BAY CITY MAYOR CANDIDATES:
Parker Sammons
1. What are the main points you want voters to remember about you? Introduce yourself to the community.
I’m Parker Sammons. I’m 40 years old, a fifth-generation Oregonian, and I’ve lived in Bay City for over 3 years.
I have strived to live a life of service and that has been reflected in my career across outdoor education, tourism and community development. I have more than 10 years of board director experience with non-profits and for-profit organizations. Most recently, I worked for Tillamook County, where I worked with local governments, businesses, nonprofits and state and federal partners to secure resources for projects throughout the County.
I care deeply about community and I believe that government works best when people feel like they are part of it. I want to bring that approach to the mayor’s office: listen to people, communicate clearly and work together with a focus on getting things done.
2. What do you believe are the responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The most important responsibility of a mayor is to make sure the business of the City is conducted with integrity, transparency and respect for the community.
A mayor should make sure Council meetings are productive, residents have an opportunity to be heard, decisions are made based on the best information available, and the City follows the plans and policies it has adopted.
The mayor also has a responsibility to bring people together. You don’t have to agree with everyone to work with them, and I believe a good mayor should be willing to listen to people on all sides of an issue and find common ground whenever possible.
3. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Integrity, transparency, humility and the ability to work with others.
Government should not happen in the dark. Residents deserve to understand what their government is doing and why decisions are being made.
I also think an elected official needs to be willing to say, “I don’t know.” The job isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to ask good questions, listen to people with different perspectives, look at the facts and make the best decision you can.
And once a decision is made, we should be able to disagree without treating one another as enemies. Bay City is a small community. We all have to live here together.
4. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I’m passionate about community planning—how we make sure a community can grow and change without losing the things that make it a good place to live. This means walkability, economic development, parks, protecting the natural environment and housing. These issues are all connected. People need places to live, businesses need workers, residents need safe ways to get around. Growth needs to be supported by the infrastructure and resources available to the community.
Bay City already has a Comprehensive Plan. As Mayor, I would continue to uphold the guiding principles of the comprehensive plan which promises to include the desires and needs of the townspeople of Bay City.
5. What do you think are the 3 most important issues to voters in our communities today? And what solutions would you offer to address these issues?
Responsible growth. Bay City will continue to change, and we need to make sure that growth is consistent with our Comprehensive Plan, supported by appropriate infrastructure, and responsive to the needs of residents. I would support thoughtful development that meets community needs, while protecting Bay City’s character and natural environment.
Infrastructure and financial sustainability. A small city has to be thoughtful about how it spends its limited resources. I would work with the Council and City staff to identify priorities, pursue state and federal grants and other outside resources, and make decisions with both today’s needs and long-term costs in mind.
Communication and community involvement. Residents should know what their government is doing and have meaningful opportunities to participate. I would work to make City information easier to understand and more accessible, and I would encourage respectful public participation in City government.
My goal would not be to tell Bay City what it should become. It would be to help the community have a thoughtful conversation about where we want to go and then work together to get there.
6. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I have looked up to Fred Rogers and tried to live by his principles for as long as I can remember. His belief that being a good neighbor means treating people with empathy, kindness and understanding are core values of mine. Being a good neighbor can sometimes be hard, particularly when we disagree, but I think it’s something we should all strive for.
7. If presented with overwhelming evidence that something you believe in is proven to be false, are you willing to admit you are wrong? How will you address misinformation and the divisiveness in politics today?
I love being wrong. When we’re wrong, we have an opportunity to learn, grow and better understand the issue. I think elected officials should be willing to change their minds when the facts change.
When it comes to misinformation, I don’t think the answer is to simply tell people they’re wrong. People are more willing to listen when they feel heard and respected. My approach would be to encourage people to look at reliable information, ask questions and have honest conversations. When people are willing to listen to one another, the truth has a much better chance of becoming clear.
8. Who are your top five campaign donors? What percentage of your donors are local (Oregon)? Have you taken any cryptocurrency donations?
I have no campaign donors. I am entirely self-funded and have not accepted donations, including cryptocurrency.
9. What is the most recent song or music that you listened to?
I listen to 92.9 KAYN Bay City Radio every day. It’s a great way to discover new music and hear what’s happening around the community.
10. What are your personal interests or hobbies – what do you do in your spare time?
I’m most at peace listening to an audiobook while hiking and exploring the Kilchis River with my dog, Dutch Apple Pie. I’m having even more fun when my daughter, Orion, comes along.
11. Send us the last photo you took on your phone.
BAY CITY CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES:
Kathleen Baker
1. What do you want voters to remember about you? Introduce yourself to the community?
I am a thirty year resident of Bay City. My husband and I have raised a family here and we feel blessed to live in such a vibrant community. I have been a member of the Bay City Council for ten years and served on several committees for the city during the same time period. I understand our city budgeting and the importance of steady revenue sources for city operations and the need for grant funding for large capital projects. I am also a sitting board member for the newly formed Tillamook Bay Fire and Rescue District. I can make clear and objective decisions without bias and am willing to work with all members of the community to come to realistic and workable solutions. I do my very best to live by a guiding principle to, Be Curious, Solve Problems & Do Good.
5. What do you think are the 3 most important issues to voters in our communities today? And what solutions would you offer to address these issues.
I believe the top 3 challenges forour community members today are, Affordability, Access to good healthcare and lack of housing options.
Stephen Owens
1. What do you want voters to remember about you? Introduce yourself to the community.
My name is Steve Owens and I am running for a seat on the Bay City City Council. I am 40 years old, a father of 3 and have lived in Bay City since 2017. I am veteran and an Oregon high school history teacher.
2. What do you believe are the responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
As with any office, I believe the responsibility of an elected official is to listen to their constituents and represent them fairly in our government.
3. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
The best elected officials, in my opinion, are the ones who listen actively, reach agreements with people of different viewpoints, while also holding true to their morals and the platform they were elected on.
4. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
As a father of 3 little ones, I am always passionate about safe public spaces and reliable infrastructure.
5. What do you think are the 3 most important issues to voters in our communities today? And what solutions would you offer to address these issues.
Bay City is experiencing the same issues that many growing coastal communities are facing. How do we deal with growth boundaries, inadequate middle housing, aging infrastructure and support for small businesses? My solutions to these problems would include promoting middle housing development, but without using taxpayer money to offset the developer’s costs. I would ear-mark funds from the city budget to prioritize maintaining and improving infrastructure, such as water lines and sidewalks. Finally, I intend to support the Public Works department in their ongoing renovation of public spaces and streets to encourage tourism and small business revenue.
6. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Regarding government, I absolutely look up to James Madison, our 4th President and the author of our Constitution. He was a genius who balanced the interests of every American and had the foresight to create a system of checks and balances, as well as our Bill of Rights which still protect every American citizen to this day!
7. If presented with overwhelming evidence that something you believe in is proven to be false, are you willing to admit you are wrong? How will you address mis-information and the divisiveness in politics today?
Of course, every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow! To address misinformation, any person elected to public office should commit to being transparent, informed and knowledgeable about any topic that may arise. Regarding the divisiveness in our politics, I think it is important to avoid ‘echo chambers’ and instead seek out opposing viewpoints. I embrace challenges to my perspective, and I believe that we are all much closer to common ground than it may appear.
8. Who are your top five campaign donors? What percentage of your donors are local (Oregon)? Have you taken any cryptocurrency donations?
I have never asked for, sought or received campaign donations. The most valuable currency I can hope to receive would be your trust and your vote.
9. What is the most recent song or music that you listened to?
I do have 3 small children, so I listen mostly to Disney theme songs, Danny Go, or Raffi. When I’m on my own, I listen to rock music or a history podcast.
10. What are your personal interests or hobbies – what do you do in your spare time?
I love woodworking, especially toys for the little ones. I also enjoy working on classic vehicles, when I have the time or funds!
11. Send us the last photo you took with your phone
Kathleen Leipzig
1. What do you want voters to remember about you? Introduce yourself to the community.
My name is Kathleen Leipzig. I’m a wife, a mom to two young children, and a Vice President of Sales with a Political Science degree from Emmanuel College. Bay City is where we are raising our family, and I have never been someone who waits for somebody else to do the work. I chaired the Pearl and Oyster Music Festival Committee, helped bring the new playground structure to Al Griffin Memorial Park, and volunteer with youth activities and the Garibaldi Grade School parent group. I’m running because I want my children, and every child here, to inherit a safe, welcoming place that still feels like Bay City. I will show up, listen and do the work because this place and the people in it matter to me.
2. What do you believe are the responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
A councilor’s job is to represent every resident, protect public resources and make decisions with Bay City’s future in mind. People trust us with their money, their services and the place they call home. I have already read Bay City’s charter, budget and strategic plan to prepare for this responsibility. I would keep asking questions, listening to residents and city staff, and explaining my votes honestly. A councilor works with the rest of the council and cannot direct staff or promise an outcome alone. I would always ask what a decision means for families now and for the children who will live with it years from today.
3. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Work ethic and intention matter. Residents deserve a councilor who does the homework, shows up prepared and is clear about why they make a decision. Most importantly, an elected official must be able to change their mind when better options or new facts are presented. I have strong opinions, but I will listen, ask questions and admit when I am wrong. I will work toward a better solution with others while staying true to the people I represent. If you commit to something you must follow through.
4. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I care about the things families feel in daily life: safe streets, water we can count on, manageable utility bills, places for kids to play and a community where neighbors know one another. That is why I care about infrastructure, public safety, parks and responsible land use. I want to protect and enhance what we have. We live on the coast for a reason, and we must protect that peace at all costs. Any proposal to use our land or resources should benefit the people who live here and respect what makes this place home. No one here is looking to make it Beaverton.
5. What do you think are the 3 most important issues to voters in our communities today? And what solutions would you offer to address these issues.
First, reliable infrastructure people can afford. Water, sewer, drainage and roads matter every day, and the cost of fixing them lands on real households. I would push for clear priorities, careful budgets, grant funding and honest explanations of what residents will pay. Second, protecting Bay City. I would be arrogant not to recognize how rich this place is in land and natural resources. I would lay it all on the line to oppose any entity trying to exploit what Bay City has for its own gain at residents’ expense. Third, public trust. I would explain decisions and spending in plain language, make meetings accessible and give neighbors a real chance to be heard
6. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I look up to people who see something that needs to be done and step up to do it. That includes the neighbors, volunteers and city employees who quietly keep Bay City going. I especially look up to moms. We raise children, work, volunteer and hold so much together, but rarely have the time or opportunity to sit at the table where decisions are made. I want to bring that perspective to council and keep showing up for the people who make this community work. I look up to people who make time when there is no time because the work needs to be done.
7. If presented with overwhelming evidence that something you believe in is proven to be false, are you willing to admit you are wrong? How will you address mis-information and the divisiveness in politics today?
Yes. I will admit when I am wrong. If I ask that of my kids, I better be willing to do that myself. One of the worst failures in politics today is a lack of backbone: representatives know something is wrong but are so beholden to their party or donors that they will not do the right thing. I think that is BS. Too many people enter a discussion with their minds already made up. That is neither productive nor intelligent. I will look at the facts, welcome honest debate, correct misinformation openly and explain my decisions. When better evidence or a better idea comes along, I will change my mind. We can disagree without treating our neighbors as enemies.
8. Who are your top five campaign donors? What percentage of your donors are local (Oregon)? Have you taken any cryptocurrency donations?
I am paying for my campaign myself. Friends have contributed logo artwork and time; I do not have five financial donors to list except me, myself and I. I decided early on not to take donations or to join a slate, though several candidates asked me. I want to run unfettered by monetary or campaign alignment commitments and answer to Bay City residents. Crypto donations- absolutely not.
9. What is the most recent song or music that you listened to?
have been listening to a lot of Dolly Parton. She did not often make politics the headline, but through her storytelling she gave voice to hardship and injustice in a way that reached people a political speech might not. Her life, her generosity and now her passing have stayed with me. She reminds me that you can use your voice to make people feel seen and then get up and do something good for others. That is the kind of positive change I want to help make here. Also I can’t get Choosin’ Texas by Ella Langley out of my head. It’s a great song.
10. What are your personal interests or hobbies – what do you do in your spare time?
In my free time, I’m usually at the beach or out in nature with my family. I love being near the ocean and in the water. My family all surf and fish, although I’m still working on keeping up with them! At the risk of sounding like I’m campaigning, a lot of my time also goes to volunteering for school and community events, and running my kids around to their activities. That is the busy, happy life we have built here
11. Send us the last photo you took with your phone
Derek McCarthy
1. What do you want voters to remember about you? Introduce yourself to the community.
I’ve been a chef/restauranteur for over 30 years. During that time I’ve had a chance to travel our country and many others to learn from a wide variety of amazing people with different cultures, ideas, tastes, and upbringings. Being open to learning new things, hearing another’s point of view, direct positive communication, multitasking, participating in activities you normally wouldn’t for the knowledge and experience are some important traits in a person.
2. What do you believe are the responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
I am running to be a voice of the people who stand for the greater good of our community/society. I will be an active listener, positive collaborator, and lend a helping hand whenever needed. Honesty, hard work, determination, and integrity are my foundation. Continued conversation about divisive issues, positivity, open communication, and trust in each other are the keys to making our community a better place to live.
3. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
The environment.
4. What do you think are the 3 most important issues to voters in our communities today? And what solutions would you offer to address these issues.
5. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
6. If presented with overwhelming evidence that something you believe in is proven to be false, are you willing to admit you are wrong? How will you address mis-information and the divisiveness in politics today?
Always willing to admit when I’m wrong. It’s how we grow and become better, more thoughtful people.
Understanding Mis-information is a personal responsibility for each of us. We must not take for granted the first thing we read or watch as fact. Get as many points of view as possible to determine the truth. One point of view is never the correct one. Best things come from collaboration.
7. Who are your top five campaign donors? What percentage of your donors are local (Oregon)? Have you taken any cryptocurrency donations?
Zero donors.
8. What is the most recent song or music that you listened to?
I listen to a diverse selection of music. To list one for judgment’s sake would be an unfair ask.
9. What are your personal interests or hobbies – what do you do in your spare time?
Forage for wild foods
10. Send us the last photo you took with your phone
