General Election ballots go out in mail this week

DAYTON–Ballots for the November 7 General Election will be mailed this week. There are a few races on this ballot and a swimming pool proposition for voters to decide.

Dayton and Columbia County voters will decide on Proposition No. 1, which proposes creation of a parks and recreation district solely for building and operating a swimming pool, and to include Columbia County and the City of Dayton, excluding the Town of Starbuck and county portions of the Prescott Joint Park and Recreation District.

The proposition would create a taxing district that, if approved, would have the authority to levy a general tax on property up to 20¢ per $1,000 of assessed valuation, which would be annually voted upon.

Related to the pool proposition is balloting for a five-member commission to oversee the P&R District. Candidates are: Position 1-Dianne McKinley; Position 2-Lisa Naylor; Position 3-Ted Lowe; Position 4-Marjorie Lowe and Katie Leid; Position 5-Terri Lea Hessler and Fred Crowe.

There are some races for local offices on this election's ballot.

Joanne E. Patras and Devin Greenup are seeking City Council Position 4.

Patras pledges to bring a knowledgeable, researched, and accurate approach to all decisions facing the Council. She believes with her business experience and knowledge of the town and surrounding area can put forward ideas that will enhance our community that are practical and responsible. Patras believes citizens can count on her to respectfully listen, care, and respond to their concerns and criticisms and work towards resolution and bring their ideas to the issues at hand.

Greenup states that his vision is to see Columbia County continue to grow in available housing and successful businesses and that he will support those efforts. Greenup will also support local infrastructure improvements such as roads, internet, and water treatment. He believes education is necessary for success and happiness, and values the importance of the freedom of education available to the community through schools and local libraries.

Port Commission Position 2 has two vying for that post: Randy Schafer and Mike Spring.

Schafer states he is interested in being an integral part of the constituency which oversees the Columbia County Port District. He believes economic vibrancy is essential to sustaining the quality of life for generations to come. Transparency and fiscal accountability will be one of the utmost importance, if elected, and he is tasked with public resources. As Port Commissioner, Schafer pledges to work to ensure the Port remains a sustainable economic engine benefiting all in Columbia County.

Spring points to an extensive background in fire service and public service for some 40 years, during which he has overseen budgets and fire station construction projects. He has worked with City Councils, County Commissions, Fire District Commissions, and Washington State agencies and elected officials, in addition to having been intricately involved in City and County planning. He has also been involved in agriculture through his wife's family farm.

A third race is for Columbia County Hospital District Position 2, currently held by Colleen Sproul and being challenged by Lindsey Anderson.

Anderson points to 22 years of experience in health care. A registered nurse since 2011, she has worked at the Columbia County Health System as an RN and Population Health Nurse where she helped implement programs including those for Wellness, Patient Centered Medical Home, Chronic Care Management, and School Nursing Program. She was the Nursing Manager and served as the Interim Clinical Manager on multiple occasions, and she worked in Acute Care and Emergency Department, eventually serving as the Assistant Director of Nursing.

Sproul has served several terms on the Hospital Commission but did not submit a statement or photo to the Voter's Pamphlet.

Recent appointee Jamie Smit of Waitsburg is on the ballot for Hospital Commissioner Position 5.

Two candidates are seeking Town of Starbuck Position 1: Traci Mings and Charles Hill.

A number of positions are unopposed. Auditor Will Hutchens is running unopposed for the position following his appointment in 2022.

Roger Trump is seeking the office of Dayton Mayor, succeeding Mayor Zac Weatherford, who opted not to seek re-election.

Council Position 2, held by James Su'euga, Position 5,held by Shannon McMillen, and Position 6, held by Kyle Anderson, are all unopposed.

In Starbuck, Don Jackson is unopposed for Position 3 and Britney Russell for Position 5.

In County Fire Districts, unopposed candidates are Harvey Fletcher, District 1; Jim Hickam, District 2; and Pat Barker, District 3.

Dayton School District incumbents Zachary Fabian, Position 2, Grant Griffen, Position 3, and Aneesha Dieu, Position 4, are unopposed.

Starbuck School District directors running unopposed are Diane Lusk, Position 2, and Joanne Knouf, Position 4 At Large.

In the Prescott P&R District, Matthew Hamilton, Position 1, Selene Rubio, Position 4, and Carol Hartwig, Position 5, are unopposed.