Support urged for Bertha Clayton

To the editor - As the former six-year Chair of the Walla Walla County Republican Party, I have come to learn from former county commissioners Pam Ray, Gregg Loney and Jim Johnson, that the office of County Commissioner is meant to be administered in a non-biased manner. This office is meant to serve all residents of Walla Walla County, not special interest groups. Ninety percent of the responsibilities of a County Commissioner are not partisan in nature. This was the same lesson I learned while serving on the Walla Walla City Council for eight years. You need to be able to work with all of your constituents, all of the time. Bertha Clayton has chosen to run No Party Preference to make sure politics are set aside while she functions in this role and that has earned my full support. 

I met Bertha approximately four years ago when COVID-19 forced the Walla Walla Chamber, American Association of University Women and the two local political parties to develop solutions to host candidate forums for that election cycle. Bertha was chosen as one of the moderators of the forums and I was extremely impressed with her courtesy to and respect of all candidates. I have since learned that she is thoughtful, hard-working, and juggles a busy career and home life. She truly is the definition of grace under pressure. 

By electing Bertha to the office of District 1 County Commissioner there will be a return of professionalism, respect and integrity to this position. 

Shane Laib

Walla Walla, Wash.