Reject Willer for Port of The Dalles

Dear Editor,

Sound judgment, good values, and a commitment to the safety of our children are all qualities we should seek in every elected official. That is why I was appalled and sickened to learn that Dr. John Willer, a candidate for Port of The Dalles Commission, has publicly endorsed Frank Polehn for the position of Columbia Community College Board.

Mr. Polehn was the recent subject of a news article which detailed his conviction for attempt to commit a Class A felony, the sexual abuse of a minor. Mr. Polehn voluntarily pled guilty to the crime and was sentenced to 22 months in state prison. In the interview, Mr. Polehn is unapologetic and shows no remorse for his crime. Instead, he details a vast shadowy conspiracy.

If elected, Mr. Polehn would be serving on a college campus in the presence of high school and college aged kids. The campus may also have a childcare facility soon for young children. Dr. John Willer not only doesn’t appear to believe that should disqualify Mr. Polehn, he is still actively and publicly supporting a convicted child sex offender to hold the position. In the State of Oregon, all health care providers, including opthamologists, are mandatory reporters of child, elder, and vulnerable adult abuse. What on earth is he thinking?

We need to elect people with sound judgment, good values, and a commitment to keeping our children and families safe. Dr. John Willer has shown us he lacks all three traits. We cannot trust him to represent us on the Port.

Sincerely,
Teri Thalhofer, RN, BSN
Retired Public Health Administrator