Nine candidates vie for Waldport mayor and three council seats in local government roiled by turmoil

By GARRET JAROS/Lincoln Chronicle

WALDPORT – Candidates throwing their hats in the ring for election to the Waldport city council are plentiful and come with a purpose, knowing full well the challenges they face after two years of turmoil that included the ousting and reinstatement of the mayor and two failed council recall attempts.

Fueled by a dispute between the city and a popular volunteer community group that started in 2024, the council has since faced a barrage of criticism and at times raucous meetings with vocal opponents and supporters.

Stepping to the challenge for a two-year term as mayor are book shop owner Jan Hansen, recall chief petitioner Tony Thimakis and retiree Silas Lester who works part time as a grocery store cashier.

The six candidates are seeking three, four-year open council seats — incumbent Michelle Severson, Susan Swander, Laura Matthews, Wendy Rush Knudson, Cathy Starr and Phillip DeGeorge.

Single term mayor Heide Lambert is not seeking re-election. The open council positions include the seat currently held by Severson, one left vacant by the resignation of Rick Booth and one held by Susan Woodruff who is not seeking re-election.

The city council faces the challenge of bridging community divides including oversight of infrastructure projects, delivering four years of overdue city audits and weighing whether to re-negotiate the contract with Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue District for the price of the main station it occupies. Possibly complicating any decision about Central Coast’s request to lower its $1.2 million purchase price are candidate and current council ties to the fire district. Council president Greg Dunn is a fire board member, Knudson works for the department, and Hansen’s daughter, Thimakis’ spouse and Matthews’ partner are on the board. The fire district pays Hansen to take and compile minutes of fire board and its other meetings.

Mayor candidates

Hansen is the owner of Well-Read Books with a background that includes working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Marenisco School District, Jackson Jordan Co., Gerber Baby Products, The Epworth Assembly, Bayshore Beach Club, Bayshore Realty and the Newport Fred Meyer. She attended Central Michigan University for a year and various community college classes.

She has previously served on the Waldport city council, charter committee, library board and budget committee, and as recording secretary for the fire district.

Hansen moved to Waldport 37 years ago, she wrote in the Lincoln County voters’ pamphlet, and said the city has made a lot of progress since then and is still working on changes for the better. City hall and the fire department now have their own buildings. There is an active community center, an outstanding playground and park in progress, great schools out of the tsunami zone with a new sidewalk, new animal shelter, and a building to transform into an indoor recreation center, she wrote.

“Despite the last two years of major chaos and controversy, the city council continued to show up to do the job they were elected for,” she wrote. “Now it is time to put the past behind and look to what the future can bring. Southworth Park and the CORE building need to be completed, the industrial park needs to have direct access to Highway 101 if it is going to be viable, water needs to be extended to the east on Highway 34, and the library still needs attention.”

Tony Thimakis is retired with an occupational background that includes executive director for the Greek Orthodox Community of Greater Salt Lake, master electrician, electrical contractor, precious metals quality supervisor, and professional hypnotist.

He has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Utah.

“I bring a diverse professional background of service with skills developed in team building, volunteer coordination, and grassroots organizing,” he wrote for the voters’ pamphlet. Thimakis said his commitment to Waldport is rooted in concern for issues that affect the community and lists his key qualifications as team building, volunteer coordination, fundraising and financial and project management.

“I have actively listened to and engaged with our residents aiming to identify the issues that matter most to our community,” Thimakis wrote. “I believe that government should be more accessible, that everyone should feel safe to express their opinion, and that collaboration between officials and citizens is vital to our city’s growth.”

If elected, his primary goal is to focus on citizen involvement, ensuring everyone feels welcome and empowered to contribute. He wants to use surveys and town halls as platforms for dialogue, to gather insights for forming infrastructure and development initiatives. “I believe that every opinion matters and we do not need to always agree but a willingness to listen and adapt is critical for our progress.”

Silas Lester is retired but works part time as a cashier at Ray’s Food Place. He served in the U.S. Air Force and the Oregon Air National Guard and his occupational background includes electrotechnical repair and parts sales, electronics manufacturing and helicopter parts management and sales. Eighty percent of his work history involved working face-to-face with customers to make sales, do repairs, locate parts or assist in resolving problems, he said.

Lester said his work at Ray’s has helped him get to know Waldport residents and their families. “I believe my life experiences provide me with the ability to conduct myself in a balanced and thoughtful manner regarding any issues or concerns the residents of Waldport may have and hopefully help to find a solution that meets the concerns of all those involved,” he said.

Council candidates

Susan Swander is retired with a work background that includes insurance agency owner and agent with Alsea River Insurance Agency and agent with Bayshore Realty.

She is also a former lawyer who practiced in California. She received her law degree from the University of San Diego and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Her prior governmental experience includes serving on an Oregon nonprofit board, the fire district’s budget committee and Sandpiper Village homeowners association board. In 1998 she was elected to the Waldport city council but resigned due to a death in the family.

Swander has lived in Lincoln County since 1989 and Waldport since 1993, and has watched the town go through many changes, not all of which is bad, she wrote in the voters’ pamphlet.

“I do believe that under the leadership of the current city council and the city manager we are headed in good directions,” she wrote. “As a councilor I hope to help our city grow in ways that are good for all of us. I hope to continue the transparency of the council so that our citizens know what is going on with the city government. I hope to keep costs, taxes and rates as low as possible. I also hope that I can re-create a positive feeling in town and eliminate some of the chaos that has been eroding Waldport.”

Wendy Rush Knudson is COCF&R’s office administrator. Her occupational background includes guest services, vacation rental management, and a member of the Oregon Fire Service Office Administrators and Yachats Area Chamber of Commerce boards.

She has a GED from Oregon Coast Community College and firefighter certifications from Central Oregon Coast Training Officers Association.

Knudson has lived in Waldport 20 years and said in the voters’ pamphlet that her time with the fire district as office administrator and volunteer has shaped her commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. She said she enjoys volunteering and supporting community events, both of which have strengthened a commitment to “bringing people together to help make Waldport a safe and welcoming place for families and seniors.”

“Every voice deserves to be heard,” Knudson wrote. “Regardless of differing opinions or viewpoints, I respect all sides and am committed to listening with an open mind. Effective leadership requires a neutral approach focused on facts, fairness, and what is best for the entire community rather than any one group or agenda.”

She advocates fiscal responsibility with careful budgeting, planning and accountability and maintaining essential services. Knudsen said community is strongest when community members and leaders discuss issues respectfully while working toward common goals. “We may not always agree, but we can still treat each other like friends and neighbors.”

Laura Matthews is a book editor with an educational background in business administration at the University of Illinois.

She has no prior governmental experience. Mathews said she has served on a variety of boards and executive committees, developing negotiation, policymaking, and decision-making skills.

In the voters’ pamphlet Matthews said people who have worked with her say she is fair, organized, and collaborative. She has been behind-the-scenes locally since moving to Waldport in 2019, volunteering, contributing, and organizing in many ways. She has donated and raised money for Waldport Food Share, cleaned Patterson Beach and trained with the local Community Emergency Response Team.

“My friendships and connections with fellow citizens along with serving as moderator on the Facebook Waldport Community Group has taught me so much about the community,” she wrote in the voters’ pamphlet. “I have learned that Waldport is filled with passionate opinions and helpful hands. We drop everything to save a beloved pet, and we band together to keep our community strong. My priority will always be full-time Waldport residents rather than outside influences. Nothing is more rewarding to me than to know my efforts are making my neighbors’ lives better.”

Phil DeGeorge is self-employed and the managing member of Around Town Publications and Computer Maestros.

He was a computer science major at San Joaquin Delta College. He has no prior governmental experience. For the last 10 years, DeGeorge has offered technical computer assistance, help with phones and other gadgets and office services. He also assists with advertising, local news, opinions and articles for Around Town News.

“I wish to continue being of service to the community of Waldport additionally now by aiding the process of city management,” he wrote in the voters’ pamphlet. “Waldport is a wonderful city and with careful management can continue to be a great place to live.”

Michelle Severson is a youth basketball coach and substitute teacher. She previously worked as a high school administrative assistant in Salem and as a stay-at-home mother.

She has a bachelor’s degree in administration and human resource management from Portland State University. She has served the last four years on the city council, which she describes as rewarding and challenging.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished, but I also know the last couple of years have been difficult,” she wrote for the voters’ pamphlet. “There have been disagreements, frustrations, and times when it has felt like our community has been pulled in different directions.”

Severson believes the community is ready for a new chapter focused on listening, respect, openness, and working together. People may not always agree, she said, but they can disagree respectfully while recognizing everyone wants a safe, healthy and thriving Waldport. She is running for a second term because she cares deeply about the community and believes she can continue to be a steady, thoughtful voice on council. She wants to be part of creating a council that listens more, communicates better, and is willing to have honest conversations even when the issues are difficult. She also wants residents to feel their voices matter and decisions are made with Waldport’s best interests in mind.

“I’m asking for your vote for a second term because I believe Waldport can come through these challenging years stronger, more connected, and ready to work together again.”

Cathy Starr is a healthcare revenue cycle senior manager and small business owner.

Her work background includes more than 20 years in healthcare, medical coding, billing and regulatory compliance. She has no prior governmental experience. Starr wrote in the voters’ pamphlet that she is able to manage complex issues because of her experience in healthcare leadership and small business ownership. She says she is able to collaborate with people with differing perspectives, identify root causes, develop practical solutions and listen.

“Living somewhere this special asks something of us,” she wrote. “We must care for what we have while preparing thoughtfully for what comes next — maintaining essential infrastructure and services, making sound financial decisions, carefully evaluating projects, planning beyond immediate needs, and creating meaningful opportunities for residents to participate in their community. We will not always agree – and we don’t have to. What matters is listening, asking questions, exchanging ideas respectfully, and continuing to work together as neighbors.”

Two questions, eight answers

The Lincoln Chronicle asked the nine candidates two questions and in some cases their answers were edited for brevity.

Question: What was your stance on efforts to recall the city council?         

Hansen: My stance on the recall is quite clearly documented in my social media history. I was adamantly against it and did my best to counter the endless misinformation being spewed by the disruptive element in the community. I was also concerned about the fact that at no time was there ever any plan proposed for how the city was supposed to be governed should the recall succeed. I saw a complete lack of transparency, accountability, integrity, and responsibility by the petitioners.

Thimakis: I served as the chief petitioner for the recall. I represented hundreds of citizens who expect change to occur in city government and believe their voices need to be heard. Elected officials and public servants work for the people. I stepped forward during the recall efforts because I believe the peoples’ voices matter. I’m stepping forward now as a candidate for mayor because every voice matters. Regardless of where anyone stood on the recalls, my commitment is to work with the entire community. We don’t have to agree on everything to work together for Waldport. Whether I’m elected or not, I’ll always stand behind the people’s right to have a voice in their government.

Lester: My stance on the recall is moot. The citizens of Waldport made their vote and rejected all six.

Swander: I was appalled at the recall attempt of the entire council, especially with no offered plan to handle a successful recall. The mechanism of recall can be useful if done properly and with solutions.

Knudson: I remained neutral on the recall. While I didn’t necessarily believe a recall was the best solution, I respected the right of Waldport voters to make that decision for themselves. For me, it was important to listen, stay informed, and respect the process and the outcome.

Matthews: Once the recall was on the ballot, I did vote yes. I’ve been up front about this with every city council member I’ve spoken with recently, and we’ve shared our positions openly. I’ve heard what happened from their point of view, and they’ve heard from me that my main objection the entire time was that right or wrong, legal or not, my perception was that my vote for mayor in November 2024 was overturned. This rankled me on a deep level. To me, my vote is sacred. I’m glad to say that every conversation ended with respect on both sides and an ability to see each other’s point of view. It was a hard time for council members and for the voters, but in the end, the voters spoke. Recall is a valid way to let elected officials know how you’re feeling. Once the vote is in, the results should be accepted by all and steps to create space for healing should begin. I’m hoping in the coming months the healing process will take hold and we can come together as a community.

DeGeorge: At the time the recall came up, I had already been hearing complaints about the city manager, followed by complaints that the city council was refusing to do anything about him or his behavior, which left the option of removing the council and replacing them with folks who would address (and) take the complaints seriously. Recall is always an option, in America. Personally, I didn’t have a lot of information at that time about the politics, personalities and personality conflicts at work in Waldport administration, although the illegal dismissal of Mayor Lambert by the council definitely caught my attention. A city council cannot remove an elected official so easily, certainly not for so petty a complaint as was lodged against her. So, if what I was hearing was true, then the recall didn’t seem out of line at all. In our system of government, the voters always have the right to recall their representatives when dissatisfied. If this power were used more often, America as a whole might not be in the general mess that it is right now. Rightly or wrongly, recall is always an option at any level of government … It’s a power not that common around the world. Recall is there to safeguard the citizens, and to remind the elected whom they really serve.

Severson: I opposed the recall because I believe disagreements over public decisions are not, by themselves, evidence of misconduct. I think it was a waste of time and taxpayer money. However, I do appreciate democracy and citizens’ rights to disagree and recall if they feel so inclined.

Starr: I was not personally involved in the recall, however it’s the citizens’ rights to question the local government that they elected.

Question: How will you bring the city together?

Thimakis: I want to bring our community together by listening. Not just to the people who agree with me, but especially to those who don’t. I want everyone to be treated with respect and have their concerns taken seriously. Most importantly is to stop the bullying that discourages open, honest communication. No resident should feel intimidated, belittled, bullied, or subjected to retaliation for speaking up. Disagreement is not disrespect, and asking questions is not causing trouble. I will expect city government to treat people fairly and professionally, even when those conversations are uncomfortable. That responsibility starts with the mayor and city council and extends throughout city administration. As mayor, I will work to improve communication between the city council and the public. I want people to feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, and participating in decisions that affect their lives. And when someone brings a concern to the city, they should receive a meaningful response, even if it’s not the answer they hoped for. I’m not running for mayor to represent one group of people over another. I’m running to serve the entire community, including those who disagree with me.

Lester: Those who led the recall, Justice For Waldport, are the ones who seem to have no desire to bring our city together. While they claim to be a loosely organized coalition of concerned citizens and thereby possibly avoiding Oregon election laws, the fact that they spent money having glossy postcards and trifold flyers printed and sent via U.S. Mail and posted advertisements on your news website to sway the citizens of this city to vote yes for the recalls indicates otherwise. If it acts as a political action committee, it is a political action committee. As for me, I will do the best I can within my abilities and what is allowed by the city charter to address the concerns of all citizens of Waldport.

Hansen: I am not sure what you mean by “bringing community together.” I do not see Waldport as being that split. As mayor I can endeavor to foster an atmosphere of respectful communication and cooperation with the council and encourage positive participation by members of the community. However, as long as there is that group of people — many of whom are not even residents — who choose to vilify everything and everyone in city operations, dissension will continue and I’m not sure any individual can do anything about that. I will just celebrate the unity that I do see in Waldport with the many programs and projects that we have to help our fellow citizens in need and the wonderful events that bring us together just for enjoyment. A community that has The Hub, South Lincoln Resources, Saturday breakfast, holiday baskets, Beachcombers, Beach Bike & Blues, Wednesday Market, Halloween and Christmas celebrations, is already together and shouldn’t let a spiteful few break us up.

Knudson: By listening, being approachable, and remembering that we are neighbors first. We aren’t always going to agree, and that’s okay. I want people to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and being part of the conversation. Moving forward means focusing less on sides and more on what we can accomplish together for Waldport. We all care about Waldport, and that gives us a pretty good place to start.

Matthews: Waldport has been described as divided in two, but from the canvassing I’ve done over the last month walking every street in our city, what I’m seeing more is a diverse necklace of neighborhoods, some of which don’t even know the others exist. Developing this way was maybe good policy decades ago, but now this fragmentation might be standing in the way of Waldport achieving its full potential. As a start, I would like to see an informal advisory team formed with representatives from each neighborhood, to bring people together to compare notes, to see what ways the city as a whole could solve problems and maximize assets, and to ensure that everyone is getting the city government they deserve. Long term, there should be intentional planning to consolidate our city’s strengths for a more secure, unified future that allows both young families and retirees to thrive.

DeGeorge: Bringing any group of people together is a process of communication. What are the issues, complaints, resentments that are holding people apart? Listen. Address grievances. Listen some more. When the issues from the people are heard, can they be addressed? Completely? Partially? Or is it that the particular voter has misinformation or incomplete information? Sometimes things look one way from the outside and completely differently from the inside. Also, bringing people together is a process of developing trust, which works both ways. The council and city administration have to listen to the people (who also) have to trust the city knows what it’s doing. But trust must be earned, and even once earned it is easily shattered. It is a constant process of give and take, speaking and listening. I have worked with large groups in the past to build consensus. I know it can done … not always easy but never impossible and requires participation of the people. The federal government is very much in the limelight, but as for actual, day-by-day impact on individual lives, city government is the most immediate, the most important.

Severson: Listening to all the people, not just those who I agree with or who agree with me. I think our new city council meeting changes will help, allowing people to comment on the things we talk about before we vote so we can hear what many have to say, rather than the residents I talk to. Focusing on the good things that have happened and are in the midst of happening. I also think continuing to be a good person with integrity, and being kind to all people is one of the best things. Leading by example goes a long way.

Starr: I feel some ground rules need to be set for meetings — private and public. City government is about ensuring the welfare of the entire community, even if you may not agree with each other on any given subject. We must be respectful of each other, we must listen to each other, and we must involve the community with transparency and integrity, not squabbling or attacking people’s character. We are small in number, but big in heart, and we need to use all of that energy into ensuring our entire community is supported. I would love to see more community gatherings and some vendor events as well.

Swander: I want to listen to the community’s needs and wants. I want to be approachable. I want to encourage all of us to discuss our different ideas and find resolutions that are good for the city.

• Garret Jaros covers the communities of Yachats, Waldport, south Lincoln County and natural resources issues for Lincoln Chronicle and can be reached at [email protected]