Meet the Candidates: Wasco County Elections 2024 May Primary
What’s on the Wasco County Ballot this May:
Wasco County District Attorney
Wasco County Offices
County Assessor - Jill Filla Amery
County Commissioner, Position #2 - Dan Richardson, Jeffrey L Justesen, Brian Lauterbach, Darcy Long, John E McElheran
White River Health District 5-Year Health Clinic General Operations Tax Levy
Shall the District impose $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value for general operations for 5 years beginning 2024-2025? (Scroll to bottom of he page for more info on the levy.)
Election Deadlines
April 5, 2024 - Military and overseas voter ballots are mailed
April 22, 2024 - Out-of-state ballots are mailed
April 30, 2024 - Last day to register to vote
May 1, 2024 - Main ballot mailing
May 21, 2024 - Election Day. County Clerk's Office is open 7 am - 8 pm. Last day for voters to return their ballot. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8 pm on Election Day. Unofficial election results will be released at 8 pm and at final count for the evening (typically around midnight).
May 24, 2024 - Updated results including postmarked ballots will be posted
May 28, 2024 - Last day to receive valid postmarked ballots by mail
Meet the Candidates
Editor’s note - CCCNews gave candidates a deadline of April 4 to submit their profiles. We will update this story with additional profiles as they are received in the coming days.
Wasco County District Attorney
Kara Davis, Wasco County District Attorney
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from?)
I am from The Dalles! I grew up in The Dalles in my family’s cherry orchard, graduating from The Dalles High School. I own the house I grew up in and currently split my time between The Dalles and Condon. After graduation, I went away to college. I studied in England and Bulgaria before earning my degree from the University of Massachusetts. I attended the University of Miami School of Law on an academic scholarship. I worked as a legislative attorney in Washington, DC before returning home to Oregon.
What experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you bring to the position? How many hours of trial experience do you have? How would you describe your management style?
I have taken over 100 cases to trial in my career. I could not even begin to estimate how many hours I have spent in trial or arguing motions in court. I have over 20 years experience in the courtroom - all in the State of Oregon. I have a deep knowledge of the law. Some of the detectives I work with have joked that I am a walking law library. I am told that I am thoughtful and insightful and able to respond quickly to multiple challenges as they arise.
In the past, I managed an office of 11 attorneys with a budget of just under $3 million per biennium. I was also the president of the Umatilla County Library Board, which had a similar budget. I have the management and budget experience necessary to run a district attorney’s office.
I know Oregon law inside and out. I have well-established relationships with law enforcement, community partners, and the people working in the Wasco County courthouse. We are facing funding challenges in our District Attorney’s office from a couple of different sources. I have the experience working with our grants and our budget in order to meet those challenges.
Why are you running for District Attorney? What are your goals for the office?
This is my hometown. These are my people. My friends and family are here. I care about my community. I want what’s best for my town. I think that’s me.
My goals for the office are:
to ensure that we have a well-running and responsive victims advocate office.
That we utilize evidence-based practices to reduce crime.
That we act with integrity in our prosecutions because procedural justice is real.
We need accountability in our system and that accountability needs to start with the District Attorney.
Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?
Where ethics are involved, I err on the side of caution and strive to avoid even the appearance of a conflict. The way I deal with ethical dilemmas is to have standards and protocols in place before there is an issue and then to follow those parameters. There is a strict ethical code I must follow as a member of the bar and I always follow it.
What are the three most pressing issues facing the criminal justice system in the County right now and how do you plan to address them within your role?
Mental health, mental health, mental health! Oregon is one of the worst in the nation in terms of access to mental health. Much of the low-level crime we are seeing is coming from people who are profoundly mentally ill. We have a Mental Health Court in Wasco County now. Continuing that court is imperative. It reduces interactions the people struggling with their mental health have with law enforcement. Sheriff Magill is working hard (with community partners like the district attorney’s office) to create a resolution center that would stabilize people in crisis as well as link those people up with the necessary resources to stay stable. For more information about an amazing crisis center already up and running, look here: https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2022.1.7
Supporting victims of violent crimes, especially domestic violence. We know that children exposed to domestic violence are much more likely to end up in relationships with domestic violence as an adult. Children exposed to violence are also more likely to commit violent crimes as adults. We must end this cycle. These prosecutions must be victim driven to empower the people that have had their power taken from them by the person that was supposed to love them. That said, these are complex cases with vulnerable victims that require a nuanced approach. A cookie cutter approach toward all the victims will result in unsuccessful prosecutions.
Drugs. People with substance use disorders make up a large majority of our property offenders in the County. We won’t be able to address property crimes in the county without addressing addiction. We have increased access to treatment in the county, but it is not enough. We need to have a coordinated response that is consistent across the judicial district.
What is your take on your predecessor’s performance as DA? Will you continue going in the same direction as the previous DA or do you plan to change course? If elected as Wasco County DA will you continue previous efforts such as the Treatment, Mental Health, and Family Dependency Courts courts?
I will absolutely continue the work being done in the specialty courts. Those programs are working and are supported by our judges and should continue.
I have a firm belief in the supremacy of our constitution as the foundation of our criminal legal system. My philosophy of prosecution is based on the constitution. We have the tools in our toolbox to prosecute in a manner that comports with our constitution and keeps us safe. I am good at coming up with creative solutions that do not impact our rights to keep us safe while minimizing the governmental intrusions into our lives.
I appreciate the support and belief that District Attorney Matt Ellis has shown me over the last few years, yet I will approach issues as they arise based on my experience and judgment.
Do you think incarceration rates are too high or too low in our area?
Incarceration rates are not a good indicator of the measures that matter: whether people feel safe and secure in their community. I would like to target who we are incarcerating more effectively with the goal of decreasing crime and increasing community safety. We have a lot of people taking up valuable jail space as they are being stabilized for their mental health issues. Diverting people in crisis to the resolution center when it is built or other community based solutions will free up jail beds for the people who are committing violent or property crimes rather than nuisance crimes.
Ideally, our work within the office will help lower crime rates and therefore lower incarceration rates. That’s the goal. The reality is as a purely fiscal matter, we can’t increase the jail population much over where it already is. If anyone is interested in the functioning of the jail, the board posts all their minutes and the budget documents here: https://www.norcor.co/board/documents/
How can the DA have an impact on the fentanyl, meth, and other illicit drug problems in our region?
Fentanyl is a drug unlike any we have seen in the area previously. The DA can have a tremendous impact on drug usage as it relates to individuals in a one on one capacity as they enter the system. Addressing drug addiction needs to be a community-wide effort creating a systematic and allied response to be effective. Education, support services, and prosecution must be combined to have any impact.
But there is much that a DA can do to impact these challenges. For example:
I have meetings this week to work on creating and implementing new programs under HB 4002.
I teamed with my sheriff in Gilliam County to have a law enforcement led deflection program as a response to drug issues. We are working on our unified response to the changes in the law as we speak.
I have secured funding in Gilliam County to help implement these new programs and am working collaboratively with law enforcement in Gilliam County and across the judicial district.
Where does addressing property crime in the County rank in your priorities?
While all crime must be a priority, when people are victims of a property crime, there is a very real sense of violation. When people are violated, in any way, they can become angry and untrusting of the system. The system only works when the majority of the people within the system comply with it. So clearly, ensuring that people see and feel that the system is working by actively addressing issues is important.
I have been particularly concerned with people stealing from our elderly. I would like to work with different community organizations to provide educational material to people regarding financial literacy in order to help prevent our elders from becoming victims in the first place. I’d like to work on increasing awareness of people utilizing their positions or relationships with elderly citizens to take advantage of those people financially and what we can do to avoid it.
Are you an active member of the Oregon State Bar? If not, are you authorized to do so by federal law or are you only practicing in Oregon on a Temporary basis without an established office in Oregon? Have you ever had a bar violation or held in contempt of court? Is there anything that currently prevents you from practicing law in Oregon?
I have been an active member of the Oregon State Bar for 20 years. In addition, I am licensed to practice in the tribal court on the Umatilla Indian Reservation and I have an inactive license to practice law in Maryland.
I have never been suspended or otherwise sanctioned by any bar. I currently practice law in Oregon.
Travis Marston, Wasco County District Attorney
His information will be added to this story when it becomes available to CCCNews.
Wasco County Commissioner, Position #2
Dan Richardson, Wasco County Commissioner Position #2
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from?)
My wife and I are from The Dalles, and having seen some of the rest of the U.S., we returned 20 years to raise our family and try to do a little good where we could. We believe strongly in trying to leave a place a little better if we can. I’m running for Wasco County Commissioner to bring communiy-minded leadership that balances a focus on fundamentals – fiscal prudence, responsiveness to residents – and a willingness to navigate big challenging issues before us, like prudently allocating the new Google funds. I will bring a heart for our community to this job, along with a professional background in wildfire, water resources, and helping small landowners. As a city councilor in The Dalles, I have local government experience, too, and have shown my willingness to dig in and do the work. That’s critical to being effective at this job representing communities across a large county.
Being a County Commissioner requires a civic mindset. Commissioners have to work with a variety of stakeholders fairly and democratically to achieve the greatest public good possible. What kind of civic experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you have and how will you use them to benefit our communities?
I bring a diverse mix of personal strengths, life history, and experience that will make me an effective commissioner for all of Wasco County. Among these qualities are:
(1) Family and personal history in the county (graduate TDHS 1991; parent of ’02 graduate);
(2) Strong work ethic;
(3) Willingness to listen to people, learn complex topics, and make tough decisions;
(4) A heart for the whole county, both my hometown in the north end of the county (The Dalles) and rural South County;
(5) Understanding water resources and wildfire – two big issues for Wasco County;
(6) Ability to forge collaborative partnerships and navigate challenging issues; and,
(7) Experience in local government on several boards, and The Dalles City Council. I make two campaign promises: If elected, I will work hard for you, and make decisions in the whole county’s best interests.
What are the three main issues/challenges/concerns facing the County right now and how should they be addressed?
While talking with people around the county, I’ve heard some common concerns, like lack of housing, how we’re going to use our Google money, and economic development or jobs. Let me talk about housing. Lack of affordable or attainable homes a challenge for just about every community in Wasco County; it was the second-highest need identified in South Wasco Alliance’s livability study released this week. With the state prioritizing housing, and the City of The Dalles studying a housing production strategy this year, it’s the right time to for Wasco County to get engaged with this matter.
It is my hope that our young people will both desire to raise their families here and can afford to do so. The county has tools at hand to help tackle this issue. To increase the availability of housing options, the county could collaborate with cities to provide incentives for affordable housing development; donate some of its land to a nonprofit housing agency; or, help renew or initiate a new urban renewal district focused on housing. Partners at local cities as well as nonprofit organizations like the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority and the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council are interested in seeing local leadership on housing scarcity. Let’s say yes to a conversation and convene the folks who are working on it.
We can’t afford to say, “we don’t do that” in Wasco County. Other counties incentivize housing, or even help build some. We can, too. As county commissioner, I would advocate to get local government, including the county, to the table on this critical conversation.
What issue(s) are you most interested in advocating for at the state level?
We must partner with other local authorities and our elected state representatives to amplify the voice of Wasco County. As a small county (population-wise) with large-scale issues like a housing shortage, need for living-wage jobs, and all sorts of big-ticket needs, partnerships are vital.
As County Commissioner, I would advocate for education funding (k-12 and community college/ vocational training); strengthening the workforce pipeline for behavioral health, law enforcement, and skilled housing-related contractors; incentives and policies to support small counties to add appropriately-scaled housing; and for the state to aggressively streamline its process for assisting small communities with water system upgrades.
The county and other local governments do actively meet and support each other’s projects – but often through annual trips to Washington, DC. I believe our local governements need to be on the ground in Salem, too, and not just through their respective lobbying groups (e.g., Association of Oregon Counties), but together, and in person. Since we are a small team, finding points of alignment with city councilors, schoolboard members, and other elected officials can amplify our voice and efforts.
What is the most equitable way to distribute Google tax money to benefit the entire County - ensuring rural and urban areas get their fair share?
Creating a process for using our new Google funds with clarity and purpose has been a goal for me to move through The Dalles city council (and I think we will this year), and it’s a top goal I’ll bring to Wasco County, if elected. For both the city and the county, I’ll advocate for a process that combines some infrastructure master-planning with a needs assessment that brings in public feedback. Given that Google money will be about evenly split between the City of The Dalles and Wasco County, I’m confident that we can help bring some prosperity to both town and country.
We’re talking about maybe, conservatively, a couple million dollars per year, for both The Dalles and Wasco County, over roughly 20 years. It’s a stream of money we must direct, so it does us some measurable good.
What’s the biggest bang for our bucks? I wonder if it’s an endowment fund for upgrading local schools at lower cost to the taxpayer. That would be good for kids, for teachers, for tax-payers, and for recruiting professionals to our community. Or, what about a revolving grant-matching fund to help pay for rural water systems? Every county community is in need of upgrading expensive water systems. Or: Support for housing through a nonprofit housing corporation? Some of these things the county doesn’t do now, but they are vital for our people.
Bottom line: Using our Google money wisely and transparently is important, and doable. To get there, we need to elect leaders who have the capacity and work ethic to untangle the details and make long-term decisions while listening to their communities.
What will you do to improve the economy in Wasco County creating more jobs and higher wages? .. .What industry - tourism, tech, manufacturing, ag, trade, etc. will lead the Wasco County economy for the next decade and how would you support it - or not?
As a resident with a longterm interest in this community and as a prospective county commissioner, I want the same thing: A diversified local economy with several pillars of economic activity that bring family-wage jobs to both the big town and the smaller ones. We don’t want to return to the days of a single dominant industry, and the boom-bust cycle that creates. We’re probably lucky that our single largest private employer is the Adventist hospital in The Dalles. A strong health care sector means access for more of our neighors to get care, and also good-paying jobs. Obviously there are also growing areas of our economy in recreation and tourism, technology infrastructure (data centers, solar farms), and aviation; and a longterm local ag sector.
The county shouldn’t try to pick a single industry to bet on. Instead, local government can support the economy through investment and maintenance of critical infrastructure – water systems, roads, high-speed fiber. Given its local partnerships and increasing Google funds, Wasco County is also poised to strengthen rural communities, address limiting factors such as housing suppy, and invest in some quality of life improvements. These things will make the county a more desirable place to live and invest.
One modest but potentially helpful action the county should consider is to increase its economic development staff. The county funds approximately one half-time position at the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD), which essentially is the county’s economic development department. I would like to explore adding some capacity there, maybe with a specific focus on leveraging and administering grants for small communities’ infrastructure.
I believe the best civic leaders see what is possible and begin shaping the future through planning and prioritizing, rather than waiting until the future happens to us.
What’s your position on allowing renewable energy (solar and wind) developments in South Wasco County?
The short answer to that question is: County commissioners have a lot of say over small-scale operations through our planning and zoning rules; but much less say over large operations like the solar projects in the Bakeoven area and the proposed Summit Ridge energy project east of Dufur. The state has given large projects an alternative permitting pathway. They can go through the state Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC), making an end-run around local control.
The longer answer is that county commissioners can still advocate for their constituents through the EFSC process while the state reviews proposed energy projects. The Summit Ridge project (32 wind turbines and 474 acres of solar panels) application process is just starting this past week, so there is plenty of opportunity for the public and the commissioners to review it, ask questions, and weigh in. Some useful information might be had from Sherman County and its experience with wind turbines, positive and negative. Also, if a project’s applicants seek one of the tax-abatement programs, that generally involves negotiations with our county commissioners.
As to the question, are utility-scale energy projects desirable for Wasco County?, I’m still learning and thinking about that. The scale of the projects gives me pause: The total area of all currently built and proposed large-scale projects (including the three phases at Bakeoven, Yellow Rosebush, and the proposed Summit Ridge) total about 17,300 acres of land. That’s a lot of space. About 28 square miles of solar and wind projects. On the other hand, Wasco County is about 2,400 square miles. So the projects involve about 1.2 percent of the county: is that too much for power generation? Is it too much, considering some of the land (with wind turbines) is still farmable?
These projects are not the first time we have reworked the landscape for energy: We dammed the Columbia River, after all. And other landscape-scale efforts are visible all around us, including commercial logging, the wide wheat fields of east county, and the 5,000 acres of orchards around The Dalles made possible by a federal irrigation project.
County commissioners should do what they can to ask insightful questions and minimize the aesthetic, wildlife, and other impacts of energy projects. Most everything is a cost vs benefits question. No energy source is perfect; renewable energy sources have costs, just like burning fossil fuels (but we do get cleaner air). We might lose a modest few hundred acres of dryland ag.
But there are benefits, including rents for landowners. Ultimately, electrical power is the lifeblood of our civilization. None of us is likely to be using less power in years to come, and we need to be dialing down our use of fossil fuels. Climate change is real, and we need to face that like serious people with a heart for our kids’ and grandkids’ wellbeing. So the benefits seem to outweigh the costs.
What is something you think the County is currently working on/doing well that you want to continue to build on?
Wasco County has several special projects in the works that I want to advocate for.
The top three I’m aware of are:
(1) The Crisis Resolution Center, to provide substance and behavioral health services;
(2) the rehab of and planning for the 159 acres the county purchased at the west end of town: this requires some thoughtful questions and planning to realize its full opportunities; and,
(3) high-speed fiber for our county’s communities.
There are other efforts, too, like the rehabilitation of the fairgrounds, and potential wildfire mitigation work.
Besides special projects, the county has made a strong social media presence recently to reach out to community members about various initiatives and projects. (See the recent Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan survey, for example). But Wasco County’s a big place, and people get their information from so many different sources that it’s tough to reach people – something I struggle with as a candidate for public office. The result is that folks can often feel unheard. If elected, I will to be on the ground for residents around Wasco County and continually ask, “what are we not seeing or considering?” It’s a challenge to be available to people around the county, but that’s the job. That’s why, as a candidate, I’ve been listening to people as far afield as Maupin, Dufur, Mosier, Wamic, and The Dalles, to name five places I’ve been this past week.
Jeff Justesen, Wasco County Commissioner Position #2
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from? Why are you running for Wasco County Commissioner?/What calls you to become a public servant?)
I grew up in Sherman County and have lived in The Dalles for over 34 years. Two years ago, I retired from a career working for Wasco County and for NORCOR. In retirement, I have found that I still have a desire to be involved and to make a difference. I see myself not as someone with an agenda or pre-planned ideas, but rather as a person who will use reason and common sense to make decisions.
Being a County Commissioner requires a civic mindset. Commissioners have to work with a variety of stakeholders fairly and democratically to achieve the greatest public good possible. What kind of civic experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you have and how will you use them to benefit our communities?
I believe my upbringing, career, hobbies, and personality put me in a unique position to serve a wide range of people. I was raised in a very small farming community. I spent time working on farms and for businesses supporting farming. During my career as a Juvenile Court Counselor and Juvenile Detention Manager, I worked with youth and parents, as well as professionals on a local, state, and national level. I also managed a public budget for 19 years in the detention facility. My work with youth sports in the area includes over 30 years of experience as an OSAA basketball and volleyball official. I have also been involved in coaching youth softball and baseball for more than 20 seasons, which included serving on The Dalles Little League Board. The totality of this experience has brought me in contact with a large variety of people and issues. I believe in treating people with respect and listening to their needs and giving people a voice in finding solutions to issues facing them and their families.
What are the three main issues/challenges/concerns facing the County right now and how should they be addressed?
One challenge that stands out is the necessity for affordable housing and resources. This issue extends beyond The Dalles and affects the smaller communities within our county. Many individuals find themselves sharing housing with family and friends due to the inability to afford to live independently. Collaborating with our partner agencies and rural community leaders, we can work towards finding solutions to enhance the availability of suitable, affordable housing. One potential avenue is to explore expanding the urban growth boundary to incorporate more buildable land, thus creating additional space for single-family homes.
Mental health and addiction remain urgent concerns within our communities. While commendable efforts, like those of the Resolution Center, are underway locally, there remains an evident need for further support. By strategically tapping into state and federal funding opportunities, we can broaden the scope of available services within our community. Given my engagement with youth, I am particularly aware of the impact of these issues within that population, making it a top priority for exploration and action.
Expanding the accessibility of emergency services in rural areas is another concern. Collaborating with neighboring counties in the state, which might have encountered comparable challenges, offers valuable insights and practical solutions that can be tailored to meet the needs of our communities.
What issue(s) are you most interested in advocating for at the state level?
I would prioritize advocating against unfunded mandates. These mandates can impose significant financial burdens on the county budget, limiting flexibility in resource allocation. They often necessitate extensive documentation and tracking, consuming valuable staff time and diverting attention from direct services. By delivering services locally, the county can customize them to meet the specific needs of our community. Collaborating with legislators to oppose unfunded mandates is essential to preserving county resources.
What is the most equitable way to distribute Google tax money to benefit the entire County - ensuring rural and urban areas get their fair share?
I believe convening stakeholders to discuss the allocation of the tax revenue can ensure its effective utilization. Striking a balance between addressing immediate needs and investing in initiatives that create long-term financial stability is crucial.
What will you do to improve the economy in Wasco County creating more jobs and higher wages? What industry - tourism, tech, manufacturing, ag, trade, etc. will lead the Wasco County economy for the next decade and how would you support it - or not?
While every sector contributes to a strong economy, agriculture and small businesses have historically served as the cornerstone of our local economic landscape. Nurturing agriculture through infrastructure enhancements, educational initiatives, market expansion, and other avenues is important to the prosperity of the communities within Wasco County. Simultaneously, fostering an environment conducive to small business growth and the emergence of new enterprises is pivotal in generating employment opportunities and fostering economic vitality.
What’s your position on allowing renewable energy (solar and wind) developments in South Wasco County?
I support the exploration of renewable energy projects as they present promising opportunities for our region. These initiatives have the potential to generate employment opportunities and contribute to local tax revenue, bolstering economic growth. While it's crucial to address environmental considerations associated with these projects, it's equally important to acknowledge the substantial benefits they offer as alternative energy sources, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
What is something you think the County is currently working on/doing well that you want to continue to build on?
I am confident that the county currently stands in a favorable financial position. Drawing from my experience at NORCOR, I've observed fluctuations in budgetary dynamics over time. As a County Commissioner, it's imperative to prioritize the delivery of cost-effective services to our citizens while maintaining a stable long-term budget.
Also, initiatives like enhancing the fairgrounds and establishing an RV park on the West side of The Dalles present promising avenues for boosting tourism revenue within the county. I am interested in further exploring and expanding these endeavors. Improving local recreational offerings not only benefits the economy by attracting visitors but also enriches the social aspect of the county, increasing community engagement and creating a sense of pride among our residents.
Brian Lauterbach, Wasco County Commissioner Position #2
Tell us about yourself. (Who are you? Where are you from? Why are you running for Wasco County Commissioner? What calls you to become a public servant?
My Wife Michelle and I, are a blended family of 15 years. We are a family of 5 adult children, with 2 sons in law and 2 grandchildren. I'm a residential and commercial real estate broker, serving the Columbia river gorge. I also Own and farm a 6 acre lavender farm and small vineyard. I was born and raised here in The Dalles, working in the orchards growing up. After graduation I joined the Army National Guard and proudly served for 3 1/2 years. My professional career has been in the tire business. Successfully managing corporate tire stores for the Les Schwab company. After 16 years, I eventually started my own tire business in Whitefish Montana. After 10 years of success, I retired my store, and came back full circle, home to The Dalles.
I'm running for Wasco County commissioner confidently knowing that my background in business, the knowledge I have of Wasco county and its communities, plus my willingness to listen and serve others, will enhance, lead, and direct our County into great years ahead.
Being a County Commissioner requires a civic mindset. Commissioners have to work with a variety of stakeholders fairly and democratically to achieve the greatest public good possible. What kind of civic experience, knowledge, skills, disposition and unique strengths do you have and how will you use them to benefit our communities?
I have been on many civic minded boards over the span of my career. Whitefish school board and chairperson.
Whitefish Hospital board/chair and MCMC hospital foundation board/chair, The Dalles Chamber of Commerce, Whitefish Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Club.
Serving in these areas has taught me the greatest skill, is listening to an individual. In listening to many individuals, I have learned how to facilitate resolution in conflict, as well as constructive and peace keeping communication between differing opinions. Every community in Wasco county has its own needs and identity. Listening and communicating would be the skills I would bring to this position for the people to have a voice.
What are the three main issues/challenges/concerns facing the County right now and how should they be addressed?
Land use/growth: Addressing the lack of industrial land available in The Dalles. I will be bringing my experience as a commercial and residential real estate broker in an effort to help work through discussions of expanding the urban growth boundaries.
Google Community Service Fee: Continuing to discuss the best way to use and distribute this money, that will best serve Wasco County and its citizens.
Small, medium and industrial business recruitment and retainment: I see an encouragement program (perhaps a partnership with CGCC) that would help sell small and medium sized businesses to get a start in Wasco County.
What issue(s) are you most interested in advocating for at the state level?
I am interested in Community Development, Public Safety, Mental and Behavioral Health support, and reformation of measure 110.
What is the most equitable way to distribute Google tax money to benefit the entire County - ensuring rural and urban areas get their fair share?
As the city and county are in discussion right now on what to do with this money, my hope is transparency and communication will be used in the distribution of the funds to both city and rural, to best serve its citizens.
What will you do to improve the economy in Wasco County creating more jobs and higher wages? What industry - tourism, tech, manufacturing, ag, trade, etc. will lead the Wasco County economy for the next decade and how would you support it - or not?
I will work tirelessly alongside any business, whether small, medium or industrial, that promotes bringing livable wage jobs to our county. I lived out my career in a trade, so I am a big proponent for encouraging them. I could see encouraging companies to connect with what is happening at CGCC with their Skill Center programs and perhaps job placements. We also need jobs that will allow the worker to afford buying homes in our communities.
What’s your position on allowing renewable energy (solar and wind) developments in South Wasco County?
I am cautious with renewable energy farms. I believe in its use, as I have been shopping to put solar panels on the roof of my own home. But, at the same time, I am not convinced on how it will affect the landscape of our county, its resources, and its wildlife.
What is something you think the County is currently working on/doing well that you want to continue to build on?
From a business perspective, they are working with a healthy budget, which I would continue to build on. They are working to expand the urban growth boundary, which I am excited to come alongside.
For more on Brian you can visit his website at: brianforcountycommissioner.com
Darcy Long, Wasco County Commissioner Position #2
Her information will be added to this story when it becomes available to CCCNews.
John McElheran, Wasco County Commissioner Position #2
His information will be added to this story when it becomes available to CCCNews. No photo of Mr. McElheran was available.
White River Health District 5-Year Health Clinic General Operations Tax Levy
Shall the District impose $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value for general operations for 5 years beginning 2024-2025?
White River Health District's operating funds for Deschutes Rim Health Clinic partly come from taxes assessed on South Wasco County property owners. The District's permanent tax rate of $0.25 per $1,000 of assessed property value is low for a special district in the State of Oregon and is not sufficient to support clinic operations. A 5-year local option tax levy of $0.50 per $1,000 assessed value supplemented the permanent tax rate for a number of years; this option tax levy expires in 2024.
Renewing this tax levy is critical to supplement the permanent tax rate to adequately cover costs of clinic operations. Without this option tax for the next 5 years the clinic would suffer financially and be unable to maintain and increase services. Passage of the option tax levy will ensure clinic viability for the next 5 years.
Based on the current Value to Compute Tax Rate, proposed option tax of $0.50/$1,000 of assessed value will raise approximately:
$244,000 in 2024-2025,
$251,320 in 2025-2026,
$258,860 in 2026-2027,
$266,626 in 2027-2028,
and $274,625 in 2028-2029
