Dear Editor,

I’ve known Randal Son since we attended Whitman College forty years ago. And I have thanked him many times for denying me a loan in 1981 when he was the Director of the Agricultural Development Loan Project. Randal accurately projected my future prospect of success—or the lack there-of—much better than I, saving me much financial pain.

Later, I admired his dedication to the Humane Society, especially when generating support by soliciting funds to be freed from 24-hour imprisonment in a kennel stationed outside, subject to all forms of weather. 

Now I support Randal in his campaign for County Commissioner. I am unable to vote for him, for I’m an Oregon resident. But I still support Randal for I care for Walla Walla County and believe Randal will work hard to take good care of the County. This is based in my first-hand knowledge of Randal’s ability to simultaneously look at the big picture AND pay attention to detail. I wish I had this skill. Randal and I have shared many hours discussing, and worrying, about our Valley’s water and river systems. BIG PICTURE: stream-flow from the Blues to the Columbia. DETAILS: reliable supply for our irrigated crops; for safe drinking, cooking, and bathing; for value-added businesses; for restoring the salmon that are dear to our Tribal neighbors and many of us. 

For me, another key leadership quality is the ability to see into the future, to exercise foresight while embracing the present. Randal has this quality and his website speaks to this: future—use scenario planning for the year 2060; develop long-term goals and policies for county facilities; present— Re-establish Quarterly Commissioner’s Reports, to communicate what is being done now. Legacy planning is critical, which I know Randal can manage while attending to what’s crying for attention now. I fear the Union-Bulletin Editorial Board confused “fuzzy thinking” with “future thinking” in their endorsement of Randal’s opponent. I encourage all to reflect on how much the future is the planning horizon for today, and to remember how fuzzy it can be.

Big picture and details. The future and now. Acting with both in mind. This is the leadership Randal will bring to the Commission. And I encourage you to look past political party affiliation. I’ve found we’ve achieved the most success in the Valley when we work together as non-partisans. Please vote Randal Son onto the Commissioner Team.

Kevin Scribner

Walla Walla