By Lianne Thompson
Thanksgiving means more than football games and generous meals shared with family and friends, although those traditions matter. The turning of the season into deep Autumn and deeper Winter invites contemplation, if you’re willing.
Consider an invitation to take stock of blessings and challenges, gifts and griefs, comforts and pains. I’m considering what lies ahead, in roles and relationships, in all those ways.
You’ve blessed me with the privilege and responsibility for representing you on the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners, District 5, the whole southern half of the county, since 2015. Thank you. My third and final term of office completes Dec. 31, 2026.
Your Commissioner listens to people inside and outside the county, gathering data and opinions, hearing requests and demands. Then the interesting part of balancing and harmonizing all of it, informed by my own lived experience, commitments, and goals. My human frailties are part of the mix, too. Humility and flexibility bring more grace, but there’s no pleasing everyone all the time. There’s no way to be perfect all the time.
Nevertheless, what a profound joy to be able to deal with the best and worst in people and situations! What a kick in the pants to be able to bring you good things, keep bad things from happening to you, and creating opportunity for you to be your best and do your best!
And the inevitable criticisms? Ah, well. Part of the growth curve, aren’t they? Some bring valid points and progress; others occur as malicious and mean-spirited. Sometimes I think, “Do you kiss people you love with that mouth?” Nevertheless, everyone deserves to be seen and heard, and no one should be blindly followed or obeyed. Even when a particular person deserves respect and consideration, you elect your representative to put the interests of everyone here and this beautiful, beloved place as first priority.
But we operate in relationships, in teams, in groups gathered for one purpose or another. Always, the task is balancing and harmonizing to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number over the longest time. Is your head spinning? Mine sometimes does.
I’ve been talking to people about who will step up to run for the position in the May 2026 election to take the oath of office in January 2027. Hooray! A community member is prepared to step up for you, and we’re talking about what that means and how to carry on the progress we’ve made to increase the visibility, credibility, and effectiveness of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners.
As your Commissioner, I’ve worked diligently with other commissioners, including at the Association of Oregon Counties, the statewide organization that furthers the well-being of all counties in Oregon. I’m AOC’s County Representative on the Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Advisory Committee, which has sent north of ten million ($10,000,000) into Clatsop County schools, fire, and police organizations to pay for seismic rehabilitation during the time I’ve served on it. There are other examples, but you get the idea: teamwork at the State level for our county’s benefit. I’m inspired and hopeful this good work will continue. Thank you with all my heart for allowing me to be your person in Astoria, Salem, Portland, and beyond.