Category: General Interest

Submitted By: thebutlerdiditatcannonbeach@hotmail.com – Click to email about this post

Looking to Hire Salesperson For Cannon Beach Antique Store
We do like very talkative friendly people! Working with people, opening show cases very general sales work. You do not need an education in Antiques we will train. You must be able to pass Security Background Check. 2=3 Days a week Starting Pay 14.50 Hr

Submitted By: capekiwanda@protonmail.com – Click to email about this post

I spoke with Senator Weber for an hour and a half several months ago. We discussed the gas tax issue, Rep. Javadi, and other concerns. Not only is the gas tax set to increase, but so are registration and title fees for vehicles, which are already high. My parents grew up during the Great Depression, so I learned early on to live within my means. We taught our children the same values—to be responsible, yet generous in spirit and willing to help family and neighbors whenever possible.
One issue emerging nationwide is widespread fraud—money laundering and the mishandling of taxpayer funds. Too many nonprofits and NGOs that receive substantial federal and state grants abuse that privilege. It’s frustrating when people dismiss these losses as trivial, but it all adds up. We heard similar arguments in recent years about raising the excise tax in the Nestucca Valley School District. These increases, combined with local property taxes and high state taxes, contribute to the escalating cost of living. Many in our community, including us, are on fixed incomes. Countless others are struggling, living on credit, and trying not to rely on government assistance.
My husband and I became involved when Pacific City’s water/sewer board proposed building an oversized treatment plant. Many ratepayers were already struggling, and we stood up for them. Some board members had clear conflicts of interest, working for Mary Jones and Jeff Schoens—developers who would benefit from a larger plant. The board falsely claimed that more users would lower costs for everyone, and that it was illegal to charge developers buy-in fees. We showed them the relevant ORS law, but they admitted they simply made more money charging homeowners than developers—and ignored the law. Increased fees and taxes will only further burden hardworking, taxpaying residents. Our Oregon taxes are already exorbitant, and government waste is rampant.
I asked Senator Weber why the Oregon Department of Transportation hasn’t been audited to account for all the money it spends. She said they claimed the records are no longer available. Meanwhile, the slide on Hwy 6 was repaired in record time by a private contractor—proof that efficiency is possible. In contrast, we often see Department of Transportation crews with a dozen workers, but only a few actually working. No private business could survive with such inefficiency.
Until we demand fiscal responsibility, our tax dollars will continue to be misused and fall into the hands of the corrupt. Inflation and rising costs are hurting everyone, which is why people across party lines are coming together. Rep. Javadi, who is well off, seems out of touch with the struggles of everyday people in our county. Seniors like us, and many others, are on fixed incomes. Many residents must drive long distances and simply can’t afford to keep paying more. We shouldn’t have to, if only government practiced transparency and accountability. We’re tired of scare tactics, and grateful that many people haven’t bought into them.
People from both sides of the political spectrum are voting NO. The waste in our state is staggering. I recently learned that during COVID, we spent $19,000 per homeless person—but now, that figure is up to $95,000 per person, more than most people ever earn. Who is really benefiting from this spending? The level of money laundering we’ve seen nationwide raises real concerns.
Our state government’s spending is out of control, and our leaders are failing to be good stewards of taxpayer money. For these reasons, we are VOTING NO on Measure 120, which will raise gas prices and vehicle fees even further.
Robin, Pacific City

Submitted By: jettkeyser@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

YES,

THE DROP BOX IS NOW IN FRONT OF CITY HALL. IT IS A NEW BOX AND A BIT DIFFICULT TO USE. IT IS BLUE AND OFF THE PARKING LOT ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BUILDING…

Submitted By: meganliz@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

Hello BBQ community,
I’m in the midst of writing a book, and am looking for a place to rent that is quiet, bright, and beautiful, supportive of sustained contemplation. I’m flexible about size and location (doesn’t even have to be on the coast), though I strongly prefer a place on the ground floor, with an outside sitting area. Furnished or unfurnished could work. I’m in my 60s, very responsible, take good care of places I live, no drama. I’d prefer a long-term open-ended time frame, but will consider shorter possibilities. Proximity to horses and/or a piano a plus! And I’m happy to do gardening or other outdoor work.
Many thanks, Nancy Grace (413) 270-2689, ngrace43@protonmail.com

Submitted By: jettkeyser@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Apologizing if the formatting fails here. There is already enough in our way. Hope you can hear
this whispered yes.

Visions

In an old cabin

some scarlet wine

in a candlelit glass.

Letting go, immersed

in the warmth

of a cast iron hearth,

one will easily drift.

Visions may come.

And if you are ever

on a mountain path,

stop and rest.

Taste the rain

on a summer’s dust.

In the early twilight,

bow to the horizon.

Over rounded buttes

and ridge line breaks,

lightning can move

in an amethyst sky.

Silence will come

soon enough.

Submitted By: cbbcalm@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

one member of the family has and still has dental surgery in Beaverton and driving back at times is not recommended
So we heard form others about the safe cab driver and owner Daniel PACIFIC TAXI He has helped some without car for their shopping and often takes people to portland airport .
he is very kind and helpful call
Daniel 503 812 80 41

grateful is Corinna and family
cbbcalm@gmail.com

Submitted By: shoogys@yahoo.com – Click to email about this post

In the upcoming Tillamook county election, Alex Hamalian is running for circuit court judge. In my opinion he is unfit to be a judge. I’ve known Alex for 43 years and managed a large remodel on one of his many houses. From personal experience I have found Alex to be dishonest, unethical,  and takes advantage of people. These are not qualities that make a good judge.
I could give a much longer list of reasons why he should not be sitting in judgement of others. I am a democrat but definitely will not be voting for him just because he is running as a democrat.   
    

Submitted By: barbaraandchuck@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

Please join me in voting YES on Measure 120, the gas tax measure.

Yes, it’s going to cost us more—with my calculations about a latte a month. (see math below) Surely, we can afford that and that our roads are worth it!

I doubt anyone would argue that the roads here on the North Coast and on Highways 26 and 6 need repair. In many places they are in bad shape and that’s not even considering the battering our winter storms give them. Deferment of maintenance and emergency repairs are much more expensive than regular maintenance.

We absolutely need good roads for local’s daily business and for visitors to get here. Tourism is our economy.

In the Voter’s Pamphlet there are many arguments against Measure 120. Most if not all, seem only to focus on their pride in getting the measure on the ballot and on the horrors of a tax increase. I did not see anything about their solution on how to fix the roads. As I understand it, right now all the money for road repair comes from the gas tax. With the advent of electric cars and the reduction in gallons of gas sold, I hope that there is serious solution seeking for other forms of revenue for our roads.

But that is in the future and I am willing right now to pay $7 a month extra to help keep our roads in drivable conditions.

Here is my math:
Tax increase is $.06 per gallon. Every 100 gallons cost us an extra $6.00. Let’s say your car gets 25 miles to the gallon. That means you can drive 2500 miles on that $6.00. Now let’s say you drive 25000 miles a year. That will cost you an extra $60 a year or $5 a month. And a lot of cars get much better gas mileage so that means they pay even less.

Passenger car registration is increasing $42, which is good for 2 years. That will cost us another $24 per year, or $2 a month.

The title increase is more (for many vehicles it goes from $77 to $216) and even though the payroll tax is doubling, the doubling is from 1/10 of a percent to 2/10 of a percent.

I would rather spend my $7 extra dollars a month on our roads than on a latte. (And to support our local coffee shop I will also buy that latte once in while!)

Please vote YES on Measure 120.
Barbara McLaughlin
Nehalem

Submitted By: dixiedarrow@icloud.com – Click to email about this post

“There once was a lady named Kotek
Who greatly taxed my paycheck
She raised my gas taxes and DMV fees
Brought me finally to my knees.

My friends said they can’t take it anymo’
So, they moved to Nevada, Texas and Idaho,
I’d join, but I’ simply all out of luck
Cuz I can’t afford gas for my U-Haul truck.”

from tax payers association of Oregon

Submitted By: pattyrinehart@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

Dear Friends,

A very strange sight met a few of the early arrivers at last week’s North County Peaceful Protesters event. A dead coyote was at the base of a sign for the Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale. I don’t want to read too much into this. Perhaps I’ll just leave it at that.

There were 40 of us at the Peaceful Protest. It was quite warm, but we had a cool breeze that kept us from feeling the heat. It was a beautiful day. We were well received by the people passing by with lots of honks and waves. We feel our demonstration is attracting more positive responses as each week goes by. It is difficult to attach this positivity to one of our President’s actions as action tends to change every week and sometimes more often than that. Now it seems we are back to wanting Greenland again.

Freedom of speech, our veterans cause, fascism, voting rights, the war, Ukraine vs. Russia, immigrant rights, LBGT, and the inability of our elected leaders to take back our government are just a few of the problems we have with the US Government.

We are a friendly group of people who would love for you to come a join us. At this point we are not seeing any rain in the forecast. Bring your water, your sun hat, a chair, and good spirits and join us this coming Saturday, May 9th, from noon to 2 PM. We’ve had some awfully good cookies people have given us over the past couple of weeks. Now who doesn’t want a good home-made cookie? And this past week we were served some excellent ice cream from buttercup!

Thanks,
Patty Rinehart

Submitted By: Tinnindeb@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Vote for Mary Faith Bell…Tillamook County Commissioner.

Your vote in this May election matters, and I encourage you to cast your vote for Mary Faith Bell.

Her service to all of us in Tillamook County has been steadfast and strong for several years now. She understands the problems our County faces. And once a challenge is set, Mary Faith has demonstrated time and again that she faces things squarely and does not shy away from hard work. She is especially notable for her ability to listen to all sides of an argument or problem and then skillfully work to pull people together and get the job done.

Her dedication is real and when you look at her years of service on boards in addition to the County Commissioners, it is amazing to think of the time and talents she invests every single day on our behalf. (Those boards include the Tillamook Bay Community College Board, Northwest Oregon Housing Authority, and Tides of Change.)

I have worked with her more closely since becoming Mayor in Manzanita, so I have had a chance to see her work up close and to learn more about what the work of a commissioner is. Mary Faith is a strong and resilient leader who is in it for the long haul. In a time when our challenges are not simple and will not be solved overnight, her optimism about possibilities combined with her practical and determined approach are just what we need in Tillamook County.

With best wishes to all,
Kathryn Stock

Submitted By: lane@lanedemoll.com – Click to email about this post

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead.

In this world gone haywire and our constitutional democracy threatened, it is vital that we exercise that most basicly American right to VOTE – including our right to vote by mail. This year it is even more important than ever that we vote for someone who has demonstrated that she has the capacity to capably help administrate that complex organism that is our county government as well as the fortitude to stand up to harassment. I am speaking of course of Commissioner Mary Faith Bell. Tillamook County citizens have been well served by her steadiness, thoughtfulness, experience and courage. She is quietly and conscientiously doing her part to change the world.

If you have already voted, thank you. If not yet, I urge you to vote for Mary Faith Bell.

Lane deMoll

Submitted By: nehalembayexperience@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

Hi folks. Save those old family photos! Don’t let generations of memories fade away. I can scan your pics of celebrations, vacations and adventures so they are only a click away. Share them with family and friends and pass them on to the next generations.
AFFORDABLE: 1-100 photos at $.75 ea. 101+ at $.60 ea.
LOCAL: Bayside Gardens, Nehalem.
EASY: Drop them off and pick them up a few days later.
Cheers, Drew.
nehalembayexperience@gmail.com

Submitted By: dixiedarrow@icloud.com – Click to email about this post

Our Oregon constitution says – the voters get to select judges through the ballot process. Is this really true? NO. Up until now all persons running on the ballot for a judge position are running unopposed and have previously been selected by the governor!! Running unopposed means that these judges, whether or not anyone checks the box for them, are elected anyway.!! But it satisfies the law. And the governor continues to select judges for every court in Oregon. These judges agree to step down before their term is up. That means that every judge has already compromised themselves by this subterfuge. Doesn’t sound too good to me.!! doesn’t sound like democracy!!!

I have been checking on this again. A few days ago – I checked all judges on the Oregon Supreme Court. And they were previously selected by either Kate Brown or Tina Kotek. This means of course that all of them stepped down before their time was up, which makes it legal for the governor to select the another judge for that position. Then I found this article in the Willamette Week! www.wweek.com/news/dr-know/2025/10/26/why-do-oregon-judges-so-often-run-unopposed/

This article makes some good points about selection of judges. However, the journalist writing for Willamette Week says that it is “so common for judges to step down before their time is up,” doesn’t pass the smell test!! No that is not common at all and sends up a red flag!

I checked to see if there isn’t a review of judges performance. There should be! And there is!!! Yes, Oregon has a formal judicial review process to review cases and a separate commission to handle complaints against judges. The Oregon Court of Appeals is the primary body that reviews lower court cases, while the Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability investigates complaints about judge conduct. Isn’t that good to know? OH! BUT WAIT……here is a link: medium.com/@pinkerton_69080/the-oregon-commission-on-judicial-fitness-and-disability-a-shield-for-corruption-457378d4df1e. This is commission is corrupt also!!!!! I just have to sigh!!!
Do we not all yearn for justice?
For the first time ever on the ballot there is a judicial opening where there are two candidates vying for this position: an incumbent, although it doesn’t say that and another person who doesn’t realize that he shouldn’t be there and is upsetting to the status quo. I am voting for that person.

Submitted By: barbaraandchuck@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

This May election is an important one, so PLEASE VOTE. And please vote for MARY FAITH BELL for County Commissioner. Since there are only two candidates, whomever gets the most votes in May will be Commissioner. When there are more than 2 candidates, the top two finishers have a run-off in November, unless one gets over 50 percent. Please don’t think this May election is insignificant
.
Mary Faith Bell genuinely cares for our community and works hard to build relationships with the goal of finding solutions to the many complex problems our county faces. This is not easy in this current political climate and she has proven herself capable, committed and trustworthy.

Being of service to her community is an integral part of who she is and is based on her belief in the true teachings of Christ, the basis of which is love. Her connections, integrity, honesty and tenacity are assets to our County.

In her tenure as Commissioner, she has gained essential knowledge of issues and subjects crucial to Tillamook County and continues to learn and do her homework. She has faced intense challenges with grace, intelligence and fortitude.

She is smart, well educated, ethical, transparent and a good listener. She knows it is not possible to give everyone what they want and is still able to provide quality leadership.

Please join me in voting for Mary Faith Bell.

Barbara McLaughlin
Nehalem

Submitted By: capekiwanda@protonmail.com – Click to email about this post

I supported Commissioner Bell when she first ran for office, despite her limited experience. After eight years under her authoritarian leadership, it’s abundantly clear that we need a change. My perspective sharply diverges from those who continue to endorse her. As a South County resident, I have repeatedly provided public testimony and sought meetings with her. It took three years to receive any response, and that only happened because she was running for reelection. Throughout her tenure, she has neither been accessible nor genuinely concerned with addressing the worries of constituents who hold differing viewpoints. Despite her claims of being an active listener, I have witnessed her tune out during uncomfortable conversations.

My concerns deepened during her handling of the COVID-19 crisis. While she positioned herself as a “health authority,” not an “expert,” her decisions directly impacted our community’s well-being. She mandated business closures and enforced mask requirements—which lacked legal standing—resulting in people being cited for criminal trespassing if unmasked. Many were barred from the courthouse or removed from board meetings for not following these mandates. Moreover, she compelled county employees to take an experimental mRNA vaccine—neither proven safe nor effective at the time—or risk losing their jobs. Where was the advocacy for medical freedom? She pushed vaccination, particularly targeting the Hispanic community, despite legitimate concerns rooted in historical abuses like the Tuskegee experiment. She disregarded scientific studies showing potential harm and ignored community concerns throughout the crisis.

The damage to children, young adults, the elderly, and previously healthy individuals has been significant, with many now facing chronic health issues or worse after getting COVID shots. The impact on our children’s education is irreversible. Forcing children as young as two to wear masks-toxic ones from China, and wearing them outdoors in fresh air, while participating in sporting events. Then the 6 ft. rule that Dr. Fauci admitted during congressional testimony he simply made up. When asked about investigating the effects of her decisions, she openly admitted to not reviewing the evidence, instead waiting for direction from an “expert.”

Her decisions often lack common sense or independent critical thinking, as she consistently defers to “experts.” For example, despite an outcry from hundreds of parents about inappropriate books in our library, she dismissed their concerns or sent them back to the library director—her designated “expert.” As the library liaison, she refused to review the books I presented, redirecting me to the director with whom I had already spoken extensively. Other parents who followed proper channels to challenge these books were similarly ignored. One parent even received an astonishing response from the director: “I don’t find the content of these books erotic, and they don’t excite me sexually.”

I firmly believe in common human decency and find it alarming that many of these books sexualize and groom children, making them vulnerable to predators. Our community has experienced troubling incidents involving sex crimes against minors. When I was growing up, and even when my children were young, inappropriate books weren’t an issue in libraries. As a former special education professional who worked with children and young adults who were groomed and abused, I am acutely aware of these dangers. If I had children or grandchildren today, I would hesitate to take them to the library. While I support literary freedom, we must recognize when basic decency has been crossed.

Fiscal responsibility is another lesson I learned from my parents, who lived through the Great Depression. Unfortunately, our county has not been responsible stewards of taxpayer money. The current centralization plan is not saving money; we now have a hybrid system(home rule and general law) with a highly paid county manager and 3 county commissioners, all operating under a general law framework. Our debt has surged by 30 percent, and instead of finding solutions, Commissioner Bell advocates raising fees and taxes—placing an unfair burden on struggling taxpayers and small business owners.

It is especially troubling that, while Commissioner Bell claims to care about our community’s hardships, she took a retroactive pay raise for nine months. She could have declined this increase but chose not to. Meanwhile, she supported reducing the elected treasurer’s position to just eight part-time hours per week. This role is intended to provide essential checks and balances, but with the financial director assuming a part-time position, a clear conflict of interest arises. Who would even want to run for such a position? Lingering questions remain about the former treasurer’s resignation, likely prompted by her warnings about our high debt-to-revenue ratio and lack of support. We need accountability and a genuine change in leadership.

Additionally, the county purchased the BLM building for $2 million and now needs another $6 million to fund it, while we struggle to pay for roads, bridges, and infrastructure and again a debt that increased by 30% with declining timber revenues due to environmentalists tying up harvesting because of litigation that we depend on to fund our infrastructure and schools. We are facing $600,000 just to replace the courthouse roof. We need a leader who can mediate between environmental and economic interests—something Commissioner Bell has failed to do. As longtime environmentalists who understand the importance of timber revenues for funding our county and schools, we believe balance is essential.

Finally, with emergency preparedness, Commissioner Bell takes credit, but key issues remain unaddressed. In Pacific City, where I live, evacuation plans are inadequate. We have no siren to warn residents, and only 20 minutes to evacuate up to 10,000 people that come here during the height of the tourist season. Commissioners have celebrated containers for pets and livestock at a recent meeting, yet ignore the larger, pressing realities. In a major earthquake, bridges will collapse, and the town will be underwater in a tsunami. Water sources will be cut off, supplies with be inaccessible and little thought has been given to aftermath logistics. We built our new treatment plant on tsunami flats and an area that will be prone to liquefaction during an earthquake.

There are public safety issues(drug cartels, human and child sex trafficking, theft, sex crimes with minors, substance abuse, rape, murder and how our DA prosecutes many of these cases. Although we need more affordable housing/workforce housing, I haven’t seen a plan as to who will qualify for these projects that also place a greater burden on our infrastructure=water, sewer, power, emergency services. The ratepayers end up picking up the extra capacity needed.

We dealt with this issue and worked with Oregon Coast Alliance when our local municipality was going to build an oversized treatment plant and we learned that we would be subsidizing the primary developers=Mary Jones/Jeff Schoens who control our town. We were in violation with DEQ for many years, and needed to replace our aging plant, but smaller in size. I also learned we still had degrading asbestos pipes along the river and a few other places. It took me 6 months to get that information because of a lack of transparency. The EPA only requires testing every 9 years.

Commissioner Bell’s tenure has been marked by inaccessibility, poor crisis management, lack of fiscal responsibility, and failure to address constituent concerns. Our community deserves better leadership—someone willing to listen, act with common sense, and put the well-being of all citizens first. We will be voting for Jeff Spink for position #3.

Submitted By: Website@unitedpaws.org – Click to email about this post

Stealthily, she glides through the play tunnel and as agile as a lynx in the wild, she climbs up her tower, seeking a high perch, preferably near a window. Meet Lynx.

Beautiful and exotic with swirling bands of gold and brown on thick fur that matches her large golden eyes, Lynx is described by her foster as “the epitome of a sweet kitten.” She is as unusual and beautiful as she is sweet. Lynx loves to explore and play with anything made with feathers, but her very favorite thing is having contact from humans. Belly rubs send her over the moon!!

Lynx and other kittens were found abandoned in a remote area of Nehalem and rescued by volunteers. Lynx was one of the sickest kittens United Paws has worked with. It took many months of heroic medical care, good food, safe shelter, and loving hands to bring this beauty back to perfect health. Lynx has survived the battle of a lifetime and, through all of her suffering, she continued to be the sweetest, most tolerant, and patient of personalities. She is a true champion, now healthy and ready for her forever home.

This loveable kitten will do well as the only cat in a home where she can receive lots of attention, human connection and cuddle time. Because she has formed strong bonds with the foster kittens she has grown up with, a littermate or another friendly cat would be an added bonus in her new home. Lynx will likely do well with a gentle dog, with the proper introduction. Because of her early struggles, it will be important for her adopter to be attentive to maintaining Lynx’s good nutrition and seeing that she has regular veterinary care.

Meet Lynx and you will be dazzled by her sweetness and striking beauty. See more photos and videos at unitedpaws.org, and email unitedpawshelp@gmail.com to schedule a Meet & Greet.

Submitted By: barbaraandchuck@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

Besides the National Day of Action for peaceful protest of the state of affairs in our country, let’s celebrate the traditional, pagan meaning of May Day.

And thanks to everyone who is participating in the National Day of Action.

From Facebook
Rivers in the Ocean
www.facebook.com/RiversInTheOcean

Happy May and Beltane Blessings!
May is such a magical month infused with the spirit of rebirth, fertility and diversity of life.
May 1 is Beltane, an ancient Celtic celebration of the new season with expectations for a good harvest in the incoming summer. It was admired with lighting bonfires as a symbol of purification, creation, and new beginnings. It was custom for communities to dance around maypoles beautifully decorated by flowers and ribbons, gather wildflowers, and wear elaborate flower garlands.
Today, we can create our own Beltane celebration rituals by burning the sage or lighting candles to purify our spaces and our energetic fields, by communing with the nature, and making gratitude offerings for her abundance and beauty. It is a time to pause, think about the changes we need to make as an individual and the collective to create a new reality where all living beings are free from sufferings and injustice.
Set your intentions for the new season in your life, and let them be rooted in what brings you a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment. It’s a time that we honor the life-force in all things, when we remember that joy, like wildflowers, yearns to bloom inside us.
Enjoy the magic of May and Beltane!

Submitted By: laniciaduke@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

www.dukefororegon.com/candidates

Who is Running for Governor of Oregon?

Did you know there are twenty-four (24) people running for Governor of Oregon on your May 19, 2026 primary ballot? Oregon media outlets and the political establishments still don’t believe everyone who is courageous enough to put their name on the ballot deserve to be heard. Here are the nineteen candidates who have decided to choose people over special interests. They have not received equal attention or access to share their vision for the state.

www.dukefororegon.com/candidates

They are listed with their websites.

Submitted By: dixiedarrow@icloud.com – Click to email about this post

And I hope you do. Lots of persons running for governor this time!!! Both parties!!

Judges – You know I stopped voting for judges several years ago, I felt I didn’t have much knowledge of any one of them so ………and most of them run unopposed anyway. But in this district now – 27th district – there are two persons running for position 2 in this district – which is kind of unusual! So I am going to vote for the one which wasn’t previously hand picked, because our Oregon constitution says that we the people of Oregon get to vote for a judge with the ballot system, not for a candidate that was put there by an elected official or a state agency or a political party. And there is a choice this time! This is the only court position, this time, where two people are running for the same position. Amazing! A choice!!

As far as ballot measures go – you really have to think about those…………..

Well be sure to vote and turn your ballot in on time!!
There is a debate May 8th. 6:30 pm Nestucca K-8
gym. Spink, Lyon, and Hamalian. know your candidates!!

Submitted By: pattyrinehart@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

Dear Friends,

Food banks in Oregon are grappling with significant federal funding reductions, particularly from the USDA, which cut over $1 billion nationally affecting foodbanks and school nutrition programs. These cuts have resulted in canceled truckloads of food, rising demand, and reduced purchasing power for local food programs. Oregon Food Bank and local organizations report historic levels of need and a 31% increase in visits in the past year alone.

Thanks to all of you who participated in the Food Tsunami sponsored by the Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay. With the price of everything going up-especially food and gas, it is especially important for our communities to support all our local programs dealing with food insecurity. If you can, buy a $15 gas card and give it to your employees. At this point in time, every little bit helps.

North County Resistance will continue to meet on Saturdays, in Nehalem, from noon to 2 PM. We wish we didn’t need to, but we feel we must. We need to show the people who are running our country that we are not buying what is going on. The elite are getting more while the people who keep this country running are struggling daily. Think of what could be done in this country with the $28 billion plus that has been spent on the Iran War.

See you Saturday, May 2, in Nehalem, from noon to 2 PM. We need you to join us in our peaceful protest. A big thank you to 420NTO!

Best,
Patty

Submitted By: jettkeyser@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

MAY 1, 2026 NEHALEM RIVER COMMUNITIES:
A TIME TO REFUSE

Until I Refuse

Awakening, no longer willing to live in exile,
excluded from those places where the heart
still needs healing, I am now required to refuse.
For it is only a matter of how long we can hold
on to what is not serving. As things go to pieces,
can we commit to remember our compassion is a fertile womb offering space for what is forgiving.
And who would wish to be entitled by pretense
whether to honor or disgrace. In this disguised
play of oppressing algorithms, let us build a stage
that needs no applause and no disdain. Are we
not all called to more than this subservience.
I refuse, I will not pursue the keys to the gated
property. All the holders have managers and brokers. I see no grace in their repeated asking, no grace in the needing. When is enough what it purports to be? Yes, a child needs to suckle, come to the breast, listen to the instructions of mother
and father, perhaps appreciate kind elders,
even a rabbi, minister, imam, neighbor, or priest.
It does seem natural to look elsewhere, outside
the direct experience we are all given. Able to
learn, we will honor being told what we need
until a time comes when we must refuse.

Submitted By: pattyrinehart@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

Dear Friends,

Below please find an event coming up in Tillamook on May 1st. This information is from the Tillamook County Pioneer.

Indivisible Tillamook Coast Action: May Day Strong – Nationwide Day of Action Planned May 1st – Tillamook County Pioneer.

www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/indivisible-tillamook-coast-action-may-day-strong-nationwide-day-of-action-planned-may-1st/

Many of the members of North County Resistance will be joining them.

North County Resistance will be in Nehalem this Saturday, May 2, from noon to 2. We would love to see you!

Thanks,
Patty Rinehart

Submitted By: barbaraandchuck@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

The theme of the current Tillamook County Giving Guide is “Sowing Seeds of Love”.

Please check it out and give generously–sowing your own seeds of love.

The Giving Guide and detailed directories of the organizations can be found at www.northcoastbbq.com/local-resources/

The Giving Guide can also be found here:
www.northcoastbbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Giving-Guide-2025-26_Final_Spreads3.pdf

Not every organization can afford a paid profile, which pays for the production. So there is a list of contact information for all in the back of the Guide.

Here are descriptions of several of those organizations:
Nehalem Bay Garden Club
Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy
Nehalem Bay Health District
Nehalem Bay Volunteer Firefighter Association

Nehalem Bay Garden Club
PO Box 261
Wheeler, OR 97147
nibbs1111@gmail.com

Mission Statement: The mission of this organization is to cultivate knowledge and love of gardening through educational programs and activities. To aid in the protection of the environment, native plants and wildlife; and to support public service through garden related organizations and volunteer opportunities.

One paragraph about your organization’s history/work:
NBGC was founded in 1950. We are a “not-for-profit” organization. Our funding comes from the annual Plant Sale and member dues, which are $10 annually. With the proceeds, we give money to various organizations which align with our Mission. We presently have 80 members on our mailing list. Our year is from Sept. through June, meeting every 4th Saturday at 10am except for special meetings during the Holidays and for special events. Our programs are varied, with speakers coming from Portland, coast nurseries and club members with special interests.

Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy
PO Box 176 info@nehalembayhealth.org
885 Nehalem Boulevard
Wheeler, Oregon 97147
1-800-368-5182
nehalembayhealth.org

Gail Nelson, CEO

Mission: Delivering compassionate team-based health care and wellness education to improve the lives of ALL in our community.

One paragraph about your organization’s history/work:
Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy (formerly known as Rinehart Clinic) is a non-profit Community Health Center in Wheeler, Oregon that offers a team-based approach to comprehensive and personalized health care for our patients. A sliding scale fee program is available for all patients based on income, and as a Federally Qualified Health Center, Nehalem Bay Health Center has programs available to help patients who may have difficulty paying their health care bills. Individual and corporate donations help offset the cost of providing service to those in the community who need care.

Nehalem Bay Health District
PO Box 6
278 Rowe Street
Wheeler, OR 97147
503-368-5119
info@nehalembayhd.org
nbhdistrict@gmail.com
www.nehalembayhd.org

Marc Johnson, President marc@nehalembayhd.org

Mission statement: The NBHD serves the communities of Manzanita, Nehalem, and Wheeler. Our mission is to facilitate the delivery of health and community services through responsible fiscal management.

One paragraph about your organization’s history/work:
The Nehalem Bay Health District (NBHD) is an Oregon special district, a form of local government, created in the 1950’s by vote of the people to help meet the health care needs of the community. The health district owns two properties in Wheeler, the locations of the new Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy (885 Nehalem Blvd. at the corner of US 101 and Hospital Road); the Nehalem Valley Care Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility (280 Rowe Street); the former clinic building the temporary home of the North County Food Bank and the old Wheeler hospital. The District’s current priorities are continuing renovation of the Care Center and redevelopment of the old hospital site for housing to help address the needs of health care and other essential workers.

Nehalem Bay Volunteer Firefighter Association
36375 Hwy 101 N
Nehalem, OR 97131
503-368-7590
z.costello@nbfrd.org www.nehalembayfirerescue.org

Zak Costello, President
z.costello@nbfrd.org
503-801-4741

Mission statement: To strengthen community public safety through education, training, and outreach.

One paragraph about your organization’s history/work:
By giving to the Nehalem Bay Volunteer Firefighter Association, you are helping to put funds back into the community. Our funds allow us to give scholarships to local students pursuing careers in Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement and outreach & engagement. Our Association is made up of the dedicated men and women that serve with Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue to provide service in Firefighting, Emergency Medical Services, Technical Rope Rescue, Wildland Firefighting and Water Rescue.

Submitted By: babbles@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

This Letter to the Editor was submitted to the local online newspaper Tillamook County Pioneer. I am in agreement with the letter writer. I have CAPITALIZED THE WORDS THAT STRUCK ME AS THE MOST PERTINENT.

om peace namaste
lucy brook
Nehalem resident
Tillamook County, Oregon

LETTER TO EDITOR: Vote for Mary Faith Bell for County Commissioner
Posted on April 27, 2026 by Editor

I first met Mary Faith Bell when she volunteered in my classroom where her son was a student. She was always dependable, kind, and interested in learning more about what we did in class, all while working full time nights as a baker in McMinnville. As she has taken on jobs with more and more responsibility she has exhibited these same attributes always.

When I contemplate Jeff Spink’s Headlight Herald interview comments, I’m close to appalled. HE HASN’T “HAD TIME” TO LEARN WHAT A COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S JOB IS OR ABOUT THE CURRENT ISSUES THE COMMISSIONERS DEAL WITH. He would be a know-nothing-to-begin-with commissioner, and IT’S DIFFICULT TO TELL IF HE’D WORK HARD TO LEARN IF ELECTED.

As a resident of downtown Hebo since 1990, I’m especially excited about Mary Faith’s work to qualify south Tillamook County as an economic opportunity zone, unlocking investment dollars for our area. Mary Faith has championed housing, more jobs and training (her work on the TBCC board shows steadfast commitment), new sewer and water infrastructure, and more, for our area. All these will help south county thrive.

I’M VOTING FOR DEMONSTRATED COMPETENCE AND COMMITMENT. I’m voting for Mary Faith Bell.

Nancy Whitehead

Hebo Or

Submitted By: rkinor@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

City budgets in Oregon include what is called an unappropriated ending fund balance (UEFB) for the General Fund. Budgeting money in the UEFB ensures that a City has enough General Fund revenue to fund services from July 1 when the annual budget is adopted until November when property taxes are collected by the County and distributed to the City. 

Best practices recommended by the  Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) as to the  appropriate amount of UEFB to meet this interim funding need is 5 to 15% of operating revenue or 1 to 2 months of actual General Fund expenditures. 

As City officials regularly remind us, Manzanita collects far less property taxes than most cities and is therefore less dependent on them to pay for General Fund services. This fact when aligned with GFOA best practices would generously justify a General Fund UEFB of approximately $500,000.

 The UEFB in the proposed City Budget for the General Fund is $3,963,927.

This budgeting of an excessive UEFB has been taking place for the past 4 years and this Council has approved and never questioned why the City Manager has been doing this.

The consequences of this Budgetary malpractice is  that millions of dollars each year are not appropriated and sit unused in the General Fund. 

Perhaps the Council could explain why:
Some of these funds couldn’t be transferred to the Water Fund to help fund operation and maintenance costs while simultaneously providing residents a reasonable amount of water at lower rates?

Given this surplus of General Fund revenue,  what is the justification to transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars OUT of the Water Fund to the General Fund to pay expenses of City Hall staff?

This Council consistently advances policies to ensure Manzanita is a year round tourist destination. At the same time, Councilors are contemplating charging residents a monthly fee for increased street maintenance that is needed for maintenance in large part as the result of thousands of visitor vehicles contributing to the wear on our streets. Why aren’t some of the millions of Short Term Rental funds now locked up in the UEFB being transferred to the Road Fund to address the deterioration of streets caused by visitors?

To those who complain about my sharing my observations on Manzanita City government through social media and criticize  my lack of participation on a City committee,  be aware that each of the three times my application to serve on the City Budget Committee has been rejected, the reason given was due to me not having the qualifications that the City was looking for. Translation:  We can’t risk having someone with more experience and knowledge of municipal Budgeting than the City Manager on the Committee when we can appoint someone with no municipal Budgeting experience and who is less likely to ask questions we prefer not to answer. 

The UEFB was never intended to be used by cities as a rainy day reserve  account to stash away General Fund revenue collections. This unfortunate circumstance in our City is compounded by the fact that City officials continue to enact policy decisions based on the false representations to citizens of the need to continue to both increase existing charges and create new fees for services because revenue is not keeping up with expenses. 

Our Budget Committee is currently meeting to prepare the FY 2026 – 27 Budget. Ask some questions. 

Randy Kugler

Submitted By: stayhuman@tutamail.com – Click to email about this post

rumble.com/v78z9nm-massive-rainfall-after-iran-destroys-u.s.-weather-modification-radar.html?e9s=src_v1_ucp_a

Submitted By: babbles@nehalemtel.net – Click to email about this post

from our online newspaper Tillamook County Pioneer. THANK YOU to the editor for creating “Questions for the Candidates.”

these answers from our two candidates for Tillamook County Commission should help you decide for whom to cast your vote.

om peace namaste

lucy brook
nehalem resident
tillamook county
oregon

TILLAMOOK COUNTY PIONEER’S QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES MAY 19, 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION: TILLAMOOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER, POSITION 3
Posted on April 26, 2026 by Editor

It’s election time – a Primary Election with several important positions being decided. Here’s the Tillamook County Pioneer”s “Questions for the Candidates.” This provides our communities with our expanded election coverage and an introduction to the candidates with an unbiased view to compare the candidates side-by-side on important issues. All candidates were provided with the same questions; the questions were provided by a wide variety of Tillamook County residents. If you have other “questions for the candidates” – please forward them to editor@tillamookcountypioneer.net.

Tillamook County Commissioner, Position 3
There are two candidates for this nonpartisan position:
Mary Faith Bell (incumbent)
Jeff Spink

ANSWERS from Mary Faith Bell (incumbent)

1) Why should we vote for you? Give us your 2 minute “elevator speech” – about 250 to 300 words.

I am a Tillamook County Commissioner serving in my second term, running for reelection. I bring to the office a wealth of experience, knowledge, subject matter expertise, relationships, and connections essential to getting things done in Tillamook County.

I am the commissioner liaison to the Tillamook County Library system, Tillamook County Parks, Emergency Management, the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), Tillamook County Citizens Corps Council (TC4), South Tillamook County Emergency Volunteer Corps, Tillamook County Circuit Court, the Sheriff’s Office, the Juvenile Department, the District Attorney’s Office, Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (TCVA), Economic Development Council (EDC), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Colombia-Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac), Northwest Oregon Housing Authority (NOHA), the Soil and Water Conservation District, Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC) and the Tillamook County Fair.

I hold leadership roles in these community organizations:

Tillamook Bay Community College Board of Education, chair, 13 years

Economic Development Council of Tillamook County Board of Directors, chair, 7 years

Northwest Oregon Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, vice chair, 7 years

Tides of Change Board of Directors, chair, 3 years

I am a native Oregonian, and I have lived in Tillamook County for 21 years; 11 years in south Tillamook County, and the last 10 years in north county. I raised my son here; he graduated from Tillamook High. Prior to being elected as county commissioner I was the director of communications and marketing for Adventist Health Tillamook, and previous to that I was the editor and general manager of the Tillamook Headlight Herald. Those jobs gave me broad exposure to people and issues in Tillamook County and provided the perfect jumping off point for public service.

My core value is service. Being a commissioner allows me to be broadly of service to everyone in my community and to practice the principles of servant leadership on a daily basis.

2 and 3. What are the most important issues facing Tillamook County? How would you solve these issues?

Emergency preparedness: Tillamook County has more declared emergencies than any other Oregon county due in part to the abundance of rivers in our county and the potential for flooding, as well as windstorms, landslides, and resultant damage. Many areas of the county regularly experience power outages and road closures due to storms. Additionally, we live in the shadow of the Cascadia subduction zone off the coast, with the potential to produce a massive earthquake and tsunami. Preparedness for emergencies that are common to our area and for the “big one” is essential to the well-being and resilience of our communities. Developing a sustainable culture of preparedness for our communities is vital, life saving work.

We are making tremendous progress in this area. In the last seven years preparedness work has expanded to every community in Tillamook County with tsunami inundation zones and dynamic public/private partnerships have developed. I am passionate about this work and want to continue it.

Housing: the need for housing has long been on the list of top problems in Tillamook County. We have made significant progress in that area in the past five years with the formation of the Tillamook County Housing Commission, creation of programs to incentivize development of workforce housing, and investment in a housing coordinator to lead the work. As a result, there are approximately 150 new units of housing in Tillamook County, at least that many currently in the pipeline, and more yet in the conceptual stage. What we are doing is unique to Tillamook County and it is successful. I am eager to continue this good work!

Roads: The work of the Tillamook County Road Department is as much about managing water that flows under our roads and managing storm damage as it is about paving. With five major rivers flowing into Tillamook Bay in central Tillamook County, the Nestucca River in the south and the Nehalem River in the north and dozens of creeks, streams and tributaries that feed them, managing water is a unique and expensive challenge for our county. We have 386 miles of county roads and 118 bridges; that is one bridge per every 3 miles of road. Bridges cost millions of dollars to build, repair, and replace. Additionally, we have 4000 culverts. To put that into perspective, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for 40,000 culverts statewide; that means that Tillamook County has 10 percent of the culverts in the state.

Even with state and federal matches for some (but not all) bridges, culverts and storm repairs, the road department budget is stretched paper thin. There are projects and expenses slated over the next five years that exceed anticipated revenue.

The road department used to be well funded by federal timber dollars. As harvest levels declined due to environmental lawsuits and the endangered species act in the 1990s, staffing decreased from 50 to 25 people, and the state of our roads deteriorated until we had the worst roads in the state. In 2013 the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) committed to investing 30 percent of the county Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) revenue to the roads department to shore up funding, and voters passed a $15 million road bond. That combination of funding support was successful, and our roads are now rated in the middle of the pack compared to other counties.

I am committed to maintaining 30 percent TLT funding for roads because we need it there. A mandatory per-mile road usage charge is scheduled to begin phasing in for EV drivers starting Jan. 2027, intended to recover lost gas tax revenue. I would like to work with our state legislators to consider a legislative fix for the fact that revenue for roads is tied to registration; however, almost half of Tillamook County homes are second homes, owned by people whose primary residence and registration is in another county, and that county gets the registration revenues.

Protecting vulnerable citizens: Campaigning for re-election is a great opportunity to talk to people and ask what they think are the most serious problems in the county. This year, for the first time since I have been a commissioner, a number of people have identified vulnerable citizens as their biggest concern. Examples include the growing number of people experiencing food insecurity and seeking food from food banks. The federal government has decreased funding to food banks and decreased food assistance benefits while costs for food, gas and essentials have risen dramatically. At two different community gatherings this month, citizens have asked what the county can do to help food banks meet the growing demands of hungry citizens.

That is a great question. Providing food or funding for food has never been a responsibility of the county, and we don’t have revenue for it. Yet we certainly care. As a board we believe that food is a human right and we don’t want anyone in Tillamook County to go without food. So, what can we do?

Commissioners have the power to convene groups to work on solutions together. I will commit to convening a group to discuss food insecurity and brainstorm solutions. I don’t know what those solutions are yet, but the food systems that we used to rely on to provide for vulnerable people have been reduced by the federal government, and the result is that more local people and families are hungry. Perhaps it is time for us as a community to step up and take on a greater degree of responsibility for feeding our neighbors.

4) Tell us what the best things are about Tillamook County.

I fell in love with Tillamook County when I was working at the Headlight Herald. I had written a story about a local homeless man and his cat who were living on Hoquarton Slough. The outpouring of generosity from the community in response to this man’s story was extraordinary. For several weeks people delivered thoughtful gifts at the Headlight Herald office for the man about whom I wrote: lidded waterproof buckets full of camping supplies, shelf stable food, coats, rain gear, sleeping bags, gift cards, bags and bags of cat food, and once, an offer of work. For a while I had 60 pounds of donated cat food stored in the Headlight Herald office broom closet. The newsroom door on Second Street opened, I glanced up from my computer, and in would walk someone looking self-conscious about dropping off a gift for a stranger they read about in the paper. They told me, ‘I’ve never done anything like this before. I just felt like I had to do something.’ They surprised themselves. It happened over and over until I felt like I was witnessing the beating heart of the community.

Around the same time CARE, Inc., was starting an emergency warming center operated entirely by volunteers. At the first volunteer training session 50 local people showed up to volunteer to work shifts for the warming center. The Red Cross trainer looked at our group in amazement, and said, “I did a training like this in Portland recently, and eight people showed up. You have 50. This community should be so proud.”

What I learned from the outpouring of care for the homeless man and the amazing crew of warming center volunteers is that Tillamook County has a huge heart. People care deeply and want to know what they can do to make a difference. We love our neighbors and come together to help one another more than anyplace else I know. That is the best thing about Tillamook County.

5) We are experiencing the erosion of morals and trust in our society. What are your guiding morals?

The teachings of Christ. I grew up in the Catholic church. Catholics are Christians, of course, and I consider the teachings of Christ a blueprint for living, at the heart of which is love: love God, love your neighbor as yourself, and love your enemies. Christ calls on us to practice love through acts of service, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the prisoner, showing compassion toward the poor, the sick, the marginalized and the rejected because service to vulnerable people is service to God: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

6) Why should citizens trust you, and how would you rebuild trust in government?

I have proven myself to be trustworthy, honest, transparent, and sincere. I don’t have the heart of a politician, but rather, that of a servant leader. I have proven myself to be human, imperfect, striving for improvement, which tends to make me more trustworthy. People trust me because I listen, I work to connect with people where they are, and to offer my support.

7) How do you think you can make a difference?

I am already making a difference as a county commissioner in the lives of people, in their businesses, in emergency preparedness, in county government, in employee morale, in housing, education and support for the arts. Sometimes I can solve problems for people and make a tangible difference, and other times I make someone feel better than they did before they talked to me. They walk away lighter, feeling heard, supported, uplifted. I am asking for your vote in order to continue making a difference in our community.

8) Speaking of differences, government and politics are more divided than ever, how will you work across the aisle, with others that have differing views?

Tillamook County Commissioner is a non-partisan office, as it should be; each of us represents all of the county. It is my job and my nature to connect with people. I am genuinely interested in people and what matters to them. I listen carefully and lean in, across the table, across the aisle, and focus on what I have in common with people. As a faithful person, I look for God in people. I am far more interested in shared values than I am in the things that separate us. Shared values are the fertile ground for meaningful work and connection.

9) What are your three favorite books?

I drive a lot for work, and I take advantage of my driving time listening to audio books. I would like to share my three favorite audio books so far this year, starting with Tattoos on the Heart: the Power of Boundless Compassion by Father Gregory Boyle, Jesuit priest, and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, CA. Homeboy Industries is a gang intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program. Tattoos on the Heart is the story of the ministry and the true stories of the gang members whose lives have been turned around and saved, and others whose lives were lost. The book is inspiring, funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting. The message is two-fold: that people need honest work in order to flourish, and that healing happens in the context of kinship, community, and compassion. It is a beautiful testimony to the teachings of Christ without being preachy. The book is truly a marvel. The audible version narrated by the author is wonderful.

The second is a This is Happiness, by Irish novelist Niall Williams. This book is beautifully written, lyrical, gorgeous, hilarious, charming, a coming-of-age novel set in the 1950s in a rural Irish village awaiting the coming of electricity. The story line (warning, it is slow, as life in the fictional village of Faha is slow) is a vehicle for the fabulous cast of characters and a dazzling variety of love and loss – young love, doomed love, the deep sustenance of elderly married love, unrequited love, the love of elders for the young and vice versa, abandoned love, hope-sustaining love, the interminable regret of squandered love, and grief that bruises the love that comes after. Reading this book is happiness, and listening to the audio version narrated by Dermot Crowley in his delightful Irish brogue is a joy.

Third is Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel. Wolf Hall, a Man Booker prize-winning historical fiction novel about the reign of King Henry VIII and his advisor Thomas Cromwell during the Tudor period in 16th-century England is in my top ten favorite books. I reread it every five years or so for the pure pleasure of it. Better yet, Wolf Hall is the first book in a trilogy of extraordinary novels. Having read it several times, I was intrigued by a glowing review of the 2020 audio version narrated by Royal Shakespearean Company actor Ben Miles. I had not listened to Wolf Hall previously, and I tell you, it is wonderful! I can’t wait to get back in my truck.

10) What are your hobbies and interests?

My hobbies and interests include reading, writing, baking, gardening, hiking, fishing, wild places, and the company of dogs.

11) Tell us about a significant time in your life and how it impacted your life.

In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a time of extraordinary fear and anxiety, and preemptive grief for everyone and everything I did not want to lose. I was young, not ready to die. In the months between diagnosis and surgery I pondered whether I had accomplished my purpose in life. Had I done the things I was meant to do? Or had I put important things off, assuming I would have more time?

There were gifts in cancer beyond survival. I received the gift of clarity in terms of what I want to do with whatever time is left to me. A shedding of distractions and a sharpening of focus. I felt like a distilled version of myself, concentrated.

I learned how much I was loved. We don’t always know until something happens. I was surrounded and supported by family, friends, and coworkers to such a degree that I felt carried by love through the trauma of cancer. I experienced it as grace beyond measure.

In the wake of cancer, I wanted the rest of my life to be about service, service to my community, to my friends and family, to my fellow humans. I wanted to be of service broadly, in new ways, which led me to consider running for the office of county commissioner. The love and support I received when I had cancer showed me that if I wanted to run for office, I would have abundant help. I am deeply grateful to say that this has proven absolutely true. I am so blessed.

12) Please write a haiku about Spring.

Big, black bumblebees
Guarding lily-white blossoms
Dive bombing my head

JEFF SPINK
1) Why should we vote for you? Give us your 2 minute “elevator speech” – about 250 to 300 words.

As a Tillamook County resident, veteran and small business leader, I bring to the table a record of service, accountability and practical problem-solving.
After serving honorably in the U.S. Air Force, I built a successful career in business management and sales by building relationships and trust. These relationships give me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by working families, small business, and rural communities. I believe in a county government that listens, operates transparently, with focus on local priorities — not outside mandates. I am running for Tillamook County Commissioner to ensure that local voices help shape the future of our county.
My priorities:
● Strengthen economic development
● Protect property rights
● Support fair and reasonable taxation
● Advocate for veterans and first responders
● Advocate for seniors and working families
● Advocate for mental health services
● Ensure open and accountable leadership

Tillamook County faces complex challenges: Revenue shortfalls, a shrinking tax base, environmental regulations, infrastructure needs, and ongoing state legislative pressures that affect growth and development. Addressing these issues requires steady leadership, practical decision-making and fiscal responsibility.
My decision approach is simple:
● How does it affect residents?
● How does it impact taxpayers?
● How does it benefit Tillamook County as a whole?
Leadership should be grounded in service — not politics. I am committed to working thoughtfully and deliberately to move our county forward.
I would be honored to be your voice, your seat at the table.
Think Spink

2 and 3) What are the most important issues facing Tillamook County? How would you solve these issues?
Many interlinked issues face Tillamook County: Budget, Housing, Roads, Skilled Workforce, Jobs. No simple solutions to any of these issues. As the county moves to a Central Services model with the hopes of improving and simplifying customer service and reducing redundancy to save money. The BOC needs to continue to look for equitable tax and/or fee based revenue streams. As County Commissioner I will advocate for business development, streamline the permitting process to help increase an affordable housing pool. I’m an advocate for family wage skilled workforce. With that comes the buying power that helps the local economy with increased purchase of goods and services.
A strong workforce will need homes, businesses will need expansion, increasing the tax base from undeveloped properties into developed properties. Think of it as trickle up economics.

4) Tell us what the best things are about Tillamook County.
I enjoy the natural environment from the ocean beaches to the mountains and the recreation that goes with it. The rural hometown feeling. The cohesiveness of communities during difficult times. A true sense of community.

5) We are experiencing the erosion of morals and trust in our society. What are your guiding morals?

My morals are framed within my Christian beliefs. After many years in therapy dealing with personal issues, I learned that my spiritual side was closed off, untapped. We are spiritual beings
and learning how to tap into the spiritual part of my being made all the difference. Having a balance with mind, body, soul has made life a lot easier to deal with the problems that come your
way.

6) Why should citizens trust you, and how would you rebuild trust in government?

People like and trust me, I’m approachable. I learned at an early age that integrity is everything, once you lose your integrity you have nothing. People are skeptical about the government. As Commissioner I will make a weekly effort to meet with groups and citizens in their communities throughout the county.

7) How do you think you can make a difference?

I think I will make a difference with the BOC based on my many and varied career paths and life experiences. I bring private business experience with an engineer’s mindset. I have a tendency to fix stuff.

8) Speaking of differences, government and politics are more divided than ever, how will you work across the aisle, with others that have differing views?
I deal with people from all walks of life on a daily basis. I try to put myself in the other person’s shoes and attempt to see our differences through their eyes. We may not always agree but I
treat everyone with respect, empathy and dignity. I have campaign signs in D’s, R’s, NAV’s and others yards. I consider myself a bridge builder.

9) My three favorite books: The Stand, The Naked Communist, Personality Types – Using The Enneagram for Self Discovery. These plus the Bible are the ones I talk about the most.

10) What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy cycling, working out, running, hiking, golf, water fowl hunting, competitive shooting, automobile racing, reading and walks on the beach – really.

11) Tell us about a significant time in your life and how it impacted your life.

The most significant growth experience in my life is when I had my breakthrough during a retreat with my therapy group. It’s hard to explain in writing, but for me it was like one would think of as an exorcism. I literally collapsed in a convulsing ball. It was like all my psychological poison left my body and a door opened to connect me with my soul and spirituality. Even though life never changes, how I deal with it does. Life is good.

12) Please write a haiku about Spring.

Blue, green, fresh, rebirth
Birds, bees, children, symphony
Nature washed anew

Submitted By: greginct@yahoo.com – Click to email about this post

The “death tax” a misnomer to say the least.
Could you at least add some basic information to help people understand the issue. Or maybe that’s not really the point.
This estate tax doesn’t effect most Oregonians.

Estate Tax: Oregon’s estate tax applies to estates with a value over $1 million. The tax rate varies from 10% to 16% depending on the value of the estate. If the estate exceeds $1 million, estate tax is applied to the amount exceeding that threshold.

Submitted By: dixiegainer@icloud.com – Click to email about this post

Oregon is cited as the “worst place to die” because of our costly, punishing death tax.

Oregon’s death tax has the nation’s lowest exemption rate, which means you pay the most in America when your loved ones die and they pass along their estate gifts to you.

The tax is so expensive that grieving sons and daughters are often forced to sell the family home or family restaurant in order to pay the massive tax on it. It is a crying shame that Oregon taxes people for dying. Only a few states do. The Oregon estate tax applies to all of the assets of the person who dies. This includes homes, land, retirement funds including pensions and PERS, business property, life insurance, and investment accounts.

• This petition eliminates Oregon’s death tax (estate tax, inheritance tax) while also prohibiting any local estate tax or inheritance tax.

You can sign the Oregon petition to abolish the death tax- IP 2026-051 – in Tillamook at 115 Main Avenue, from 10 to 2 pm,
You can also sign the following petitons :

IP 2026-053 is an Oregon Initiative Petition for the 2026 ballot that proposes to repeal the law requiring permits to operate nonmotorized human-powered boats (such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards) in Oregon waters.

IP 2026-037. 2026 Initiative Petition #37 for the 2026 ballot that Initiative Petition amends Constitution: Requires in-person voting with photo identification; proof of citizenship for voter registration

IP 2026-050. Purpose: The initiative seeks to amend Oregon law to restrict the release of suspects charged with serious crimes (felonies and Class A misdemeanors) before their first court appearance.

IP 2026-046. Repeals firearm permit requirement, magazine capacity limitations

For those of you who don’t know a Ballot Initiative to repeal BM114 and the magazine ban has been certified and through the legal hurdles and needs signatures by July to get on the ballot.

Oregon Ballot Measure 114 (BM 114), passed in November 2022, is a gun control law requiring a permit-to-purchase (issued by local law enforcement via safety training and background checks) and banning magazines holding over 10 rounds. Following legal challenges, a March 2025 ruling found it constitutional, though it is not yet in effect