La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: October 8, 2018
Former Judge Mendiguren: Wes Williams has the proper temperament
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter to support Wes Williams for the position of circuit judge for the 10th Judicial District of Oregon for Union and Wallowa counties.
As a former circuit court judge, I have come across all types of attorneys, none more capable than Wes Williams. I always appreciated the way he addressed the court, my court staff, all attorneys, clients and opposing parties and witnesses.
Wes Williams is definitely the best qualified person running for this position. Wes has the proper temperament for the job. He can and will listen to all sides and render his decision on the law based on the facts before him.
I will vote for Wes Williams for the Circuit Court Judge for the 10th Judicial District. I ask that you investigate both candidates and then decide for yourself. If you do investigate, I am sure you will agree and cast your vote for Wes Williams for Circuit Judge for the 10th Judicial District.
Phillip A. Mendiguren
Retired circuit court judge for Union and Wallowa County
La Grande ObserverLETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 19, 2018
Birnbaum: Wes Williams has right qualities to be judge
To the Editor:
I support Wes Williams for circuit court judge.
I have known Mr. Williams for almost 25 years, since he first came to Eastern Oregon to practice law. Our contact has been primarily professional, since I was then the Administrator of the Indigent Defense Consortium for Union and Wallowa Counties and later the Union County District Attorney. Wes and I faced each other in a number of trials, so I’ve had lots of
opportunity to observe him.
Wes has a set of qualities that really suit him to be judge. He works hard and is always prepared, arrives early and leaves late. He has a deep love for the law and for ethical standards. Most important, he is a true gentleman. He treats everyone with respect — not only judges and lawyers and court staff, but also his opponent’s witnesses, even those who look as though they haven’t bathed.
I believe those traits are part of his character, and I’m confident he’ll carry them with him when he’s elected. Wes Williams is uniquely qualified to be a circuit court judge in Eastern Oregon.
Martin J. Birnbaum
Retired Union County
District Attorney
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 19, 2018
Cimon: ‘Justice for All’ is Wes Williams’ motivating principle
To the Editor:
I am writing to endorse Attorney Wes Williams as a candidate for Union and Wallowa Counties Circuit Court Judge seat. Over the past 20 years Wes has practiced law for clients in La Grande and our Eastern Oregon communities. He and his wife, Jen, are raising two children and on occasions when I have been out to lunch with Wes, people from all parts of our rural communities have approached and shaken his hand. The warmth was palpable.
My husband, Norm, and I were foster parents for over a decade. At times, one of the frustrating things in our judicial system was the inability of a judge to utilize empathy and flexibility in assessing justice — a flexibility that could help promote real change for a person or a family while also imposing justice. Conversations about the foster care
system made me realize that Wes Williams has a fire for protecting children and the insight to help promote change in the application of law. He fundamentally believes and respects that everyone has the right to liberty and due justice.
Some years back, I bumped into Wes and Jen, quietly celebrating a victory on a federal case that had taken Wes about eight years to successfully bring to closure. He tenaciously continued pursuit of
justice, even though the client had unfortunately passed away. That client’s estate would have the satisfaction of a wrong righted. I was deeply impressed.
This is, for me, a clear window into how Wes Williams sees himself, his role as attorney and his obligation to seek justice for the rights of everyone. It is evident that “Justice for All” is a motivating principle for how Wes views his practice of law. It is also a testimony to his moral backbone. I believe him when he says everyone has the right to fair representation and due justice.
Vote for Wes Williams for circuit court judge. He has my vote.
Shelley Cimon
La Grande
"I am a retired police officer, having served the law enforcement community in Oregon for 32 years.
Over my career, I worked with many prosecutors and defense attorneys. I have also testified in front of a number of judges.
Although Wes Williams has never represented me, I have known him for many years. I have great respect for his thoughtful and balanced legal positions and his personal integrity which is why I would like you to join me in voting Wes Williams for judge.
Tim McCarthy, Retired Police Officer (La Grande)
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 24, 2018
Purnell and Adams: Wes Williams will find workable solutions
To the Editor:
We support Wes Williams for circuit court judge.
We have known Wes through many years of collaboration, especially during Sandra’s experience as a family law attorney, mediator and chair of the Family Law Advisory Committees in both counties. In that capacity, she interacted extensively with the other attorneys and the judges. She gained a deep appreciation for the personal and intellectual qualities that result in “judicial temperament.” In our opinion, a judge should be calm, methodical, scrupulous, compassionate and open-minded. These qualities reflect personality, experience and education.
In our interactions, Wes
exhibited the qualities necessary in an effective judicial officer. He was well-informed on the law. He showed a genuine concern for finding workable solutions for clients’ problems and not making their situation worse through endless wrangling. He was willing to hear out another point of view.
Wes’ broad experience, good relations with other members of the bar and excellent temperament make him extremely well-qualified to serve as circuit court judge in Union and Wallowa counties. We would be very fortunate to have a judge of his caliber.
This November presents a rare chance to make a real difference in the quality of our local bench. We endorse Wes with enthusiasm and hope that you will concur and vote for Wes Williams in November.
Sandra Purnell and Stephen Adams
La Grande ObserverLETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 24, 2018
Gillis: Wes Williams is best candidate for critical office
To the Editor:
I support the candidacy of Wes Williams for the judgeship of the 10th Judicial District encompassing Union and Wallowa counties. I have known Wes as a colleague and neighbor for 20 years. In that period I have seen him weather good times and bad, family tragedies and difficult, demanding cases.
One particular episode stands out that demonstrates why Wes Williams is the best candidate for this critical office. Wes, with the assistance of the late Milo Pope, defended a Union county man charged with more than 40 felony counts. Given the number and complexity of the charges, a special prosecutor from Salem was brought in by the state. The client ran out of funds to pay for his defense long before trial.
Wes tackled the case with focus, intelligent delegation of tasks, and an enormous capacity for hard work. The trial was a weeklong ordeal, but Wes was able to juggle the demands of preparing for each day’s trial, keeping his client’s spirits up and running the non-stop demands of the remainder of his busy law practice. The case concluded with not guilty verdicts on every charge, an incredible victory against enormous odds.
Wes Williams doesn’t give up. He doesn’t hesitate to do the right thing even at risk to his own financial position, and he can be convinced to change his position if a persuasive, fact-based argument is presented to him. Wes Williams will bring integrity, vast legal experience and work habits bred of an upbringing on an Oregon farm to the position of judge of the 10th Judicial District. I am proud to support his candidacy.
Charlie Gillis
Attorney at Law
La Grande
“I was born and raised in Eastern Oregon and I have been a business owner, a builder, a teacher at La Grande High School, and I raised my family in this community.
As a citizen with deep roots in this community, I will be voting Wes Williams for Circuit Court Judge in both Union and Wallowa Counties.
In the fifty years I have been a resident of Union County, I have never met a better attorney than Wes Williams. Wes is both knowledgeable and fair which is why I would like you to join me in voting Wes Williams for Judge.”
Fred Bell, business owner and former teacher (Island City)
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 24, 2018
Troutman: Hard work, respect and thoughtfulness will make Wes Williams outstanding judge
To the Editor:
I support Wes Williams for circuit court judge.
I have known Wes for more than 30 years, going back to the time when we were both teaching at Sandy High School and living on the flanks of Mount Hood. Wes was an extremely accomplished teacher who taught U.S. history and was the Mock Trial coach. On many occasions when I had a free period I would drop in on Mr. Williams’ class to observe and in doing so learn from a great teacher. Wes was a master teacher in all respects, but most impressive to me was the respect he showed all his students and how that respect was given back to him.
Wes left teaching and became an attorney, practicing law in La Grande for the past 25 years. The same traits that Wes developed as a teacher are evident in his law practice. His hard work and preparation, his respectful treatment of all people, his fairness and thoughtfulness, these qualities make up the bedrock of Wes Williams’ character and will serve to make Wes an outstanding circuit court judge.
Tim Troutman
Retired Elgin social studies teacher
La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: October 8, 2018
Collier: Then and now, Wes Williams embodies admirable qualities
To the Editor:
l am writing today to endorse my college pal for consideration to the post of circuit court judge in the nearing election.
When you consider attributes for selection for a critical position such as this, I’d like to suggest Wes’ past performance, as a high school teacher straight out of college in the mid-1980s, as a qualitative attribute. Wes Williams so inspired his students that he was chosen among the entire teaching cadre of Sandy High School as “Mentor to Teachers” two years in a row. He then chose another calling and wanted to serve as trial attorney.
How telling is it, then, that a recent college graduate was so motivated to train our younger generation that he was chosen to mentor other teachers, who would then also inspire their pupils?
Wes Williams has been an inspiration and motivator of fellow Oregonians his entire life. As a student of criminal justice at Southern Oregon University, he was an inspiration to me to do my best and work my hardest, and challenged me at every turn. Because of Wes, whether on the tennis court or classroom, nothing but hard work would be my goal each day, every day.
I cannot think of a more qualified, more humble and deserving candidate for the position of circuit court judge. I know of no one in my entire adult life who works harder, puts in longer hours and is committed to the rule of law and judicial fairness than Wes Williams — my best friend since 1983.
Mark Collier
LT USCG (Ret.)
Grants Pass
"I was born and raised in Union County and I would like you to join me in casting your vote for Wes Williams as Circuit Court Judge!
I do not believe any candidate can top Wes for his integrity, his compassion for others, and his willingness to hold others to the same high standards of accountability that he maintains for himself.
Wes is committed to the values and rights of local citizens. This commitment and his extensive legal experience will serve him well as Judge. Vote Wes Williams for Judge!"
Gary Lillard (La Grande)
La Grande ObserverLETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 26, 2018
Morrison: Most capable and qualified candidate
I have practiced law for nearly 30 years, and have lived in La Grande since 2000.
I met Wes Williams within months of coming to this community and have known him for close to 20 years. During that time, Wes has helped me with difficult aspects of my own cases, and I have had the opportunity to observe Wes in court during some of his most challenging and difficult trials.
I am supporting Wes for judge in Union and Wallowa counties because I believe he is the most capable and qualified candidate for that position.
Our judicial district’s two judges must be able to handle both civil and criminal cases, which have very different rules and procedures, and different subject matters.
In his decades of practice, Wes has gained extensive experience in both areas, giving him a broad understanding of the law that a judge needs to know. His experience will enable him to hit the ground running, and to immediately handle both kinds of cases knowledgeably and efficiently.
Wes is committed to treating people fairly. I believe that if he is elected, he will treat the people who appear in his courtroom with respect, and without regard to family heritage, income level, or status in the community.
For all of these reasons, I urge you to vote for Wes Williams. He is the most qualified candidate, and will provide our counties with the best and fairest judge.
Anne Morrison
Attorney at Law
"I'd like to encourage you to vote for Wes Williams for Judge. I know Wes both as a friend and as a lawyer. He truly cares about people and would be an excellent judge for Eastern Oregon."
Beth Huntington, Kindergarten Teacher (Union)
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 24, 2018
Goldstein: Wes Williams will go the extra mile
To the Editor:
I’m writing to support Wes Williams’ candidacy for judge. Wes has been a practicing
attorney in Union and Wallowa counties for the past 22 years, and from his first case to the present he has established a reputation as an attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. Wes respects the law, due process and values the idea that every individual should have access to a fair and just hearing, regardless of their ability to pay. It is for these reasons he has invoked the central theme of the Pledge of Allegiance, “Liberty and Justice for All,” as his campaign slogan, and why I urge you to strongly support his candidacy.
Joel Goldstein
La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Oct. 1, 2018
Barry: Wes Williams could be a venerable judge in the tradition of Judge Brownton
To the Editor:
Wes Williams will be an exemplary judge. He’s worked with every aspect of the law, representing farmers, ranchers, loggers, teachers and small business owners.
He knows how anxious plaintiffs and defendants are about appearing in court to testify about issues that will dramatically affect their lives. I’m confident that Wes will always be courteous and informed.
He’s committed to providing a safe, fair courtroom experience for every individual.
When I served on the Governor’s Judicial Fitness and Disability Commission, I read many complaints about inappropriate courtroom behavior. Judges were reported as rude, unprepared and prejudiced. In the past, I’ve seen these regrettable behaviors in our local courtrooms. Of course, I was not the only one who witnessed and discussed them. Fortunately the local situation has improved. Judge Tom Powers is a respected jurist. He and Wes Williams will constitute an admirable judiciary for the 10th District Court.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed discussing many aspects of the law with Wes. I appreciate his passionate interest in the law as well as his commitment to the human cost of laws ignored, misunderstood or misapplied. I believe he will see serving as judge not so much as a personal honor but as a profound responsibility.
When my family first moved to La Grande, Wes Brownton, recently retired judge, was still mentioned with affection and respect. In addition to his colorful personality, he was memorable for his wisdom, patience and dignity.
I can think of only one long-serving judge since then who has come close to earning that degree of admiration. It’s time we had another, a judge who is a respected member of the community, who has an established record of competence and impartiality.
I can envision Wes Williams becoming a venerable judge in the Wes Brownton tradition. Judge Brownton must have anticipated this day; he willed his law library to the young Wes Williams
Lois Barry
La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 24, 2018
Lillard: Wes Williams is strongly committed to values and rights of local citizens
To the Editor:
With the November elections coming soon, there are a number of important decisions to be made, including who will be Circuit Court Judge for Union and Wallowa Counties.
I encourage voters to strongly consider Wes Williams for circuit court judge. He has maintained a law practice in La Grande for many years, and I have known him for at least the past eight or nine of those years. His competence and attention to detail is without parallel. He has represented citizens in several different legal venues, up to and including the Oregon Supreme Court. Additionally, he has a wide range of experience in the legal arena including personal representation, business law, real estate, wills and other civil documents. Wes is strongly committed to the values and rights of local citizens, and his knowledge and experience will serve him well as circuit court judge.
I do not believe any candidate can top Wes for his integrity, his compassion and his willingness to hold others to the same high standards of accountability he maintains for himself. Again, a wonderful combination of attributes to have in a circuit court judge.
Please join me in casting your vote for Wes Williams as Union and Wallowa County Circuit Court Judge.
Gary Lillard
La Grande
"I am voting for Wes Williams for Judge. I cannot think of a better person for the job. I have complete trust and confidence in Wes."
Julie Fitzgerald Bodfish,
Fitzgerald Flowers Proprietor (La Grande)
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Oct. 3, 2018
Lepper: Wes Williams will see clearly and judge wisely
To the Editor:
I am writing to support Wes Williams for judge in the upcoming Nov. 6
election.
Wes has helped me and many others. We worked together for seven years. In that time I realized how important the position of judge is. Any of us could find ourselves in front of the judge, and what we want for ourselves, our family members and our friends is a person knowledgeable about the law and our constitutional rights and who possesses wisdom for a fair consequence.
I remember my brother Tom saying, “Kath, if you have any legal questions, stop Wes Williams out of the office and he will answer your questions without a fee.” I found this to be true. Wes is always willing to take a few minutes to clear up a question, to share his knowledge. So now is your time to stop Wes, chat, ask questions. Check out his Facebook page.
Judge is such an important position. With the drop of the gavel, what is done is done. Let’s put the gavel in the hand of a man who has the background to see clearly and judge wisely. I encourage you to vote Wes Williams on Nov. 6.
Kathy Lepper
La Grande
"Wes is absolutely fair. He will not choose sides, he will listen impartially and accurately to the data, and be guided by them, not any preconceived notions.
He's exactly who we need as a judge in OR 10th District, and it's why he has my support"
Dr. John Rinehart, EOU Professor (La Grande)
La Grande ObserverLETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Oct. 3, 2018
Welch: Wes Williams believes in honesty, fairness and equal
To the Editor:
I support Wes Williams as a judicial candidate because he has real ethics and exhibits exceptional understanding, not only of the law but of the human condition itself. Wes is a man of high integrity and unwavering compassion, who makes himself available to the people he serves.
I first came to know Wes many years ago when my husband and I enlisted his services as an attorney. In that capacity, we found him to be knowledgeable, courageous and committed to understanding our needs and doing the very best he could for us. He was a strong ally, who always treated us with great care and courtesy.
In the years since that time, my family has continued to rely on Wes as an attorney, and from that relationship we quickly came to regard him as a trusted friend. Through the years, we have had many occasions to see how readily he comes to the aid of those in need and how deeply he cares for his fellow men and women.
I have no doubt Wes will be an exemplary judge. He believes in honesty, fairness and equality and in serving people — all people — to the best of his ability. I can think of no better qualifications for the position of judge, and I can think of no one I would more wholeheartedly endorse.
Judith Welch
La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Sept. 19, 2018
Hunt: Wes Williams is a judicial candidate who knows the law
To the Editor:
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Northeast Oregon since 1991, I have testified as an expert
witness in court numerous times. The courtroom can feel like a hostile environment but I believed I could rely on the honesty and integrity of lawyers and judges, assuming that said professionals operate within the law. I had assumed that honesty and justice would prevail.
In two criminal cases, defendants were charged with several felonies that could have resulted in substantial prison time. Neither could
afford a jury trial. In both cases the district attorney offered a plea agreement in which the defendants agreed not to enter any part of Wallowa County for the duration of their probation (three years in one case). They were unable to even gather personal belongings. Both cases ended with divorce and financial ruin. It is my understanding that this method of “justice” has been used numerous times.
I learned Wes Williams was running for circuit court judge and met with him to share this and other concerns. Wes told me, and gave me examples, that this practice is not legal. As far back as 1987 (State vs. Ferrre) and as recently as 2011 (State vs. Donahue), this practice was struck down. It is quite likely a violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution. Wes wrote a draft to the court concerning this practice for one of his private clients and he prevailed. Mr. Williams is a judicial candidate who knows the law.
I am extremely concerned about the divide between law enforcement and citizens. The best way I know to bridge this gap is for people to have greater faith in the legal system and their ability to be heard and treated fairly. I am absolutely convinced Wes Williams is our best and most immediate step in that direction. He is approachable, knowledgeable and honest.
Both candidates for circuit court judge for Union and Wallowa counties have the last name of Williams. I will mark my ballot for WES Williams and encourage you to do the same.
Russel A. Hunt
Summerville
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: October 10, 2018
Lackey: Wes Williams would be a committed and dedicated judge
To the Editor:
I have known and worked with Wes Williams over the past few years in various capacities. I know him to be a skilled legal counselor. His judgment with issues before him is honest and fair. His greatest attributes are his knowledge of law and of the legal system and his personal attention to detail. He is totally committed to his practice and would be a committed and dedicated judge to serve our communities.
I fully endorse Wes Williams for the position of circuit court judge.
John Lackey
La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: October 8, 2018
Mann: Wes Williams has sorely needed perspective
To the Editor:
Vote for Wes Williams for circuit court judge on Nov. 6. His diverse background (ranging from agriculture to education) gives him a perspective sorely needed in our justice system today. I have known Wes for 14 years. My observations are based on my personal experience with him.
Wes is a proven champion of the underdog. He leaves no stone unturned in discovering the truth. He is ethical, humble, diligent and an asset to our community. His years of legal expertise in case law and constitutional rights will ensure a fair trial for all our citizens. His respect for all individuals regardless of their social status is evident in his courtroom dealings.
Please join me in casting your vote for Wes Williams for circuit court judge.
Iris Mann
Summerville
