The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

I have known Randal Son for several years. Just recently I have become aware of the depth and breadth of his experience as he campaigns for County Commissioner District 2.

He has had formal training and then applied it professionally in developing Endowments, Agricultural Credit Analysis, and Community Development Finance. He has held the Certified Financial Planner Certificate and the National Association of Securities Dealers Broker’s Licenses.

He was early to recognize the importance of developing clean and renewable energy, and the potential for jobs in that sector. He served on the Department of Energy Grants Review Panel, and founded a local renewable energy education group. His work on establishing Farmer’s Markets statewide, and with USDA on establishing standards for organic foods, demonstrates his ability to combine vision with practical action.

He was recognized by State and National leaders with invitations to participate on the FmHA Rural Development Committee, and the Community Services Rural Policy Study Group. He served on the Governor’s Rural Development Strategy Committee and Transition Agriculture Task Force, as well as the WSU Ag and Home Ec. Dean’s Advisory Panel.

He studied Sustainability Indicators at Seattle University and participated in the Sherwood Trust Leadership Program. After he led the Humane Society from life support to long-term stability, he had the courage to found a non-profit focused on balancing social, economic, and environmental well-being in this valley. The great recession claimed that effort, but he learned what many small business owners have:  learn your lessons and apply them to the next opportunity.

I am excited that we have the chance to elect someone with this background to help lead county government into the 21st century. He is clearly our best choice in the field of candidates for District 2. I invite you to join me in supporting him.

Susan Buchanan

Walla Walla