Darcy Jones, a lifelong Tillamook resident and an experienced excavating contractor, is running for Tillamook County Commissioner, Position Number 2. Throughout his 50-year career in excavation and over three decades as a licensed general contractor, Jones has observed a growing disconnect between the county’s Department of Community Development and the needs of local builders and developers, a gap he plans to bridge if elected.
Jones argues that excessive bureaucratic hurdles have stifled development in the county, particularly impacting the construction of low-income and workforce housing. By comparing Tillamook’s regulatory environment unfavorably to places like Salem, where he finds the rules more comprehensive yet more efficiently managed, Jones highlights a critical area for improvement. He pledges to instigate a cultural shift within the Department of Community Development, fostering a more cooperative and proactive approach to project approvals and community development.
Beyond housing, Jones also addresses other significant county issues, such as a perceived disconnect between the sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office, contributing to what he describes as a revolving door of crime and insufficient law enforcement response. He suggests leveraging county budget control over these departments to foster better coordination and effectiveness.
Financially, Jones sees enhancing tourism and local business as key to resolving the county’s budget deficits. He proposes increasing transient lodging tax revenues by supporting the development of more campgrounds and tourist-attracting facilities, a move he believes will bolster county finances without resorting to increased general taxation.
Jones’s campaign platform also includes a promise to improve the county’s responsiveness and service to its residents, advocating for more frequent and effective communication and transparency in county operations. Drawing on his extensive experience as a school board member and a business owner, he emphasizes the need for leadership that is both present and responsive to the community’s needs.
As Tillamook County approaches its election on May 21st, Jones is focused on convincing voters that his extensive experience in construction and community service, coupled with a pragmatic approach to governance, makes him the ideal candidate to tackle the pressing issues facing the county today.
You can watch our entire conversation with Darcy below.
