Endorsements

At its May 15th regular meeting, the Klamath County Association of Realtors (KCAR) Board of Directors voted to formally endorse Derrick DeGroot for Klamath County Commissioner Position #3. 

The KCAR Board represents a diverse membership of REAL TORS® from various real estate agencies. Full Candidate endorsements are not handed out lightly. In this case, there was strong support from the board based on Mr. DeGroot priorities aligning with the association's values and policy objectives, particularly regarding issues that directly impact the real estate industry. Endorsements are often based on a candidate's support for policies that promote homeownership, economic growth, housing attainability, and a favorable business environment for real estate professionals. 

The board's endorsement follows the recommendation of its Governmental Affairs Committee. The committee conducted several candidate interviews including interviews with other Commissioner candidates, for more than one position. 

This endorsement allows Mr.DeGroot to use the Association's name in his campaign. It also allows the organization to further promote his candidacy amongst our membership and the community as we see fit. 

In addition to the endorsement for Mr. DeGroot, the Realtor Political Action Committee will be contributing $1500 to his Political Action Campaign. 

— Klamath County Association of Realtors (KCAR)

I support Derrick DeGroot and the job he's been doing as a Klamath County Commissioner. I think Commissioner DeGroot is level headed, listens to all sides of the issues and makes decisions that are good for all of Klamath County.

 

— Wes French Col USAF (Ret)

I am writing to support Derrick DeGroot for Klamath County Commissioner #3. As your incumbent Commissioner, Derrick has very successful, proven experience under his belt. He also has valuable business experience and an honorable military background, both of which make him a formidable leader. His service to our nation reflects his sense of duty.

I have worked for the citizens of Klamath County for 34 years. 32 years as a Sheriff’s Deputy and 2 years in Klamath County Human Resources department. Working in HR, I worked in very close proximity to the Commissioners where I got to observe their conduct and performance up close. It is because of what I saw first hand that I am voting for Commissioner DeGroot. He is a man of strong integrity that is committed to working hard to make our community a successful and enjoyable place to live, work, worship, play, and raise our families.

Derrick cares about our community and it shows by his long record of involvement in Klamath County. Commissioner DeGroot grew up here, returned here, and raised his kids here along with his wife, a local school teacher. Derrick has volunteered to serve on boards, committees, and commissions. He’s served food at fundraisers and offered a helping hand when there’s a need. He understands the needs of Klamath County and our citizens.

Derrick’s business and military background and experiences, combined with his exemplary public service have already enhanced the quality of our community. As important as his background and experience is, DeGroot’s character, dedication and work ethic shine through as he provides leadership for Klamath County. Vote Derrick DeGroot as Klamath County Commissioner #3.

— Chuck Collins

I am definitely voting to reelect Commissioner Degroot and am willing to openly endorse him. He has proven himself by his actions to be supportive of the best interests of our diverse community.

— Don Gentry

My family and I have long been a part of the local agricultural community, which is a vital part of our county’s overall economic health. Local leaders must recognize that there are many stakeholders involved in our water issues and their needs and traditions must also be honored when working toward solutions.  Commissioner DeGroot has proven himself to be a very effective advocate in these areas for our community.

I originally voted for Derrick DeGroot because he committed to work towards bringing some sense of certainty and eliminate the constant court battles faced by me and other local farmers and ranchers. I'm voting for him again because he is delivering on that commitment.

Our Commissioners have a responsibility to advocate for an environment that brings all interested parties together to work toward a collaborative solution. As a first step, they can commit themselves to being part of that solution.

Commissioner Derrick DeGroot serves us on the Tri-County board, a group of elected officials from Modoc and Siskiyou counties in California, and Klamath County, formed specifically to solve the longstanding water issues facing our agricultural community in a united way.

If you're not at the table, you're going to end up on the menu. Commissioner DeGroot has proven himself to be a passionate, accomplished advocator and negotiator for our community.

I'm pleased that Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot has a seat at that, and several other influential tables for our community at the state and national levels. Because of his skills and abilities, Klamath now has influence where it counts. His strong and optimistic leadership is making a difference. We cannot surrender the tremendous progress our community has achieved through his hard work to unproven, inexperienced ambitions. That's why he has my vote this election.

 

— Luther Horsley

I’m writing in support of Derrick DeGroot for Klamath County Commissioner #3. DeGroot understands our Community and the need for strong infrastructure. He believes good roads, strong essential services like public safety and health care, quality schools, and support for local businesses make for the healthiest communities. This is demonstrated in his thoughtful leadership and his accomplishments for us since taking office:

• DeGroot helped secure additional funding for the Sheriff Department and eliminated the use of road funds to shore up public safety,
• Selling hundreds of properties owned by the county and getting them back on the tax rolls by putting them back in private hands,
• Advocating for certainty for our irrigators and ag community by maintaining a presence on the Tri-Counties group (a group of elected officials that brings together interests up and down the river to solve our longstanding water issues), and
• Working on policies and programs that preserve and protect our local businesses and industries.

Through DeGroot’s leadership, our county is now seen as “Open for Business” and we are making tremendous progress, moving toward a future that sees our businesses thriving, new business moving in, and our young people coming home to opportunity.

Having been involved with the site evaluation and selection authority with Wilsonart a few years ago, we selected Klamath County as the place for our company’s expansion because of Commissioner DeGroot’s knowledge, enthusiasm, professionalism, passion, and persuasive descriptions of Klamath. Wilsonart is here because of him.

Derrick’s commitment to our community, his innovative problem-solving skills, and his outside the box thinking were invaluable qualities in calmly guiding our community beyond the very harmful effects of the coronavirus crisis.

Please join me in voting for our community by voting for Derrick DeGroot, Klamath County Commissioner Position #3.

— Scott Siracusa

I am supporting Derrick DeGroot for Klamath County Commissioner. He’s not a newcomer to our community; he was born here, went to school here, spent his formidable years here, joined the Navy and came back home after serving honorably.

I am going to support a dedicated, loyal, passionate candidate with a proven record of success in the military, private business, and public service.  I am also going to support the one candidate who is best suited for the job. Derrick DeGroot has proven successes for us as a County Commissioner and knows how to navigate state and national politics to benefit all of us. 

Derrick has energy, passion, and vision for a prosperous and successful Klamath community. He has played a key role in positively reshaping our image. He has helped revitalize the Klamath County Veterans Advisory Committee which advocates for the benefits of thousands of local veterans. He has been a leader in getting foreclosed properties sold and back on the tax rolls.

Derrick’s leadership as President of the Association of Oregon Counties, Director on O&C Counties, formation of the local Council of Governments, and his leadership on the National Association of Counties and countless other leadership roles, has elevated our standing and influence to levels we haven’t enjoyed in decades at the state and national levels, and it is paying dividends for our entire community.

Voters in Klamath County chose to elect Derrick as a County Commissioner to improve our prospects for success and he has done everything asked of him, and more.

There is absolutely no good reason to change course now and risk removing our community from the respect and influence we finally enjoy.

I urge you to join me in supporting Derrick DeGroot, not just for him, but for all of Klamath.

 

— Joe Spendolini