The work beyond the Boardroom
A county commissioner’s work extends well beyond regular Board meetings.
Lincoln County is connected to cities, Tribal government, other counties, state agencies, regional organizations and community partners. Part of my job is representing the County in those relationships, staying informed and bringing useful information, resources and opportunities back home.
These are some of the places I have served and participated during my term.
Regional & State Service
Association of Oregon Counties — Board of Directors & Legislative Committee
I have served on the Association of Oregon Counties Board of Directors and as a voting member of its Legislative Committee. It gives Lincoln County a voice in statewide discussions involving legislation, funding, public policy and county government.
Association of O&C Counties
I have represented Lincoln County in discussions involving federal lands, natural resources, rural economies and federal revenue policy.
Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee
State forest management affects County revenue as well as recreation, habitat, timber, wildfire, water and surrounding communities. I have represented Lincoln County in that work.
Northwest Oregon Workforce Consortium
This regional partnership connects Lincoln County with workforce development, employment and training efforts across northwest Oregon.
Community Services Consortium Governing Board
Community Services Consortium serves Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties through programs involving food, housing, energy assistance, employment, early childhood services and household stability.
Oregon Coast Trail
I have participated in regional work to improve Oregon Coast Trail connections, access and safety. The trail touches transportation, recreation, parks, tourism and the coastal economy.
Lincoln County Service
My County assignments and areas of involvement have included:
Lincoln County Budget Committee
Behavioral Health Advisory Committee
Local Public Safety Coordinating Council
Animal Shelter Development Team
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
State Transportation Improvement Fund Advisory Committee
Coastal Equity & Inclusion Committee
Lincoln County Wellness Committee
Community Organizations Active in Disaster
Siletz-area community leadership meetings
Some are formal committees. Others grow out of a particular project, community need or responsibility of the Board.
They are another way to understand what is happening across Lincoln County and where attention, coordination or follow-through may be useful.
Local & Government-to-Government Service
City of Depoe Bay
I have served as a liaison with the City of Depoe Bay.
City of Siletz
I have also served as a liaison with the City of Siletz.
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
My work with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians has included government-to-government relationships involving shared community interests and responsibilities.
Cities, counties and Tribal governments often serve the same people while carrying different responsibilities. When a shared problem, opportunity or emergency arises, it helps to already have those relationships in place.
Part of the Job
A lot of commissioner work never appears on a Board agenda.
It happens in regional meetings, site visits, conversations with residents, calls with other governments and meetings where someone identifies an issue or opportunity Lincoln County should know about.
Sometimes that leads to funding, a project or a policy change. Sometimes it connects people who can solve a problem.
And sometimes the value is simply knowing who to call.
That is part of the job too.