Clay Johnson, who works as a technician for U.S. Watermaker, Inc., a desalination company in The Dalles, was born and raised in Kenai, Alaska. But he has made his home in The Dalles for the past 14 years.
He landed here while working as a contractor doing remodeling work for large businesses. One of his jobs brought him to Fred Meyer in The Dalles.
“The Dalles stuck with me,” Johnson said. “I liked the town and liked the location.
“It reminded me of home with the mountains and the river and going fishing.”
Johnson, 40, said he decided to run for a council seat because he believes the city needs new voices.
“I think we need fresh ideas and insights on the council,” he said.
“I’ve been working for a small business, and I’d like to see these opportunities be available for people and give voice to a little bit of the younger generation.”
He is facing off in the race for Position 2 on the council with Dana Journey and Darcy Long-Curtiss.
Another reason Johnson said he wanted to join the council is because he does not believe the elected body is very approachable right now.
“I don’t like the phrase ‘good old boys club,’ but many people see that’s what’s happening on the council,” he said. “People need to feel they’ll be listened to.
“I really get that from young people – that the older generation is running the city and there is nothing they can do about it. If we could get away from that view of the city council, it could definitely improve the overall perception. It should be a fair opportunity for anyone in this town. It should be a level playing field.”
Johnson said he has always been interested in politics.
“But I figured maybe national politics wasn’t where you get a start,” he said. “When the opportunity for the city council arose, I thought this might be a good place to start. This is the first time ever I’ve tossed my hat into the ring for any type of political office.”
Johnson added that he may have a natural feel for tapping into the pulse of the community.
“The more I talk to people, I think I have a feel for what people’s concerns are in the city,” he said. “Keeping the attraction of this town and bringing more people into it is starting to be a main focus.”
According to Johnson, The Dalles seems to be on a smart path, with positive changes in the works.
“I think The Dalles pretty much is going in the right direction, based on listening to what people are talking about,” he said. “The city is definitely making the right moves with the farmer’s markets and Festival Park and the things occurring there. It gives people something to go out and do, and they are family activities.
“I’ve seen positive changes in the past five or six years, and I’d like to keep those going. It’s nice to see people go out and have something to do and new places to go.
“Having variety is definitely important. I’d personally like to see more dancing opportunities, but that’s up to the businesses.”
According to Johnson, keeping the town focused on continuing its current growth path is a good thing. For example, he cited the opening of several new brew pubs over the past couple years.
“That’s going to bring people here and not only work, but give them a place to go out and have fun and entertainment,” he said. “I’ve seen The Dalles come back to life. This will give people a reason to come to this community and live in this community.”
Johnson said recreational opportunities have been very important to him, and he noted that quality of life is a key factor in his enjoyment of The Dalles.
“I love to fish, having the Columbia River here, and I also like to kayak,” he said. “I’ve been enjoying Sorosis Park and disc golf. That’s a nice family opportunity. Throwing discs, or Frisbees, is something everyone likes to do. And the skateboard park, I’d like to see that expanded.”
One of the biggest challenges facing The Dalles is its shortage of housing, Johnson believes.
“Housing has definitely increased in price. Not just here, but all over,” he said. “As things start to increase, housing definitely becomes more difficult. But the job opportunities seem to be there. I don’t know what the council can do, but I’m always open to figure out how we can help with housing.”
Johnson said he is asking voters for their support in the election because he will be responsive to them and will work to find fixes to existing problems.
“I’m going to shake things up a bit,” he said. “I’ll always be open and approachable. And I’ll never bring problems to the table without coming with solutions. I feel I can provide some insights into the younger community and what their needs are as well.”
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