There’s an election for many special districts and boards – you should have received your ballot this week, and ballots are due by May 20th. These local special districts are the very foundations of our communities — water and sewer districts, school districts, fire boards and more. For the seats that had more than one candidate, the Pioneer has sent out it’s semi-annual “questions for the candidates.”
Here are the answers we received from the candidates for the Port of Tillamook Bay, Position #5 – Gary Bond and Donnie Jenck; and for the Tillamook Fire Board Position #4 – Chris Kell (incumbent) and Geoff Hoffert.
Port of Tillamook Bay, Position #5 – Gary Bond
My name is Gary Bond and I am running for the Port of Tillamook Bay board position 5. I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and retired after 32 years working as a design engineer and engineering manager for a manufacturing business in Montana. I have chosen Tillamook as my retirement location and want to use my ability to help Tillamook industry.
I am an adjunct faculty at the Tillamook Bay Community College in the Industrial Technology department as one way to support local career paths. The POTB’s mission of economic health by supporting industrial, commercial development matches both my vision and my experience.
I also have 1 1/2 years of experience serving on the board of the Fairview Water District. I have helped as the district has gone through a transition in staff and board members. I have been an active board member working on budgets, policies and planning.
I have been on the Port’s budget committee for 3 years and have attended nearly all the Port’s board meetings in those 3 years. That has allowed me to learn of the many aspects of the Port’s operations. It is a complex operation and must balance many demands. As a design engineer I created solutions for customers by balancing competing requirements.
The Port of Tillamook Bay has many challenges and opportunities. As a port commissioner I would start with a solid foundation of knowledge of the current conditions and ongoing issues.
Port of Tillamook Bay Position #5 – Donnie Jenck
1. Why are you running for this board position?
There are major decisions about Port assets in the coming years that I would like to weigh in on. Ports can be a critical piece of a community’s economic infrastructure, including bringing in new business and industry.
2. If elected, what will be your priorities?
To maximize the business and recreational opportunities of the Port for the good of the community.
3. What motivates you to serve on this board?
I have been encouraged over the years by past and present board commissioners to run. I believe I can add to the vision of the Port to help Tillamook County thrive and grow.
4. What experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?
I have experience owning and operating successful businesses in Tillamook County over the past 40 years. I am good at implementing unique solutions to complex problems.
5. What community activities/organizations have you been involved with?
I am a long-time member of the YMCA, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Tillamook Elk’s Lodge, Oregon State University Alumni Association and a past board member for Tillamook Farmer’s Co-op. As part of our family-owned business, I am also a patron-owner of the Tillamook County Creamery Association and Tillamook Chamber member.
6. Why should you be elected?
I believe the current board would benefit from having representation from someone who has owned and operated a business.
7. What differentiates you from the other candidates?
Apart from my years acquiring a Business degree at OSU and working for United Telephone/Sprint for five years after graduating, I have been part of a family that has lived in Tillamook County since the 1800’s. As someone who is deeply rooted in this community, I want to give back and help make it as prosperous as it can be.
8. What steps, if any, will you take to ensure full equality for marginalized demographics, such as immigrants, LGBTQ+ people in our community.
I treat all people the same and want to ensure opportunities are afforded to everyone.
9. What issues do you believe the board/organization needs to address in its programs/offerings and community image?
The Salmonberry Trail, the future of the Blimp Base and attracting new industries.
10. What changes would you recommend?
I will propose and support decisions that provide the greatest long-term benefit to the community.
Tillamook Fire District – Position #4 – Chris Kell (incumbent)
- Why are you running for this board position? I have been on this board for 5 years, and want to continue
- What motivates you to serve on this board? As anyone who follows Facebook or town gossip knows, the district is still involved in turmoil. Having been present in Executive Sessions, I know things that go against the general beliefs of some of the volunteers and a person who is also running for a board position. I would really like to see this thing through, settled and the District on its way to stable footing.
- If elected, what will be your priorities? Support the current chairman of the board since he is 100% honest and the other board member up for re-election who is smart, fair and can also be trusted to do the right thing.
- What experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? I have served on various boards within the community, and was originally asked to be on the Fire District Board because I didn’t have a dog in the fight, so to speak.
- What community activities/organizations have you been involved with? Co-Founder of Tillamook Farmers Market, former Tillamook County Transportation District Board of Directors (3 terms), and currently a member of their Finance and “planning” committees, Original member of the Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency Organization Committee, and former Administrative Assistant for the Tillamook Revitalization Association.
- Why should you be elected? When I start something, I like to leave it a little better than I found it. Mostly, though, the Tillamook Fire Department is incredible at what they do! All differences are set aside when duty calls. I feel 100% safe, secure, and taken care of when they are present on the job. Tillamook is fortunate to have them.
- What differentiates you from the other candidates? I do not know the gentleman running against me, so I have no idea.
- What steps, if any, will you take to ensure full equality for marginalized demographics, such immigrants, LGBTQ+ people in our community? I will/and have do everything I can to support them. Anybody willing to possibly risk their life for others is a hero in my book.
- What issues do you believe the board/organization needs to address in its programs/offerings and community image? We are doing our best to deal with the issues mentioned above.
- What changes would you recommend? We currently have an interim chief handling the administrative part of the district. He is doing a fabulous job, but I would sure like to see our people healed from past problems to the place where we can hire a permanent chief and move forward with the long range plans before us.
- Any additional comments: I would encourage people to attend a board meeting. It is a great place to get close up and personal insite on how we operate.