To the editor:
Life can get in the way of voting. When you don’t have a “sexy” ballot, when it’s a county board of commissioners election, it can fall through the cracks.
But did you know that county government in Oregon has the highest degree of local discretionary authority of any state in the nation? So really, the upcoming election for who will serve us on the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is about as “sexy” a ballot as it gets.
County commissioners make decisions affecting our daily lives in an immediate and concrete way. From animal control to senior citizens services, from parks and libraries to building regulations, from emergency response to waste management to county fairs, it all keeps running smoothly with the BOC working together to man the helm.
Walter Chuck served 14 years as commissioner for the Port of Newport, and he brings that experience, along with that of being on numerous advisory committees, to his current role on the county commission. Walter’s focus is responsible budgeting, balancing community livability with tourism, and keeping public safety and emergency response at the forefront. He should continue his service on the commission.
Cristen Don understands the issues facing our coastal communities with two decades of experience within our county; Cristen has managed public programs and worked with agencies throughout the county, like NOAA Fisheries and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. She is committed to ensuring that various diverse communities within our county are all represented and thrive.
Cathie Rigby, having built a small business, believes that government should enable local businesses rather than hinder them. Her focus is strengthening our local economy, expanding attainable housing, supporting working families, and protecting the coastal environment that defines who we are.
In this time of budget shortfalls from federal cutbacks, having reasoned, thoughtful, far-sighted community members in place to set our county budget and allocate resources is critical.
Chuck, Don and Rigby are long-term residents of our county. They love where we live and want to see our community not only survive, but also thrive into the future. They are exactly who we need on the Lincoln County commission.
— Andrea Guiney/Lincoln City
Ross Smith isn’t changing my mind about voting for Cathy RIgby. Ross Smith was the treasurer for group petitioning to recall Claire Hall. Casey Miller has proven himself to be like our greatest in history in the world ever President. Sow chaos and discontent. The issue with Cathy Rigby’s certificates could be a number of things including having all the credits to petition for graduation for her masters but not petitioning for reasons of her own. Name spelled wrong in records, I have had misspellings of my name cause problems. Voting for Ms. Rigby.
Wow, the “Recall Hall” group (Ross Smith) is really focused on maligning Cathie Riley.
Rigby is an excellent choice, and not just because of her educational background (yes, she has that degree).
If “grace under fire” is your criterion, Cathie Rigby has faced malicious and relentless criticism over the past few weeks from Rick Beasley’s tabloid, Christine Hutchins on Facebook, and today by Ross Smith, who is the treasurer of Christine Hutchins’ Recall PAC. Yet, she continues her public schedule of appearances.
But she offers us more than just grit.
Her colleagues at the city turn to Cathie to help foster teamwork on challenging projects. I’ve asked around, and I know she’s valued for her quiet competence and ability to work toward resolution — qualities that come from proven listening and communication skills (in two languages).
Additionally, she has experienced the immigrant journey firsthand, having been raised by Peruvian immigrants.
Her passion for community-building shines through. After her father’s passing when she was just 8, her family moved away from their neighborhood because gentrification made it impossible to stay. She gets it.
Cathie Rigby truly is the real deal.
Cheri Brubaker’s strengths don’t add to the ticket. Cristen Don and Walter Chuck bring over 30 years of successful experience working with and within government at all levels, possessing the skills and connections necessary for collaboration. Although Cheri’s experience with the federal government is not what is needed in the BoC right now, I know we can rely on Cheri to support the new BoC when she returns as Val’s field representative. Cheri doesn’t hold grudges.
As for Casey Miller, despite having months to demonstrate his ability to solve tough problems, he’s struggled. He has been paired with three excellent mentors — Claire, Kaety, and Walter — and still faced difficulties as a commissioner. He is unable to accept responsibility for his contribution to what has transpired.
Yes for Rigby, Cristen, and Walter.
I would not vote for Cathie Rigby, she misrepresented her education until someone called it out and then she removed the misinformation from her website. That was not her only misrepresentation in this campaign. That speaks to not being honest. I’m so tired of dishonesty in our government. I think Cheri Brubaker is the most forthright candidate. In her work as a congressional field representative for Congresswoman Hoyle, Brubaker’s strong advocacy for Lincoln County helped deliver millions in funding. The relationships Brubaker built at the various levels of government will serve her well in the commissioner role. Brubaker is also not divisive like Casey Miller.