Editor's Note: Letter's to the Editor are more than welcome. Send one over if you like to hillsboroherald@gmail.com. The message we received from this editorial submission concerned us as it included qustions around why the Hillsboro News Times would not run this on their site. Here is that message:
Dirk- I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a story that I believe deserves coverage. Despite reaching out to the Hillsboro News Times, Sue Cocking has not received a response. Typically, Hillsboro New Times LTE are posted within hours, but no luck in support of Jake Mead's campaign lately. Below is the submitted story with time stamp. Given the importance of this matter to our community, we would greatly appreciate it if Hillsboro Herald could consider publishing the story. The voter's ballots are mailed and Sue would like your followers to know what Elizabeth Case is capable of. The Hillsboro Herald has shared about the altering of official documents (very well too), but we would like the story to come from a resident as well.We believe this story could resonate with your readership and provide valuable insights into issues that affect us all. If you need any additional information, I am more than willing to assist. Thank you for your time and consideration. Letters To The Editor – from Sue Cocking- Hillsboro Resident
Integrity Matters: Why We Should Not Support Elizabeth Case for City Council
Let me start by stating, this is not an attempt to speak negatively about a candidate, but to bring a situation to light so my fellow residents can make an informed decision and consider the kind of leadership we want for our city.
As a long-time Hillsboro resident, I am deeply troubled by recent reports that Elizabeth Case has been involved in modifying official voting documents. During the August 2024 Washington County Democrats Endorsement Meeting, a question was asked to the candidates for Ward 2.
Question: Would you or have you ever altered or changed what is on the Washington County Democrats official document (slate card) to not reflect the official party’s endorsement?
Mead’s response; “No. Have I? No. Will I? Never.”
Case’s response, “Yes, I have…” followed with an excuse. Ms. Case failed to provide the additional information that she was aiding the 2022 County Commissioner campaign in which she was trying to sway votes for.
After consideration, the Washington County Democrats voted to endorse Jake Mead by an overwhelming majority.
As residents, we rely on the integrity of our electoral process to ensure that our voices are heard fairly and without interference. Any manipulation of voter’s materials undermines public trust in our democracy. Case’s followers often refer to her as honest, trustworthy, and dedicated. Ms. Case’s actions during the 2022 election prove otherwise.
Vote for Jake Mead by Nov. 5th
Sue Cocking, long-time Hillsboro resident
Jake Mead For City Council
Speaking of election integrity, it’s no damn surprise what Democrats will pull.
Endorsing candidates in “Non-Partisan” races, BUT
Dirk, it’s more important that there is NO “secrecy envelope ” to put our “Secret ballot” in!! WashCo saved a whopping $25,000. What a crock after giving the Hops 8 MILLION DOLLARS!!!
MORE BS by the Dems who run Washington County and the City of Hillsboro. God help us, please 🙏.
Let’s take a look at this from another perspective and highlight her strength and character.
The Washington County Dems anointed their choice of candidate, which had a questionable background issue. Elizabeth Case could not in good conscience support that candidate and crossed out their names on material she was delivering and representing. Hardly a reason to write off her “excuse” as you have done so easily. But it is easier to leave that information out than explain how bad that really looks.
For me, I will vote for someone with strong ethics and morals and willing to stand behind them. I want someone who will stand up for what is right, not what is dictated by another political party looking for fealty from their members.
“The Washington County Dems anointed their choice of candidate, which had a questionable background issue.” Oh, don’t leave it hanging there. Say what you mean: What is this “questionable background issue” you’re referring to? It seems like something you’d want voters to know about.
“Elizabeth Case could not in good conscience support that candidate and crossed out their names on material she was delivering and representing” Again, she’s asking for the public’s vote and the Democratic party’s endorsement. Both are entitled to ask why she did this, especially the party whose rule she broke. Why could she “not in good conscience support that candidate?”
You laud “strong ethics and morals and willing to stand behind them,” but give us no idea what that entails. You call Case “someone who will stand up for what is right, not what is dictated by another political party,” but “another political party” is HER party… the one whose endorsement she sought! I’m sorry, but if you want party and public endorsement for an elected position, hints and allusions aren’t going to cut it… nor are backroom whispers.
Put it out there: Say what you mean and explain your actions instead of having local anons write cryptic endorsements for you in the comments field.
Jeff, I have no horse in this race—living outside of city limits and all. BBut “something happened that I can’t talk about but it explains this wrong thing she did, you’re just going to have to trust me and vote for her” is a terrible endorsement. It looks as if it was written by a seven year old trying not to tell their parent that it was actually them, and not the family dog, that broke the window.
When you or your candidate are ready to tell everyone what happened, come back here and used your grown-up words.
Thank you Hillsboro Herald for publishing this story to ensure voter’s are aware of Ms. Case’s actions. We appreciate your time and consideration.