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Transparency

Miller in the Media: News Coverage 2023–2026

Local coverage of Casey Miller since taking an oath of office in 2023, listed by date with the newest first. It includes stories that are critical or mixed. Click a headline to read the full piece.

Sources: Lincoln Chronicle, Lincoln County News Source, Lincoln County Leader, Oregon Coast Breaking News and Boiler Bay Beacon. The Beacon often writes with a clear point of view, and some headlines are its own.

News coverage

2026

2025

2023

Letters to the Editor

Neighbors and supporters wrote these around the campaign, newest first.

Conflict Resolution = Openness & Accountability

I spent many years serving Lincoln County as a Public Information Officer before becoming a commissioner. One of the greatest joys of that work was helping people — providing information, solving problems, and helping our community navigate government more effectively.

When we show up from an authentic space – we strengthen trust itself. People sense when someone is really listening and really trying to help.

One of the reasons I decided to run for county commissioner in 2022 was that I believed we could expand trust inside the organization and outward to the community.  When I first took office, I spent much of my time listening and observing. What is secret sauce of relationships and ultimately our democratic ideals?

I began to recognize deeper organizational challenges. While many talented people work within county government, we had yet to develop a unified internal vision connecting departments, leadership, and public service goals.

Before my exile our internal teams were beginning to explore how we could improve our level of service to each other. There was hope and I felt optimistic despite the ongoing revelations of just how challenging change culture can be.

Healthy organizations — especially public institutions — need psychological safety. People should be able to ask questions, raise concerns, contribute ideas, and participate meaningfully without fear of exclusion or retaliation. That principle applies everywhere: families, workplaces, community organizations, and government alike.

[LEARN – Use mediation skills to help resolve conflicts in workplace, court, business, or community-related disputes.].

People often ask me how I continue after 17 months of conflict, exclusion, and uncertainty.

The truth is: it has been difficult.

But this experience has also reinforced something important to me — democracy is tested less when times are good. We are all deeply tested when disagreement becomes uncomfortable. When we lose our resilience to remain open and collaborative things can spiral quickly.  

I did not run for office because I believed governing would always feel good or because public service would always be affirming. I ran because I believe collaboration works best when:

  • questions can be asked openly,
  • processes are transparent,
  • people are treated respectfully,
  • staff, elected officials and the public can continue to engage

What keeps me going are the people who say, “Please keep asking questions.” At the same time, I really appreciate those who recognize that we are all neighbors, coworkers, and possibly friends. May we let curiosity be stronger than fear, strive to stay calm under pressure and use transparency to build empathy and trust.  

[LEARN – Why Emotional Intelligence Is Important in Leadership]

Commissioner Vacancy: Community First

Lincoln County is choosing an interim county commissioner, and this decision belongs in the open. I’ve created a new Vacancy page on this website to share the same information commissioners are reviewing — including the full list of applicants, a proposed public meeting timeline, and areas where the process can be improved.

Transparency matters. When information isn’t showing up in agenda packets or public meetings, the community still deserves access. I invite you to review the applications, learn about the process, and share your thoughts. This is your county, and your voice should be part of the conversation.

👉 Visit the Vacancy page to learn more and review the applicants.