By Lianne Thompson, Clatsop County Commissioner
Did you ever watch Roy Rogers and Dale Evans sing, “Happy Trails to You”? That song ran through my mind as I looked for the best way to write my last article as the Clatsop County Commissioner for District 5. In January 2027, Rand Dufka from Arch Cape will begin a four-year term of office in the seat. Thanks to him for running, and best wishes as he steps up to do the job.
Public Service as an elected official is a noble calling, expressed uniquely by each person who serves. We bring our best, and deal with the worst in each other and ourselves. If we’re lucky, we have some wins along the way.
Winning for me meant using my best thinking, my tenderest curiosity and compassion, and my fiercest determination to do good and be good. That inevitably meant searching for and developing the best in everyone around me.
Failure was inevitable, because nobody can play that kind of game and do it perfectly. But, oh! What joy when that aspiration was realized. And what growth experiences when the inevitable failures provided fertile ground for growth and development.
And of course, being human, I complained and suffered along the way, until I could find the right perspective. A really, really smart person said to me, “Working for Clatsop County has taught me humility and perspective.” Same here.
I think Clatsop County government has improved how it operates in the twenty-plus years I’ve observed and participated. I see stronger and more professional operations from both elected officials and staff.
I see more complete and informative public outreach from Astoria to residents and businesses all over the county, along every dimension of county programs and services.
I see more focus on articulating aims and objectives, and more relevant outcome data gathered and shared with the public.
I see more involvement by county elected officials and staff in county-wide, regional, and statewide organizations.
I see more predictability, reliability, and professional discipline in county functions.
These improvements rested on the good work of the ones who came before and created openings for the good work that will come after. Congratulations and thanks all around.
What about growth opportunities and future positive directions? I’d offer some thoughts for consideration. Nigel Jaquis came to the Columbia Forum and said, “Corruption in
Oregon doesn’t look like envelopes full of hundred-dollar bills being passed. Corruption in Oregon looks like cronyism without accountability.” Every instance of personal, programmatic, or enterprise-wide refusal to consider feedback, both positive and negative, is a missed opportunity for improved operations.
It’s important to celebrate wins, but everyone and every aspect deserves attention to what works and what doesn’t.
There’s no harm intended by asking for a more complete awareness. No injury. Only a commitment to a growth trend that makes the best of everyone. Anything else falls short on a scale of personal and organizational integrity. Let’s continue to do and be better.
In the meantime, happy trails until we meet again.
