Letter: Support Lovelin for county commissioner

As a long-time resident of Netarts and a member of a family deeply rooted in Tillamook County for over 80 years, I feel compelled to express my support for Bruce Lovelin as the next Tillamook County Commissioner. Our county is at a critical juncture, facing significant operating losses in recent years and an uncertain financial future. In my view, Bruce Lovelin is the right candidate to lead us toward a brighter tomorrow.

While Bruce’s opponent, Erin Skaar, touts her “trusted leadership” and claims we are at a critical time, it’s evident that our county’s financial challenges persist. The most recent budget update reveals operating losses for the past four years, with a staggering projected loss of $6.4 million in the proposed 2024-2025 budget. These numbers cannot be ignored, and Bruce Lovelin rightly highlights them as a cause for concern. Rather than dismissing this as negative campaigning, I see it as a sincere commitment to our community’s well-being. We need to present the truth, and this is all factual data. Bruce’s vision for Tillamook County includes a focus on recruiting new businesses and industries, drawing upon his 25 years of experience running a successful enterprise, known as Happy Camp Hideway, within our county. His track record demonstrates a keen understanding of budget management and revenue constraints, as evidenced by his accomplishments securing grants exceeding $25 million and his leadership roles in various local organizations.

Moreover, Bruce is a person of principles, he is ethical, and commitied to opposing new taxes. Safeguarding private property rights and enhancing funding for essential services like the Sheriff’s department. His willingness to listen to diverse viewpoints, which is rare in today’s political arena. His decisive yet inclusive approach to decision-making makes him an ideal candidate for County Commissioner.

While Bruce may be new to Tillamook County politics, his fresh perspective is precisely what our county needs as we navigate these challenging times. I urge my fellow residents to join me in supporting Bruce Lovelin for Tillamook County Commissioner. Together, we can build a prosperous future for our beloved county.

Michael J. King

Netarts