The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA – Waitsburg resident Melissa Hansen (R) cites her experience managing her family's farm, operating a custom seeding, spraying, and harvesting business, and her recent graduation from the Washington Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Program as strong foundations to build on in serving as commissioner.

"The community of Waitsburg is my home and I will be available to Waitsburg residents to hear their concerns and make sure they are well represented at all times," Hansen said.

Hansen earned a degree in Agri-Business/Agri-Chemical Management from Spokane Community College and was employed with the McGregor Company for 10 years before working full-time operating the farm.

Key issues for Hansen include ensuring that small towns and the agriculture industry are represented in the county, supporting economic development within the entire county, exploration of solutions to restore Public Health Department funding, and tackling the growing gang problem in the county.

"I have excellent leadership and communication skills. I am experienced in working with people of different views and ideas, and have built coalitions with those people through communication and compromise to solve problems. This is vital when working with other elected officials and department heads on issues facing our county," Hansen said.

Learn more at MelissaHansen4WA.com.