Submitted By: capekiwanda@protonmail.com – Click to email about this post
Unfortunately, many people are influenced by personality-driven politics and fail to scrutinize the actual records of their elected officials—at both the local, state and national levels. We believe it’s crucial to examine an elected official or representative’s voting record and the policies they truly support. Are they consistent, or are they swayed by powerful outside lobbyists or “experts”? How do they communicate, especially with those who disagree with them? How do they try to include more people in the decision-making process?
In my experience, supporters of Mary Faith Bell tend to favor an authoritarian approach over inclusive decision-making that reflects the diversity of viewpoints in our county. This has been my primary concern with her leadership over the past eight years—a sentiment echoed by many who feel shut out of the process, as she often avoids confrontation rather than engaging differing perspectives.
Mary Faith Bell could have earned my respect by declining a pay raise while often speaking about her concern for those struggling in our community and claiming that she was trying to save money by reducing the elected treasurer’s position to 8 hours. True leadership means leading by example, including financially. She receives a salary of over $105,000 a year, along with PERS, life insurance, and generous health benefits. How many hardworking families in our county can say the same? She is generous with taxpayer money, but not her own.
Her absence from the South County Candidate Debate further disappointed me. I understand the group hosting the event was not deemed nonpartisan , but she didn’t communicate her concerns in advance or make an effort to resolve them. I encourage you to listen to the debate and judge for yourself. April Bailey hopes to post a video of it. I am sorry I was unable to attend as this is the first time we’ve had judges that weren’t running unopposed. Sounds like a lot of thoughtful and important questions were asked of Jeff Spink and our two circuit court judge candidates. This lack of transparency suggested Mary Faith Bell was unwilling to stand by her record or listen to the ignored voices of South County. Our community deserves more proactive outreach from our commissioners. Instead of spending so much time chairing boards and committees—positions that allow them to choose participants and limit broader engagement—they should focus on connecting with constituents across the county. It’s disheartening that many people in South County don’t even know their elected officials; that disconnect is tragic.
To strengthen the democratic process, we need leaders who are willing to engage with everyone, not just their most ardent supporters. Mary Faith Bell hasn’t addressed these concerns, and sadly, she seems to believe she’s accessible to all when many feel otherwise.
By declining participating in the South County Candidate debate, it sent the message that she prefers to sidestep difficult issues rather than confronting them. I want someone in this role who isn’t afraid to have those tough conversations, who is willing at the very least to establish dialogue, rather than ignore or dismiss concerns.
As a former teacher, I never had the option to hide from difficult situations with parents, teachers, or struggling students. Facing challenges comes with the territory, and the same should be true for our county commissioners. Do they really have an open door? Do they really care? Again, no matter who you support, we all need to demand accountability, transparency and make sure more voices are heard in our county. There is always room for improvement.
In my experience, supporters of Mary Faith Bell tend to favor an authoritarian approach over inclusive decision-making that reflects the diversity of viewpoints in our county. This has been my primary concern with her leadership over the past eight years—a sentiment echoed by many who feel shut out of the process, as she often avoids confrontation rather than engaging differing perspectives.
Mary Faith Bell could have earned my respect by declining a pay raise while often speaking about her concern for those struggling in our community and claiming that she was trying to save money by reducing the elected treasurer’s position to 8 hours. True leadership means leading by example, including financially. She receives a salary of over $105,000 a year, along with PERS, life insurance, and generous health benefits. How many hardworking families in our county can say the same? She is generous with taxpayer money, but not her own.
Her absence from the South County Candidate Debate further disappointed me. I understand the group hosting the event was not deemed nonpartisan , but she didn’t communicate her concerns in advance or make an effort to resolve them. I encourage you to listen to the debate and judge for yourself. April Bailey hopes to post a video of it. I am sorry I was unable to attend as this is the first time we’ve had judges that weren’t running unopposed. Sounds like a lot of thoughtful and important questions were asked of Jeff Spink and our two circuit court judge candidates. This lack of transparency suggested Mary Faith Bell was unwilling to stand by her record or listen to the ignored voices of South County. Our community deserves more proactive outreach from our commissioners. Instead of spending so much time chairing boards and committees—positions that allow them to choose participants and limit broader engagement—they should focus on connecting with constituents across the county. It’s disheartening that many people in South County don’t even know their elected officials; that disconnect is tragic.
To strengthen the democratic process, we need leaders who are willing to engage with everyone, not just their most ardent supporters. Mary Faith Bell hasn’t addressed these concerns, and sadly, she seems to believe she’s accessible to all when many feel otherwise.
By declining participating in the South County Candidate debate, it sent the message that she prefers to sidestep difficult issues rather than confronting them. I want someone in this role who isn’t afraid to have those tough conversations, who is willing at the very least to establish dialogue, rather than ignore or dismiss concerns.
As a former teacher, I never had the option to hide from difficult situations with parents, teachers, or struggling students. Facing challenges comes with the territory, and the same should be true for our county commissioners. Do they really have an open door? Do they really care? Again, no matter who you support, we all need to demand accountability, transparency and make sure more voices are heard in our county. There is always room for improvement.
Robin
Pacific City