The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Lifelong Waitsburg resident Delores Nettles says her history here, along with a strong concern to make sure the voices of Waitsburg citizens are heard, caused her to throw her hat into the ring for mayor.

Nettles said her parents moved here when she was one and, aside from time away while attending college, she has lived here ever since. She taught school in Dayton and has run a successful hair salon in Dayton for 45 years.

“I’m very concerned about the city. I’ve been on the council before and I’ve attended the meetings for years before and after that. Albert Land was mayor when I went to my first council meeting as a child, as part of a school activity,” she said.

Nettles has been Commercial Club president and involved in charity work like gathering food for the Resource Center.

“I attend church here and have raised my son and granddaughter who graduated from here. Whatever you do in a community, that’s what I’ve done,” she added.

Nettles feels strongly that everyone’s opinions and concerns should be heard and considered important, and that citizens should feel comfortable coming to council meetings to voice concerns.

“Many times I’m the only one in attendance. And often when others do come, I don’t think they feel free to speak,” she said.

As mayor, Nettles said she would work more closely with Commercial Club, which functions as Waitsburg’s chamber of commerce, and would make every effort to encourage citizens to attend council meetings.

“I think the council and mayor are voted for to represent the people, not rule the people. I think we need to keep the public informed about what is going to be discussed at council meetings,” she said.

“If you’re going to feel that things need to change, a person needs to throw their hat in the ring and try to help. Don’t be afraid to join with the forces and make your desires, concerns, and thoughts known. We need more choice in the city when it comes election time,” she said.