I endorse Briana Spencer for the Pendleton School District Position 7. I’ve had the opportunity of meeting Spencer at various community events. She is a persistent presence and involved with pretty much everything.

Throughout my time as a college student and Confederated Umatilla Journal intern, I have witnessed Spencer participate in various community events, which includes food distributions, advocating for social justice, virtual community events, and even a virtual discussion with Nolan Bylenga hosted by Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) Arts & Culture committee.

While the Black Lives Matter (BLM) March was undoubtedly one of Spencer’s hugest debut, she has always been an active community member. The Pendleton School District needs Spencer’s perspective, leadership skills and overall, representation.

And to note, Spencer is a familiar face and has obtained momentous support from the surrounding communities in Pendleton.

Spencer has the capability and willingness to create change in the school system. Additionally, Spencer is a prominent advocate for BIPOC students at any educational level. I have faith that Spencer will contribute great strides and improvements in this position.

Megan Van Pelt, BMCC Associated Student Government president and BMCC Native American Club member

Pendleton

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.