The Dalles Chronicle Endorses John!
Huffman for Representative
The Dalles Chronicle
October 19th, 2008
District 59 voters have the happiest — and rarest — dilemma in politics: Two excellent candidates for the same office.
It is indicative of their quality that both agreed early to run a principled campaign, devoid of mudslinging, and have kept to it.
District 59 is a monster, encompassing all or part of nine counties. It’s tough to get known widely throughout the district.
Mike Ahern is from Madras. He’s a Realtor and small businessman who owns Ahern’s Grocery and Black Butte General Store.
He brings lots of government experience as a member of the Madras city council and as a Jefferson County commissioner. He’s also served on the Deschutes River Management Commission, the 509-J School District budget committee, the Madras planning commission and others
John Huffman is a familiar local figure in The Dalles. For 22 years he was the manager and part owner of Q-104 radio station. He also managed orchards in Parkdale.
Huffman served on the Oregon Investment Board and on The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce economic development committee.
But his strongest government experience is as the incumbent State Representative for District 59.
He was appointed to fill the position after the resignation of Rep. John Dallum last August, so has had 14 months in the office, including service in the special 2008 session earlier this year.
Either candidate would serve the voters of District 59 well, but Huffman has clearly demonstrated not only an aptitude for the job, but a willingness to listen carefully and consider all aspects of a position.
In his tenure so far, Huffman has shown a commendable ability to find consensus and practical solutions.
We believe John Huffman is right for the job and will best represent the people of District 59.