Elections: Wasco County Commissioner Position 2

Local government can’t build them, but it needs to be at the table to incentivize them.

2. If you are elected, what projects will you work to continue?

Four projects are top of mind for me: (1) The Crisis Resolution Center, to provide substance and behavioral health services; (2) the rehab of and planning for the 159 acres the county purchased at the west end of town: this requires some thoughtful questions and planning to realize its full opportunities; (3) the county and partners wrote a wildfire protection plan in 2022, and are seeking funding to carry out a large mitigation project in the central region of the county; and, (4) high-speed fiber for our county’s communities.

3. What do you see as the county’s greatest challenge going forward and how will you address it?

Wasco County’s greatest challenge is the same as our country’s: Realizing we are neighbors with a common destiny. We must pull together to overcome some significant issues; like, maintaining critical infrastructure, upgrading some old schools, building housing for young working people, adapting to climate stress, and addressing the limiting factors that make it hard for people coming up now to get and stay in the middle class. We can navigate hard things if we’re in the same boat. One thing we can do is to elect local leaders with a strong work ethic and a willingness to tackle big issues.

4. What inspired you to run for a position with Wasco County?

I believe we all should try to make our community better than we found it. There are a hundred ways to pitch in. Maybe it’s serving on a committee at the city or county; maybe it’s lending a hand at the food bank, driving meals to our elders, being a mentor to a youth, or picking up litter. For me, I have some skills that are useful for elected office: Doing the homework, listening to people, and puzzling through challenging topics. With my experience on city council, and my professional background with trees, water, and wildfire, the county commission just makes good sense.

5. How can the county continue to serve all residents and vice versa?

We can do a lot if we show up consistently. Communities thrive and local governments work best when their foundation is neighbors helping neighbors. For commissioners, this means listening to people all around the county and with different perspectives, supporting and retaining excellent staff, and asking how local government can be at the table for critical conversations. For residents, serving the greater good means holding our political opinions lightly, and giving back from time to time. Imagine if all of us picked one thing to volunteer for each month. We would be a much more connected and thriving place.

Jeffrey L. Justesen

1. What do you see as the greatest need/priority going forward?

Mental health and addiction are urgent issues within our communities. There are wonderful efforts, such as the Resolution Center, underway locally, but there remains an evident need for further support. By utilizing state and federal funding opportunities, we can build upon available services within our community. Supporting the agencies and people providing needs to remain a priority. Given my engagement with youth, I am particularly aware of the impact of these issues within that face them, making it a top priority for exploration and action.

2. If you are elected, what projects will you work to continue?

The work to improve the fairgrounds and the project of establishing an RV park on the West side of The Dalles present promising opportunities to increase tourism revenue within the county. I am interested in further exploring and expanding these endeavors. There are numerous benefits to be achieved financially by attracting more visitors but also can enhance the social aspect of the county, increasing community engagement and creating a sense of pride among our residents.

3. What do you see as the county’s greatest challenge going forward and how will you address it?

I think it is a challenge in many aspects of life to communicate effectively.

Working to build a strong future, while honoring positive traditions of our past, can be a delicate balance. The public not only can, but should, ask questions of its leaders. While not everyone is going to agree on every issue, we can still be respectful of other people’s efforts and opinions. I will work with colleagues, community leaders and the citizens of our community to create and maintain clear, open communication.

4. What inspired you to run for a position with Wasco County?

When I retired two years ago, someone suggested that I consider running in the future. The time was right for me to run this year. Between my career working for Wasco County and for NORCOR, and my history of community involvement (refereeing and coaching), I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the board of commissioners.  I approach this position without a lot of preconceived plans and ideas. I am a citizen of this county and want to represent the wants and needs of the people in this county.

5. How can the county continue to serve all residents and vice versa?

I believe in not only building relationships but working hard to maintain them. Regular meetings with key stakeholders and responding to questions and concerns of individuals can serve to keep a commissioner in tune with the needs and wants of the citizens of the county. It’s not only important, but imperative, that we connect regularly with the small communities in our county. I like to not only hear what people have to say but ask them for their pros and cons on the topic at hand. Listening to the concerns of youth is another must for me. 

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Also running for position 2 are Brian Lauterbach, Darcy Long and John E. McElheran; responses were not received by the April 5 deadline and are therefore not included here. Any responses received in time for Columbia Gorge News’ April 17 edition will be published then. All responses will also be available at columbiagorgenews.com.