EDITOR’S NOTE: The May 18th ballot features dozens of opportunities to serve your community on local boards for our schools, ports, transportation district, recreation districts, water districts, fire districts and more. There is not a voters pamphlet for a primary/special election, therefore the Pioneer provides this opportunity for candidates to tell voters about themselves and the position they are seeking, even if running unopposed.
Tillamook County Pioneer CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT – 5 minute “why we should vote for you” pitch; include information about why you are running for the position and your TOP 3 most-important-issues facing the board/organization you wish to serve on.
MEET THE CANDIDATE: Jack Bloom, North County Recreation District Board Position #5
As a candidate for the NCRD Board, rather than the usual laundry list of my accomplishments and how great I am…. NCRD’s accomplishments are the results of the entire NCRD Board, the dedicated Staff and the tireless Volunteers, who are not only are great, but extraordinary!
Instead, I’ll tell you why I want to serve another 4 years.
Ten years ago, my wife and I retired to the Oregon North Coast to be close to our daughters and their families and enjoy the new delight of being Grandma and Grandpa. As time went by we increasingly participated in extraordinary community opportunities by joining, CERT, MRC, EVC, American Red Cross, HAM radio and supporting NBF&R.
The one thing that no one tells you about “retirement” though, is the increasing amount of time you will need to spend trying to stay healthy. So, 9 years ago, having passed the POOL sign in Nehalem many times, I decided to address my advancing “decrepitude” and explore what was offered. That is how I found the unique gem – NCRD and its glorious POOL! I soon became a daily lap swimmer and met Barb McCann. Over time, she convinced me to come to Board meetings, join the Budget Comm and the Capital Improvement Comm. When there was a Board vacancy, 8 years ago, she convinced me to run and I did.
What I have come to cherish, is a small organization that is the very embodiment of the spirit of “The Little Engine that Could….I think I can….I think I can….I think I can!” I have the privilege of working with a group of fellow citizens who share a common purpose – that is, to serve and enrich EVERYONE in their community as best they can.
They are the very embodiment of the Oregon Logger Work Ethic. They know what the right thing to do is, nothing can deter them and they accomplish what they put their minds to. They are YOU.
With the Communities financial support, via the levy and Bond measure, The Board, the NCRD Staff and the Volunteers have transformed a severely neglected building and an ancient swimming pool, into a model community center. We now have a Fitness Center, Ball Field, Pickle Ball Court, Children’s Day Care Center, a Performing Arts Center (with a new lobby and ADA restrooms) and soon a new pool that meet all ADA standards. This all together, commands an A+ credit rating and is now viewed by Wall Street as being an Investment Grade investment. This is a world class
accomplishment by any measure.
So, simply (and selfishly) put, I would like your support to serve just another 4 years. It has been a most extraordinary and exhilarating experience; plus, we have more to accomplish. Please, may I have your support for just another 4 years? Thank You. Jack Bloom