September 27, 2024
News Register- Yamhill Count

I was disappointed to read the News-Register’s endorsement of Dan Rayfield for Oregon attorney general, especially when his opponent, Will Lathrop, has the support of nearly all of Yamhill County’s most prominent leaders: Sheriff Sam Elliott, District Attorney Brad Berry, State Rep. Lucetta Elmer and all three county commissioners.

I have never met Dan Rayfield, but I have met Will Lathrop — right here in Yamhill County. Here are a few of my takeaways:

Will is a public servant, not a politician. He has dedicated his entire career to protecting women and children from exploitation, including a portion spent right here in Yamhill County, where he served as a child sex abuse prosecutor.

Oregon is failing to protect our kids.

It is the attorney general’s job to ensure our state agencies are following the law. But just this year alone, 13 children have died in Department of Human Services custody.

Oregon has an overwhelming influx of drugs pouring in.

Will’s message in regard to that was spot-on: “We might not always agree on Oregon’s approach to addiction and drug possession, but what we can all agree on is that no one should be making huge amounts of money by exploiting innocent people.” And he has the local, state and international law enforcement experience to tackle this head-on.

Will also cited millions in taxpayer dollars being spent with no accounting to where it is going. It’s the attorney general’s job to follow up on state audits and investigate misuse of public funds.

If you want real, meaningful change, vote for Will Lathrop for attorney general.

Matt Saltmarsh
McMinnville