Lincoln County chapter of Indivisible endorses 5 candidates in May election

To the editor:

Indivisible Waves, a Lincoln County chapter of the national group, Indivisible, is endorsing five candidates running for various positions in the May 20 special election.

These five candidates responded to a questionnaire the chapter sent out to all candidates running in the election. The questions included where the candidate stood on issues of civil rights, immigration/citizenship, education, climate change, LGBTQ+ and gender, health care/reproductive rights; veterans; and Constitution and judicial rights.

The responses by each of these five candidates showed their commitment to the ideals and values that Indivisible stands for, which include educating the public about and resisting Project 2025, the agenda that aims to reshape the United States into an authoritarian society and erasing the rule of law and all progressive civil rights.

The chapter was founded in Waldport in response to Donald Trump’s first election in 2016. It re-activated in January 2025 as Trump’s second inauguration approached. As of April 2025, the chapter has grown to 80 members, from Yachats to Depoe Bay. Members coordinate and attend protest rallies, track legislation, educate the local community, interact with current elected officials, and advocate for new ones.

For the May 20 special election, the five candidates being endorsed are:

• Catherine Roller, Newport, Oregon Coast Community College board Zone 5, stated in her comments, “I am committed to ensuring all schools in our community protect students and staff while providing information, support, and assistance to secure citizenship. As a trustee, I will ensure that policies and practices are in place to support educators in addressing social issues.”
• David Cowden, Yachats, running for the Lincoln County School District board Zone 5, stated, “I am a US Army vet (1966–69) and very sensitive to the needs of those who served. Students and the citizenry should be educated to debate the issues we face. Science-based learning is paramount. Any and all policy decisions I possibly could be involved in will be filtered by my mantra: ‘Is it good for the children?'”
• Judy Thimakis, Waldport, Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue district position 2, stated, “As an elected official, I will carry out my duties in total transparency, maintaining ethical standards and following the laws and regulations of my district. It is my goal to support my community, citizens voting rights, and fair access to all no matter a person’s background and beliefs.”
• Jon MacCulloch, Waldport, Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue position 3, stated, “While this position is non-partisan, I will consider the needs of the entire community, our union members, and the surrounding community as a whole. The nature of what we do does not have room for any discrimination.”
• TiAnne Rios, Seal Rock, Seal Rock Rural Fire Protection District, position 2, stated, “I have a deep commitment to public safety, education, and to camaraderie. Education is key— not only for firefighters, but for the public. I believe in increasing community outreach, emergency preparedness programs, and ongoing professional development for department members to build a safer, more resilient coast.”

— Carla Perry/Newport