- What does integrity mean to you, and how would you build public trust?
Integrity and public trust go hand in hand. Integrity is shown by the effort you put into the position you hold as commissioner. I have dedicated the time that it takes to be an effective leader. I will be at a meeting as early as 7 am discussing transportation funding opportunities to as late as 11 pm at night focused and listening to the needs of our cities. When you do that, you build public trust by proving your commitment to the people across this county. Showing up, listening, and doing the job you were hired to do when you were elected and not getting side tracked by personal political agendas that do not serve the majority of the people. - Can you provide examples of working with political opponents, and how do you compromise?
Compromise is finding solutions while maintaining your character and values. What I have done and continue to commit to is finding solutions to divisive issues. The most prominent example of this is the Yamhelas Westsider Trail. Knowing this project cannot come to fruition, I am committed to making sure that the county can repay the prior administration’s debt obligation using ZERO county funds.
We have 10 years to repay this debt and NOW is the time to plan, not in ten years. The plan that I am working on with transferring ownership to the City of Carlton in partnership with ODOT taking ownership of any rail corridor that borders HWY 47 should relieve all debt owed to ODOT if approved.
While working on this plan, it is imperative that we have other projects that can satisfy the citizens who would like to see more county-owned bike and walking paths. I have five alternative projects that already have a conditional use permit or do not require one. One of these projects already has a potential of over $1 million of dedicated funds for a bike and pedestrian path project. With this plan and the projects I have proposed, I have garnered bi-partisan support from around the county. - What impact do you hope for during your term?
Continue to bring home federal dollars to Yamhill County to finish the Newberg-Dundee Bypass, reconstruct McDougal interchange, and continue to advocate for state dollars through ODOT for the design and completion of the Lafayette Hwy and Hwy 18 intersection (one of the most dangerous in the State of Oregon). Continue to expand the recreation capabilities of our county-owned park lands. Make our parks system into a sustainable income source that we can use for projects into the future. I also remain dedicated to finding a future home for the fairgrounds that can offer long term growth and economic benefits to our region. - Learning from the past, what would you like to see happening in the future and why?
Time is a precious commodity for someone who can’t say no to committee assignments. As I build relationships and people see my work ethic and the knowledge that I bring to the table, the more I am recruited to be on different boards and committees. I need to balance these commitments so that projects and issues which are the most forward facing for the public can come to completion more quickly. - How would you handle the issue of homelessness?
We need to address the major root causes of homelessness which are mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction, and joblessness. We do this by strengthening programs within HHS, the Housing Authority, and nonprofits such as Provoking Hope. We need to support our community education, diversion, and employment programs by maintaining partnerships with our cities so at-risk individuals are connected with behavioral health services before entering the criminal justice system. This helps businesses, reduces strain on law enforcement, and strengthens community safety. We must have elected officials committed to supporting treatment courts. - How would you handle pressure from major donors or special interest groups that might conflict with your constituents’ best interests?
I make decisions based on what is best for the county, within the law, and the most fiscally responsible. I have never received pressure from donors or special interest groups. I speak plainly and give the same message to everyone. - Where do you see yourself four years from now?
Running for my 3rd term as County Commissioner. I love every day, and I am grateful for the relationships that I have built in the 3 plus years that I have been Commissioner. I look forward to continuing the work I’ve started with partners and other key stakeholders to make our roads safer, keep businesses here, attract more economic opportunities for our area, and support our future generation. - Who or what inspires you? What makes you do what you want to do?
Our county. We live in the best county in the state of Oregon (self-proclaimed, of course). I have been here for over 30 years, and I love giving back to a community that has supported me.
Knowledge drives me. I love learning new things and there is never a dull moment or a lack of something to do for this job. I love how one day I could be clearing a trail in a park and the next day be in Washington, D.C. advocating to our federal delegation for $410,000,000 for the completion of the Newberg-Dundee Bypass.
Family. I have two daughters who grew up right here in Yamhill County, and I have two nephews being raised here. We are a close-knit family, and I want this county to be a place that allows families to thrive so we can all continue to prosper and stay right here where we all love to call home. - Where do your beliefs come from? Family? Faith? Culture? Work?
Family and work ethic which go hand-in-hand. If I didn’t have the support of my family then this would be a lot more difficult. My work ethic drives me to always be 100% committed to any job or task that I am given. There are many long days I spend representing our great county, and my family is there supporting the hard work, effort, and time that it takes to be an effective servant leader. - Do you think we have any words or phrases that divide Yamhill County, and do you think we have any communicative information that can bring Yamhill County together?
Yes, we do have words and phrases that divide Yamhill County but those things don’t serve to keep us on a clear path forward. I believe that the majority of our county is united around common themes of keeping Yamhill County affordable for families and businesses, maintaining our rural character, protecting our agricultural economy, and being a safe and beautiful place where everyone loves to call home. - Are people in other counties and cities where you can talk about how they handled similar issues and the success of their decisions?
Yes, I have great working relationships with all of our cities and with surrounding counties. I am the chair of the Association of Oregon Counties District 6 (Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties). I am especially proud to have bi-partisan endorsements from Mayors across Yamhill County and from every Commissioner in Polk and Marion Counties. I have also developed a great relationship the Tribes of Grand Ronde and am honored to have earned their support as well. - How do you define leadership, and how do you compare yourself with that description?
Leadership is how effective you are at communicating and the time you are willing to put into the job. I have made it a goal of mine to be the most available commissioner the county has ever had. I have Chat with the Chair the first Thursday of every month at 6 pm so that everyone in the community has an opportunity after hours to be able to connect with me. It is important that you make yourself available to the public in a more low-key, laid back setting than the formal commissioner meetings. Some people don’t feel comfortable coming to a public meeting to give feedback or to ask questions about county business so I need to be there for them. I also meet regularly with constituents one-on-one.
Good leadership is also how willing you are to be a part of a team. I am extremely grateful to be a part of so many great “teams” across this county. From the Parkway Committee, to the Parks Board, to the Yamhill County Economic Alliance, to many others, I am extremely fortunate to be surrounded by so many amazing people who are invested in the success, safety, and livability of our county. My “team” also consists of all the dedicated and knowledgeable county department managers and employees. These are the boots-on-the ground people like our transit director who brought in grant funding for $41 million dollars and our Economic Development Manager who facilitated grant funding and opportunities for businesses across Yamhill County. - Are there any comments, remarks, or statements you would like to publish on your information page?
I am and will continue to be the most committed Commissioner. I will continue the dedicated work ethic required to be a successful servant to the citizens of this great county. I look forward to another 4 years of city council meetings and working with stakeholders to open up more of our county-owned park land to the public. I look forward to continuing to invest in our infrastructure, finishing another phase of the Newberg-Dundee Bypass, and seeing the McDougal and Lafayette Hwy interchanges be completed. I look forward to finding and securing a property for a larger location for the Yamhill County fairgrounds.
I will continue to support businesses, families, and farmers by speaking out against taxes, fees, and state mandates that hinder our ability to work and earn living wages. I will continue to support our law enforcement and first responders who keep our communities safe. I love where I live, and I want Yamhill County to remain a place where we all love to call home.
Visit KitforYamhill.com to learn more.
Kit Johnston
Candidate
