THE GORGE — Local contested races and resolutions will appear on the Nov. 4 General Election ballot in Klickitat and Stevenson counties, slated to be mailed to all registered voters no later than Oct. 17.
Hood River and Wasco counties will not hold elections.
Below is candidate information for contested races and proposed bonds and resolutions.
Michael Macy, Centerville Fire District Position 3 candidate
Centerville Fire District Position 3: Michael Macy and Brent Cameron
Michael Macy supplied the following candidate statement in the voter’s pamphlet: “My wife and I have lived in the area for 15 years. With our home surrounded by native grass fields, I appreciate the need for preparedness and quick effective response to fires. I will strive to maintain and enhance the high level of fire protection we have come to expect to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of our community.”
Brent Cameron did not submit contact information, a statement in the voter’s pamphlet, or a photo.
Jessica Smith, Lyle School Board Position 2 candidate
Erin Hartford, Lyle School Board Position 2 candidate
Lyle School Board Position 2: Jessica Smith and Erin Hartford
Neither candidate responded to Columbia Gorge News’ media request by press deadline.
Jessica Smith supplied the following candidate statement in the voter’s pamphlet: “As a mother of two young children, I care deeply about the health and safety of our school’s educators, administrators, and — most importantly — our students. Since moving to Lyle, walking my son to school has been a daily reminder of how special this Gorge community is. Our children are the heart of our collective, and our school plays a vital role in shaping their future. As an active resident and volunteer, I am committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to ensure our school remains a safe, supportive and inspiring place for every child, as well as educator.”
Erin Hartford supplied the following candidate statement in the voter’s pamphlet: “My name is Erin Hartford, and I am your best choice for common sense and conservative values on the Lyle School Board. I stand for transparency, accountability, safety, parental rights, and strong traditional values. I am committed to educational excellence, student success, and institutional stability. I will promote patriotism, civic duty, and pride in our nation while ensuring school choice, fiscal responsibility, and measurable results. My goal is to create a safe, values driven learning environment that equips every child with the tools to be responsible citizens and future leaders.”
White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District Resolution 2025-001
This measure asks voters in the Trout Lake area (School District R-400) whether to annex into the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District (WSVPMPD). The district was formed in 2018 to provide long-term public support for aquatic recreation: to build, operate, and maintain a community pool.
City of Goldendale Resolution No. 747
The City of Goldendale is asking voters to approve a local public safety sales tax to help pay for police and fire services. This proposal would add a 0.1% (10 cents per $100 spent on taxable goods and services) within the city.
Jenny Collins Taylor, City of Stevenson Mayor candidate
Scott Anderson. City of Stevenson Mayor candidate
City of Stevenson Mayor: Jenny Collins Taylor and Scott Anderson
Q: What makes you the best choice for mayor of Stevenson?
I’m a fourth-generation Stevenson resident who’s lived both sides of our community’s story, our proud past and the challenges we’ve overcome together, and I know what it takes to move us forward. We need leadership that listens, finds common ground, and gets results that matter. I’ll bring transparency, common sense, and a collaborative approach to City Hall, focusing on policy changes that support workforce housing, strengthen local jobs, and improve city services. Together, we can build a Stevenson that protects what we love and creates opportunity for the next generation.
Q: What are your budget priorities and why?
My priority is to get Stevenson’s finances back in balance and focused on what matters most to residents. Every tax dollar should build a stronger community, not bigger bureaucracy. I’ll protect essential services, encourage workforce housing development, and invest in infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. When local workers and families can afford to live here, our schools, small businesses, and neighborhoods all thrive. Responsible budgeting is about trust and good stewardship, making sure City Hall delivers value, not waste, and helps Stevenson grow in the right direction.
Scott Anderson did not responded to Columbia Gorge News’ media request by press deadline. He supplied the following candidate statement in the voter’s pamphlet: “Thanks for choosing me to serve our city for the last eight years; I’m honored to seek a third term as Mayor of Stevenson. Despite ongoing challenges and outside pressures, I remain committed to leading with integrity, professionalism, and resourcefulness. My top priorities include fostering a more collaborative city council, improving our aging infrastructure, and working for the people of Stevenson. So far as mayor, we’ve made meaningful progress and I want to keep working for a more livable and resilient future for our city. I respectfully ask for your support to do more to build a stronger community.”
Xochil Springer, City of Stevenson Council Position 1 candidate
Tina Van Pelt, City of Stevenson Council Position 1 candidate
City of Stevenson Council Position 1: Xochil Springer and Tina Van Pelt
Neither candidate responded to Columbia Gorge News’ media request by press deadline.
Xochil Springer supplied the following candidate statement in the voter’s pamphlet: “Vote for Xochil! I live here ALL the time! I would like to serve Stevenson on the City Council to promote our city, secure our infrastructure and maintain a great place to live!”
Tina Van Pelt supplied the following candidate statement in the voter’s pamphlet: “As a proud fifth generation resident and business owner here in Stevenson, I’m committed to preserving the close-knit, community focused town we all love. I understand the challenges local businesses and families face because I live them every day. I’m running for City Council to ensure that Stevenson remains a place where we as a community can support each other, small businesses can thrive and long-time families can continue to live and grow in the town they’ve called home for generations. By working together and truly listening to our community’s concerns, we can build a stronger future for everyone.”
Erin Theresa Minnis, City of Stevenson Council Position 2 candidate
Jeff Breckel, City of Stevenson Council Position 2 candidate
City of Stevenson Council Position 2: Erin Theresa Minnis and Jeff Breckel
Q: What skills and experience do you have that will be beneficial to you as a council member?
As a seventh generation resident of Stevenson, I have firsthand knowledge of how the decisions made by the city council affect the citizens of Stevenson. I have a desire to see Stevenson be a safe and family-oriented community for all who live here. I want to be a voice for the people, this means listening to what everyone has to say and offering as much opportunity for their input to be given, prior to a decision being made.
Q: What do you believe are the top priorities and most important challenges facing the city and how will you address them?
My focus will be getting a firm understanding of the city’s current financial standing and looking for ways to address the needs properly. I want to revisit the mandatory sewer hook up passed by the past city council and move not to penalize residents for having a septic system that is in good working order. I also want to address public safety in our community.”
Q: What skills and experience do you have that will be beneficial to you as a council member?
I have lived in Stevenson for many years and raised a family here. I know the community and the issues it faces. For more than 40 years, I have been successful in bringing people together, listening to them, and working with them to forge workable solutions to challenging issues. I know how to work with elected officials and public agencies to achieve results for local communities. As the director of small local agencies, I have been accountable for producing the solid results through the most effective and efficient use of public funds.
Q: What do you believe are the top priorities and most important challenges facing the city and how will you address them?
The highest priority must be restoring credibility and trust in city government. It must be transparent, open and inviting to people. It must listen, be respectful and responsive. Second, given the uncertain economic outlook, the city must strengthen its financial management and controls. Simply balancing the budget is not enough. It must look for efficiencies while maximizing value to our citizens. Third, to ensure economic viability and orderly community development, the city must be willing to review its regulations and programs when the need arises. Are the regulations serving their intended purpose? Are they being effectively and fairly administered?
Proposition No. 1: Skamania County Cemetery District
This would establish a new regular levy rate of $0.1037 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to be collected beginning in January, used to maintain and adequately fund district operations and proactively plan for increasing needs and service demands of communities served by the district.
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