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Benton County Commissioner Position 3

County Commissioners set policy and adopt budgets for their counties. They supervise County departments either directly or, when there is a County Administrator, indirectly. Counties provide a wide range of important public services, from managing elections to maintaining roads. To qualify, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, a registered voter, a resident of the district for at least a year prior to the General Election, and 18 years of age or older.Term: 4 years. This position is partisan.

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  • Candidate picture

    R Keith Lembke
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What are the three greatest challenges facing the County, and how would you address them if elected?

What qualities and experience make you the best candidate for County Commissioner?

What role would you support for the County to play in addressing the supply of housing in the region?

Campaign Phone (public) 5412308010
Town Where You Live Corvallis
Your Experience/Qualifications Hello, I am Dr Keith Lembke. As a candidate for County Commissioner, my background in military leadership and government capacity-building initiatives equips me with the skills and experience needed to serve effectively in this role. I have a proven track record of developing and implementing strategic plans that prioritize community needs while balancing budgetary constraints. My experiences as an infantry officer, aviation leader, and intelligence professional, have honed my ability to think c
Campaign Twitter Handle @@DrKeithCC
County Benton
Lack of financial resiliency will exacerbate homelessness , poverty, and mental health. We need to increase the economic viability of the county general fund through growth of current businesses and adding new businesses. To do so means to advocate for our businesses, assisting them in maintaining their capital for investment, and helping them find capital.
Education: BS in Management, USMA, West Point MS in General Admin Dr of Business Admin/Public Admin

After commissioning in the Army, I had experience working governments in over 20 other countries in the world, often failing. I know what good and bad governance looks like, and what policies work and don't. . I spent fourteen years trying to build the Afghan government from district to province, to nation. I taught and advised governors, security forces, and our own people counter-insurgency: governance, security, politics, aculture. After that, I returned here, and started working as a substitute teacher - they needed help. Since then I have found myself focused on the challenged kids who have been failed by our education and mental
Assisting in increasing the supply of homes. Reduce the tax and fee burden to low-wage earners, and advocate for a change in energy policies to bring relief to inflation reducing the demand for homes.