To The Editor: From Gilliam Co. Judge Elizabeth Farrar Campbell

To the Editor and Gilliam County Voters,

“Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving."

– William Shakespeare (Othello)

In last week’s edition, a letter to the editor drew comparisons between my time serving as Gilliam County Judge with the Elizabethan Era. While Mr. Ball intended this as a scathing indictment, I see it as a Comedy of Errors.

Don’t get me wrong; there are many comparisons to draw between my tenure at Gilliam County and the Elizabethan Era.

For instance, historians consider the Elizabethan Era to be the “Golden Age” in English history; a period where the arts and culture flourished, the economy was strong, and the government was well organized and effective.

Here in modern-day Gilliam County, some might say we are also experiencing our own Golden Age.

The arts and culture are flourishing. The County Court has made critical investments in local makers; the artisans, artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives who enrich our communities with their creativity and talents. This has been accomplished through the Small Business Grant Program, as well as innovative community-driven projects like The Pop in Arlington. In addition, I am proud to have successfully advocated for $250,000 in Congressional funding for the Condon Arts Council’s project to restore the Liberty Theatre.

The economy is strong. The County Court has jumpstarted housing development, funded a permanent endowment to provide childcare access for all families, and laid the groundwork to bring affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to all homes and businesses in Gilliam County.

The government is effective. Despite the recall petitioners’ best efforts to disrupt public meetings, the County Court continues to make meaningful progress on community priorities. In just the last few months, we have made significant investments in two housing projects, advocated for much-needed changes to Measure 110, secured additional state funding for local childcare providers, and received a technical assistance grant to bring us closer to the goal of universal access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet in Gilliam County.

In this recall election, we have an opportunity to shape what the history books will say about this period in Gilliam County’s history. Will we continue to make progress together on our most important challenges or will we allow this divisive, reckless recall to destroy our community fabric and bring chaos to Gilliam County?

Please stand on the right side of history and vote “no” on the recall election.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Farrar Campbell

Gilliam County Judge

Condon, Oregon