Mallams deserves to be re-elected

Herald and News letter by Martin and Shirley Kerns, Klamath Falls May 3, 2016

We are writing in support of Tom Mallams for County Commissioner Position 1.

We have known and worked with Tom on various issues over the years and found him to be honest, hard-working and dedicated to doing the best job possible.

No one has a better understanding of the water issues in the Klamath Basin. He was chairman of the Off-Project Water Users and attended many hours of meetings when the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement was being put together. He opposed the KBRA as finalized and removing four dams on the Klamath River.

Tax loss to the county by removing J.C. Boyle Dam and transferring Keno Dam to the Bureau of Reclamation is approximately $465,000.

Tom is fiscally conservative and his goal for the county is to operate on current income. One issue consistently before us is how to fund an ever-increasing sheriff's office budget. Tom believes using road funds is not sustainable and should be stopped.

He was able to work with state legislators across party lines to get a bill passed so the $40 million in road funds and reserves can be invested in the state's Intermediate Investment Pool rather than the Short Term Pool. This will annually generate $1 million to $2 million when implemented.

While new business is important for economic growth, the commissioner’s job is to take care of regular county business and create a business-friendly atmosphere, not do the recruiting. Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) is currently funded with about $300,000 in city/county tax dollars to accomplish that.

Tom’s opponent has raised/spent a large amount of money for this campaign. His main donors appear to be those supporting KBRA/dam removal and KCEDA board members and supporters. Check it out on the Secretary of State website under Elections, “Citizens to Elect Donnie Boyd.”

Martin and Shirley Kerns, Klamath Falls

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