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Coos County Area Transportation District Director Position 2

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.Transportation district boards are responsible for funding and developing transit systems that address the transportation needs of the residents in their service area.Qualifications: If the district has a supporting ordinance, employees of the district are not eligible. ORS 267.112Term: 4 years

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  • Candidate picture

    Simon Alonzo Jr
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Phil Taylor
    (N)

Biographical Information

What skills and experience, including prior board experience, would you bring to this position?

What do you see as the current gaps in transportation service in the District?

What should the District be doing to ensure compliance with public records and public input laws?

Contact Phone 5412176300
Campaign Phone (public) 5412176300
Town Where You Live Coos Bay
Your Experience/Qualifications I bring experience as a small business owner and board member committed to strengthening local systems and services. My work has focused on operations, strategic planning, and supporting community development efforts like affordable housing, mental health services, and economic opportunity. I value transparent leadership, practical problem-solving, and building partnerships that create lasting impact.
County Coos
Term 4 Year
I currently serve on nonprofit boards focused on housing and mental health, and I’m actively engaged in operations and community development. As a small business owner and operations manager, I bring skills in budgeting, logistics, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership. I’ve worked closely with local government, service providers, and the public to address complex regional challenges. I believe in practical, transparent decision-making and a people-first approach. My experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors has prepared me to serve effectively on the CCAT Board.
While CCAT has taken important steps to expand service, including limited weekend options like the Red Trolley and Florence Express, many areas in the district still face gaps. Several fixed routes do not operate on weekends, and evening service is largely unavailable, making it hard for residents with late shifts or weekend needs to rely on transit. Rural communities also experience limited demand-response access. Additionally, not all residents are aware of the services that do exist, highlighting the need for better outreach, improved scheduling, and broader service coverage to ensure reliable, equitable transportation.
CCATD has a strong foundation of transparency, offering public meeting notices, agendas, and minutes, and providing opportunities for public comment in person or via Zoom. To strengthen compliance further, the District should clearly post its public records request procedures, including timelines and fees. Regular training for board and staff on Oregon public records and meetings laws is essential. Expanding outreach through social media, newsletters, and community events can increase public awareness and input. These steps will promote accountability, accessibility, and public trust.
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