Special districts in Oregon are formed to provide specific local government needs. They are created by a vote of the people in the local area being served. Examples include people’s utility districts, library districts, water districts, fire protection districts, and more. They are governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for management and financial accountability. Special districts are empowered to levy any necessary taxes and fees to fulfill their mandate. Board members are not paid but may receive a per diem reimbursement.Park and recreation districts in Oregon are responsible for providing a range of recreation services including parks, open spaces, pools, and more. Their boards set policy and manage the budgets for those resources.Qualifications: Candidate must be a registered voter in the district. ORS 226.310(2)Term: 4 years
Town Where You Live
Nehalem
Your Experience/Qualifications
As a former professional bookkeeper I have experience and knowledge of accounting, and financial products. I have experience in city government as a member of the City of Garibaldi Budget committee, and as a GURA board member. I am a successful small business owner. I am a current HUGGS (Helping us Give/Get Support) Board member who coordinates local monthly teen night, has hosted many community events like Community Game Night, Open Music Jam, Community Conversations, and more.
County
Tillamook
Term
4 year
I have spent most of my adult life working in community building in a variety of ways, including hosting free community events. I coordinated the summer lunch program for several years As a former professional bookkeeper, budget committee member, and a successful business owner, I have knowledge and understanding of the budget process and financial wellness.As a chaplain, and Traditional Health Worker, I have developed skills in deep listening, identifying root causes, and know what wellness looks like, and how to facilitate it. As a HUGGS board member, I have created an ability to collaborate with members of this community, and with other agencies and groups, for the wellness of all.
There is a large population, including our marginalized peoples, who don't currently feel welcome in the district. I feel that addressing the special needs of these folks, who not only improve the wellness of our community, but also provide opportunities for more income and revenue streams.
Creating a teen center, one of the initial goals outlines in the original district charter, is very important for the health of our district as a whole. I want to see NCRD expand its services and reach to meet the needs of all, this includes our differently- abled members too. All NCRD programs currently function at a loss, and are completely dependent on taxes, grants and donations. With the changing global climate, these things are no longer guaranteed, and I believe we must find ways to be more self sufficient and sustainable in our financial goals.
Town Where You Live
Manzanita
Your Experience/Qualifications
I’ve been a member of the NCRD fitness center & patron of the Performing Arts Center since 2017. I began attending NCRD Board meetings in 2023. When a vacancy opened last April, I was appointed to the Board. I currently lead the Pool Oversight Committee. Before moving to the North Coast I managed a corporate campus in Beaverton, serving >10,000 employees across >60 buildings, including Fitness&wellness centers, childcare facilities, restaurants and meeting & event venues.
County
Tillamoook
My 7 years as an active member of NCRD and this last year as a board member have provided me with a firsthand understanding of the organization's importance to our community and the needs it serves. My professional experience has also equipped me with skills that translate to effective board service. Prior to moving to the North Coast, I managed a corporate campus in Beaverton, overseeing operations for 10,000 employees across 60 buildings, including the operation of gyms/wellness centers, childcare facilities, restaurants, and various meeting/event venues and services. I learned to engage the community we served, manage complex operations, oversee budgets, and deliver high-quality services.
NCRD is entering a period of significant change which presents opportunities to generate revenue. We just onboarded a new Executive Director who comes from a neighboring recreation district with income streams to be considered. The imminent opening of the Aquatics Center will transform NCRD and our community in terms of capacity and capability and potentially lead to increased revenue. The decommissioning of the old pool presents an opportunity to engage the community in the future purpose of this space. Finally, we can collaborate with our local government partners to explore shared facility use agreements and joint programming.
My priorities as an NCRD Board member are:
1 - Successful onboarding of our new Executive Director, Justin Smith
2 - Successful completion of construction and activation of the new Aquatics Center
3 - Improving community engagement, transparency, and accountability
