Letters to the Editor

To the editor,

Columbia County Needs Positive, Nonpartisan, Inclusive, Qualified Candidates

I received a flyer identifying "Columbia County Conservatives" (CCC) endorsing Conservative candidates for Dayton City Council, Port of Columbia and Dayton School Board positions.

This political group professes that over the 200+ years since our country's founding, the US has done remarkably well living up to the goals improving the human condition, free from rule by a person, or body, not beholden to the people. But, we're a representative government, "By The People!"

Don't be misled by the slick postal flyer and voter guide CCC provided. Ensure your choices for local Columbia County races include only those candidates running for a positive, nonpartisan, honest approach to local governance.

Become an accurately informed participant and disseminate factual information. Yes!

Please, Columbia County residents, support the following slate of positive, nonpartisan, collaborative, inclusive and qualified candidates on Nov. 2: Shawn Brown, Jack Miller, Port of Columbia Commissioners; Teeny McMunn, Write-in candidate Vicki Zoller, Fred Crowe, Bo Stevenson, Grant Griffen and Jeff McCowen, City of Dayton City Council Members; Jim Kime and Barbara Miller, Public Hospital District Commissioners

Lisa Naylor

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor,

We are just a few days away from another local election and we have an opportunity to make some truly good and thoughtful choices for leaders in our community.

We have an opportunity to elect people that have been active members in this community through volunteer roles, through board and committee roles and through other public participation roles. These are people that have shown up year after year in so many ways in Dayton and Columbia County. They make things happen, they are a part of yearly successful events like Dayton Days, All Wheels Week-end, 3rd Street Yard Sale, Fall Family Festival, Food Stock, and more...they are here year after year, event after event and serve on numerous non-profits and boards. These are people that see the possibilities every day to make our community better. They don't just pop up like groundhogs when an election cycle rolls around. They are here ALL THE TIME.

And amazingly, regardless of the outcome of this election, they will still be here. They will be here serving even after others have stepped down from their elected positions or get bored when they realize that they can't stop progress on planned projects or find out that it isn't as easy to make change as they thought it would be or when they discover how much work is involved in making good things happen for the people in this county.

The ones that I have chosen to elect are: Boe Stevenson Dayton City Council Position #1; Teeny McMunn Dayton City Council Position #3; Vicki Zoller–WRITE IN–Dayton City Council Position #5; Fred Crowe–Dayton Council Position #7; Shawn Brown–Port of Columbia Commissioner Position #1; Jack Miller–Port of Columbia Commissioner Position #3; David Bailey–Dayton School District–Position #1; Anna Berg–Dayton School District–Position #4

These candidates are tireless in their endeavors in Dayton and Columbia County, they know what it takes to make good things happen here and have never been afraid of the work it has taken. THEY SHOW UP.

As one of these candidates, I know my chances as a Write-In Candidate are not the most likely but I do know that no matter the outcome, I will still be here, I will still show up. As will the other candidates listed. Choose the ones that already show up. Choose POSITIVELY DAYTON and COLUMBIA COUNTY!

Vicki Zoller

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor,

Elections tend to be a confusing time for me. Sometimes a friend may be running for office or there may be other people I don't know. This year has been different because of the fake information issues and hateful commentary! I promised myself that I would not vote for angry candidates, or candidates without positive visions or platforms for the community I love and have chosen to live in. Platforms are created by local people, then go to county, state and national levels and candidates must have an understanding of their Party's Platform to be a meaningful candidate. With all of that, I have chosen to vote for the following: City Council Position #1: Boe Stevenson; City Council Position #3: Teeney McMunn; City Council Position #5: Write In Vicki Zoller; City Council Position #7: Fred Crowe; Fire District #1: Mike Spring; Port Commission #1: Shawn Brown; Port Commission #3: Jack Miller; School District #1: David Bailey.

Candy Jones

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor,

In the interest of full disclosure, I became Vicki Zoller's neighbor when I moved to Dayton years ago. We are now dear friends. Vicki generates more positive energy than those turbines on the horizon. She is kind, tenacious, diligent and very forward thinking only in the best interest of our city. Dayton has so much to offer yet falls short in so many areas. Vicki addresses only those areas that will benefit all of the citizens of Dayton. Main street needs more retail. Neighborhoods need those streets fixed from rampant "pothole disease." Broadband is essential for business and agriculture. If one does not like broadband do not use it. Parks and infrastructure need attention. Vicki loves Dayton and will give Dayton the love and attention she has bestowed on all of us that live in her neighborhood. Just take a look at all the people who have " WRITE IN VICKI ZOLLER for Position #5 " signs in their front yards. These are people who have lived in Dayton for decades and want only the best for our town. Yes, it will take a bit of energy to WRITE IN VICKI ZOLLER for Position #5 but the amount of positive energy all of us will receive when Vicki wins is a wonderful return on our vote/investment.

I am writing in VICKI ZOLLER for Position #5 of the City Council.

Miles J. Miller

Dayton, Wash.

To the editor,

As a former small business owner in Dayton, I am writing to express my earnest support for the Positively Dayton slate of candidates. When I set up shop in Dayton about 16 years ago, I did so inspired by our civic leaders' can-do, positive outlook in Dayton. Now, I see dark storm clouds of negativity, suppression of economy-boosting efforts, and opposition to innovation in our community. I, and others like me who care about our town, must support candidates who will continue to move our hometown forward.

Once again, I urge you also to support the Positively Dayton slate of candidates, who are: Boe Stephenson (City Council Position 1), Fred Crowe (City Council Position 7), Teeny McMunn (City Council Position 3), Shawn Brown (Port Commissioner Position 1), Jack Miller (Port Commissioner Position 3), and Vickie Zoller (City Council Position 5 write-in).

Roger J. Tumbocon

Dayton, Wash.

To the Editor,

Dayton is my history. A place and its people I have cared about always. I have worked to be a part of solutions and a contributing member of the community in any way that I can. Running for City Council was something I was excited about but also serious about as our town is facing difficult times. I have fully believed that all citizens deserve to be heard and was hopeful to be available to listen and encourage others to also be a part of the process. I know the legacy of this community working together regardless of belief systems. It saddens me that there has been a subculture of only accepting some at the table and discouraging differing viewpoints as well as full on personal attacks of many, censorship of many and mischaracterizing any perceived opposition. I know this won't work to strengthen our community. I'm confident most of you also know this.

I have recently had some heavy decisions to make. I have been quiet as I was not sure what my future held and I did not want to make any promises to a community, that I hold dear to my heart, that I couldn't keep. I did not want to ask for votes from the people I wanted to serve if I couldn't complete the process. It weighed very heavy on me. It was possible I would be able to fulfill my candidacy but recently I have accepted a job that will take me away from Dayton. It was too late to withdraw from the election and ballots were already to the printer.

This truly has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make. I have been so blessed to have known wonderful people, laughed and cried with them, worked with and served with them, celebrated and mourned with them. So many I will miss. Memories I hold dearly. Thank you, Dayton, for it all.

What does this mean for the election? It means if the people decide they want write in candidate Vicki Zoller to represent them- that is who they will elect. It also means that if the people decide to vote for me anyway- they have additional choices. If I were to be elected- I will have to resign the position. This will require the City Council to select from applicants (more choices) to appoint a person to the position for one year until the next election. This makes the council accountable to the people for who they select. Perhaps more people will be encouraged to be a part of the process of making our community stronger and apply for the position if that is how the election goes.

My sincere hope, for the community that I will miss dearly, is that it will have people in elected positions who will accept all viewpoints, encourage all a place at the table, will treat all with respect regardless of viewpoints and roll up their sleeves focus on the tasks at hand and forgo drama. We have done it before and I'm so sorry I will not be there to see great things happen again. You can do it!! #strongertogether #daytonstrong

Sincerely,

Marchand Hovrud

Dayton, Wash.