By Debbie Raney
Burns Times-Herald
County Commissioners from District 60 — Harney, Baker, Malheur and Grant counties — met on Jan. 22 in Ontario to elect a replacement for State Representative Tom Butler.
Based on county population, the votes from each commissioner varied in the actual count, from 1/3 of a vote to four votes per commissioner. Malheur County commissioners represented the majority, with 12 total votes; Baker County counted for 10 1/2 votes; Harney County’s three commissioners represented four votes, and Grant County’s accounted for one. The total available votes during the process was 27.
Cliff Bentz of Ontario was the unanimous selection by District 60’s commissioners, receiving all 27 votes. Bentz is an attorney and partner for Yturri Rose, LLP. He was raised in Drewsey, and continues to have ties to Harney County, both personally and professionally.
“Cliff brings experience and vision that are going to be a tremendous asset to the people of House District 60,” said Senator Ted Ferrioli. “I look forward to serving together as strong voices and advocates for Eastern Oregon.”
Bentz will represent District 60 through the remainder of Butler’s term, but will have to run for the office during the May Primary Election. According to Harney County Clerk Maria Itturiaga, he will not be listed on the ballot as the “incumbent.”
His opponents for the District 60 appointment were Tim Smith of Burns, and Deon Strommer of Baker City. Smith, Strommer and Bentz have all filed as candidates in the May primary.
Following Bentz’ selection, Strommer told The Oregonian newspaper he was remaining in the race, but knew it wouldn’t be easy to beat Bentz. “Cliff’s well-known, and a good guy, you’ve got to overcome that if you want to do this.”
Smith released a statement last Friday, reiterating that his intention to run in May’s election had not changed. “While the vote of the county commissioners on Jan. 22 in Malheur County was certainly disappointing I remain confident that my support from the people of the district remains strong,” he said.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:39 am
When I was a kid, the teacher was always trying to occupy our minds with different problems. Eddy sat next to me, he was always loafing didn’t care one way or another. One day I asked him what he was doing. He said he was counting the dots in the ceiling tiles. Eddy didn’t do too good in school. My mind has always been open to the influences of my environment. It didn’t seem that I had any time to “play games.” At night, I’d fall asleep by imagining myself floating off into outer space until all the stars and galaxies receded away to leave me in total darkness.
Now that I am an adult, each day shows me another reason to simply stay home, close the door, pull the drapes and not even bother to get out of bed. Life has turned all the kids into monstrous ogres each with an eccentric fetish or drinking problem. Life, it seems like such a luxurious waste of time, I don’t want to see any more.
Each of us has a unique perspective. While Bentz’ peers have chosen to work with him, I would expect that each of the candidates will chime in while they can, to give us a hopeful whitewashing of the harsh realities. Its practically, all they can do. If none of the above inspires you, be sure to write in “Alfred E. Nueman” when a ballot comes to your mailbox.