Clear choice; if based on substance, not rumors

I have known Sue Cooperman for 14 years and proudly call her my friend. I recently hd the privilege of working with her in the County Attorney’s office for nearly a year and witnessed, first hand, her skill and compassion in her dealings with people who sought the assistance of our office. I do not know, if in fact, her co-workers (as stated in a recent letter to the editor) have not come out in her support, but I do know that in the time I was working in the County Attorney’s office I experienced how Sue genuinely reached out and helped everyone both personally and professionally. I saw how she gave her time to those who needed and asked for her help and how she strove to promote a congenial working relationship with all individuals and agencies that interacted with our office.

Her many professional accomplishments are to be applauded. As example: Sue worked hard to continually educate herself from starting our as secretary, in the then small two-person office of County Attorney under Claude Burlingame, to presently being qualified to run for a judgeship. She recently saw a need within the County Attorney’s office and created the position of Victim’s Advocate to help victims of crime navigate the judicial systme; a post which she still administers. I believe these actions would require someone with great spirit, drive and a deep desire to serve her fellow citizens and neighbors. Her 22 years of on-the-job experience in the County Attorney’s office is evident in her knowledge of the law and her professionalism.

Slinging innuendos or making veiled references seems to be the prevailing modus operandi in this national election and apparently in this local one as well, but it doesn’t work for me. For thos who want to make their voting decisions based solely by speaking to individuals with their own agendas, I suppose that is one way to case your ballot. My criteria, however requires knowledge of the facts and not just “other people’s personal feelings.” I will vote for the person I know to have the best working knowledge of the law, will dispense that law with equality and will bring integrity and honor to the office. That is how Sue Cooperman will “act” when she is elected to the office of Justice of the Peace.

Karin H. Hanson

Trout Creek