I wonder if I grew a beard my masculinity would suddenly become “toxic” — as the woke are saying beards do to a guy. Their example is, among others, JD Vance. (See, for instance, an article in Politico, a left-of-center political digital newspaper, titled, “Yes, JD Vance’s Beard Matters. Here’s Why.” Weighty stuff).

The last time I had a beard, reddish in tint, was when the Trail Blazers won the NBA Championship. My inspiration, naturally, was Bill Walton. I don’t recall gals finding that I was becoming toxic.

Nonetheless, anything is seemingly possible these days. Thus I’d like someone to hand me a razor, as the obvious antidote, if people become ill around me.

Keith Gallagher

Gooseberry

As the daughter of a career Army major (served 1940–68) and the mother of a former Marine captain (served 1988-96), I am perplexed that any veteran or supporter of those who have and are at this moment bravely serving our country could support a candidate for the highest office who disparages those who serve and those who lead our military.

On Oct. 8, former President Trump said in an interview, “The military is bad. We have generals that do such a bad job.” Has he no idea how demoralizing this is to the men and women who serve? Or how undermining it is to our national security?

Trump has downplayed the significance of the Medal of Honor, making comments the Veterans of Foreign Wars described as asinine. He made a political appearance on sacred ground in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery even though his team was made aware that this was not allowed. The former president publicly feuded with Gold Star families, and declared in reference to American prisoners of war, and specifically Sen. John McCain, “I like people that weren’t captured, OK?”

Retired U.S. Marine Corps general and White House Chief of Staff (2017-19) John Kelly said Trump is “a person that thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as POWs are all ‘suckers’ because ‘there is nothing in it for them,’” and “a person that did not want to be seen in the presence of military amputees because ‘it doesn’t look good for me.’ A person who demonstrated open contempt for a Gold Star family — for all Gold Star families — on TV during the 2016 campaign, and rants that our most precious heroes who gave their lives in America’s defense are ‘losers’ and wouldn’t visit their graves in France.”

Catherine Matthias

Joseph

I am writing to support Mark Webb for Grant County judge.

Mark understands the difficulties we face in Grant County. Our state leaders know us as a remote, frontier community. Mark and his family know it as home.

I have known Mark personally for over 20 years. He has built miles of fence for me as he has for many local ranches. Mark is not just a capable administrator, but someone who is willing to get his hands dirty to make sure the job gets done. From serving on the Grant County Fair Board to his leadership as former Grant County judge, Mark advocated for the many businesses who employ workers in Grant County.

Mark has worked effectively with our schools to ensure the continued support of our Secure Rural Schools Act funding by Congress. He also understands the importance of rural health care. Mark worked closely with our local providers and state political leaders to ensure their support for our local hospital.

Perhaps most importantly, Mark’s recognition and understanding of the complexities of federal forest management. His efforts in part have furthered the continued federal timber harvests in Grant County.

Now, as we are facing the potential closure of our largest sawmill, it is important to ensure our court is equipped with a leader who has both experience and capacity to help Grant County navigate our declining economy to a more robust and prosperous future.

Mark Webb is no stranger to the many difficulties that face Grant County. His experience, dedication, and genuine leadership make him the clear choice for county judge. Mark Webb is the leader we need, one who values our input and will use critical thinking to make informed decisions. Mark has clearly demonstrated that he is the best choice for Grant County.

I urge everyone to consider voting for Mark Webb for Grant County judge.

Gordon Larson

Canyon City

Some candidates in this November’s John Day City Council election were councilors when the city’s urban renewal agency was created.

As originally conceived to promote house construction, owners of newly built homes inside the district could have hook-up fees waived and receive a rebate once the new home was on the tax rolls. Revenue from the increase in property taxes from new houses would fund that benefit.

Somewhere along the way, the bobbleheads on the council approved a resolution to the original ordinance providing money up front to a select group of developers so they could start work on new subdivisions. There were no strings attached — the developers could keep the money even if they never built a single new house. It’s hard to imagine that an economically depressed community would approve such a measure, but the former councilors bobbled their heads and said, “Well, we have to do something.”

Recently, the city was forced to borrow $1.8 million to make good on this deal with the developers. Before that, the city’s debt included the fire hall, the utility extension to the airport industrial project, the ill-conceived greenhouse and the match for a brownfield grant to clean up the old timber mill site. That was not insurmountable, but this free money for a select group of developers could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Last but not least, the notorious $600,000 swimming pool design fee approved by the bobblehead councilors before the pool levy was even sent to the voters (it lost) could have made the city’s debt much, much worse. Fortunately, COVID-19 relief funds paid off that ill-advised expenditure — money that could have gone to assist small businesses and workers hurt by the pandemic.

These reckless councilors, who spent money like drunken sailors led by a mad captain, now seek election so they can continue hunting for that great white whale while sinking the ship.

Richard Hanners

John Day

I am writing to support John Ballard for circuit court judge in Umatilla and Morrow counties. I am the district attorney of Gilliam County, but prior to that, I was a defense attorney in Umatilla County for over 17 years. I strongly support Ballard for judge.

In my 17-plus years in Umatilla County, I saw John Ballard in court often. I heard his arguments, watched him in trial and even consulted with him on cases. When I need a second opinion or to bounce ideas off of a person, he is my go to. You know who I never had the opportunity to see? Marikos. I never have seen her perform in court because she didn’t spend any time practicing in Umatilla County. Unlike her, John Ballard has chosen to spend nearly his whole career working and being a member of Umatilla County. He is established here. Built his practice here. Raised his family here.

John Ballard has been a pro tem municipal judge for years. He isn’t a judicial appointment from Tina Kotek. He is a person that is in the race on his own merit. He would be tough but fair. He is knowledgeable. He is the choice for voters of Umatilla and Morrow counties. Vote John Ballard for circuit court judge.

Kara Davis

Gilliam County district attorney

I had the privilege to meet with Tania Wildbill in a small roundtable discussion.

This format allowed us to ask the hard questions without any outside noise of political views. I found Tania to have a very strong belief that all individuals need to be heard, and she wants to fight for all of us.

I was raised on a cattle ranch in Grant County, and we were told not to be afraid to speak up when you believe in someone. Tania has the education, background, the knowledge to ask the hard questions, will listen to her represented people, will work with her colleagues on the state Senate floor, but also address federal guidelines that challenge all, in Eastern Oregon.

I have lived in Union County for 48 years, am a mother of two daughters with my husband, Roger, worked for Oregon State University Extension Service for 14 years, am a 4-H alumni and leader, and worked for Eastern Oregon University for 20 years. I have seen a lot of political candidates over the years, but Tania Wildbill is someone who is special. We cannot let her pass us by without giving her 100% of our vote.

We had a saying on the ranch: The cattle are all out of the corral and the horses are running loose. So let’s help Tania get on the saddle and round up the cattle so we can be heard in our district.

Beth Upshaw

Union

In a nation experiencing unprecedented political division and divisiveness (not to mention disconnection from one another, thanks in part to digital devices and social media), there is one candidate who rises above all of that — stating she wants to work for and with everyone as a Wallowa County commissioner.

Former Joseph Mayor Lisa Collier, who has eight years experience serving the city of Joseph, purposely chose purple for the color of her campaign signs because she’s working hard to bridge the red-and-blue divide and connect with citizens of every color.

A registered Republican, Collier wants to hear from — and listen to — everyone, regardless of political stripes.

She believes in inclusiveness and transparency. She’s committed to serving all people and leading by setting a good example. She wants to see more kindness and taking care of one another, instead of the mudslinging and us versus them antics that have become the norm.

Lisa is running for office to help bring people together and build a more inclusive, connected and healthy county.

A mother, coach and schoolteacher, Collier grew up in Wallowa County and wants to ensure this part of our state remains a special place for future generations. So, if you’re looking for a candidate who refuses to engage in division and divisiveness, and wants us to all come together as human beings to create a better way of life on all fronts, vote for Lisa Collier for Wallowa County commissioner.

Gregg Kleiner

Joseph

Measure 118 is poorly designed policy. It claims to give money to Oregonians by taxing Oregon businesses on sales. In reality, it will add to the cost of living for all Oregonians while cutting the budget for education and other critical services.

The measure would create a stacking 3% tax on sales for businesses adding up to $6.8 billion. It would be the largest tax increase in Oregon history.

The cost to families will be great. It’s a stacking tax on sales, growing at every step of the supply chain and landing on the final consumer. It will directly and substantially raise everyday costs for Oregonians — everything that our schools, teachers, and families in our community buy. There are no exemptions for food, medicine, clothing or other necessities.

And the revenue won’t be used to fund public schools, public safety, or any other critical services necessary for all Oregonians. Instead, these corporate taxes that currently fund education will be funneled to payouts to individual Oregonians, regardless of need. This will create a gap of billions of dollars that will require slashing education funding for every student in the state.

If you’re doing the math, that means Measure 118 will decrease school budgets while increasing the costs for students, teachers, and districts. It’s an ill-advised policy that swaps meaningful investment in Oregon’s future. Please join me in voting no on Measure 118.

Tricia Mooney

Hermiston School District superintendent

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