Scores enjoy Fourth of July Picnic

DAYTON–Those attending the Annual Fourth of July Picnic in the Park, sponsored by the Columbia County Conservatives with assistance from the Columbia County Republican Central Committee, heard from five candidates– Fifth Congressional candidate Brian Dansel, Attorney General candidate Pete Serrano, Secretary of State candidate Dale Whitaker, and County Commission candidates Marty Hall and Ryan Rundell, plus relaxed in the shade of the City Park on a warm and sunny Fourth of July. In addition to hot dogs and watermelon, there was an inspirational invocation, the National Anthem, family activities, water games and fun.

The event kicked off with inspiration and prayer led by Columbia County Undersheriff and Redeemer Lutheran Church Pastor Robbie Patterson. The sermon topic was about our spiritual and moral crisis. He then led a prayer for the nation and the community by asking in faith for the Lord's direction and blessing.

The National Anthem was sung by High School student Skylar McCann.

The event offered free food and family fun including a bounce house with a water slide, yard and water games featuring a dunk tank where participants were given the chance to plunge Deputy Blake Ahers, School Board Director, and sports coach Aneesha Dieu, local Bill Warren and others including Serrano.

Incumbent County Commissioner Ryan Rundell talked about his experience over the last four years. He emphasized the importance of local governance of representatives who live among their constituents. He cited the challenge of overcoming issues that may cause division by being open to listening to any citizen regardless of their personal opinions and do what is right for the county, never as a favor to one person or one group, and through approaching issues with a fresh perspective considering all viewpoints. His priorities for the county are roads and infrastructure, public safety and fostering an environment that allows the county to continue to thrive.

Commissioner Marty Hall says he stepped up to run for the position four years ago because he loves our country, the State of Washington, and Columbia County. He prioritizes the functionality of the county, including the support of those who also work for the county.

Candidate for Secretary of State Dale Whitaker is running to ensure integrity of the elections where only citizens whether born or naturalized are casting votes. He was born in the town of Washington in the United Kingdom, and he became a citizen of the United States. He believes the liberties of our country are unparalleled of being able to speak without fear of retribution, to pursue one's dreams no matter your race, creed, or color, to have the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to something greater than yourself.

Candidate for Congress for the Fifth District, Brian Dansel, previously served as a Washington State senator and was the Deputy Director for the Pacific Northwest for the Trump Election Campaign. He seeks to support those in his district to form an effective approach to making positive changes on important issues.

Current Mayor of Pasco and co-founder of the Silent Majority Foundation, Pete Serrano is running for Attorney General. He actively works to fight against the infringement on Second Amendment rights for people to keep and bear arms. He is in support of the Parent's Bill of Rights, an initiative that passed and is working to make sure it is upheld. He seeks to be a voice for the people and to ensure that common sense prevails.