Nov. 5 General Election: Wasco County Commissioner Position 2

After retiring 2.5 years ago, I find I still have a passion to be involved in our community. I have served this county in my professional career working as a Juvenile Court Counselor for Wasco County, and as the Juvenile Detention Manager at NORCOR. I also have given back to our communities in my personal time, coaching and officiating youth sports. I believe this combination of experience gives me a unique perspective to provide leadership to Wasco County.

What are your qualifications for this position?

Between Wasco County and NORCOR, I have 32 years of experience working for county government. While at NORCOR, I gained experience in budgeting, management and presenting at public meetings. I have a history of collaboration with community groups and other public entities.

I also have had the opportunity to participate in leadership training through the American Leadership Forum of Oregon and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

What are the top three issues facing the county?

I see affordable housing as a need in not just The Dalles, but also in the smaller communities that make up Wasco County. Working with our partner agencies to explore strategies to create housing opportunities is critical to the future health and growth of our county.

Replacing the building and facilities of The Dalles High School is another need. A healthy school is vital in attracting business and people to our area.

Creating a safe and healthy environment for our youth. I want to see all of communities to be places where youth can live and thrive.

What is an innovation you would recommend the county try?

I would like to explore some strategies to increase citizen involvement in our public meetings. While I understand that people elect Commissioners to make decisions, I also see that there is often limited input from the public when the opportunity exists. Hopefully, the new meeting space will assist in attracting more people to meetings, but there may be other ways we can find to further expand citizen participation.

Finish this statement: In five years, my vision for Wasco County is …

That we are vibrant, economically healthy communities where locals and visitors support our businesses.

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Prior to the May 21 Oregon Primary, Justesen answered another set of questions from Columbia Gorge News, which can be found at columbiagorgenews.com.

Brian Lauterbach

Why are you running?

I care about Wasco County. I grew up here and have lived most of my life here. I want to be able to provide strong, transparent leadership to protect the things we value in this county, as well as continue to help successfully assist Wasco county’s progression.

What are your qualifications for this position?

My 40 years in business as a manager and business owner has prepared me up to excel as county commissioner. I have great understanding of budgeting, planning and forecasting, hiring practices and decision making. I am a good communicator. My many years of service on hospital boards, school board, and many community service groups has prepared me to collaborate and unify in finding solutions in a group setting.

 What are the top three issues facing the county?

Affordable and wage-based housing.

Infrastructure repair and maintenance (addressing the need).

Responsible economic growth.

 What is an innovation you would recommend the county try?

Looking at ways to increase broadband access to our rural neighbors by the way of fiber or satellite access. This could help in education platforms and tele-medicine.

 Finish this statement: In five years, my vision for Wasco County is …

To meet the needs and expectations of the people, businesses, and farmers living in Wasco County.