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To the editor,

I am writing in support of Perry Dozier to be our next State Senator for the 16th Legislative District.

This is my first ever letter to the editor. I served as the Clerk of the Board to the Board of Walla Walla County Commissioners for over 25 years. County Commissioners must be responsible, caring, knowledgeable, willing to listen and learn and make informed, sometimes hard, decisions on behalf of the citizens of the county. Perry was an excellent County Commissioner. He came into the position with considerable experience in dealing successfully with officials at the local, state and federal level. With his economics degree and background in farming and marketing, he brought another perspective to the Board. He took time always to listen to constituents and employees to learn and understand their concerns and to do what he could to help. During budget discussions, he made sure he understood the operations of each county office and department so that he could make educated decisions. When finances got tight, he and the other two commissioners froze their salaries for years, and understanding the plight of fellow citizens, refused to raise the county portion of property taxes. In fact, Walla Walla County was one of the very few counties in the state with a solid financial standing during recession years, as the commissioners have always budgeted and spent conservatively, and maintained a reserve fund. Serving as a County Commissioner, in addition to tending to his business and farming interests throughout the district, has provided Perry with solid facts about the issues at stake.

In addition to all the legislative knowledge and experience he will bring to the office of State Senator, Perry is a very empathetic person who works to find a solution for those in need, and he has a soft heart. When the Blue Mountain Humane Society needed a home for Gus the goose, Perry took him, and he now rules the roost at the Dozier farm, along with “the girls” (a flock of laying hens), the dogs, cats, horses, and cattle.

Perry is a wonderful, knowledgeable, dedicated, caring person of integrity who will represent all of us in the 16th Legislative District well, bringing his experience, fiscal responsibility, compassion, and “know how” to the office of State Senator. Please join me in voting for Perry.

Connie R. Vinti

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

Danielle Garbe Reser is the problem–solver we deserve. As the Mayor of College Place, I know first-hand the importance of effective and collaborative public service leadership. That is why I am encouraging everyone to invest in yourself and elect Danielle Garbe Reser to be our next State Senator. A vote for Danielle Garbe Reser is not about political affiliations or about a “wing,” it is about changing the people we have sent to Olympia that have failed to provide us with proper and bold representation.

In my work in economic development to improve the regional economy and increase employment opportunities, I had the pleasure of getting to know Danielle Garbe Reser and watch her in action. In her former capacity as the CEO of the philanthropic Sherwood Trust, Danielle Garbe Reser begun the Rural Funders’ Tour which has attracted over $500,000 of outside investments to directly improve our region in just three short years.

I have personally seen how Danielle Garbe Reser is a problem-solver and community helper. No matter your political persuasion or groups you identify with, Danielle does not prejudice; she simply and sincerely cares about working with all citizens to solve problems and meet our challenges.

Voters–please don’t miss out on our opportunity to elect a truly unbiased leader to represent us in the State Senate.

Norma L. Hernández

College Place, Wash.

To the editor,

Perry Dozier is the best candidate. It has been my pleasure of knowing Perry Dozier, his wife, and their families for 55-plus years. While Perry was in high school, he excelled in academics, athletics, and Associated Student Body offices. After graduating from Prescott High School, he attended Whitman College and graduated with a degree in economics.

Perry eventually returned to operate the family wheat farm. He was a very active member in the Northwest Grain Growers, and he was President of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. He also served as a Walla Walla County Commissioner for seven years (2009 to 2016.) He and the other two County Commissioners were a compatible team. One of the main challenges they had was balancing the annual budget. The budget was passed with a sufficient cash reserve and a reasonable disaster fund without raising taxes. Mr. Dozier is not afraid to take a strong position, especially when it is in the best interest of the budget and the constituents with whom he is serving.

He is the best and most qualified candidate for the position of Senator of Washington State for the 16th District. Please join me in voting for Perry Dozier!

Glynn Davis

Walla Walla, Wash.

To the editor,

During this time in our community, an election has never been more important and that is why Perry Dozier has my vote for State Senate, District 16. I have known Perry for years. He is a life-long resident of our area and is a small business owner. Translation: He knows what our businesses are going through right now and how to best serve them and their employees.

During my 13 years as Executive Director of the Moms’ Network of Walla Walla, Perry was a consistent supporter concerned about our local families and the ability they had to access local resources. Translation: He has deep knowledge about our local nonprofit and government resource but unless they are easily available, they cannot accomplish the mission of supporting families.

Most importantly, he is the only candidate running for State Senate with experience balancing a budget and saving our essential services during a recession. Translation: He knows the importance of funding public health, education, and transportation during difficult economic challenges without taxing residents and businesses.

Perry has served Eastern Washington for 20 years. I am supporting and voting for Perry because he is a leader that will unite us in Olympia and represent our needs in Eastern Washington.

Sincerely,

Beth Swanson