May 15 could look like just another primary, but with local voters choosing Dems for County Commissioner slots since 2000, whoever gets the nom now, probably gets the ultimate nod in November. Deadline for major party candidates to file is long past, minor party and unaffiliated candidates can still file. No Republican is seeking the Commissionership this year.
Of the six Democrats seeking a May 15 victory, all the frontrunners are superbly qualified – area voters win this election, no matter what. This is a good thing, because whoever is elected will deal with a bevy of issues coming to a head: all the way from affordable housing to homelessness, and criminal justice infrastructure to increasing pressures on local natural features.
Benton County is run by a board of three Commissioners, elected for four years. As Ann Schuster has chose not to seek another term, none of the candidates for the $84,000 a year opening this cycle is an incumbent. Schuster has endorsed Vince Adams, and so do we, which was not an easy choice, given the high caliber represented in this field.
Why we’re endorsing Vince Adams
Adams may be a city resident, living in Corvallis, but he is also the Coordinator for the Rural Explorer program within Oregon State University Extension. Adams also currently works with one of the most watchful constancies in town as President of the Corvallis School Board – where he has received high marks from fellow board members, and parents.
What all this means is, we believe Adams is exceptionally able to deeply appreciate the widest diversity of Benton County voters, and pay real attention to their needs. However, we do not base that view only on his experience.
We have noted his engagement with voters, and his sense of allegiance to public service as a personal calling – not only when he’s at public functions, but also as what he talks about privately.
Adams’ presence is intelligent, energetic, and easy. On the issues, Adams is an unabashed progressive, with a bent towards down to earth pragmatism, and hard work. He is heavily focused on child homelessness, mental health access, community health, affordable housing, preserving natural spaces, and the environment.
Adams paid two small claims judgments totaling $2,527, and admits he’s struggled with student debt at times.
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