Randy Miller for judge

I’ve known Randy Miller for nearly 20 years. Miller and I were police officers together. As a lawyer, Miller also represented our family’s business endeavors. We are dear friends.

As a police officer, Miller regularly put his life on the line for his community in the performance of his duty to protect. Miller has experience investigating and charging crimes, responding to chaotic and dangerous domestic violence calls as well as emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, executing warrants and making arrests.

Miller always showed compassion for the people he served, collaborating with his community to improve public safety. It matters to me that Miller served our country in combat as a United States Marine — a sacrifice few understand, but all should appreciate.

As a police officer for more than 15 years, I know Miller’s first-hand law enforcement experience will benefit him on the bench. Miller truly understands the precarious challenge officers face every day — applying applicable law to an immediate, often dangerous situation.

Miller shines in those moments, expressing good judgment by making complex legal decisions under pressure. Surely, Miller can make those same important decisions from the bench in the courtroom.

Of course, Miller’s complex civil-, business- and individual-rights experience matters. But, Miller’s good judgment, excellent character, integrity, work ethic and passion for people are the intangibles that make him the best candidate for Circuit Court Judge. Such qualities can’t be taught; they must be earned and demonstrated like Miller’s. Vote Randy Miller for judge.

PJ Beaty

Bend

Thomas Spear for judge

Thomas Spear is seeking your vote as a Circuit Court Judge for Deschutes County. When you look at his preparation for this elected position, you see a man who is born and raised in Oregon and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy aboard a fast attack nuclear submarine.

He attended law school at Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College. Thomas worked at the Yamhill County District Attorney’s Office for five years as a prosecutor.

After gaining experience in the courtroom with the justice system, Spear took a position with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office in Bend.

Spear entered private practice in 2007 and has an extensive litigation practice. He has tried and handled a wide variety of cases in civil and criminal matters, domestic relations to intellectual and property matters.

Most importantly, Thomas was appointed by the Oregon Supreme Court as a Circuit Court Judge pro tempore. Spear presided over civil and traffic matters. As you can see by his training and experience, he has seen and participated in all sides of the courtroom.

Thomas is also a husband, father of three children, community volunteer in the schools, and contributor to the betterment of Deschutes County.

We have been fortunate to have Thomas and his family as a neighbor these past 14 years and the citizens of Deschutes County are more than fortunate to have Spear as their neighbor. He has earned our trust and, by his contributions to his country and this community, your trust.

Please join us in supporting Spear for Circuit Court Judge.

Suzie and Peter Miller

Bend

Flaherty for district attorney

I was very reassured to read Ron Marceau’s assessment (The Bulletin, Wednesday 9 April, “In My View”) of Mr. Flaherty’s qualifications for and performance as the Deschutes County district attorney. I do not know either individual, but Mr. Marceau seems well qualified to compare and contrast the two candidates for the position.

Looking back, my gut tells me that the reaction to Mr. Flaherty’s election was ample indication of just how much in need of change that office had become. The actions of a few unhappy employees under the previous DA caused needless expense and, more importantly, proved a time and energy draining distraction to the new DA. He was clearly entitled to take measures to achieve an office with which he could operate most effectively. I am relieved to see that others in our community are coming to the same conclusion.

Likely, in his second term as DA, Patrick Flaherty will be even better able to focus his considerable energy on the challenges his office faces.

Ross Flavel

Bend