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About Columbia Gorge news. (The Dalles, OR) 2020-current | View Entire Issue (May 5, 2021)
Wednesday,May5,2021 Columbia Gorge News www.columbiagorgenews.com 11 ELECTION NORTH WASCO COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT — POSITION #1 Michael Held Rachel Carter 1) Why did you decide to run for a posi- tion on the Parks & Recreation board? I’m running for Parks Board because over the last year, our parks have been a lifeline for so many during the pandemic, myself included. Our parks are more than a place, they’re the social and physical fabric of our community. Recently I walked twenty-one Michael Held miles in one day visiting all our parks, talking to dozens of people along the way. What I heard was tremendous pride and passion for our parks and community. And yet, what I saw was a system of parks not meeting their expectations. We can and must do better with what we have. 1) Why did you decide to run for a po- sition on the Parks & Recreation board? I decided to run for this position because I understand just how important our parks and park programs are to the entire com- munity. I want to be an advocate for people to help build upon the beauty we have here in The Dalles. Rachel Carter Another factor in my decision to run was my recent experience and success with community outreach. I helped form and organize the monthly Community Cleanups with the help of my friend, Connie Kummrich from The Dalles Beautification Committee. I realized along the way just what you can achieve through bringing groups together for a common good. 2) What is your background/profession, and where do you live? Currently, I run the marketing and advertising side of Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda in The Dalles which my husband Aaron, is the managing partner of. In our first year under new ownership we were named, The Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Business of the Year. We take great pride in that honor, especially since one of the deciding factors is community involvement. Previously, I was an art teacher at an Elementary school in Idaho. Prior community service projects I have been involved with include, director of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and mentoring girls as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. 3) What will your top priorities be if voters select you to serve on the board? -The reestablishment of Sorosis Park/ I believe that with diligent planning and time, we can restore Sorosis to it’s former glory and potentially create something even better. -Improving current facilities/ This is not an exciting answer but until we can make sure that our current facil- ities are in working order and cared for, that should take priority. -Creating a permanent, year round dog park/ This is something that has been discussed for years. We need to establish a plan, develop clear communication and make it happen. -Establishing live music and activities in our parks 2) What is your background/profession, and where do you live? I live in The Dalles and work in community and economic development for Business Oregon, at the intersection of policy, politics, and people. Everyday I navigate complex environments to bring people together to find common ground and priorities that make our communities better places to live. I help our region’s small businesses navigate sometimes impossible circumstances and champion their needs. I help ensure our local public institutions have the resources they need to deliver goods and services to our community. I work to hear all voices to build consensus and measure my success by what we get done together. 3) What will your top priorities be if voters select you to serve on the board? The Parks District is at a critical moment, finally with a budget forecast that will help us address the backlog of de- ferred maintenance across all our parks in the coming years. My number one priority is to ensure Sorosis is revitalized on time, on budget, and better than it was. We must listen to our community and finally build a permanent, year-round dog park. And, we need to address a long standing community priority of bringing park facilities to the west side of town. I will always prioritize community input in all decision mak- ing and proactively seek those voices often unheard. 4) What changes do you think the district needs to make? The Parks District must prioritize capital projects to ensure all our parks have safe, state-of-the-art facilities. I support a reduction in programming this year because of the ongoing public health crisis and believe those dollars are better invested in deferred maintenance projects. The District should take a leadership role to bring the communi- ty together to develop a dog park. Lastly, the district should partner with the City, County, and others to pursue and leverage state and federal COVID recovery investments. My professional background and interpersonal skills are what the district needs to meet this moment. Justin Brock 4) What changes do you think the district needs to make? -Communication/ Communication is key to any smoothly functioning organization. I believe that the Executive Director and the Board work well as a whole but I would like to see the communication between different groups that are involved with the parks improved. I would also like to see better communication with the community on what projects are in the works and a clear timeline for those projects. HOOD RIVER COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT Sara Marsden Karen Bureker 1) Why did you decide to run for a position on the Hood River County Library District board? I have held the position for one term, and I feel like the current board works well together. We have set some goals that I’d like to see realized. 1) Why did you decide to run for a po- sition on the Hood River County Library District board? I am up for re-election for my current position on the Hood River Library District Board. I have been on the board for one and a half terms, since 2016. I love being part of my community and believe in ser- Karen Bureker vice to my community. I became involved with the Hood River County Library when the library shut its doors in 2009 due to lack of funding. I see the library as a vibrant part of our community and a service that enriches our populations. 2) What is your background/profession, and where do you live? I am an RN, working for Heart of Hospice and I live in Hood River. 3) What will your top priorities be if voters select you to serve on the board? We are working to improve access for some of the com- munities that can’t easily get to one of the branches. The new bookmobile will help with that goal. And the upkeep of an older historic building has its challenges. We have tried to be proactive in making decisions that stay within budget, but that have long term benefits for the preservation of this landmark of our community. 4) What changes do you think the district needs to make? Similar to my top priority, improving access with commu- nity outreach will allow more people to use library services. Megan Janik Megan Janik did not respond to the questionnaire. According to the information provided in her candidate filing, Janik is a resident of Cascade Locks. She is a Native American currently working in Cascade Locks Justice Court. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University as has served on the library board for the past four years. SOUTH WASCO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 — ZONE #6 Kevin Duling 2) What is your background/profession, and where do you live? I am a professional firefighter/paramedic for a special district in the Portland metro area. I live in Hood River. 3) What will your top priorities be if voters select you to serve on the board? My top priorities for the HRCLD are continuing the current mission and vision of the library district. I want to help push for easier and expanded access to all members of the community (books, online access, technology, and other resources). My other main priority is the community of Odell. Odell needs a permanent library presence in its community; I will continue to support locating a physi- cal structure in Odell for expanded library services and outreach. 4) What changes do you think the district needs to make? When talking with members in the community, peo- ple regularly ask for more hours and days of operation. I would like to see more community input regarding hours of operation. And, as I already stated above, I would like to add a permanent presence in Odell for the community. The HRCLD is an integral part of the communities we serve and it is my pleasure to be a part of this community. It is a very well run, inclusive, and fiscally responsible district that I am proud to be a part of. 1) Why did you decide to run for a posi- tion on the Parks & Recreation board? I decided to run for the Northern Wasco County Parks & Recreation Board as another avenue to invest my efforts back into the community and to make great connections along the way. 2) What is your background/profession, Justin Brock and where do you live? Currently, I am the Customer Service & Key Accounts Manager at Northern Wasco County PUD. Prior to that, I operated as a power resource analyst and project manager at the utility. My background for many years after graduating from the Renewable Energy Technology program at CGCC, was working in the wind energy industry. I have lived in The Dalles since 2007 with my wife and daughter. I graduated high school from Goldendale but was born in Oregon and have always considered myself as “from the area”. 3) What will your top priorities be if voters select you to serve on the board? My priority will always remain the same as what is stated in the mission statement of “Building community through people, parks, and programs”. Throughout the years, I’ve watched the parks and recreation put forth great efforts aimed at serving the needs of the community. If elected to serve, I would continue to strive towards those same objec- tives and goals with an open mind. 4) What changes do you think the district needs to make? It’s not about changes that the district needs to make, but more in capitalizing on the potential that is available, and making those possibilities of quality services, activities, and facilities accessible for the community. NORTH WASCO COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT — POSITION #5 Annette Byers 1) Why did you decide to run for a posi- tion on the North Wasco County Parks & Recreation board? After being on the board for one term, I would like to continue working with our executive director, Scott Baker and the other board members. . The challenge of restoring Sorosis Park, improving our other parks, supporting the aquatic center, and moving Annette Byers to reach the goals of our master plan are all top priorities for my decision to run again for the Parks and Rec board. 2) What is your background/profession, and where do you live? For the past 29 years I have been an instructor at Columbia Gorge Community College. Before joining the Parks and Rec board I was a coach and the commissioner for the AYSO Soccer program and a coach for my sons’ youth basketball teams. I wanted to stay active in my community after my role in youth sports ended. Because I am a proud lifelong resident of The Dalles, I feel it is my responsibility to contribute to the town that raised me. 3) What will your top priorities be if voters select you to serve on the board? My number one priority is to listen to my fellow com- munity members about how the Parks and Rec district can be improved. Open communication helps me as a board member know what projects should be our focus. Another one of priorities is to assist with ideas to help connect people and other community groups who want to volunteer and contribute to our parks. Because the district has a continuing challenge with a strict budget, I want to continue to support our executive director’s efforts to be fiscally Responsible. 4) No response made to final question. Dr. Cullen’s Student of the week Kona Leslie, Student of the week Keegan Ku consistently for Global Kona steps up Ku in class as a leader Studies: and is a great example for others. He is always willing every to volunteer first and Keegan comes to class day is never afraid to ask questions that others have. Kona comes with a positive attitude and works to class each day with a positive attitude and appreciation hard, not Kona only himself, for learning. excels improving at analyzing the texts we read on a deeper level and assisting others with this as well. I always but fellow classmates as skill well. appreciate Kona’s thoughtful contributions in class! Congratulations Columbia View Dental 1915 E. 19th Street | The Dalles Victor Cullen, DDS 1) Why did you decide to run for a po- sition on the South Wasco County School District board? I am running for the SWCD1 school board because I believe I possess qualities that will help the school and community. Between communication, financial knowledge, and simple, common sense, I believe I am fitted to make a difference. Call your locally owned independent mortgage broker today. Kevin Duling 2) What is your background/profession, and where do you live? My primary career is a market consultant for grain grow- ers in the US, Canada, and Australia, with most clientele here in the Pacific Northwest. I still am a part time wheat producer as well. My first 20 years out of college I was a full time wheat grower outside of Maupin. 3) What will your top priorities be if voters select you to serve on the board? My top priority will be aiding in communication between staff, board members, the community, and school super- visors. I also believe there will be some challenges in the district after the bond passed to complete a large building project. With construction costs going up nearly 30% since the bond passed, it will be an incredible challenge to stay within budget constraints. 4) No response made to final question. NEWS TIPS? info@gorgenews.com Mike Ellsworth Ron Kurahara Lorena Salgado Mike Ellsworth Rachel Lorena Herman Salgado Ron Kurahara James Nygren 541-490-2832 541-490-4077 541-806-0107 541-490-2832 541-380-1440 541-806-0107 541-490-4077 541-892-8808 nmls nmls 114033 38028 nmls nmls 1216376 114033 nmls nmls 1837820 1216376 nmls nmls 38028 1691008 11 3rd Street, Suite 101, Hood River 541-436-4706 Company Nmls #1851593 hoodrivermortgage.com Kona Ku Leslie, TDHS Keegan Ku, TDHS 541-296-5677 | Se habla español