The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

I am writing to endorse Mike Talbott for Columbia County Commissioner, Position #2. I have known Mike for over 40 years. Mike and I have daughters the same age, we both farmed, and have been involved in many similar community activities. Mike is a leader and has demonstrated his leadership skills in many ways. He has been a County Commissioner for eight years and served on the Dayton School Board for 17 years. He also served as President on the Columbia County Grain Growers Board and was a member of that board for many years. He has also served on several state commissions and boards.

All these board positions require knowledge of how a budget is developed and how the process works. Mike’s many years of service to our community has given him the experience and knowledge to continue to help Columbia County through the next few tough years due to COVID-19. His opponent has indicated that he has been involved in our community, but his previous ads and interviews have not provided me with any assurance that he has the necessary experience, knowledge and/or skills for the County Commissioners position.

Please, when you vote on or before November 3 base your vote on experience and leadership. Remember the other two commissions only have a total of two years’ experience as commissioners. We need Mike Talbott’s experience and leadership! Please join me and support Mike Talbott for Columbia County Commissioner.

James (Jay) Takemura