To the editor:

I would like to use this forum to publicly recommend Dr. Charles Hofmann for the OTEC board position representing Baker County. Having worked alongside Chuck for a number of years on the Baker City Council and watching his involvement in several other capacities, I feel he is a clear choice for this position.

There are a number of reasons to support his candidacy, but the one thing that stands out consistently for me is his commitment to keeping our area on the map, so to speak, and leveraging the most from the resources we have at hand. Everyone may not always agree with Chuck, but that is why you have more than one person on any given board so that they can have discussions that ultimately lead to the best solution. Chuck is understanding of opinions different than his own and he is not afraid to think outside the box and break away from the andquot;but this is how we have always done itandquot; mode.

In visiting with Chuck about the OTEC board, I was impressed by his desire to get OTEC more involved in economic development, which includes helping to bring more family wage jobs to our area. I think this is important for Northeastern Oregon and our future and is one example of how Chuck thinks broadly about making a difference.

Please join me in voting for Dr. Charles Hofmann for the OTEC board.

Paul York

La Grande