Umatilla Electric members have the opportunity to vote for a true leader and champion for local development in Bryan Wolfe.

All members who have received a ballot have until Saturday, April 10, to return it in order to make their voice heard in the upcoming election. Bryan has more than earned my support for another term on the board.

First, he has helped fulfill the mission of a cooperative — putting members first through fiscally responsible budget decisions that have resulted in larger annual membership checks. Bryan and the board have also ensured members have access to utilities and financial assistance through the difficult times of 2020.

Second, he has created a business-friendly environment by maintaining low electric rates, which allows both large- and small-scale developments to do business here. This investment will pay dividends well into the future.

And third, he has helped create a strong support system for the employees and line workers who serve our members.

The combination of these three priorities have made Umatilla Electric a stronger organization, and Wolfe has my vote to keep up the good work.

Brian Medelez

Hermiston

The East Oregonian does not run endorsements of more than 400 words.

The East Oregonian will institute a deadline for letters to the editor, so we can be fair with all the letters we receive and allow for responses before Election Day, if necessary.

We run local letters of endorsement on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please submit your endorsement letters to the editor by 5 p.m. Friday, May 7. You can email them to editor@eastoregonian.com, or mail them to East Oregonian, c/o Andrew Cutler, 211 S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton, 97801.

We will publish our last letters on Saturday, May 15. Any letters received after the deadline will not run. Election Day is May 18.