Submitted By: dougolson-oregon@outlook.com – Click to email about this post
To The Editor:
The upcoming Primary Election in Tillamook County is more important this year than usual. Why? Because the winner of the race for Tillamook County Commissioner will be sworn in January 2027 for a four-year term.
And that’s because there are only two candidates. In a larger field of hopefuls, the top two finishers move to the General Election in November unless one gets over 50 percent. That’s not the case this spring so your vote is more important than ever.
And your vote should be for current Commissioner Mary Faith Bell. There are many good reasons behind this recommendation.
I have always looked at a candidate from two perspectives, both equally important.
First includes personal qualities, education, abilities and life experience as a person. Second is the philosophy of governing, understanding issues of the day and outlook on life. Mary Faith Bell ranks high on all counts.
She is educated (Linfield University, BA, and working on a graduate degree). Her qualities include honesty, integrity, strong ethical standards and a transparent approach to governing.
Commissioner Bell is perhaps the best listener I have ever encountered. She not only listens but hears as well. She also can say “no” when necessary.
She has experience as a leader. Eight years as a Commissioner, over a decade as Chair of the Tillamook Bay Community College Board, service on the Economic Development Council and employment as the Editor of the Headlight Hearld. She also held a key position at Adventist Hospital Tillamook. She knows the issues in Tillamook County – past and present. She also has an unmatched passion for public service.
In my 25 years in public office, I learned that there will always be an issue no one saw coming. That’s why the ability to apply logic, reason, patience, and experience is so important. Commissioner Bell has done that and will do it again. Mary Faith Bell has earned your vote and should be reelected.
Doug Olson
Former Tillamook County Commissioner
Prineville, Oregon
The upcoming Primary Election in Tillamook County is more important this year than usual. Why? Because the winner of the race for Tillamook County Commissioner will be sworn in January 2027 for a four-year term.
And that’s because there are only two candidates. In a larger field of hopefuls, the top two finishers move to the General Election in November unless one gets over 50 percent. That’s not the case this spring so your vote is more important than ever.
And your vote should be for current Commissioner Mary Faith Bell. There are many good reasons behind this recommendation.
I have always looked at a candidate from two perspectives, both equally important.
First includes personal qualities, education, abilities and life experience as a person. Second is the philosophy of governing, understanding issues of the day and outlook on life. Mary Faith Bell ranks high on all counts.
She is educated (Linfield University, BA, and working on a graduate degree). Her qualities include honesty, integrity, strong ethical standards and a transparent approach to governing.
Commissioner Bell is perhaps the best listener I have ever encountered. She not only listens but hears as well. She also can say “no” when necessary.
She has experience as a leader. Eight years as a Commissioner, over a decade as Chair of the Tillamook Bay Community College Board, service on the Economic Development Council and employment as the Editor of the Headlight Hearld. She also held a key position at Adventist Hospital Tillamook. She knows the issues in Tillamook County – past and present. She also has an unmatched passion for public service.
In my 25 years in public office, I learned that there will always be an issue no one saw coming. That’s why the ability to apply logic, reason, patience, and experience is so important. Commissioner Bell has done that and will do it again. Mary Faith Bell has earned your vote and should be reelected.
Doug Olson
Former Tillamook County Commissioner
Prineville, Oregon