New filings for Oregon House, Cascade Locks court post

The district encompasses Hood River, Cascade Locks, Corbett, Sandy, parts of Estacada and Gresham, and other communities within Hood River, Clackamas, and Multnomah Counties.

Johnson was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010. He is also serving his third term as a member of the Hood River County School Board.

“The whole district has been such a diverse mix of people … it’s been great to represent them but also be a policy maker,” Johnson said. “I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively in Salem to craft good solutions-oriented legislation that will move our state forward.”

His priorities for the February session are primarily education — following up on the Oregon Promise legislation to make sure students are tied to affordable college opportunities — and a bill to revise liability rules for ski and recreation resorts such as Mt. Mood Meadows and Timberline Lodge.

Another Gorge incumbent in the House, Rep. John Huffman (R-The Dalles) has also filed to reclaim his spot in District 59. Huffman has represented western Wasco, Wheeler, Jefferson and northern Deschutes Counties since 2007.

For Cascade Locks, leadership at the Justice Court could shake up. Brad Lorang, an art gallery owner and port commissioner with a history of local leadership, has filed for Justice of Peace. The current justice is Cynthia Mitchell.

For the Seventh Judicial District, several seats are open — those held by Judge Janet Stauffer, Judge John Wolf and District Attorney John Sewell. Stauffer and Wolf filed for re-election in September, to positions 2 and 4, respectively.

On the law enforcement side, so far only Hood River County Sheriff Matt English has filed for re-election.

Three of five Hood River County Board of Commissioner spots are also open. Commissioner Maui Meyer announced he won’t be seeking a fourth term. Chair Ron Rivers and Commissioner Les Perkins will also have a choice of running again.

The ballot deadline is creeping forward, with a final date for positions set March 8. The final day to submit voter measures is March 15.

One of the hottest topic measures will be the Water Protection Measure, filed by conservation group Local Water Alliance. The measure strives to block the commercial production and transportation of water bottled within County borders.

County officials announced at the tail of 2015 that the measure will go before voters in May.

2016 Election Details

Deadline to file is March 8.

The County Elections office is located at Sixth and State streets, top floor of the County Administration building.

Phone: 541-386-1442

Elections information, including registering to vote online at www.co.hood-river.or.us.

The filing fee for County Board positions is $50. Go the Oregon Secretary of State website, under Elections, and download the SEL 101 form.