EDITOR’S NOTE: With the open Tillamook County Board of Commissioners position due to Commissioner Yamamoto’s early retirement, the Pioneer has sent the finalists selected for the position our “Questions for the Finalists.” Even though community members won’t vote on who fills the seat and finishes the one year left in the term (County Commissioners Bell and Skaar will select the person to complete the term), we thought the community would like to get to know the finalists. The County Commissioners will host a candidate interview forum on October 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Tillamook Community College, a panel interview conducted by the County Commissioners themselves. Link here to attend virtually – https://www.co.tillamook.or.us/bocc/page/candidate-panel-interview We know that not everyone will be able to attend (there are remote audio options available.) We will post the answers from each finalist as we receive them.
“Regardless of whom the Commissioner’s choose to appoint as their interim Commissioner, I will be running for Tillamook County Commissioner in the 2024 Primary Election in May 2024. My Facebook campaign page, Vote for Paul 2024, and my website, voteforpaul2024.com will become much more active as my campaign progresses,” stated Paul Fournier.
Here is Paul Fournier’s letter of interest and resume.
Dear Commissioners Skaar, Bell and Yamamoto,
I am submitting this letter of interest and resume for consideration in the appointment process for the soon-to-be vacated Position 2 on the BOCC. In regards to the minimum qualifications for this position; I am 28-year resident of Tillamook County, and I am over 18 years of age.
I am applying for this appointment as my campaign for County Commissioner in the May, 2024, primary election has already begun. I believe that Tillamook County is at a significant crossroads, and as Commissioner, I will be focused on protecting this county’s special quality of life that we have come to love — while also helping to prepare us for the future.
I have worn many hats since first arriving in Tillamook County in 1995. Whether it was publishing important information for our residents, turning the spotlight on the beauty of this county and its people through various mediums, teaching, volunteering, or responding to emergencies and natural disasters, I have spent nearly three decades serving the people of Tillamook County. I view running for County Commissioner as simply a continuation of that public service and dedication to this community.
Over the years, I have forged many friendships and professional partnerships with people and organizations throughout Tillamook County — listening, and using creative collaboration as the preferred means of accomplishing our goals. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Commissioners Skaar and Bell to help identify solutions to the important issues facing our community.
If I am selected or elected, I will strive to be the kind of commissioner that my family, friends, community partners, and neighbors would be proud to have as an elected official.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Paul Fournier
Paul Fournier Profile
I am a 28-year resident of Tillamook County. I am also a homeowner and small business owner.
Experience
PART-TIME DEPUTY SHERIFF – TILLAMOOK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – 2021-PRESENT
I am tasked with assisting in background investigations of job applicants, investigating criminal cases, data/statistic entries for grant compliance, press releases, social media content, training, and other duties as assigned.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, STORM ROCK CREATIVE — 2018–PRESENT
My company produces digital content, including written articles, photography, videography and sound recordings. My local clients include many members of the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce and Tillamook Board of Realtors, Adventist Health, Tillamook County Wellness, Tillamook County Health Department, Oregon Coast Visitor’s Association, Fire Departments, local musicians and many others.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR – TILLAMOOK BAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE – 2015-2021
Assisted in the creation of a new program curriculum and Instructed for the Criminal Justice degree program.
DEPUTY SHERIFF — TILLAMOOK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – 2000-2018
Beginning as a volunteer Reserve Deputy, I held several positions before retiring in December of 2018. My assignments included; Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Public Information Officer, Tactical Team Member/Medic, K9 Handler, Major Crimes Detective, Marine Patrol, Forest Patrol, Search and Rescue Coordinator, and as a member of a Federal Narcotics Task Force.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN – TILLAMOOK AMBULANCE – 1999-2001
Provided emergency medical care throughout Tillamook County.
FIREFIGHTER/EMT/CAPTAIN – NETARTS-OCEANSIDE FIRE-RESCUE – 1995-2002
In addition to firefighting, EMT and Instructor duties, I assisted with the formation of the rope rescue and water rescue programs, and served as Captain of the water rescue team.
REPORTER/EDITOR – HEADLIGHT HERALD 1996-1999
Wrote news and community interest pieces for the weekly newspaper, and was the Arts and Entertainment Editor.
Education
• Southern New Hampshire University — BA
• New York University, Tisch School of the Arts — Film Studies
• Mt. Wachusett Community College — AS