Dear Wallowa County,
I want you all to know how grateful I am to belong to a community of people who care for the land and each other. Our rural county is an example of resilience - how we ranch, farm and harvest timber while keeping our rivers clean enough for our use as well as for the fish and wildlife; how we encourage the pursuit of art, literature and exploration of our history; how we grow children who are strong, curious and given every opportunity to thrive and realize their dreams.
A county that has all of this to offer has a heart - a heart that values family, friendship and neighbors; people who look after each other - along with their livestock, pets and children.
Following the discovery of a brain tumor in late November I have received emails, letters, cards, texts and phone calls from not only my friends and neighbors in Wallowa County, but from people all over the region - people praying for me, sending me their love, sharing their best wishes - and I am overwhelmed, yet as a nearly life-long resident of this corner of Oregon, this love and support comes as no surprise. The resilience of the county comes from the strong, proud, loving people who live here, who care about this place, but above all, we are a community that values its most important resource - people.
Your well wishes continue to strengthen me as I face the next few weeks of treatment following my surgery in early February. Please know how proud I am to call this place home and to call all of you my friends.
Commissioner Susan Roberts