- What does integrity mean to you, and how would you build public trust?
Integrity means listening, paying attention to the people, and putting the concerns of the public before that of individual members of the public with a vested (non-public) interest. Transparency of process, input from all, and no conflicts of interest result in public trust. - Can you provide examples of working with political opponents, and how do you compromise?
The first step in working with anyone is listening to what they have to say. Often times common ground is not too far away. I have not run for public office, but I find listening helps, and working along side folks builds trust and relationship, allowing you to find areas to work on together. - What impact do you hope for during your term?
I want to make Yamhill County a more attractive place to live, visit and do business in. This means I will seek every opportunity to provide more economic opportunity for our citizens. - Learning from the past, what would you like to see happening in the future and why?
The past should remind us that reactionary forces will seek to delay, deny and reverse progress. Providing opportunity for all is the key to a thriving community in the future. - How would you handle the issue of homelessness?
It is absolutely necessary to provide enough shelter to be able (legally) to require homeless individuals to not live outdoors. Camping impacts our community severely and is unacceptable, but to prevent and mitigate it, we must be able to require that people not do it. - How would you handle pressure from major donors or special interest groups that might conflict with your constituents’ best interests?
I will not be pressured by donors. My obligation is to the public, not any one group. - Where do you see yourself four years from now?
I anticipate finishing my first term as commissioner and running for a second term working for the people of this county. - Who or what inspires you? What makes you do what you want to do?
I’m inspired by excellence. I’m an athlete. Preparing and performing to the best of my ability inspires me. I want to do what I’m able to do to make things better for this county and community. - Where do your beliefs come from? Family? Faith? Culture? Work?
My beliefs come from my upbringing. The church, my family, my educational background, and continual learning have made me who I am today. I believe that giving people a shot and allowing them the freedom to thrive is essential for a dynamic and successful community. I’m an advocate of free enterprise and a government that support it. - Do you think we have any words or phrases that divide Yamhill County, and do you think we have any communitive information that can bring Yamhill County together?
Block, prevent, backward looking, rural versus urban, my way of life…
Problem solving, collaborate, greater economic opportunity, increased access for all… - Are people in other counties and cities where you can talk about how they handled similar issues and the success of their decisions?
While I’ve been in Yamhill County for 25 years, I come from Minnesota. Minnesota has functional government based on a shared sense of responsibility to the community. If people want to solve problems and contribute to the greater good, it is always possible. - How do you define leadership, and how do you compare yourself with that description?
Leadership means listening, setting the agenda in response, and being willing to do the work. I am always willing listen, build consensus and to dig in and do the work. - Are there any comments, remarks, or statements you would like to publish on your information page? If so, please do so.
I began my race for County Commissioner mostly because I saw a glaring problem of mismanagement at the BOC level. As I have been digging into the budget and hearing from community members, I can no longer ignore a pattern of failed leadership that is directly harming the health and wellbeing of our community.
Over and over, the majority of this current Commission has chosen neglect, obstruction, and ideology over effective governance—particularly when it comes to transportation, parks, public health and human services, and bringing grant dollars back to the county.
Yamhill County Government is not working because it is being actively undermined. The predictable result of this neglect is worsening mental and public health outcomes, increased strain on families, schools, and first responders, and a growing gap between those who can afford private solutions and those who cannot.
While nonprofit organizations and community partners have stepped up admirably to fill the gaps, charity is not a substitute for leadership. Effective county government should be aggressively pursuing grant funding, investing in evidence-based programs, and ensuring that accurate information and resources reach the people who need them. Instead, we’ve seen underfunding, silenced public messaging, and active misinformation—choices that leave residents with fewer options and less agency over their own wellbeing.
This governing approach benefits only those with the time, money, or influence to navigate government on their own behalf, while everyone else is left behind.
Yamhill County deserves better.
John Linder
Candidate
