The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg resident Melissa Hansen, running as a Republican, is one of six candidates in a race for the District 2 seat on the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners.

That seat, which covers the eastern half of the county, including Waitsburg and Prescott, will be vacated by Waitsburg resident Perry Dozier, who is not seeking re-election.

Also running for the position are Republicans Don Gibbard, Todd Kimball, and Jacob Radke, and Democrats Randal Son and Michael Bates.

Hansen says her experience actively 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 provide a strong foundation to build on in serving as commissioner.

Hansen has a degree in Agri-Business/Agri-Chemical Management from Spokane Community College and was formerly employed with the McGregor Company for 10 years prior to working full-time operating the farm alongside her husband Norm.

Hansen has served on the board of directors and as treasurer for Dayton Days, volunteered for Waitsburg Days of Real Sport and Waitsburg Celebration Days, is a member of the Washington Wheat Growers Association and U.S. Dry Pea and Lentil Growers Association, is a former 4-H leader, and has been an active school volunteer.

"Being a strong voice for agriculture is vital because of the amount and diversity of agriculture within our county. Being raised in a small community, I understand the importance of the representation of small communities and the need to help promote economic growth within them," Hansen said.

Hansen said she is especially concerned about the decrease in funding for the county public health department and hopes to explore options for restoring those funds.

"I look forward to a positive campaign, meeting citizens, and tackling the challenges facing our county," Hansen said.