To the Editor:

Ballots to vote for the next Mayor of Dayton will be arriving in the mail very soon. If you have not become informed regarding each candidate’s qualifications, I encourage you to do so. Too often in today’s society, elected officials are placed in their positions based on popularity or the likability factor, not based on the person with the best qualifications. Just because a person is your friend doesn’t make them the best person for the job. Dayton residents have three candidates willing to put their names forward for a job often met with unpopular decisions and a wage that nowhere meets the demands required.As the former Columbia County Emergency Manager, I speak from personal experience when I say one candidate stands out amongst the rest as the best choice for Mayor. That person is Delphine Bailey. I worked with Delphine for more than 12 years. During that time, we created emergency plans, attended critical exercises, formulated strategies, and created cohesive working relationships with local stakeholders such as the city, county, hospital, schools, and both the public and private sectors. Additionally, Delphine has formed professional relationships with Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Emergency Management, as well as regional stakeholders from multiple disciplines of government.During the years of working alongside Delphine, I have observed her openness for new ideas, willingness to talk through current issues, and her ability to bring parties together for the greater good. Delphine Bailey is no stranger to city government. She has served the City of Dayton for the past eight years as a member of the city council and three terms as Mayor pro tem. Delphine is intimately knowledgeable about past and present issues facing our community. She has a sound working knowledge of the financial forecast of the budget and fiscal impacts of current and future projects. She can use the experience she has gained while serving on the council and as Mayor pro tem to facilitate future positive outcomes. Delphine Bailey is entrenched in our community. She has resided in Dayton for the past 23 years, raising her family, who all attended Dayton Public Schools. Delphine is committed to giving back to the community by previously serving on committees such as Project Timothy, the Dayton Booster Club, and 4-H. She can be available to the community at a moment’s notice should an incident arise. I encourage you to educate yourself before you vote, then cast your ballot for Delphine Bailey as the next Mayor, City of Dayton.

Sincerely,

Lisa Caldwell

Former Columbia County Emergency Manager