EDITOR’S NOTE: The May 18th ballot features dozens of opportunities to serve your community on local boards for our schools, ports, transportation district, recreation districts, water districts, fire districts and more. There is not a voters pamphlet for a primary/special election, therefore the Pioneer provides this opportunity for candidates to tell voters about themselves and the position they are seeking, even if running unopposed.
Tillamook County Pioneer CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT – 5 minute “why we should vote for you” pitch; include information about why you are running for the position and your TOP 3 most-important-issues facing the board/organization you wish to serve on.
MEET THE CANDIDATE: Chris Kell, Tillamook County Transportation District Director Position #5
I have been a supporter of the Tillamook County Transportation District since its inception. As the Office Manager for a large church, I was well aware of the difficulty of our elderly and veterans to get transportation to doctor’s appointments, both locally and in Portland. As the fledgling agency grew into the quality service it is today, I have become even more passionate about serving the transportation needs of Tillamook County.
A lot has been accomplished and there is still much that can be done. Continuing to build strong relationships with other local agencies and working together to serve common goals will provide efficient, quality services to our citizens, and save taxpayer dollars in the long run. The District recently worked with the local Department of Veterans affairs to provide rides to VA medical services in areas other than the Veteran’s Hospital in Portland such as Seaside and Lincoln City. The first month of operation was just completed and it showed surprisingly strong ridership in this new service.
Continuing to fine-tune the NW Connector services with area Transportation Districts will improve options for locals and visitors alike to enjoy affordable traveling throughout the region. It also makes it easy to enjoy the uniqueness of our reginal attractions. This, in turn plays a roll in quality of life and economic support of our small businesses.
Increasing and streamlining dial-a-ride services as the need arises is a good thing. Conversations with area citizens has shown that dial-a-ride can be valuable in helping make connections to fixed route services to get people where they want to go at a much lower cost to both riders and the district.
I regularly attend the board meetings, serve on the Budget Committee and am the current chairman of the Transportation Advisory Committee. Now that I am retired, I have the time to give my all to serving on the TCTD Board. I would appreciate your vote.