Letters: Elections, Superior Court judge, Benton County commissioner and more | July 31

Lehrman listens when you talk

It’s been a tumultuous year, to say the least. I think it’s safe to say we are looking for some optimism, just a way to let us know that things will be okay. We all have questions. When will we finally re-open? Will my child be able to go back to school in the fall? When will the COVID-19 cases start to trend down?

We all ask these questions, and yet we hear nothing from our elected officials, but I finally heard something.

I found that optimism, I found a candidate who’s looking to hear what I have to say and listen to my questions rather than respond or just give me their stump speech. I found a candidate who leads by listening.

Kim Lehrman is the leader we need right now. She understands what our families are going through and she will always put people over politics. During this dire time, we don’t just need a leader who delivers us policy goals, but a leader who will express decency and empathy. We need a leader who will lead our county in the right direction.

Please vote Kim Lehrman, Franklin County Commissioner, District 1.

.......

Petersen best for Superior Court

I have known Dave Petersen professionally for over 20 years. Dave has extensive qualifications and experience to serve as Benton Franklin County’s next Superior Court Judge. He was municipal court judge for City of Pasco for over six years and has pro temed in Benton and Franklin County’s District and Superior Courts for over 20 years. As an attorney, Dave has over 22 years of experience in the areas of civil, criminal and family law, as well as being a family law mediator and arbitrator.

Equally as important as his experience is his temperament on the bench. He is known to be well prepared, fair and open minded, and is willing to listen to and hear all sides in making a decision. He has the ability to be courteous and compassionate while being firm and consistent.

Dave is eager to serve the community he grew up in by serving as your next Superior Court judge.

.......

Garbe Reser best for 16th District

My ideal state senator should be: intelligent, compassionate, grounded in Eastern Washington, knowledge about our agriculture industry, and (have) a willingness to listen. Danielle Garbe Reser personifies each of these.

Born and raised in Moses Lake and educated at Whitman College, Danielle understands the people and economy of Eastern Washington. She then served our country for 14 years in the State Department, beginning her career the day before 9/11.

Danielle next led the Sherwood Trust putting millions back into the local community to benefit those in need. She was responsible for a $30 million budget and brought in another $500,000 in grants to our area to help local nonprofits with local needs.

Danielle’s work around the world for the U.S. government and in Southeastern Washington have taught her how to listen and hear the challenges people are facing. Married to a fifth-generation farmer, Danielle understands the challenges that agriculture faces.

She will help bridge the divide between Eastern and Western Washington so we feel heard. With Danielle in Olympia, we will see safer communities, better education and more infrastructure to benefit all in Washington.

Join me in voting for Danielle Garbe Reser.

.......

Lehrman right for county commission

I support Kim Lehrman for Franklin County commissioner. She will bring leadership where it is sorely lacking.

Current Franklin County commissioners have refused to collaborate with their fellow government agencies, cities, school districts, neighboring counties, health experts and now our governor. This “go it alone, I know best attitude” ultimately put Franklin County businesses in legal jeopardy and, during a pandemic, could well endanger your life.

As a mother with children, Kim will bring a new perspective when voting on issues that will position Franklin County as a safe, economically viable place to live, own a business and raise children.

Kim’s farming background and experience as an ag teacher, welding instructor and coach, position her to work with Commissioner Didier. She speaks his language, understanding the agronomic realities of our county and the value of functioning as a team.

Good leaders put their community’s safety first and personally model safe behavior. They invite community experts to the table and utilize their knowledge.

This is not the time to fall into old thought patterns. Franklin County has a serious ongoing health crisis that will test our economies both personal and governmental.

Vote Kim Lehrman Franklin County Commission, Position 1.

.......

Regev leads by her great example

Shir Regev is the best choice to represent Benton County in Olympia in challenging times. Shir has shown that she is a leader who will work for the best interest of our community. Regev responded to the COVID-19 crisis by volunteering at Second Harvest to help fill the needs of our community and encouraging others to follow her example. Her opponent showed his lack of concern for public health and safety by attending a mass gathering without any social distancing or face coverings. On her website www.atthetablewithshir.com, Regev has well thought out statements about many of the challenges facing us; I encourage everyone eligible to vote in LD8 to vote for Regev.

.......

Lehrman knows what people need

Kim Lehrman is one of the finest people I have ever known. I first met Kim at a mutual friend’s dinner party in 2017. I had just lost my grandfather, my stepfather and one of my best friends. I had just moved back to Pasco, and as I sat there, I felt broken. Kim sat by me and made me feel welcome. I didn’t know a lot of people, and as a grief-stricken autistic, socializing felt like climbing Everest. Kim was undeterred, she was kind, and because of her, I was able, if only for a few hours, to set my pain aside and be a person again.

I support Kim Lehrman for county commissioner because I trust her. She knew in that moment where we met what I needed to get through the day and made sure I had it. She didn’t ask what I could do for her, she didn’t push me to be something I wasn’t, she just listened and supported me. If she is elected Franklin County commissioner, there is no doubt in my mind that she would make this county proud. I hope you will join me in voting for her by Aug. 4.

.......

Raffa is right for county commission

Please join me in voting for Justin Raffa for Benton County commissioner, District 1. Justin has been an active advocate for the region since moving here in 2008. He graduated from the Leadership Tri-Cities program Class XIX and successfully completed levels I, II, and III of the Rotary Leadership Institute. Justin was a citizen participant on the Vista Vision Task Force with the Port of Kennewick regarding the redevelopment of Vista Field and on the Brand Implementation Leadership Team with Visit Tri-Cities, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and TRIDEC. He is a founding member of the Tri-City Civility Caucus.

Justin has repeatedly demonstrated excellent leadership in all areas in which he has been and is involved. He is driven by a genuine desire to make our community a better place for us all. He believes the commission needs to work with all of its constituents, make meetings more accessible to the public and avoid using the position to advance any personal agendas.

Justin brings a balanced approach and a civil voice to our community. He has earned my vote.

.......

Burning campaign sign dangerous

I am writing to express my concern over the destruction of campaign signs in the Tri-Cities. Late in the evening of July 24/early July 25th, while my family was out of town, a campaign sign in my yard was burned down. Yes, burned! Luckily, a good Samaritan called it in and the Richland Fire Department extinguished the blaze quickly.

This repulsive behavior not only required someone to trespass onto my property, but also equates to the criminal activity of reckless burning. It could have easily resulted in arson, destroying our home or damaging neighboring properties. Worse, it could have cost lives. We are thankful that it did not. We are disgusted that someone felt so threatened by a basic campaign sign that they were willing to risk our lives and property to suppress our First Amendment rights. We know we are not alone in being vandalized. Political divisiveness has reached a tipping point that has emboldened some to act recklessly. This is unacceptable. Let this be a reminder, to act with civility. Your voice and vote is far more powerful to promote change than immature criminal behavior. I will still be shamelessly voting for Justin Raffa for Benton County commissioner.

.......

Peralta best for Franklin County

At election time, we must remember the importance of choosing a good leader who represents our community with devotion and passion. We believe Ana Ruiz Peralta is the best candidate and right person for Franklin County Commission, Position 2. As a businesswoman of over 22 years, I have noticed and suffered much due to the lack of good political representation. We believe that Ana will represent our community well as she has already done in the past.

My family, friends and acquaintances support her goals and we value her experience. Ana is a person who will help our community and definitely cause good changes to occur during her term as a public servant! Everyone will benefit from her plans and ideas because Ana puts people before politics.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have been able to grow a beautiful family and have professional children who have volunteered for the community. We have many social-economic problems within our community that affect families, business, and schools, and we know that if we work together we can overcome them. Vote for Ana Ruiz Peralta to insure that sincere and lasting changes occur in Franklin County!

.......

Peralta, Lehrman for commissioner

As (a) native to the area, growing up in Benton County and currently residing in Franklin County, I have observed tremendous growth in our area over the years and see a dire need for collaboration and civility among elected officials.

I met Ana Ruiz Peralta in 2013 in the Leadership Tri-Cities program, learning and participating in community projects. I have grown to admire Ana’s passion, dedication and commitment to constantly improving Franklin County and the City of Pasco.

I have had the pleasure of observing her relentless effort to find and encourage servant leaders to run and to help develop the business community in our area. Ana recently played a central role working to build a relationship between the City of Pasco and sign a partnership agreement with the City of Colima, Mexico, to bring new business opportunities to our area.

I am excited that Ana and another long-term friend who I met two decades ago at Washington State University, Kim Lehrman, are running for commissioner seats in Franklin County. I strongly believe that Ana and Kim will work with passion and dedication to provide positive change to improve our community and build a better future.

.......

Petersen is best choice for judge

I am writing to share my experiences and thoughts about Dave Petersen, the best candidate for Benton Franklin Counties Superior Court judge. I have known Dave personally for about six years.

The critical work of the Superior Court requires a jurist who appreciates the balance between expeditious justice and thoughtful, deliberative justice. Benton Franklin Counties will benefit from Dave Petersen’s unparalleled intelligence, strong work ethic, and common touch. Dave will treat every case as if it is his most critical case because he will be able to find the best resolution to those difficulties without compromising the law or fundamental fairness. He has a strong sense of justice and will apply the law fairly. His experience makes him uniquely qualified for our Benton Franklin Counties Superior Court judicial.

I highly endorse Dave without hesitation, and I ask you to join me in voting for Dave Petersen.

This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Letters: Elections, Superior Court judge, Benton County commissioner and more | July 31."