Personal Endorsement of Mike Urness for Wasco County Commissioner
The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 21, 2026 — I've known Mike Urness and his family for as long as I can remember. Our families have shared connections through church, business, agriculture, and the community we call home.
Over the years, I've purchased most of my vehicles from Mike. I've always appreciated his honesty, openness, and straightforward approach to doing business. That doesn't mean we've always agreed. I recall a disagreement involving a vehicle, but what impressed me most was how Mike handled the situation. He did everything within his power to make things right.
I've always believed that a person's character isn't measured simply by what they say when things are going well, but by how they respond when something goes wrong. My experiences with Mike have reinforced that belief.
Mike also understands rural Wasco County from firsthand experience. He lives on a wheat ranch in the Columbia District east of The Dalles, where agriculture, land stewardship, and the challenges of rural living are part of everyday life.
During the devastating 2018 Substation Fire, Mike and his family suffered significant losses. That kind of experience brings a personal understanding of the consequences of wildfire and the importance of protecting our rural communities.
County government faces difficult decisions involving public safety, infrastructure, land use, agriculture, and responsible management of taxpayer dollars. Those decisions affect real people, their families, their livelihoods, and their property.
Throughout my years of involvement in agriculture and community service, I've come to appreciate the importance of listening, understanding different perspectives, and recognizing that leadership isn't simply about getting your own way. It's about accepting responsibility and working toward solutions that serve the community.
I've known Mike long enough to form my opinion through personal experience rather than political promises. I've seen how he conducts business, how he treats people, and how he responds when circumstances become difficult.
Those experiences have earned my respect and trust.
I am pleased to offer my personal endorsement of Mike Urness for Wasco County Commissioner.
- Kenneth Polehn ,Wasco County, Oregon
This endorsement reflects my personal views and is not made on behalf of any organization on which I serve.
