Occupation: Retired Teacher and Farmer
Occupational Background: Education and Agriculture
Educational Background: B.S. from OCE; M.S. U of O
Prior Governmental Experience: Past Jeff. Cty. Comm.; ESD Board; COCOA Board.
Two years ago I was a working County Commissioner with several unfinished projects to be completed. My opponent is a good man. If he is elected, the county commission will be three good Madras businessmen. I believe the county commission should be less "Madras centered" because during my time in office I dealt with many county problems.
Before leaving office two years ago:
- We knew much of our county road money was going away. Too little has been done to meet the challenge.
- I was working to form a County Agriculture Advisory Committee to have farmers and ranchers considered in county deliberations. Nothing has happened.
- We were establishing a Safe House against domestic violence. Today I am concerned about its long term prospects.
- I was the only county commissioner seeking a Northern access road to Crooked River Ranch. Nothing has happened since.
- I felt enabled to help by taking part in the Community Health Improvement project.
- I fully supported the County Justice system that was directly responsible for the lowest crime rate in Central Oregon.
- I supported stabilization for the County Fair funding. I still do.
About six years ago as your county commission chairperson I directed and aided county administration to seek agreement with PGE and Warm Springs Reservation; that resulted in a multi-million dollar savings from Pelton and Round Butte Dams.
Well paid county commissioners must do more than wait for bad things to happen. Some of these problems will persist and good answers may be hard to find. A county without enough wealth cannot ask for the impossible. It can seek the optimum possible and that will take much time, effort, dedication and leadership. I intend to find the utmost possible for Jefferson County.
(This information furnished by Committee to elect Ponsford.)