Local News
Commissioners’ Comments on Applicants for District Three Spot
The Clatsop County Board of County Commissioners each had a comment sheet that they filled out as the applicants for District Three commission seat answered interview questions Wednesday evening, May 7, 2008, at the Guy Boyington Building. Also, you can listen to the comments the public made before the interviews began.
NCO obtained the comment sheets of the board members and share them here in the order that the candidates were interviewed. Names were drawn at random. The other candidates were not in the room and were unaware of the questions or the answers each other gave.
The applicants were not aware of the questions ahead of time. For introductory remarks Chair Roberts told them they could use the time to recite poetry, give a brief background history of themselves, or speak about anything else they wanted.
Applicant: DAVE AMBROSE
On his introductory remarks
HAZEN: 20+ years
SAMUELSON: Disconnecting – healing dissention – positive aspects
ROBERTS: In county 20 years – wants to heal rifts – trust county
PATRICK: Ok on all – looks to self-sufficiency – Green – Well prepared – Smooth – Good Temperament – No new concepts – same old same old.
Questions:
1)Why are you interested in serving as a commissioner?
HAZEN: Regain trust – father owned nightclub – dealt with angry customers- decisions don’t to have to be personal
SAMUELSON: Not taking things personally – Roberts Rules of Order
ROBERTS: Not take personal abuse
PATRICK:
2) What is your background in dealing with local government bodies?
HAZEN: Originally an activist – realized approach – fairgrounds reorganization – Clatsop Soil – deal with county closely
SAMUELSON: Activist – Clatsop Soil and Water Conservation District
ROBERTS: Activist when first arrived – fairgrounds ‘reorganization’
PATRICK:
3) Because of the time involved with being a commissioner, is your schedule flexible?
HAZEN: Could be done most of the time – Board of Soils is supportive
SAMUELSON: Soil and conservation district Board is flexible regarding his time
ROBERTS: Works nearby – has talked to his Board – 9-3:00 but has ‘flex’ time
PATRICK:
4) What is your 10-year vision for the County?
HAZEN: Tie in with the world – gas prices/energy – economic – housing prices will have to come down – try to minimize outside sources – oncentives for small businesses to locate to unincorporated area like Knappa and Lewis and Clark – see more support for locally grown products – sponsor workshops within community – bring factions together – timber, not much we can do – tourism emerging.
SAMUELSON: Thinks about opportunities in economic downturn – instead of decentralizing the County, provide business opportunities – have incentives for small businesses to locate for example – sponsor workshops – keep dialogue w/timber companies
ROBERTS: Current downturn – try to mitigate outside forces – centralize services and businesses (only looking @ Astoria and not rural areas) – become locally self-sufficient – “not the leader” – Country should sponsor workshops and conferences – “indentify problem (snapped his fingers) and solution was there.”
PATRICK:
5) Describe your position on economic development?
HAZEN: World has changed – utilize college – product development
SAMUELSON: Product development – marketing
ROBERTS: World has changed – extractive and heavy duty industries on the way out – $ go to “smarter” people who develop and market, not to the one who labors
PATRICK:
6) Why do you think that you would be the best choice to fill this role?
HAZEN: Can reach out to all sides of issues – can gain trust from both sides
SAMUELSON: Thinks he can talk to both sides of the divide – thinks he gained the trust of both camps
ROBERTS: Aware of lots of years since “truly urban person” has been on Board – he can talk to each side and get one side of an issue to listen to other side
PATRICK:
Applicant: JIM NEIKES
On his introductory remarks
HAZEN: Born and raised
SAMUELSON: Long time Astoria – Loves Clatsop County – long range industry
ROBERTS: Lived here all of life – many memories – JFK – Megler Bridge
PATRICK: Not well prepared – no new concepts – wants to be a commissioner because he has been here a long time
Questions:
1)Why are you interested in serving as a commissioner?
HAZEN: 12th hour decision – knew it would be controversial – tired of the controversy – want to bring a semblance – opinionated but can listen to all sides
SAMUELSON: Knew decision would be controversial – never seen the climate the way it is now – thinks he can listen to any decision – critically need to do
ROBERTS: Can listen to any opinion – civic duty
PATRICK:
2) What is your background in dealing with local government bodies?
HAZEN: Has dealt with all of them – dealt a lot w/County/ODF/ODOT/F&G – planning a lot – planning department
SAMUELSON: Dealt with every government body there is / planning/ assessment/ building codes – 4 forest practice permits – ODOT access – fish and wildlife – work together – heated discussions in planning – planning dept is astute – seems to be able to work well with them
ROBERTS: Building department – ODF – Fish and Wildlife – Planning department
PATRICK:
3) Because of the time involved with being a commissioner, is your schedule flexible?
HAZEN: Very Flexible
SAMUELSON: His business allows him the time to be flexible
ROBERTS: Very flexible his time is his own
PATRICK:
4) What is your 10-year vision for the County?
HAZEN: Planning – creating an inventory of commercial and industrial lands to attract businesses to the county – build infrastructure
SAMUELSON: Creating an inventory of commercial and industrial lands – currently nil, if any – avoid using tsunami zones and areas behind dikes – infrastructure would take at least 10 years.
ROBERTS: Planning – inventory large blocks of industrial and commercial lands – currently lack – build infrastructure
PATRICK:
5) Describe your position on economic development?
HAZEN: Astoria by-pass to open more industrial opportunities
SAMUELSON: By-pass done – get the traffic out of downtown – traffic doesn’t need to be funneled through our cities – use downtown core areas more friendly and inviting places to be
ROBERTS: Astoria by-pass to get traffic out of downtown – open new areas for development of residential – free up downtown for tourism
PATRICK:
6) Why do you think that you would be the best choice to fill this role?
HAZEN: Knows a thrid of residents – well connected with the timber companies – very accessible
SAMUELSON: Personally knows 1/3 – has met another 1/3 of people in the county – knows the managers of Hampton, Weyerhouser – accessible – open – able to listen to both sides
ROBERTS: Knows 1/3 – met another 1/3 of citizens of citizens of Clatsop – knows major forestry and large employers
PATRICK:
Applicant: JOHN RAICHL
On his introductory remarks
HAZEN: Born in Germany – citizen in third grade
SAMUELSON: Came from Germany – became a US citizen in the 3rd grade – Federal, State and local government – he’s enjoying his retirement – his appreciation for the opportunities this country has given – enjoys the atmosphere of the county – concerned about the future of the county
ROBERTS: German – citizen when in 3rd grade – see advantage, opportunities of this government – appreciates opportunities this country has given him – grandchildren will be living in the county and cares about the future
PATRICK: Has a very good grip on the govt. process – has an excellent approach to economic development – has a handle on transportation issues – good temperament – communicated well
Questions:
1)Why are you interested in serving as a commissioner?
HAZEN: Business of running the county – decisions could affect 25-50 years – family wages
SAMUELSON: Day to day – maintaining the business of the county – strike a balance between disturbance to the environment – have living wage jobs
ROBERTS: Day to day operation – oversight
PATRICK:
2) What is your background in dealing with local government bodies?
HAZEN: 18 years as Sheriff – worked with planning and development in order to allocate assets – cities were dependent on county sheriff’s office – dealt with ODF
SAMUELSON: Served as Sheriff and emergency services director for 18 years – planning/patrol allocation/industrial development – a lot of interaction with other governmental entities
ROBERTS: Sheriff and emergency director for 18 years – kept in loop with planning department – interaction with communities
PATRICK:
3) Because of the time involved with being a commissioner, is your schedule flexible?
HAZEN: Very flexible – retired – 1 conflict July and August
SAMUELSON: Very flexible – 1 conflict July, 1 conflict August
ROBERTS: Very flexible – 1 conflict July and possible 1 conflict in August – need to be outside area
PATRICK:
4) What is your 10-year vision for the County?
HAZEN: Long range plan to stabilize funding – areas of growth – maintain recreational access
SAMUELSON: Long range plan on stabilizing and forecasting revenues to determine the levels of service – areas of growth – development – have access to recreational activities, beaches, hunting
ROBERTS: Long term plan to stabilize service we can provide – look to areas of growth – inside urban growth – keep access to hunting, fishing, beach – fuel costs – tourism may be impacted
PATRICK:
5) Describe your position on economic development?
HAZEN: Need balance industry, retail, tourism – encourage local cottage businesses – light industrial that is environmentally friendly
SAMUELSON: Encourage cottage industries – doesn’t want it to become a “big box” store area – light industry – environmental impact friendly
ROBERTS: Need balance – industry retail tourism – cottage industry (Lektro) – limit box stores – light and environmental friendly industries
PATRICK:
6) Why do you think that you would be the best choice to fill this role?
HAZEN: Committed to the county – concerned about future – people in opposition will be comfortable talking to him
SAMUELSON: Committed to the county – concerned for the county’s future – thinks people will hear/feel they can come tell him their opposing views
ROBERTS: Committed to the county, it’s future – ability to see constituents wants – not squeaky wheel – see silent majority wants
PATRICK:
Applicant TOD LUNDY
On his introductory remarks
HAZEN: 4 good choices – effective communicator
SAMUELSON: Newcomer – have the opportunity to influence decision – with somebody that have connections here – has to able to work on problems and get through the details that don’t count – advantages of an outside view
ROBERTS: Newcomer – not part of structure or have ties – project manger abilities – teacher – communicator – architect – look at problems and decide which are important
PATRICK: Well spoken – minimal knowledge of county, county government, financial difficulties – has very good temperament – well spoke – smooth
Questions:
1)Why are you interested in serving as a commissioner?
HAZEN: Been associated with community w/property owned – care about community – want to serve
SAMUELSON: Has owned property many years – have seen boards operate aloofly – cares about this community wants it to work
ROBERTS: See Board has acted aloofly and not communicating – to serve community
PATRICK:
2) What is your background in dealing with local government bodies?
HAZEN: Project manager representing owner – Tualitin Medical office – chair of neighborhood association
SAMUELSON: As a project manager – has presented plan – zone changes – Tualitin medical office building – built next to a wetland had design restriction – had to work through many restrictions – Mississippi, historical district – involved in that – chaired many
ROBERTS: A project manager – Tualitin medical building – neighborhood association
PATRICK:
3) Because of the time involved with being a commissioner, is your schedule flexible?
HAZEN: Yes, retired – a lot of energy – drove around and met with people
SAMUELSON: He’s retired – has a lot of energy – can accommodate schedules, time – visited a number of people
ROBERTS: Yes, he is retired and has a lot of energy – reached out to people in District 3
PATRICK:
4) What is your 10-year vision for the County?
HAZEN: County issues that are dramatic – long term – jobs, traffic flow, potential disasters – maintaining beauty of town
SAMUELSON: A lot of issues that are dramatic and important – look at and view for the county – potential disasters – tsunami – maintaining the beauty of the town – survive the big box attack
ROBERTS: Lots of issues short term – long term needs – jobs, jobs for kids just out of high school – traffic problems – potential disasters
PATRICK:
5) Describe your position on economic development?
HAZEN: Fiscal conservative – living within a budget
SAMUELSON: He’s a frugal man – have to carefully evaluate the budget – don’t leave tomorrow’s problems out of it – making the long and short term goals
ROBERTS: Fiscal conservative – near and long term
PATRICK:
6) Why do you think that you would be the best choice to fill this role?
HAZEN: Offer focus on issues – implement solutions – getting others involved
SAMUELSON: Can focus – see solutions – implement solutions – feels good about all candidates – let public know they are included in the process
ROBERTS: Can address, focus issues and find solutions – include public in the process and let them know they are important
PATRICK:
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18 Comments
On May 10, 2:08 AM, Oliver Wendall Wyatt Homesboy wrote:
Looks like Niekes, with his local business and industry background coupled with his intimate knowledge of our area and it’s people, is the logical choice for this position.
The other fellas might be nice guys and all, but one cant help but question their motives. We all know John Raichl would be hampered by his long term local law enforcement career. There’s a huge difference in being a commissioner and being a cop because of the different way various problems are approached and solved.
On May 10, 6:06 AM, Storm wrote:
Looks like Niekes, with his criminal background, and reputation for violence, should be disqualified from any government service in Clatsop County.
On May 10, 6:30 AM, Anger Management wrote:
Storm,
So other “perfect people” in Clatsop County that have dealt with anger issues etc. are not disqualified from owning newspapers, holding elected offices, and participating in the community after taking responsibility for their actions. The elite attitude that some people are better than others is so simple minded, the answers are never that easy, maybe they are in your perfect world, but it’s not the world the rest of us live in.
On May 10, 7:58 AM, Pablo Van Go Man Go wrote:
“I have strong ties to the arts community in Clatsop County and can be a valuable connection to this vital sector in our community”
--Dave Ambrose
Huh? So, what is so valuable and vital about the potheads down at the Astoria Visual Arts gallery? All of a sudden they need a county commissioner to validate their baloney or what?
Hey, Dave, you better pull your head out of your ass.
On May 10, 9:14 AM, Avid Reader wrote:
I thought that the observations of our lame duck commissioner Patrick were quite interesting. Of Ambrose he noted “same old same old”. And Lundy has minimal knowledge of our county, county government, or financial difficulties. Which leave us with Raichl and Neikes. Raichl has acknowledged that he threw his hat in the ring because he was asked to and would be just as happy if the commissioners appointed someone else. As far as I can see Neikes is the only viable candidate. His recent problems with his wife would in no way affect his ability to serve as a commissioner. Of course, if he is selected, and if Roberts is re-elected and Cary Johnson beats Dirk Rohne, we can expect to be treated to another recall.
On May 10, 11:13 AM, brilliant reader wrote:
Ah, the gossip mill, his “reputation for violence”! At least it was in the OPEN, unlike the FOGGY dealings of Rocka, et al. “Do it our way, or we’ll get ‘ya, see, ‘ya dirty rat, we’ll getcha.”
Or the Sheriff, “Here Josh, here is some more dirt on anyone you want. Yah, its against the law to keep files on people, but WE ARE THE LAW, and who’s going to stop us? Oh, by the way, Everything I told you about Sirpa might have been a lie. WHAT? You want me to take it to the Daily Astorian? I’m not a reporter! I am simply someone who wants to keep his nose buried, er, I mean, I am simply someone who wants to keep this community safe. For you. Josh. I mean the citizens. Dammit, I lost my script again. Does Sam have it?”
On May 10, 1:37 PM, Lawrence wrote:
Evidently Patrick didn’t get CCFOG’s list of questions to submit.
Neikes will prevail then the next soap opera will start.
On May 10, 4:59 PM, Uncle Walt wrote:
I just found it interesting that the only notes Patrick appeared to keep were on the candidates’ introductory remarks. Does he have a photographic memory, to recall all the answers of all the candidates? Probably not, since he took notes of their introductions. Perhaps it’s just that he finds the whole process too boring to bother taking notes beyond their introductions. Perhaps he’s already made up his mind, and so doesn’t need to note their answers.
On May 10, 8:31 PM, reading it over wrote:
Actually, if you look at the comments Patrick wrote they obviously were done as the candidate was talking. He was just pouting and didn’t want to give the rest of the commissioners their just dues by using the questions. For instance on Raichl he says, “excellent approach to economic development” but he put his comment under “introductory remarks” because he is too much of a baby to admit that the questions picked were relevant ones. Same with his comments on all of them. you can tell he wrote them while they were talking but refused to put them adjacent to the questions, just to perpetuate the story that he was left out of the process of choosing the questions. Take a look at his responses again, and compare them to the questions. He is such a trouble making jerk.
On May 10, 9:10 PM, AnotherAstorian wrote:
I think that Neikes is the best candidate to replace Lee.
He’s a businessman...and yes, he’s had his bad times, but damn, he’s a smart man..who is not easily intimidated...that is important!
On May 11, 12:45 AM, A Proud Native wrote:
James Neikes and Cary Johnson is just (yaaawwwwwn) more of the same cronyism crap that permeates this town like a bad stink. What we need is CHANGE in this town. Gee, ya think maybe the reason no one has any jobs in this town is because of the same people that keep (and their kids) running for office? You think all those folks that are for LNG are actually going to help little jr. get a job? HAhahahahah! Man, you folks are so freaking delusional, it cracks me up. Yes indeedy, change is a coming to Clatsop county and we sure the heck aren’t gonna be having no more good-ol’ boy yahoo redneck swill drinking “wife beating” church going (snicker) SUV driving boys running Clatsop county NO MORE.
On May 11, 5:39 AM, guest wrote:
Dirk and Ambros and Jim are all Rogers Rocca candidates. They love Josh and they hate LNG. What sort of jobs do they envision here? Cow milkers, hybrid sales and artists. Oh that will put food on the table. In a way I hope all three of these candidates do win so they can be constantly put on the spot and questioned about their intent and have their lack of vision exposed. You will never see anything resembling open government from them.
On May 11, 10:16 AM, A REAL Native wrote:
Proud Native of ten years your little artsy shop sure isn’t going to add to the tax base nor is it going to employ anybody but yourself (for three months) and the 10 friends your bringing down from Seattle. Beer swilling SUV drivers? Thank God your not a prejudice stereotyper. Jim Neikes, Cary Johnson and Richard Lee are all local guys who have worked their butts off to make good, not only for themselves but providing jobs for 100s of other local people. Ambrose and Scheller? NOT! Only one who comes close is Rohn. And I don’t think he’d appreciate you calling locals beer swilling good-ol boys, with him running around telling everyone all the “good ole boys” who are endorsing him, and using “good ole boys” names in his advertising.
Your elitist attitudes are what there will be NO MORE of around here. And it is real grand how one minute you are screaming about how the meth problem around here is unbearable and the next minute you are screaming about about someone using physical force to keep a woman from abusing substances in front of her children. Tell the whole damn story if you are going to condemn a man. But that isn’t your people’s way. Slander, lies and gossip is more your style. Pathetic.
On May 11, 11:36 PM, taylor sands wrote:
On May 10, 11:45 PM, A Full Of Shit Non-Native wrote:
Yes indeedy, change is a coming to Clatsop county and we sure the heck aren’t gonna be having no more good-ol’ boy yahoo redneck swill drinking “wife beating” church going (snicker) SUV driving boys running Clatsop county NO MORE.
Gosh, Im really curious who is going to be running Clatsop County then? A bunch of SUV driving California retirees and crappy artwork producing trustafarian KMUN spouting ne’er-do-wells?
On May 12, 3:55 PM, Lawrence wrote:
Just ask “Daily Asstorian” who should be Commissioner and how they should be selected to the chair. They have seen the light and are positive the CCFOG maneuver has backfired and now are demanding a change to the rules.
As a challenge to the pipeline in parks and open space will be overturned in the appeals process we will see a court challenge to the commissioner appointment shortly.
Sorry Judge, as you background and expertise on land use issues at the most is politically motivate and not based on LUBA facts.
On May 12, 7:51 PM, good ole boy wrote:
What’s wrong with “swillin’ a beer” and “drivin’ an SUV”?
On May 13, 5:29 AM, Guest wrote:
I hope the appoint Cindy Ambros.
On May 16, 1:00 AM, nice job wrote:
Comparing the candidates here is unique. Thank-you. A lot more info here than anywhere else making it easier to compare everyone. Only thing missing are pics.