Herald letter writers back Orosco, Didier, Barnard, Murray, Lukson, Rodriguez

Veteran judge endorses Orosco

District Court Judge is not an easy job. It requires knowledge, wisdom, integrity and hard work. Having worked in the legal field for over 20 years with Trinity Orosco, I can say unequivocally that she is the right person to serve as Franklin County District Court Judge. Trinity is incredibly smart, shows excellent judgment, and works harder than anyone I know. Most important however is that Trinity has a true heart for service. She became a paralegal and then a lawyer because she truly loves to help people. She will bring this same humility to her service as a Judge. Trinity was chosen almost 2 to 1 over her opponent in a poll of their peers. She is endorsed by elected officials from all 3 branches of government. This shows that she will be able to work effectively with government officials in Franklin County. Trinity is not running to boost her own ego. She will not stoop to personal attacks on her less qualified opponent. Trinity has the integrity, wisdom and humility needed to serve as judge. Please vote for Trinity Orosco. This letter reflects my personal opinion only and not that of Benton District Court or other judges.

Judge Dan Kathren, Richland

Ex-FBI agent endorses Lukson

During my career as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, I worked closely with numerous prosecutors at federal, state and local levels in many jurisdictions across our nation. While nearly all were dedicated professionals striving to hold offenders accountable for their crimes, the qualities of the best prosecutors were the same qualities routinely demonstrated by Ryan Lukson.

Simply stated, as deputy prosecutor under Andy Miller, Ryan has a clear record of professionalism, fairness and an unyielding drive to do what is right to help protect our citizens. He is a natural leader, holds the utmost respect for the law and he has rightfully earned the endorsement of many local city leaders and area law enforcement officers. As a career federal law enforcement officer who has had the privilege of knowing and working with Ryan for several years, I strongly endorse Ryan Lukson for Benton County prosecutor.

Fred Brink, FBI Special Agent in Charge (retired), West Richland

Didier can ask tough questions

I fully support Franklin County Commissioner Clint Didier for re-election. Commissioner Didier, with his large stature and bigger-than-life personality brings passion and a questioning appeal of the status quo on behalf of the citizens of Franklin County. A business owner and farmer for years in Franklin County, Commissioner Didier can truly understand the burdens, heartaches, and ups and downs of owning a business.

Commissioner Didier led the fight to end the needle exchange, stood up for business owners when the government picked winners and losers during the pandemic. With some businesses randomly mandated to close while others were randomly selected to remained open for business. That is simply not fair at all by any measure. He also asked tough questions to the health department staff during the pandemic. Why would asking tough questions as Commissioner Didier has done be considered inappropriate? By asking tough questions for answers, others are forced to justify their position or consider another path forward.

Why are all the elected officials who work at the Franklin County Court House except one supporting Commissioner Didier for re-election? Those who work with Commissioner Didier on a daily/weekly basis are supporting him. They are supporting him over Rick Miller.

Terry Milham, Pasco

Barnard aims for better Tri-Cities

As ballots in the November general election hit mailboxes, I am expressing my support for Stephanie Barnard for state Legislative District 8 position 1.

Stephanie has a long history of working toward the betterment of the Tri-Cities area, first as a volunteer, then professionally as head of government affairs for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has a long-term, deep understanding of the issues and needs of the area. This understanding will allow her to be a strong advocate for us in Olympia.

Stephanie also has the ability and will to work across the aisle to get thing done. As she told me, “If I’m elected, it will be to represent all of the Tri-Cities, not just the Republicans.”

I urge everyone to vote for Stephanie. She has the understanding, the will and the ability to help the Tri-Cities to continue to be a great place to live.

Victoria Hyde, Pasco

Vote Rodriguez, Orosco for judge

If you have never been to court, think about the qualities of a judge you would want if you or your loved one’s freedom, business, reputation or livelihood is on the line. Everyone wants honesty, integrity and a good work ethic. All of our candidates have those qualities. Trials and hearings are fluid. Many times, judges have no time to stop and research an issue. That’s where experience is everything.

You need years of trial experience to make rulings as issues unfold. We need judges who get split-second decisions right. Occasionally, attorneys overlook a case or law that dictates an outcome. We also need judges who recognize when this happens so the issue is decided based upon the governing law.

Judge Norma Rodriguez has that experience. I can also attest she puts in the time outside of court to make the correct decisions. Her broad experience, temperament and work ethic makes her the complete candidate.

Trinity Orosco has appeared before me numerous times. She’s hard working, very organized, efficient and a great advocate for her clients. She has a professional and pleasant demeanor and would make a great judge.

Please join me in voting for Judge Rodriguez and Trinity Orosco.

John Ziobro, District Court Judge, Kennewick

Keep Murray to retain state’s clout

A lifelong resident of Washington, I remember the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, when we had two very powerful U.S. senators. Warren “Maggie” Magnuson served 37 years (1944-1981), was the President Pro Tem of the Senate and chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee. Henry “Scoop” Jackson served 30 years (1953-1983), chaired the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and ran for president twice.

Maggie was the longest serving senator when he was voted out of office, and then two years later Scoop died unexpectedly. Washington state went from top of the heap politically, to the bottom. It has taken decades to regain the stature, seniority and power, equating to dollars coming into our state, of the halcyon years of Maggie and Scoop.

Do not be so foolish as to vote out the political clout of Washington state, namely Patty Murray. She has been our senator for 30 years, chairing the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the Budget Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee. Washington state is the beneficiary of her hard work and seniority within the U.S. Senate. Now is not the time to start over with a junior senator. Vote for Patty Murray!

Janell Hales, Richland

Keep Rodriguez in Superior Court

I’ve known Norma Rodriguez for more than a decade. In that time I’ve watched her — over and over — do an incredibly difficult job with skill, expertise and integrity. Her knowledge of the criminal justice legal system is unmatched, and her nuanced capacity to navigate it with both rigor and compassion make her an exceptional judge. I wholeheartedly endorse Norma Rodriguez for Superior Court Judge.

Zahra Roach, Pasco City Council member

Correction on Newhouse letter

Editors Note: A Letter to the Editor published earlier this month falsely claimed that Congressman Dan Newhouse voted against the new law to help burn-pit victims. The letter confused two votes, H.R.3967 - Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which did not become law, and S.3373 - Honoring our PACT Act of 2022, which Congressman Newhouse voted for and President Biden signed into law.

The latter bill helps veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals.