Perry Dozier was raised here, raised his family here, owned a business here, served here and has participated in growing economic vitality here.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with “there,” but here we live life differently than “there” and need representation that understands that. An understanding from the roots up.

As with most candidates, this is not an R or D or whatever, issue for me. And Perry has proven that for me. When our government chose to harmfully close our economy in March, Perry began approaching business owners, not Republicans or Democrats, to see what their real need and experience was.

How refreshing is that?! He understands that life lived here is dependent upon all participants, all citizens, all business owners, all men, women, and children, living to their fullest and succeeding together.

This is also why the majority of his financial support is from here, not “there.” He, and those supporting him recognize that his desire is to represent us in the most authentic way possible, without capitulating to the greater numbers of people and money from the westside of our state.

Furthermore, his stated support of our law enforcement helps us to know exactly where he stands. Unlike those who say, “you’ll have to wait until I’m elected to see what I believe,” his transparency is refreshing, needed and respectful of all those he will continue to serve.

I hope this all resonates with you and that you’ll join me in voting Dozier for District 16 state senator.

G. Louis Hemenway

College Place

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-understands-the-needs-of-this-district/article_87488b97-99cc-50f4-a76a-1ad6604f591b.html

I was wrong.

She carefully and artfully alluded to the Dozier land use request in a way to stir up emotions but without all facts, in an attempt to throw dirt. Shameful.

I am voting for Perry Dozier, the candidate who does have legislative experience, the true knowledge of the needs of our area and district and its citizens and someone with a proven track record of fighting to meet those needs, and who is an honorable person to boot.

I hope you will join me.

Connie R. Vinti

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-has-proven-track-record-fighting-for-our-needs/article_8c986d0a-c322-5130-9244-84c1499e7212.html

I’ve known Perry Dozier for over 40 years. He is the same great guy I met in 1980.

We were roommates at WSU. Perry and Darlene got engaged and he finished his education at Whitman, but we’ve been friends ever since.

Over the years Perry and I have talked local, county and state politics on many occasions.

In my current position as the CFO of the Mead School District in Spokane County we have talked on numerous occasions about K-12 education issues. Not from the state perspective but from the perspective of the local school district.

Perry cares deeply about how these issues affect the people and the local economy. In addition, he wants to get it right. He wants to know both sides of the issues but he is always going to do what is right for the people of the district.

He will make a great state senator.

Wayne Leonard

Spokane

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-wants-to-do-whats-right-for-the-people/article_bd03c759-9b7d-5dad-a891-b3ed0a16167b.html

In this area I thought we could feel somewhat insulated from nasty politics and feel that the candidates truly have everyone’s best interest.

I was very disappointed to start seeing Danielle Garbe Reser’s mean-spirited TV ads regarding the water rights controversy. Maybe her supporters from the west side of Washington want her to step up the “nasty.”

Please vote for Perry Dozier. I believe he has all our interests at heart as shown by his work as a County Commissioner. He is a kind, honest and generous man.

Carol Anselmo

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/perry-dozier-is-kind-honest-and-generous/article_bb7daeac-5c0d-52bb-ba3e-a59eeea0ede9.html

I find this an affront to the legislators who have gone before. Consensus building has always been present among the Republicans and Democrats in Olympia. Sens. Jeannette Hayner, Mike Hewitt and Maureen Walsh and Reps. Dave Mastin, Terry Nealey, Bill Jenkin and Skyler Rude have worked across the aisle to keep our district relevant.

They have each brought a bipartisan approach and leadership on many projects.

It has also been stated by the Editorial Board of the Union-Bulletin that Danielle will be akin to former Rep. Bill Grant. Let me tell you about Bill Grant. He was a statesman. He wasn’t a career bureaucrat or executive, he was a lifetime resident of Walla Walla, a farmer and a steward of the land who understood the needs of Southeastern Washington.

I was fortunate to work with him when I was on the Walla Walla City Council. He knew what the municipalities and our district needed.

Let’s be clear, Danielle Garbe Reser is no Bill Grant.

One would also do themselves a favor by looking into the source of her many campaign contributions from the East Coast. Those contributions do not signal being a voice for Southeastern Washington, that’s a voice for continued bureaucracy and bad policy.

Speaking of lifetime residents of Walla Walla, Perry Dozier isn’t pretending to be something he’s not. He has been here all of his life.

He married his high school sweetheart, raised two wonderful sons and has actually stewarded the family farm for many years.

I have worked and been friends with Perry for 15 years. Perry has a true understanding of what our district needs. He worked tirelessly as a Walla Walla County commissioner. He is not a career politician, but truly understands how to work across the aisle to get things accomplished.

We worked together on several projects while I was on the Walla Walla City Council and he was a county commissioner. He understands budgets and sticking to them.

With his experience in municipal government, his work on the many boards and commissions he has served on, and his lifelong stewardship of the land, there is no better choice than Perry Dozier to represent the 16th District in Olympia.

Shane Laib

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/a-real-voice-for-southeastern-washington/article_550511ff-9704-5ec9-8d09-b956fc36b7f9.html

I know Danielle to be an individual of honesty and integrity, which is why I was disappointed in this recent ad. In it she states several inaccuracies surrounding the Perry and Darleen Dozier application for an additional use on their agricultural zoned land.

To be very clear, this was a “land use” issue, not water use. I was involved in the public discussion of this as a sitting Walla Walla County commissioner.

And, I strongly urge you to refer to a letter to the editor dated Oct. 11 submitted by retired Walla Walla County Commissioner Pam Ray, which clearly explains the true facts surrounding the issue and debunks the myth that the Doziers had anything to do with the Nestle proposal to the city of Waitsburg, another point that was incorrectly stated in Danielle’s most recent ad.

I’m fine with ads promoting one’s self for election to public office but disappointed when candidates go “low” and relies on information I’m sure they know in their heart is not correct and, at the very least, will mislead the electorate.

I believe the vast majority of voters feel the same way.

As I stated in a previous letter in support of Perry Dozier, in my nearly nine years as a county commissioner, and based on my work and interactions with the state Legislature, I have come to realize the legislators most willing to set political ideologies aside in order to develop solutions cooperatively that benefit our citizens locally and statewide are those whose political backgrounds are grounded in local government service as Perry’s is as a former Walla Walla County commissioner.

I’ve also worked with the current Legislature enough to know it is naïve to think a new, rural, self-proclaimed moderate will have enough clout to convert the majority opinions of her party. This is true of both parties but the answer is to at least try to create a balance.

That is why I am supporting Perry in this important election and I urge you to do the same.

Jim Johnson

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/garbe-resers-recent-campaign-ad-disappointing/article_f2221f9a-2053-5c42-ae56-73e4faf75ff5.html

I question the validity of many items our media reports now days as most appear one sided and biased instead of letting the reader draw their own conclusion as reporting used to and still should be done! What would Edward R. Morrow do if he witnessed the true lack of journalism portrayed today?

Being an active member of the community, Valley and state on various levels, it is hard for most individuals who have seen his positive influence through his various roles being narrowed down to a single action of biased reporting where others are choosing what he should or should not do with their (his families) land.

For someone who has dedicated and served this Valley and state in various roles, whose name is known for more than this, who will stop and visit with you in the grocery store or Home Depot for that matter — he is a true representation and knows this Valley!

February, during the flood, Perry stood shoulder to shoulder with neighbors and community members filling sandbags, loading trucks for deliveries to affected areas when his own home was threatened — he was there to help his community! He is out and about, willing to help/listen and problem solve!

To have a candidate with a moral compass, willing to get into the trenches, lending a helping hand — that is who I would vote for hands down any given day!

As John F. Kennedy stated:

“The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.”

To all who question Perry, give me and all who read this a list of things Perry has done which has positively influenced as well as hurt our community, Valley and state? I ask the same for Danielle Garbe Reser since I had never heard of or about her before this summer — what has she really done?

Join me in voting for Perry for state Senate.

Cindy Daves

Waitsburg

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/perry-dozier-has-done-much-for-our-communities/article_48848b45-3996-579a-b5d7-9c79f2459e72.html

Please select your candidate wisely as the Senate seat in our district may just be the one that hits your pocketbook the hardest.

Danielle Garbe Reser, a candidate for the state Senate and a relatively new arrival to the district, is presenting herself as a moderate Democrat and the best return for your money.

Let’s be clear! If she should win this Senate seat and go to Olympia under a Democratic governor who has publicly stated he only needs two more Senate seats to have a supermajority, do you really think a rookie senator would be able to keep any of her campaign promises of representing Eastern Washington?

I’m not that naïve. Should the governor need one more vote to pass his liberal environmental agenda, the pressure would be on Danielle to cave to those who have bankrolled her campaign, that being the governor’s Seattle liberal friends who have contributed over $100,000 in an effort to get her elected.

If Gov. Inslee is successful in his pursuit of his environmental agenda, our taxes (and more than likely the cost of doing business) will skyrocket and of that I have no doubt!

Perry Dozier is a lifelong resident of our district and has no intention of letting it become an extension of the westside of our state.

Please join me in voting for Perry for state senator from the 16th Legislative District.

Judy Chamberlain Holloway Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/adding-a-democrat-to-senate-majority-is-concerning/article_70691ef4-cfe6-52d3-be93-0c3045895241.html?fbclid=IwAR3V1LbLgG9T09waST2NWTmJWAVFotJjYwms3_cA5G0newC3pQc5E1AG4kc

In an effort to explore opportunities to diversity the use of their property, Perry and Darleen Dozier, not unlike many other landowners in the county, applied to Walla Walla County for a “text code amendment” to permit a water bottling facility in the agricultural zoned areas of Walla Walla County, the same process wineries, breweries and distilleries have applied for and been granted for many years.

This application was relative to “land use” and not water use. The county has no jurisdiction over water rights. The state of Washington Department of Ecology governs water rights and usage.

Perry Dozier’s opponent in the state senate race is suggesting the use of the Dozier’s 75-year-old senior deep basalt water right is having an impact on her streams drying up; however, streams are surface water, not fed by the deep basalt aquifer.

The Doziers’ application somehow became confused with Nestlé engaging in conversations with Waitsburg exploring the possibility of purchasing a portion of the city’s spring water for the purpose of bottling. These two occurrences were totally separate and the Doziers have never had any communication with Nestlé or any commercial bottling company.

After the application for the text code amendment was in process, the Doziers chose to withdraw the application and pursue an opportunity to utilize their private property and water right on a specialty crop.

The Doziers were not requesting any use that had not already been granted to many other personal property owners in Walla Walla County.

Please make an effort to research an issue prior to believing false statements purporting to discredit a candidate’s actions, qualifications or knowledge.

Perry Dozier’s character and integrity epitomizes that of a great statesman. He will answer to no one except the residents of the 16th Legislative District and I ask that you join me in voting for him to be our next state senator.

Pam Ray

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/get-the-facts-on-doziers-permit-request/article_4f322177-637e-5de3-9189-ff644b375a2f.html

This election puts us at a crossroads of where we will be in a few years.

Will we be more in debt? Will parents’ choices on how to raise their children be infringed on even further? Will hardworking laborers who make our region so vibrant go unrepresented?

All these are issues that affect me personally, my parents who work the fields and processing plants, my children who I am choosing to raise in a conservative manner.

Perry Dozier will ensure that all these are represented in manner that reflect the values, morals, and economic need of the residents in the 16th District.

I ask that you please take a moment, educate yourself, and vote responsibly. I am proud to support Perry for state Senate. Esther Duncan Burbank https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-will-represent-parents-laborers-and-others/article_c907193b-51fe-57b8-a134-deac4734b528.html

His vast experience in agriculture and agribusiness and the many businesses that depend on vibrant relationships with their elected officials.

Unlike Danielle Garbe Reser, Dozier won’t be expected to placate out-of-district, huge-money donors! Who are they, what do they want?

Sonja and I are supporting Dozier for this very important 16th Legislative District seat!

Jim Henderson

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-won-t-placate-out-of-district-donors/article_6fa888c9-1797-587e-9b6a-debaae29beff.html

In this process I have met many state and local growers, and even some national growers. Through all of this I had never heard of Danielle Reser or her 5th generation wheat farming husband prior to this election.

However, I have met and conversed with Perry Dozier frequently both as a local wheat producer and through his involvement and eventual presidency of the Washington State Wheat Growers. If you have followed Perry’s career you also know that he has been actively involved in community affairs and he served two terms as a Walla Walla County commissioner. Perry and his wife both have a long background in local history and have willingly given back though local involvement. Perry was locally educated at Prescott High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Whitman College where he majored in economics. Our state Legislature desperately needs a member who can provide some personal experience in the needs of our local area and Eastern Washington. Perry has the background to do that. In addition, he has a degree in economics and our state is going to need that kind of understanding to deal with their current budget problems. Please support Perry for state senator in the upcoming election. Nat Webb Walla Walla https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-has-personal-experience-senate-needs/article_aa428c13-9e37-5349-beb5-15ac620335ee.html

The rationale was that she would be more effective because the Democrats are predicted to be the majority party. I see this “logic” as faulty.

We should be selecting a senator based on experience, education and values that reflect our district. Our area has been more conservative than the west side of the state for years.

Many of us would argue that we currently suffer from the COVID-19 restrictions that have been placed on us by the Democratic leadership of our state. We should be supporting a longtime resident who has worked hard on his ag business for years — not one who recently married a farmer and uses photos of the “family” farm in her ads.

I think that the Democrats can still attempt to enact their legislative agenda with Perry Dozier serving as our Republican state Senator and representing our values.

Bruce W. Johnson

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/support-urged-for-longtime-resident-who-supports-our-values/article_21bfce75-6a6b-53ea-91e5-05fa4eb00c44.html

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-will-represent-our-core-values/article_fda90f21-ee6b-5417-9c0c-09a6e1eab064.html

• Believes in individual liberty and a healthy private sector.

• Is dedicated to reduce excessive regulations.

• Believes in sound public policy founded on market-based solutions.

• Is dedicated to reduce a growing government presence.

• Believes in reducing government expenses before increasing taxes.

• Has spent his working career in the private sector – not the government sector.

Then, you have a clear choice among candidates for the 16th Legislative District of the Washington state Senate: Perry Dozier. He is someone you can trust.

Plus, it is unhealthy to have Washington state’s governor and both branches of its Legislature dominated by one party. Our country’s founders believed in checks and balances and were well aware that a centralized, bureaucratic government under one-party rule historically doesn’t work.

We should seek to restore legislative balance by electing Dozier — for all the right reasons.

Jock Edwards

Walla Walla

https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/dozier-is-someone-you-can-trust/article_e773af33-e4c8-53b1-8d03-63a4b3e14bb4.html

That said, I had the privilege of serving with one of them, Perry Dozier, for nearly five years as Walla Walla County commissioner. When you work with someone nearly every day, dealing with issues that effect the daily lives of our citizens and the health and vitality of our community, you really get to know the person. Perry is truly one of the most pragmatic, thoughtful, and analytical people I’ve ever been around. Perry is an excellent listener and is always willing, indeed anxious, to hear as much input from people regarding issues before him, particularly input that may differ in some ways from his own opinions. I’ve seen his willingness to change his mind when he’s been convinced his initial position might not have been correct. He does his homework and is always prepared before he votes on anything. Perry was born and raised in this district. He and his family have farmed on both sides of the Snake River giving him perspective that includes not just Walla Walla County but also those areas of Benton and Franklin County within the 16th District. I can’t tell you how many times his degree in economics was an asset as he performed his duties as a county commissioner. That also gives him a clear understanding of the tourism industry that has become such an important part of our economy, while having the agricultural background, so vital to this region. This makes him the best qualified candidate to represent us in Olympia. He has spent enough time in Olympia, as both a county commissioner and a farmer, to nurture some relationships that will serve him well as your next state senator. For these reasons, as well as many more I could name, please join me in voting for Perry for state Senate, 16th District. Jim Johnson Walla Walla

Perry eventually returned to operate the family wheat farm. He was a very active member in the Northwest Grain Growers, and he was President of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers. He also served as a Walla Walla County Commissioner for seven years (2009 to 2016.) He and the other two County Commissioners were a compatible team. One of the main challenges they had was balancing the annual budget. The budget was passed with a sufficient cash reserve and a reasonable disaster fund without raising taxes. Mr. Dozier is not afraid to take a strong position, especially when it is in the best interest of the budget and the constituents with whom he is serving.

He is the best and most qualified candidate for the position of Senator of Washington State for the 16th District. Please join me in voting for Perry Dozier!

Glynn Davis

Walla Walla, WA

https://www.waitsburgtimes.com/story/2020/07/30/commentary/writer-feels-dozier-is-the-best-candidate/16544.html

I have known Perry for years. He is a life-long resident of our area and is a small business owner. Translation: He knows what our businesses are going through right now and how to best serve them and their employees. During my 13 years as executive director of the Moms’ Network of Walla Walla, Perry was a consistent supporter concerned about our local families and the ability they had to access local resources. Translation: He has deep knowledge about our local nonprofit and government resource but unless they are easily available, they cannot accomplish the mission of supporting families. Most importantly, he is the only candidate running for sate Senate with experience balancing a budget and saving our essential services during a recession. Translation: He knows the importance of funding public health, education and transportation during difficult economic challenges without taxing residents and businesses. Perry has served Eastern Washington for 20 years. I am supporting and voting for Perry because he is a leader that will unite us in Olympia and represent our needs in Eastern Washington. Beth Swanson Walla Walla

Dozier is a very successful wheat farmer, with good connections to all phases of agri-business principles. Who better to represent your 16th District during these challenging times than Dozier? Jim Henderson Walla Walla

My representation in eastern Washington state began over 20 years ago when I was elected as an officer to the Washington Association of Wheat Growers serving as President in 2001 and then elected as a state Barley Commissioner. Serving during this time I not only worked with our state legislators and departments but also our congressional leaders advocating for the grain industry in our state. Agriculture is the foundation for the 16th district and my life experiences with farming is a quality that neither of my opponents has which will provide our farmers with a direct voice in Olympia as I will continue to be an advocate for this industry.

In 2008 I was elected as a Walla Walla County Commissioner serving two terms. Many of the committees I served on represented multiple counties; these included Snake River Salmon Recovery Board, Walla Walla Watershed Partnership, Greater Columbia Behavioral Health, and Aging and Long–Term Care. Working with many commissioners from other counties was a benefit to understand their needs and issues.

The values we share in our small communities are important to me. The businesses that serve our residents and especially our schools which provide a sense of pride add to the strength and bond within our communities. I will continue to support and protect the funding that is dedicated to our schools as your next senator. I am a proponent of property rights and will always protect those rights which are afforded to us.

As a Walla Walla County Commissioner, I chaired the budget committee for five years. This was during a period of recession. We were able to have a balanced budget without increasing property taxes and maintain a healthy reserve fund while retaining our same level of service to the residents. I will take this knowledge and experience with me to Olympia as this next session will present many of the same issues I have experienced.

I am the most qualified and experienced candidate that will work to maintain your quality of life, your values in a small community, and provide businesses an opportunity to succeed.