County government is collective work
How do I know we are stronger together?
I took the oath of office in 2023 after 14 years working for Lincoln County. I’ve witnessed the best work happening when people co-create.
My role can vary from project to project. Sometimes I initiate or develop an idea. Sometimes I pass the torch.
What matters is that good ideas and good work do not remain unfinished. And that we celebrate and support each other along the way
Here are some of the things that moved forward during my term.
Modernized Public Access to County Government
Lincoln County redesigned its website and implemented CivicClerk/CivicPlus for agenda and meeting management.
I began looking at replacement website options before taking office and continued working with County employees after becoming commissioner.
The technology now gives the County better tools for agendas, meeting packets, searchable documents, records, livestreaming and public access.
Advanced a New Animal Shelter
Lincoln County had needed a modern animal shelter for years.
I became closely involved with the multidisciplinary County team working on the project in 2023. The project brings together animal care, employees, volunteers, public safety, emergency response and a long-term County facility in Waldport.
Cleaned Up Abandoned RVs
The Board approved an Abandoned RV Abatement Program using Solid Waste District resources.
The program brings together Lincoln County, cities, law enforcement and federal partners to remove abandoned motorhomes, trailers, campers, boats and other large vehicles.
By FY 2025, 67 vehicles and vessels had been removed and destroyed, with more work underway.
Modernized County Parks
Lincoln County manages 15 park properties totaling roughly 333 acres.
During this term, voters approved dedicated parks funding through the County transient lodging tax. The County also introduced online campground reservations and continued infrastructure and operational improvements.
Online reservations are now available at Moonshine, Elk City and Jack Morgan parks.
Helped Move Housing & Shelter Projects Forward
Housing work requires partnerships among governments, nonprofits and community organizations.
During my term, County resources and support have helped projects including Coast Vineyard Village in Lincoln City, Olalla Meadows in Toledo, housing work on Marine Avenue in Lincoln City, winter sheltering and longer-term homelessness planning.
Some projects are finished. Others remain underway.
Developed Treatment & Deflection
I participated in development of Lincoln County’s Deflection Program with law enforcement, behavioral health, the courts and the District Attorney’s Office.
The program creates a pathway toward treatment and services for eligible low-level drug offenses instead of relying only on arrest and incarceration.
Brought More Resources Home for Veterans
Lincoln County Veterans Services helps veterans and their families secure benefits they have earned.
Recent County reporting identified more than $193,000 in new monthly veteran benefits, approximately $563,000 in retroactive benefits and more than $2.5 million flowing into Lincoln County.
That is County service producing a direct benefit for local residents and the local economy.
Expanded Access to Health Care
During this term, Lincoln County renovated and opened the Nye Street Community Health Center clinic and expanded patient and provider availability.
The Health Center also received national recognition as a HRSA Quality Leader.
Built Behavioral Health Capacity
Lincoln County has continued investing in behavioral-health infrastructure.
Projects have included transitional hotel rooms, the Lighthouse housing project and work toward a Crisis Resolution Center with adjacent workforce housing.
Some of this work remains underway.
Strengthened Emergency Communications
Lincoln County secured approximately $2.47 million in federal funding for public-safety radio upgrades, replacement equipment, backup power and planning.
The system supports police, fire, emergency medical services, public works and dispatch.
Cleaned Up Yaquina Bay
Lincoln County Marine Patrol removed 13 abandoned and derelict vessels from Yaquina Bay.
It is the kind of County work that may not make a headline but has a visible effect on waterways, navigation and the community.
Supported Community Ideas
Some of the most useful County investments begin with somebody outside County government bringing forward a good idea.
County support during my term has helped advance projects involving food and seafood storage, accessible recreation, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, housing, small-business development and emergency preparedness.
Sometimes government’s best role is helping a good community idea become possible.
Built the Foundation for Broadband
Lincoln County developed a Strategic Broadband Plan and a Countywide Broadband Advisory Team.
I had hoped we would be farther along by now.
This is important groundwork, but I do not consider broadband a finished accomplishment.
Work that is Often Unseen
Some of my first-term work has focused on governance itself: Board rules, agendas and packets, public comment, minutes, authority, access to financial information, open deliberation and equal commissioner access to the information needed to represent the public.
Those things do not photograph well.
But process often determines whether people can see, understand and influence their government before decisions are made.
Work in Progress
What still needs to be done?
County government does hundreds of things that never become headlines.
A contract gets approved. A grant comes in. A veteran receives benefits. A family gets health care. A community organization gets enough support to turn an idea into something useful.
Those individual decisions accumulate.
The questions I keep coming back to are simple: Did it help people? Did we use public resources wisely? Did we leave Lincoln County stronger?