The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA – Democrat Mike Bates is the current Director for the Walla Walla County Corrections Department, overseeing the Walla Walla County Jail and the Juvenile Justice Center. Bates has worked for the county since 1975 and believes his experience in criminal justice and the court system will benefit the citizens of Walla Walla County.

"Nearly 75% of the county current expense budget is consumed by the courts, juvenile justice, county jail, Prosecutor's Office, County Clerk, and the Sheriff's Office. The county is also impacted by gangs, drugs, homelessness, lack of affordable housing...