has proven this to be true. He was deputy prosecutor while I was the Columbia County Prosecutor for 16 years. In addition, we had a very diversified practice which, included family law, court cases involving many issues, real estate closings, farm leases and estate planning. We also represented clients such as individuals, businesses, farmers and Districts, such as the School, Hospital and Port. He gained a breadth of legal experience over time.

He always liked the court room and had a judicial bearing about him. He ran successfully for District Court Judge in 2002 and won each election since. During this time, he honed his judicial skills, which include his very thoughtful approach to decision making. He listens well and thoroughly reads all briefs and documents concerning a case before rendering a decision. He is very fair minded and his goal is to render the proper decision to provide justice based on the law.

In addition to his judicial experience, his greatest attribute is his calm, thoughtful demeanor, especially during times of stressful conflict. Scott Marinella would make a great Superior Court Judge. I urge you, as the voters, to support him.

Terry Nealey

Dayton

To the editor,

Many of us take for granted we live in the best nation on earth! Thanks to the foresight of the Founding Fathers, our Republic offers many freedoms, choices and responsibilities. One of the greatest responsibilities is choosing outstanding leadership for our national, state and local governments. Voting Day (November 3rd) is nearly here and I’d like to invite readers to join me in voting for Scott Marinella as Snake River Circuit Court Superior Court Judge!

Scott has been a personal friend for nearly 30 years. Additionally, I have had the privilege and pleasure of working for him in his law practice for five of those 30 years. I have first-hand knowledge of his integrity, compassion, impartiality, enthusiasm, fairness, kindness and commitment to each client whose matters come into his hands.

In my opinion, integrity and someone’s word are two of the highest character traits I consider. I would not affiliate myself with someone who didn’t have both of these traits firmly in place. Scott has never disappointed me. He takes time to thoroughly study situations and determine the best possible course of action. Then he does what he says he’s going to do.

At this time in our history, it is more critical than ever to choose leadership with the highest values, morals and scruples. Scott Marinella meets and exceeds these characteristics and will have my vote on November 3rd. Please join me and vote for Scott, too.

Aileen Warren

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor.

I am writing in support of Mike Mitchell’s candidacy for Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge. There have been numerous letters of support for both candidates touting their legal experiences, educational backgrounds, and personal attributes.

These candidates have been extensively vetted as they should have been. I don’t take issue with any of the positive assessments of each candidate.

I believe I have a unique perspective on this race. I served as a Superior Court Judge in Walla Walla County for 24 years. During that time, I worked with hundreds of Judges and attorneys. I believe Mike Mitchell is the best candidate for Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge. His education, legal experience, intellect, demeanor, common sense, patience, and most importantly, his sense of fairness and integrity are attributes which will make Mike an outstanding judge. Please join me in voting for Mike Mitchell.

Judge Donald W. Schacht

Walla Walla County Superior Court

Retired

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

I’m sure many of you have seen the Danielle Garbe-Reser TV ads supporting her 16th District Senate race. Until recently I would characterize them as appropriate and, in her opinion, accurate. That is, until the one I saw yesterday. I know Danielle to be an individual of honesty and integrity which is why I was disappointed in this recent ad. In it she states several inaccuracies surrounding the Perry and Darleen Dozier application for an additional use on their agricultural zoned land.

To be VERY clear, this was a “land use” issue, not water use. I was involved in the public discussion of this as a sitting Walla Walla County Commissioner. And, I strongly urge you to refer to a letter to the editor dated October 11th submitted by retired Walla Walla County Commissioner Pam Ray, which clearly explains the true facts surrounding the issue and debunks the myth that the Doziers had anything to do with the Nestle proposal to the city of Waitsburg, another point that was incorrectly stated in Ms. Garbe-Reser’s most recent ad.

I’m fine with ads promoting one’s self for election to public office but disappointed when a candidate goes “low” and relies on information I’m sure they know in their heart is not correct and, at the very least, will mislead the electorate. I believe the vast majority of voters feel the same way.

As I stated in a previous letter in support of Perry Dozier, in my nearly nine years as a County Commissioner, and based on my work and interactions with the State Legislature, I have come to realize the legislators most willing to set political ideologies aside in order to develop solutions cooperatively that benefit our citizens locally and statewide are those whose political backgrounds are grounded in local government service as Perry Dozier’s is as a former Walla Walla County Commissioner.

I’ve also worked with the current legislature enough to know it is naïve to think a new, rural, self-proclaimed moderate will have enough clout to convert the majority opinions of her party. This is true of both parties but the answer is to at least try to create a balance. That is why I am supporting Perry Dozier in this important election and I urge you to do the same.

Jim Johnson

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the Editor:

My wife and I have been small business owners in the Walla Walla Valley for a combined 76 years and we have appreciated the support of our local community throughout those years. Small businesses success depends on that support, and it frustrates us when local candidates seeking a political office to represent our communities fail to spend their campaign dollars locally. If they really cared about “serving” us, wouldn’t they shop local?

All of the Republican candidates running for election this year for a county or district position, have ordered their political signs locally; however, the Democratic Party candidates, Danielle Garbe Reser, Frances Chvatal and Carly Coburn, have chosen to purchase their political signs out of town rather than contributing to our local economy. Check for yourself on the Public Disclosure Commission’s website https://www.pdc.wa.gov/browse/current-candidate-campaigns

My point is, why back the Democratic Party candidates when they aren’t supporting us?

The support of the local community, is the reason our businesses have survived for all these years.

For the reasons above, and with the direction the Democratic party has gone, especially in relation to small businesses, we will be supporting the local Republican candidates, such as Perry Dozier, who I’ve known for 40+ years, and is someone I, or anyone in need of help for small business, can count on.

We will also be supporting Loren Culp for governor, in hopes of bringing common sense back to Washington State government. Please join us!

Larry Olson

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

I would like to clarify misinformation which continues to be perpetuated relative to Perry and Darleen Dozier’s application for an additional use on their agricultural zoned personal property.

In an effort to explore opportunities to diversity the use of their property, Perry and Darleen Dozier, not unlike many other landowners in the county, applied to Walla Walla County for a “text code amendment” to permit a water bottling facility in the agricultural zoned areas of Walla Walla County, the same process wineries, breweries and distilleries have applied for and been granted for many years.

This application was relative to “land use” and not water use. The county has no jurisdiction over water rights. The state of Washington Department of Ecology governs water rights and usage.

Perry Dozier’s opponent in the state senate race is suggesting the use of the Dozier’s 75-year-old senior deep basalt water right is having an impact on her streams drying up; however, streams are surface water, not fed by the deep basalt aquifer.

The Dozier’s application somehow became confused with Nestlé engaging in conversations with Waitsburg exploring the possibility of purchasing a portion of the city’s spring water for the purpose of bottling. These two occurrences were totally separate and the Dozier’s have never had any communication with Nestlé or any commercial bottling company.

After the application for the text code amendment was in process, the Dozier’s chose to withdraw the application and pursue an opportunity to utilize their private property and water right on a specialty crop.

The Dozier’s were NOT requesting any use that had not already been granted to many other personal property owners in Walla Walla County.

Please make an effort to research an issue prior to believing false statements purporting to discredit a candidate’s actions, qualifications or knowledge.

Perry Dozier’s character and integrity epitomizes that of a great statesman. He will answer to no one EXCEPT the residents of the 16th Legislative District and I ask that you join me in voting for him to be our next state senator.

Pam Ray

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

Mike Mitchell is the best candidate for Superior Court Judge. I have been a trial court judge in Pierce County for nearly 24 years, and have known Mike Mitchell professionally for the last eight years. Our families however, have been acquainted for well over 40 years.

Mike is an exceptional candidate for a critical position. He is devoted to sustaining and improving our current justice system. As a practicing attorney and Court Commissioner, Mike has reflected the highest traditions of the bench, through honesty, integrity and compassion for others. Mike will bring to the bench a keen knowledge of the law, refined by over thirty years as a practicing attorney. Moreover, along with this keen knowledge of the law he brings an uncommon common sense, understanding that citizens deserve clear and concise rulings from the court.

In our current environment, the role of judges has never been more important. Judges must acknowledge the need for community safety, yet at the same time ensure that accountability of citizens is balanced with the potential for redemption. As Court Commissioner, Mike has seen first-hand the ravages of controlled substance abuse and its impact on families and on the community. If elected he will bring heightened awareness and keen problem-solving skills to addressing this significant societal issue.

The citizens of Walla Walla county would do well to ensure this outstanding candidate is elected.

Judge Jack Nevin

Pierce County Superior Court

To the editor,

I have known Mike Mitchell for almost 30 years. We met when I took a job scrubbing clubs at Walla Walla Country Club as I was going to college. I later served the Walla Walla Valley in the education system, as coach, teacher, principal, central office administrator and currently work for CH2MHILL. Through it all Mike has treated me the same with a highly level of respect and thoughtfulness. I have found Mike to be trustworthy. There was a time (like everyone) I struggled with a very sensitive issue. I went to Mike for some assistance. Mike was supportive and offered to assist. He has a great understanding of the human condition, a tool that I believe is very necessary to fill the role as Superior Court Judge.

Mike’s experience in legal/judicial law is extensive (criminal cases, civil matters, divorces, juvenile, domestic violence cases etc..) spanning 42 years in all areas of law, providing him the necessary tools and skills to serve the individuals that enter the courtroom. I am sure that his opponent is a nice man but simply put when you compare qualifications Mike becomes the clear choice.

Please join me and vote for Mike Mitchell for Walla Walla Superior Court Judge at our General Election in November. I believe he would pay your vote a great compliment.

Vincent Jimenez

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

Please select your candidate wisely as the senate seat in our district may just be the one that hits your pocketbook the hardest.

Danielle Garbe Reser, a candidate for the state senate and a relatively new arrival to the district, is presenting herself as a moderate Democrat and the best return for your money. Let’s be clear! If she should win this senate seat and go to Olympia under a Democratic Governor who has publicly state he only needs two more senate seats to have a Super Majority, do you really think a rookie senator would be able to keep any of her campaign promises of representing eastern Washington? I’m not that naïve. Should the Governor need one more vote to pass his liberal environmental agenda, the pressure would be on Danielle to cave to those who have bankrolled her campaign, that being the Governor’s Seattle liberal friends who have contributed over $100,000 in effort to get her elected. If Governor Inslee is successful in his pursuit of his environmental agenda, our taxes (and more than likely the cost of doing business) will skyrocket and that I have no doubt!

Perry Dozier is a lifelong resident of our district and has no intention of letting it become an extension of the westside of our state.

Please join me in voting for Perry Dozier for State Senator in the 16th Legislative District…

Judy Chamberlain Holloway

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

Danielle Garbe Reser is uniquely qualified to become the 16th Legislative District’s next Senator. After graduating with honors from Whitman College, Danielle earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University.

Between 2001 and 2015, Danielle worked for the State Department. During the administration of President Bush, she served on the staff of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. She later served on the National Security Council staff of President Obama.

During her tenure at the State Department, she was posted to U.S. Embassies in Beirut, Lebanon and Jakarta, Indonesia. Her crisis management experience included helping American victims of the 2002 terrorist attack in Bali, and aiding humanitarian responses to the Syrian war. In America, among other duties, Danielle had a one- year diplomatic assignment advising a U. S. Senator on issues addressed by the Senate Armed Forces and Foreign Relations Committees about trouble spots in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.

After her diplomatic career, Danielle returned to Walla Walla to become the CEO of Sherwood Trust. While there she oversaw investments in initiatives that created jobs, improved community infrastructure and strengthened nonprofit organizations and programs. The rural funders’ program that Danielle created attracted over half a million dollars in new grants to the region. For her accomplishments, Danielle won regional and national awards.

Danielle is endorsed by the Children’s Campaign Fund, an organization committed to securing the health, safety and education of all children. The Children’s Campaign Fund previously endorsed Republican State Senator Maureen Walsh.

Because one person cannot solve all the economic and social problems of the 16th Legislative District, we should elect the one person uniquely qualified to inspire the ideas and enlist the aid of others: Danielle Garbe Reser.

Gretchen de Grasse

Walla Walla, Wash.