CHOOSE YOUR COMMISSIONER

Interviews conducted by Bob Goldberg

WORD is that for the first time in many years, the Oregon primary will mean something. Not only in reference to the presidential race, but here on the coast in local elections. Two seats are up for grabs on the Clatsop County Commission, with a third to be decided by appointment, after the successful recall election in March. In Tillamook County, two county commission seats will be decided in the primary, but only one is contested. And voters here will be helping to decide who our next federal representative will be, as well as a senator, state attorney general and Oregon secretary of state. There are also some state measures on the ballot. All a warm-up for the big show in November.

There's an air of change sweeping through this community and the country, a feeling that maybe we can "throw the bums out" and take back our government on many levels. On the other hand, it could be that the entrenched power structure will adapt to the recent rumblings, and stay in power. At any rate, local government is the right place to start, and the local candidates who have jumped in the ring, are making great efforts to win your vote and speak to the value of grassroots politics.

In Clatsop County, a home rule charter county, commissioners receive a stipend set by the county budget committee (currently $800 per month), and are elected to 4-year terms in a staggered manner, in a non-partisan spring primary in even years. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, under a new rule, that candidate wins the election. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the primary, the top two candidates participate in a runoff in November.

This year, there are two positions up for election -- east Clatsop County (east Astoria to the county line along Highway 30) and south Warrenton, Gearhart and north Seaside. The former (District #4) race pits two current county planning commission members, Cary Johnson and Dirk Rohne, against each other. The latter (District #2) race features the incumbent, Patricia Roberts, vying to keep her seat, versus two erstwhile challengers, Jim Scheller and Kelly Stearns.

In Tillamook County, the situation is quite different. Commissioners are employees of the county, receive a salary of $5736 a month, and are elected at large (by the entire county). In the past, the primary elections for commissioner were partisan. In the 2004 election, Lisa Phipps lost the Democratic primary for commissioner position #1. The Republican candidate, Charles Hurliman, went on to win in November. Two positions are up for election this spring. Position #1, currently held by Hurliman, is being contested by Phipps and John Coopersmith. Position #2 will continue to be held by Mark Labhart, as he has no challengers. We will focus on the Position #1 race. (We regret that Commissioner Hurliman and candidate Coopersmith were not available for an interview).

Each candidate was asked the following questions and just for the fun of it, we assigned the candidates a couple of grades at the end of each interview:

1. What's your position on LNG, industry in general, and land use in general in the county?
2. What's your vision of the county, let's say 10 years from now? 50 years from now?
3. How do you propose to handle the disparities between the various cities and towns in the county?
4. What are the most important issues in the county to tackle now? How would you tackle them?
5. How would you get people excited about county government again?

(Questions for the Tillamook candidates included asking their views on marine reserves, Cougar Valley State Park, and affordable housing; and omitted the first question above.)

CANDIDATES FOR CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSION – DISTRICT #2

Patricia Roberts (Incumbent)

Conducting a residential design service since 1991, Patricia Roberts is a divorced mom of two grown kids and three grandkids. She went to Lewis & Clark College as a pre-med student, and was a schoolteacher for many years before going back to school in architectural drafting. She's a supporter of the National Heritage Area idea for our region, heads the Landmarks Commission in Gearhart, and highly values historic preservation.

Roberts won't commit to a position on LNG, stating "as a current County Commissioner, I must remain neutral on any issue that may come before the Board." However, she did vote to grant land use and zoning changes that would allow Northern Star to build an LNG terminal and pipeline complex in Bradwood and beyond. That decision is currently under appeal, and theoretically could come before the county commission again.

The county doesn’t have much of a role in setting land use priorities, according to Roberts. “I support Oregon’s land use regulations. The County’s role is subordinate to the State and cannot initiate changes on it own,” she says.

Roberts’ vision for the County is one of practicality mixed with idealism and reverence for the past. In 10 years, “traditional industries, especially fishing, will be struggling for survival. The greatest growth will be in the health care industries and services catering to an aging population.” Roberts does say that Clatsop Plains “has a need for new housing.” In 50 years, she’s not so sure, but offers, “in my perfect future world, we would have sustainable, earth-friendly power sources that will end our dependency upon oil and petroleum products.”

Her interest in historic preservation comes out when she waxes about the past: “My vision for the future lies in the region’s ability to retain its unique character. The genuine cultures and traditional industries of the area must be honored and continued. Much is disappearing before our eyes. Finnish is no longer the second language of Astoria. Drift nets and canneries no longer clutter the Astoria waterfront. I don’t want to see the region become a poor imitation of the true diversity and authenticity of its past. My vision for the future includes these vestiges of the past thriving in the future,” Roberts says. Summing it up, she says “not much change in 10 years; in 50 years, mostly forest.” If only she could she right.

Roberts tackled the issue of the retail complexes in Warrenton straining resources from the County and cities. She believes a county’s role is “to work with ODOT (who she thinks “should be taken out and shot”) and Warrenton (or other jurisdictions) and anyone else and find ways to make it work.”

The two main issues facing the county, according to Roberts, are economic opportunity and natural disaster preparedness. She sites several things the current commission has done to increase economic opportunity, including “the development of 75 acres of the North Business Park for expanded business sites.” And as for preparedness, she says, “ensuring the public’s safety is the commission’s highest priority.”

A great believer in citizen networks, Roberts proclaims people should step up and “serve, give something of yourself” to gain her respect. That would get people excited again, she said.

Report Card New York style: Roberts has a no-nonsense, straight-talking style that’s refreshing............................................A+ Availability: Always seems to be at meetings ......................................................................................................C-

Roberts' Vision
The next ten years should bring steady slow growth to the county.  The population is estimated to reach about 40,000 by 2020. The people who will move here will predominately continue to be retirees who are economically independent and are drawn by the natural beauty and quality of the life the area has to offer. Traditional industries especially fishing will be struggling for survival.  The greatest growth will be in the health care industries and services catering to an aging population. It is more difficult to see what changes 50 years will bring as technology will exist then that is not even dreamed of today.  Included in these technological achievements will, in my perfect future world, be sustainable, earth friendly power sources that will end our dependency upon oil and petroleum products.

My vision for the future lies in the region’s ability to retain its unique character.  The realization that both sides of the Columbia River share similar economic, social and cultural values and would be stronger working together as a region.  This is why I am part of and support the efforts to bring the national recognition of a Heritage Area here. Increased tourism will bring many more people and each community must decide how it will adapt.  The genuine cultures and traditional industries of the area must be honored and kept.  Much is disappearing before our eyes.  Finnish is no longer the second language of Astoria.  Drift nets and canneries no longer clutter the Astoria waterfront.  I do not want to see the region become a poor imitation of the true diversity and authenticity of it past.  My vision for the future includes these vestiges of the past thriving in the future. It will take a grass roots effort but I believe we are up to the task.

Kelly Stearns (see her candidate statement here)

The dark (or GREEN, as she would prefer) horse in the District 2 race is Kelly Stearns, a lawyer, real estate agent and horse riding coach who resides in Surf Pines. She’s 34 and has been in the area for 4 years. She’s from (get ready...) California, the Sacramento area, attended UC Davis, and moved here to assist her retired parents. Marriage is on her horizon, and she has cats and a 15-yr. old blind dog, as well as taking care of horses. Putting her hat in the ring at the last moment, Stearns says she is running to have a voice in our future. She’s not taking donations, and doesn’t have much of a campaign. “Money shouldn’t matter,” she says.

Stearns is against LNG, but has some interesting ideas about other industries. “We have a great potential in the Port of Astoria and should look to increase shipping related industries and tourism. We should possibly look into creating a free trade zone or export processing zone to draw in more industry. Reintroducing rail service for shipping goods and people could lead to a more vibrant Port as well, particularly with the loss of rail service in Tillamook.”

Stearns’ vision sounds hopeful. “I hope that whether it is 10, 50, or 100 years from now, the view of the Columbia will be preserved for all to see throughout Astoria. I hope our open spaces and beach access points will be preserved. I hope to see DeLaura Beach integrated into the state park system and to see it increasingly used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. I hope to see an integrated trail system from Astoria and Warrenton to Cannon Beach,” she says. Defined cities and green in between, with connecting trails, sums it up.

Stearns sees the need for a retail center in the County, but thinks it should be contained. Sprawl is the enemy. As stated by all the candidates, Stearns thinks the County should work together with cities and other entities to get things done.

The issues for Stearns are: LNG (no!), transportation (rail, bypass, less summer traffic, more funding for buses), health care (sliding scale fee clinic in the south county), managed growth (master plan, less variances, infill, and protect farms and open spaces), the new jail, child care and senior assistance, and emergency management. And, of course, housing (she IS a real estate agent). Her ideas: zoning changes for guest houses, in-law units or basement apartments and tax breaks for new apartment construction to increase the rental pool, education for homebuyers, self-help building, and infill housing to increase the housing stock.

Report Card College Try: Stearns is a relative newcomer, throwing her hat in the ring. Good on ya......................................A+ Campaign Finance: Very idealistic not to take money for the campaign, but that’s no way to get elected...........D

Stearns' Vision:
I think the retired population will grow as the North Coast attracts more baby boomers for full or part time residency. Tourism will spread across the county as people discover our beautiful region. Each city/ area in the county has it's own niche market. In 50 years the population will likely be doubled reflecting the worlds population growth and the tendency toward growth in coastal housing in general.

I hope that whether it is 10, 50, or 100 years from now, the view of the Columbia will be preserved for all to see throughout Astoria. I hope our open spaces and beach access points will be preserved. I hope to see Delaura beach integrated into the state park system and to see it increasingly used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. I hope to see an integrated trail system from Astoria and Warrenton to Cannon Beach.

I hope Astoria's downtown will be improved with increased parking and revitalized buildings along the waterfront and Commercial St.. I hope infill housing will replace the empty lots around our cities to utilize our existing infrastructure while providing affordable housing and decreasing sprawl. I would like to see a low cost or sliding scale medical facility in the south county, much like Coastal Family Health Center in Astoria.

I would like to see more regional medical services in the area, rather than people having to travel to Portland for specialty services. I would like to see growth in all senior services as  projections indicate seniors will represent the largest growth segment of the county's population.

I hope the County can maintain its small town charm in spite of the “Big Box” stores. I do think there is a need for these stores to serve the county population, but the county plan should ensure they are contained in one area (which seems to be the 101 corridor in Warrenton). These stores not only provide an economic boost for this area, but also draw people in from Washington and the surrounding counties.

I also hope the Community College will grow and contribute to our need for greater job training (such as with growth in Nursing training and other areas). I also hope the college can specialize in a few key areas to draw students in from outside the county and contribute more to our local economy.

I think it is clear that in 10 or 50 years our County will grow and change. I hope that growth will be planned responsibly with an eye to the future and with a thorough understanding of how the changes will benefit the citizens of the county for generations to come. 

Jim Scheller (check out his campaign web site)
Just retired as a nurse anesthetist, from Seaside Providence Hospital, Scheller grew up as one of a family of 15 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He left home at 16, joined the army, and did a tour in Vietnam, which changed his life. He joined Vietnam Vets Against the War, protested, and even became part of the nuclear freeze movement. The war wrecked his first marriage, but he has been happily remarried for 34 years, with 2 kids and 2 teenage grandkids.

Scheller’s opinion on LNG is emphatic and negative: “I do not want LNG plants, pipelines through parks and farms or any similar industry that threatens our quality of life, maritime integrity, public safety, and regional ecosystems. At this point in the process we can expect, and I welcome, a referendum, continuing appeals and review of the decisions that have occurred.”

Although he has a record “fighting the bad guys”, Scheller has also worked with those same “bad guys” (big corporations) to get trails, wetland restorations and other projects done in the area. Contrary to his views on LNG terminals, he thinks that smaller industry, and our traditional industries in the County, are OK. “Business and industry here now including forestry and fisheries should expect continued county cooperation and support,” says Scheller. “Those endeavors by small business (that creates most jobs nationwide) that fit with the county’s values and produce family wage jobs should be encouraged.” In other words, keep it beautiful and they will come.

Scheller’s vision for the county is powerful, “Ten years from now we will be a thriving community with a fully involved and inclusive citizenry that finds common ground in a shared vision.” He sums it up by saying, “If human beings have successfully managed to find solutions to our very challenging social and ecological concerns we will be here 50 years from now walking a familiar sandy beach, breathing clean air and living in a peaceful shared world.” Amen!

Scheller’s approach to regional problems is to look to nearby regional governments, like Metro in the Portland area, for guidance. A regional water supply system to handle the problem of water withdrawals in various jurisdictions is an example he gives.

Scheller believes in community solutions to our county’s problems. “We will continue to grow and now the responsible and fair management of our lands and resources and the consequences for our community must be thoughtfully and respectfully worked out.” Issues: “Transportation, community health including substance abuse treatment and options, affordable housing and childcare, disaster planning, dikes, salmon and fisheries recovery and natural resources management are on my list. An inclusive, informed, and open PUBLIC process with respect and thoughtful stewardship will bring about a citizen’s agenda with citizen ownership for crafting solutions.” He says he would have Breakfast with Gil (Gil Gramson, Warrenton’s mayor) meetings with constituents, town hall meetings, and be available and open to his constituents in general.

Report Card Humor: Scheller’s got a very dry sense of humor. Sometimes it’s hard to know whether he’s pulling your leg....A+ Dress code: Obligatory baseball cap, jeans and work shirt, and a name tag that makes him look like he’s been at a conference..............................................................................................................................................................B Technology: He’s got a You Tube video on his campaignweb site, but you can’t get there using a Mac!.............B

Scheller's Vision
There is the ideal and utopian vision and then the pragmatic considerations of what we can hope to achieve. Ten years from now we will be a thriving community with a fully involved and inclusive citizenry that finds common ground in a shared vision. Progress will be facilitated by supportive and cooperative networks of local municipalities, county, state and federal resources, non profit groups, special districts and citizens. Traffic calming and renewed rail and air service to our county are helping to manage the growing population. Many people now walk, ride a bike or roller skate for family fun and as a convenient way to work or school using a network of trails that avoid highway traffic. Advanced energy solutions including solar, wind, wave and tidal resources are carefully promoted along with conservation and recycling. The arts and town centers of our towns flourish with specialty shops, services and events.  Fishing and forestry are finding renewed strength while our beautiful beaches, rivers and wetlands are protected and cherished. Regional cooperation and conservation in water use have led to further partnerships that leverage resources with state and federal assistance. Disaster planning and hazard mitigation have reassured our citizens that we can and will be ready for the big or little curves Mother Nature throws our way. Affordable housing, childcare and community health are regular agenda items for the County and community solutions teams.

If human beings have successfully managed to find solutions to our very challenging social and ecological concerns we will be here 50 year from now walking a familiar sandy beach, breathing clean air and living in a peaceful shared world.

CANDIDATES FOR CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSION – DISTRICT #4

Cary Johnson (electcary.com or cary08.com)

Now a construction business owner, Johnson was once in the resource-based industry, commercial fishing with his father on the Bering Sea, in Bristol Bay and the Puget Sound in his teens. He worked for a tour boat company based in Seattle for 3 years, but decided to return to his roots (outside Astoria) and move into construction. He’s the youngest candidate on the ticket at age 29, and soon will be marrying.

Johnson’s position on LNG reflects his vote to recommend zoning and land use changes designed to pave the way for the LNG terminal and pipeline at Bradwood: “I am not opposed to an LNG facility in Clatsop County if the environmental and safety concerns can be met.”

Johnson highly values “traditional” resource-based industries of logging and fishing and he sees a balance between these industries and tourism as the future of our economy.

Having a bone to pick with Oregon’s land use planning laws, Johnson says “Oregon’s centralized land use planning ties the hands of local governments and it’s time to reform Oregon’s State-wide planning system to allow for more community control. Our current system places too much control over community planning in the hands of the State and I believe that planning works best when community planning decisions are made at a local level. I will work together with all elected officials here in Clatsop County and in Salem for local control of community planning.”

What does local control mean in Johnson’s vision? In 10 or even 50 years, “Clatsop County will be a place where families can live and prosper. Our business community will be growing and our commercial fishermen, loggers, and working families will have improved opportunities for well paying jobs and housing that is affordable. This will be a place where we want to live because it’s safe, family friendly and there are well paying jobs. Visitors will continue to come visit for the history, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and friendly people.”

Johnson thinks that more cooperation between county and city governments would help bridge the gap, “I believe that County government should hold joint meetings with elected officials, citizens in the different communities and with the Port of Astoria to discuss ideas and projects that are mutually beneficial. We need to bring communities together by common goals and take action.”

The issues Johnson would focus on if elected are: jobs (more), taxes (less), housing (more for less), drugs (less), and bypass (yes). He would like people to get involved in community projects, including fundraising, that would support common goals. He gives the example of Tapiola Playground in Astoria, a project which has been widely lauded. More playgrounds! Yeah!

Report Card People Power: Johnson envisions people getting of their kiesters and working together to make things happen......A+ Courage: Running for county commissioner and getting married in the same year? What a way to start a marriage!.C

Johnson's Vision
It is my hope that Clatsop County in ten years and in fifty years will be a place where families can live and prosper. Our business community will be growing and our commercial fishermen, loggers, and working families will be have improved opportunities for well paying jobs and housing that is affordable. This will be a place where we want to live because it is a safe, family friendly and there are well paying jobs to be had. Visitors will continue to come visit for the history, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and friendly people. Working together we can make Clatsop County an even better place to live for our families, neighbors and future generations.

Dirk Rohne (votefordirk.com)
A dairy farmer from Brownsmead, Rohne, 32, is married without children. Unless you count the cows he and his wife tend. Rohne is currently on the Clatsop County Planning Commission (like his opponent, Cary Johnson), as well as the Clatsop Community College Board, and the local water board. He's a native, but he's also seen the world. He went to Penn State and OSU, then took off to explore the world of dairy farming. He backpacked across Australia, lived on an organic dairy farm in Germany, and saw the sun rise on the new millenium in New Zealand. Then came back to take over the family farm.

With regard to LNG, Rohne says, "It's not a bridge to clean energy, it's a joke." He voted against changing zoning to accommodate the Bradwood Landing LNG terminal, he says, "based on the information and reseach that was provided by outside legal land planning experts and the work of staff."

But he's not against industry in general. "We should support businesses that have a proven track record and welcome new businesses that do not negatively affect business that is already here," Rohne says. And, he says, "I like the idea of supporting many smaller businesses. This is like a mutual fund, spreading risk out, instead of putting all your eggs in one basket."

Rohne's vision for the county acknowledges the challenges and opportunities that come with our "discovery". He says, "During my lifetime Clatsop County has dramitically improved. People now want to live here. I believe it is important to protect what we have; I do not believe Clatsop County should look like Longview. No disrespect to Longview. I hope Clatsop County can maintain a mix that combines preservation and a welcomeness to business that can have a net positive effect so as to maintain our tax base. I like it here the way it is today. I would like to see improvement in terms of being less reliant on the outside world (power) and more community dependent (power, food). The more we stick together the better our future can be."

It's unlikely that Rohne would intervene in the decisions of city governments. "I believe communities should have some degree of self-determination. We see this in more rigorous planning codes in Cannon Beach and Arch Cape. This helps protect people's investments and hopefully the well being of the community at large," he says. However, "we do need to work together for the greater good in terms of things like education and public safety (law enforcement)."

The issues we need to address, according to Rohne, are: land planning and staff continuity, public safety, affordable housing, improving infrastructure (with rail), and the balance between economic development and quality of life. Public trust of local government is the big issue, Rohne says. "Creating stability and restoring trust are the prerequisites to getting things done for the greater good of everyone. That's the greatest issue today." And Rohne believes that if our commissioners are reasonable and approachable, people will not only start trusting government again, but actually get excited.

Report Card Campaign slogan: How can you beat “got Dirk?”....................................................................................................A+ What he’s not: “I’m not an activist candidate.” Shouldn’t we all be?........................................................................C

Rohne's Vision
During my lifetime Clatsop County has dramitically improved. People now want to live here. This creates new opportunities and challenges. I believe it is important to protect what we have, I do not believe Clatsop County should look like Longview. No disrespect to Longview. I hope Clatsop County can maintain a mix that combines preservation and welcomes business that can have a net positive affect so to maintain our tax base. I am concerned about funding for education and other services through our tax base. Also I am concerned about affordable housing. The goal is that with the right planning solutions we can meet our everyday needs and maintain the quality of life we enjoy here. I like it here the way it is today. I would like to see improvement in terms of being less reliant on the outside world (power) and more community dependent (power, food). The more we stick together the better our future can be.

CANDIDATES FOR CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSION – DISTRICT #3
(by appointment of the county commission following the recall election of Richard Lee in March)

John Raichl
Born in Germany, John Raichl moved to the U.S. when he was small boy, and went through Seaside schools. He eventually became Clatsop County sheriff. As sheriff, Raichl says he studied the LNG issue, and concluded that is was safe. He supports LNG in Clatsop County “provided that safety, environmental and aesthetic issues are addressed.”But he’s cautious on other development: “I do not want to see large scale development, proliferation of more large box stores and I don’t want to see continued encroachment into to our scenic and forest areas. As development continues along the beach front, I want to assure that the spirit of Oregon’s public beaches remain as it was intended and that the beaches truly remain accessible to the public.”

Dave Ambrose
A mechanical engineer, Dave Ambrose has been around. He spent time in California, the Philippines, and grew up near Philadelphia. He was news director at KMUN in Astoria, and still volunteers for the station. Although he sees the need for natural gas, Ambrose says, “I don’t think the Columbia is the right place for a (LNG) terminal.” He likes Oregon’s land use system. “Land use makes thoughtful developers of us all and makes us think a little more of our neighbors,” he says. Ambrose’s vision is the result of the forces of climate change, higher energy prices and the weakening dollar. He sees: “an improved public transportation system; compact commercial centers within walking distance providing everyday needs; revival of our train line; better use of our water transport; and more locally produced food and more outlets to buy it – relieving the pressure to expand outward into the remaining open lands of our county.” Ambrose hopes connecting county government to more people will help solve our looming problems.

Tod Lundy
A designer, a teacher of design, a city planner, and a design/construction project manager, Tod Lundy has been around. But he’s only been here for 22 months. He sees that as an advantage: “ I have no local ties or encumbrances which must be considered in making the best judgments for the entire county.” He’s non-committal on LNG: “In general I would encourage any business or industry which will create jobs for our citizens and pay taxes, so long as the costs are not too great.” While believing that each issue should get its airing at the time, Lundy is optimistic about the county’s future: “We can find ways to capitalize on our assets to bring more and better jobs, education, healthcare, and business opportunities to the county.”

Due to time constraints, we were not able to contact all candidates. Our apologies.

Goldberg Nutshell:
On LNG - Raichl: yes; Ambrose: not here; Lundy: definite maybe.
On Land Use - Raichl: nothing big except LNG; Ambrose: regs good; Lundy, regs good.
On Vision - Raichl: similar to today, except LNG; Ambrose: we’re up the creek, so become sustainable; Lundy: leverage our assets.

CANDIDATES FOR TILLAMOOK COUNTY COMMISSION – POSITION #1

Lisa Phipps (contact her at her campaign e-mail address)

The mayor of Rockaway Beach since 2003 (appointed in 2003 after a recall; elected in 2004 and 2006), and already part of the county staff, Lisa Phipps has a degree in fisheries from Michigan State, and a environmental law degree from the Vermont Law School. A Tillamook County resident for 8 years, Phipps has been very involved in the community – everything from a hospice volunteer ("We spend a lot of time trying to make a big impact on the world, when maybe the biggest impact we can have is person by person.") to vice-president of Open Oregon, a non-profit dedicated to educating the public on public meeting and public record laws, to president of the Tillamook Bay Watershed Council. Where does she get the energy?

Phipps sees challenges ahead for Tillamook County, as federal assistance wanes. Diversity and balance seem to be her keywords. "We need to diversify so that we can sustain ourselves during difficult financial times. I think that Tillamook County has the potential to be the example of a community for the future while holding on to many of the values that make this a special place," says Phipps. She has some ideas on funding sources: "There are a number of ways to bring in revenues that do not impact local taxpayers – transient room taxes, systems development charges for transportation and impact fees associated with development."

Value-added products are another solution. Phipps says, "I have spoken with many who feel very strongly, and I agree, that we should be processing more in our county and not shipping out raw product." Good idea.

Phipps believes in community voice in government: "I can't emphasize enough the term balance - which can only be achieved by engaging the public, by weighing all of the options, by working within the rules and regulations (or working to change them when necessary), and engaging the public (yes, I said it twice)." She explained that "balance" in this context means balancing the wishes of all segments of the population in making decisions as a commissioner.

Other issues Phipps mentions are poverty (poverty task force will help), roads (taxes, impact fees will help), and growth and development (strategic plan needed).

On marine reserves, Phipps favors giving the people of Tillamook County their say in the process: "One of the most striking features of Tillamook County, after its citizens, is the natural beauty that exists here. I don't want to lose that. And with fisheries, we need to take a long term approach or we will lose them. Marine reserves have the potential to be a good tool in setting that approach. But we need to be thoughtful in the process, in identifying possible areas, and taking all factors into consideration," she says.

Same for Cougar Valley State Park: "There are many issues that need to be considered as the state begins the Master Planning process for Cougar Valley State Park. The state needs to work with the community and address the concerns that have been raised. Transportation impacts must be addressed as Foss Road is already in poor condition. I think that OPRD should consider all options for this park including a more primitive park much like Whalen Island Island State Park in Sand Lake."

Affordable housing, of course, is an important issue, says Phipps. "There are a number of ways local government can attack this problem: working with local land trusts, modifying the land use ordinance to encourage affordable housing development, working with our state legislator to develop incentives for developers to create affordable housing, addressing poverty issues in the County - these are not cures, but they can start to impact the problem in a positive way."

Report Card Free time: With all she does in the community, there simply can't be any.....................................................F Energy source: We will be hooking Phipps up to the grid to supply energy when there's a blackout...........A+

Phipps' Vision
I think Tillamook County is a wonderful place. It is full of natural beauty and fantastic people who care about the county. We have an amazing volunteerism rate and a can-do spirit in times of crisis. We have committed local government officials and our state senator and representative who listen to the voice of Tillamook County. I think we will continue to see Tillamook County grow. We need to diversify so that we can sustain ourselves during difficult financial times. I think that Tillamook County has the potential to be the example of a community for the future while holding on to many of the values that make this a special place. We have so many resources here - we need to utilize them to their full potential. I see us diversifying our economy and the County budget, attracting industries, likely technology oriented, developing a strong workforce, working with and encouraging the schools and community college as they develop programs to re-invigorate our trade industries, supporting our non-profits who meet the needs of many in our community that would otherwise not be met, enhancing the natural resources in our community, creating an environment where our citizens are empowered to let their voices be heard and to participate in the government process - that is my vision for Tillamook County 1, 10, and 50 years from now. It is about balance. It is about the community's voice being heard.