Multiple Candidates Running for Wasco County Commissioner; Dufur Rec. to ask voters for $165k

By Tom Peterson

We are off to the races.

Multiple candidates have filed to run for Wasco County Commissioner positions 1 and 3, according to the latest update from the Wasco County Clerk’s office. 

And there are just a few days left to file for candidacy. 

Next Tuesday, March 8, 2022, is the last day to file for office in the May 17 Primary Election.

In addition to the two non-partisan Commissioner positions,  Precinct Committee person positions for the Democrat and Republican parties are also open.

To learn more about it or filing click here.

Commissioner Races

Incumbent Scott Hege and newcomer Cynthia Bearss are set to square off in the race for Wasco County Commissioner, Position 1.

Cynthia Bearss 

Bearss is a former tax preparer for CPA review with Thomas A. Flick CPA in Hood River, according to her filing. Her current occupation is the owner of Simply Solutions, a freelance bookkeeping, payroll, and financial accounting for small businesses in the Columbia River Gorge. She is also a licensed tax preparer through H&R Block.

Her education includes a BA from Portland State University in Accountancy, and she received her associate's in the same subject from Clatsop Community College. She attended high school in Louisiana. 

In her filing, Bearss said she had no prior governmental or elected experience.

“I bring a fresh look at ways to make our local government work for all of us,” she wrote.

Scott Hege

Hege listed his occupations as County Commissioner, Construction Consultant (S3B Group), and Alpine Instructor. 

He has a master’s in Business Administration from Washington State University and a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho, according to his filing. He attended high school in Spokane. 

He listed the following for prior government experience: Wasco County Commissioner, President of Q-Life Network, Chair of Center for Living, Chair of North Central Public Health District, Executive Director of the Port of The Dalles, co-chair of Bi-State Advisory Committee and chair of Oregon Investment Board.

Position 3

Phil Brady, Rod Runyon and Michael Springston are vying for Wasco County Commissioner, position 3. The current Commissioner holding the seat, Kathy Schwartz, is not running.

Phil Brady

Phil Brady

Phil Brady is a biology teacher at The Dalles High School. He has also taught at Jesuit High School in Beaverton and was an Associate Professor at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, according to his filing. 

He also stated his occupational background included Maryknoll Missioner, working for the nonprofit Catholic mission movement in overseas mission work.

Brady has a master’s in Education from Lewis & Clark, a De Universalis in Philosophy from Loyola University, and a bachelor’s of science cum laude in Physics from Gonzaga University, according to his filing. He attended The Dalles High School. 

In his prior government experience, he lists Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Mid Columbia Medical Center.

Rod Runyon 

Rod Runyon

Runyon listed his occupation as retired and said his former work included self-employment in the insurance and financial services. He said he was also an operations manager and broadcaster in radio and television. 

He is a graduate of The Dalles High School, attended Bailie School of Broadcasting, Lynwood Securities School and Portland Insurance School. He reported receiving a certificate in Constitutional History from Hillsdale College and had courses in Criminal Justice Information System Security and awareness, Workplace Security Awareness and Government Ethics. 

In his prior government experience, he lists The Dalles City Council (current), Wasco County Commissioner, Port of The Dalles Commissioner and The Dalles Planning Commission.

Michael Springston

Michael Springston

Springston is currently a real estate agent with Windermere Real Estate Columbia River Gorge, Inc. His previous work history lists Emergency Medical Technician, US Navy, Snohomish County Veterans Services Homelss Veteran Coordinator and Program Director of the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles. 

He reported receiving his bachelor’s in Business from the University of Washington, Bothell and an associate’s in Business from Everett Community College. He graduated from The Dalles High School.

In his prior government experience, he lists his naval and veteran's work listed above. 

Dufur Recreation District asks voters for $165,000

Dufur Pool

The Recreation District is asking for a three-year local option tax for operations. The measure asks shall Dufur Recreation District impose $55,000 each year for three years for operating purposes beginning 2022-2023?
SUMMARY: The Dufur Recreation District will use the tax revenue from this measure to continue to operate the district at its present level of service. The taxes needed for three years total $165,000, which will be imposed in equal amounts of $55,000 each year. The taxes will be used for operating purposes. Passage of the Local Option Tax would permit Dufur Recreation District to continue operating at its current level. Passage of this Local Option Tax would raise your taxes.