Letters to the Editor

To the editor,

If you are like me, my ballot is sitting here needing to be filled out. After consulting the Voter’s Guide, online sources, and playing rock, paper, scissors (it is really hard to win playing against yourself) my choices:

Support the working guy, Loren Culp. Inslee has mismanaged mental health; the lockdown has harmed so many economically. Look, even the most draconian locked downs in Europe have failed to stop the virus and we need someone to think about the budget, not adding taxes.

Denny Heck for Lt. Governor; SEE I am supporting a Democrat! The other guy is an idiot.

Cathy McMorris-Rogers. Her opponent is running on one issue, Trump bad.

Kim Wyman, deserves to remain as Secretary of State. She knows how to make mail in ballots work and her opponent is running on one issue, Trump bad.

Attorney General, ANYONE but the incumbent. The incumbent will also tell you, Trump bad.

I like Maia Espinoza for Superintendent of Public Instruction as her views are common sense.

Speaking of common sense, Dave Larson for Supreme Court.

Locally, G. Scott Marinella for Superior Court Judge

Reject Referendum 90. When public education is able to manage core subjects, then we can start spending time on state mandated sex ed.

Mike Cloke

Clarkston, Wash.

To the editor,

For at least thirty years, I have known Scott Marinella as a friend, a co-counsel in lawsuits, an opponent in lawsuits, a judge, and a co-member of a committee. I have observed him as Judge of the Columbia County District Court and as a Judge Pro Tem of the Superior Court in the last year and one half because of the absence of the elected judge. Scott possesses the qualities of patience, courtesy, reason, common sense, and studiousness necessary for an excellent judge. I have endorsed him for Superior Court Judge of Asotin, Columbia, and Garfield Counties, and I ask that you endorse him with your vote.

George Fearing

Richland, Wash.

To the editor,

I have been a practicing attorney for more than 25 years. For the past five years, Scott Marinella has been my law partner; before that, he was my employer. Scott has been the single biggest influence on my legal career. By words and example, he taught me to work hard for my clients, be professional with my colleagues, clients and staff–even when I was frustrated and stressed, protect my credibility by being honest, rational and direct with my clients, judges and opposing counsel, and to do what I said I would do. These professional expectations carry over into his judicial work.

Scott’s legal experience is broad and lengthy: former prosecutor, personal injury, real estate transactions, contracts, advising businesses, advising municipalities…for over 30 years. Bringing this legal experience to the judicial bench benefits each party and every attorney. Scott’s more than 10 years of judicial experience covers criminal and civil cases and, by necessity, includes budget, staff and daily management experience. In addition to Scott’s elected position as Columbia County District Court Judge, for the past 18 months, he has been the primary superior court judge in Columbia County and on an as-needed basis, the superior court judge for Garfield County and Asotin County.

Asotin, Garfield and Columbia Counties all share one judge; that judge juggles a lot of responsibility. In a normal year, a newly elected judge has a steep learning curve. But this is not a normal year. With the 18-month absence of the elected superior court judge and complications of COVID-19, the court’s motion and trial calendar is very busy and will demand that the newly-elected judge jump in quickly. With his significant legal and judicial experience, Scott Marinella is prepared to be the superior court judge for our counties.

Kimberly Boggs

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor,

I’ve known Mark Klicker for many years and his trustworthiness and integrity is unmatched. I’ve had business dealings in the past with Mark, and his word can be trusted.

Our district needs Mark to represent our Farms and Businesses to help solve the tax, regulations, and spending problem in Olympia. Our businesses are being crippled with regulations and taxes.

Education, Healthcare, Farming, and Businesses will be well represented with Mark’s expertise and experience as our new state representative.

Urging my family, friends, and the public to vote for Mark Klicker as our new representative for District 16 Position 1.

Joe Messenger

College Place, Wash.

To the editor,

I write to strongly endorse Scott Marinella for the position of Columbia, Garfield and Asotin Superior Court Judge. In my 24 years as a Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge, I had the pleasure of not only hearing cases in Walla Walla, but also in Dayton, Pomeroy and Asotin.

Scott appeared in front of me numerous times representing a number of different clients. I also had the opportunity to observe Scott when he sat as a District Court Judge.

Scott is an excellent, experienced attorney. He is well respected by other lawyers and in his community. He has the intellect, common sense, calm demeanor, organizational skills and sense of fairness to be an excellent Superior Court Judge.

His prior judicial training and experience will allow him to transition into this position smoothly. Clearly, he is the best choice for Superior Court Judge.

Donald W. Schacht, Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge, Retired

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

I am writing to express my support for Scott Marinella as the next Superior Court Judge. He has been a mentor to me for the past 25 years. In my second doctoral dissertation, I had the pleasure of acknowledging Scott for how he helped me to grow both personally and professionally as a psychologist.

Scott is committed to not only ruling in a firm and fair manner, but more importantly has worked proactively to put offenders on the right path moving forward. One example is how he provides encouragement and access for individuals who would benefit from behavioral health services.

Scott has proven he has all the skills necessary to be an excellent Superior Court Judge. In addition, he has tremendous energy and passion for the residents of Asotin, Garfield, and Columbia County.

K. Todd Carman-Wagner, PhD, DSW

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

Please join me in voting for Danielle Garbe Reser as State Senator from the 16th District. I have worked with Danielle for years when our two nonprofit organizations collaborated on many issues to improve life for everyone in Columbia County. She is the right person for the job, and will be an effective voice for rural communities and small towns in Olympia, being at the table early in the legislative process.

She is part of a long-time local farm family and has roots in rural Washington. She is invested in the success of agricultural businesses and communities.

Both Republican and Democratic US presidents recognized her achievements and strong work ethic when she was a senior diplomat for the State Department. She demonstrated courage by being assigned to high risk places such as Beirut. She is committed to public service.

Danielle will be a dedicated and effective voice for our region in Olympia. Please vote for Danielle Garbe Reser as State Senator.

Kari Isaacson

Walla Walla, Wash.