April 17, 2021
Just when you thought your job as a prime player in Democracy was taken care of with last November’s tumultuous election, here, comes another request that you cast your ballots. I can’t help but think about one of my favorite pieces of art - a small canvas created by my friend and stellar wait staff at The Grateful Bread Bakery and Restaurant in Pacific City Linda Smith - which states, “Every time I think things can’t get worse, there’s another election.”
But, Linda’s tongue-in-cheek humor is a little misleading, because our elections, and more specifically, our votes in the May 18 Special District Elections couldn’t be more important. Even though you won’t be receiving a voters pamphlet or be seeing political advertising ad nauseam, please, don’t pass over these elections it’s not as critical as the General Election last fall.
All of your neighbors who have put their names on this ballot do so knowing they won’t be compensated for their efforts, except to know they have stepped up to share the responsibility of operating our water and sewer districts, our rural fire departments, our school boards, transportation district, ports and emergency services. All they are asking of you is that you take a little time to learn about these districts that are right here in your community and county, and to do a little research about those who are asking for your vote.
Although all of these positions are non-partisan, we at TillCoDems have reached out to Democrats who are running for these offices and, with their permission, have provided links to their campaigns on our website at TillCoDems.org. Just click on the May 18 Election button on the home screen. Several of these candidates will be our special guest speakers at our TillCoDems Central Committee meeting Thursday, April 22, at 6 p.m. in our main Zoom chatroom.
Please watch for your ballot - they will be mailed on April 28 - and please fill it out and make sure it is in the mail in time to get to County Clerk Tassi O’Neil’s office by May 18, or, place it in one of the conveniently located ballot boxes by May 18.
I hate to disagree with my friend Linda, and I will still chuckle each time I past her artwork in our hallway, but our participation in “another election” is the only way we can make things better.
Fred Bassett
Chair, Tillamook County Democrats