Dear Editor, Tillamook County Pioneer:
I urge all my neighbors in North Tillamook County to vote in the May 16 election and re-elect Marc C. Johnson to his position on the Nehalem Bay Health District.
One of my first memories of Marc was seeing him out in the streets of Manzanita wearing a fluorescent vest on October 14, 2016, assisting residents and first responders in the immediate aftermath of the devastating tornado that hit that morning. He jumped into his role on the Manzanita Community Emergency Response Team without hesitation, and he has been a strong supporter of the Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay for years.
Not only is Marc a dedicated public servant, but he is also a smart leader who knows how to bring together people, resources, and organizations for the greater good of our community. I am a volunteer with the Hoffman Center for the Arts, where Marc served on the Board for a number of years. At the same time, he was also President of the North Tillamook County Library Friends. He acted in a unique capacity as liaison between the two non-profits, leveraging their resources and common interests for mutual benefit.
He has shown these same skills in his position on the Nehalem Bay Health District, bringing together many players to create a funding strategy to strengthen the Nehalem Valley Care Center in Wheeler. He helped to envision a plan that with both improve health care services for the region and provide housing for essential health care workers. His strategy included obtaining Federal dollars with the help of Senators Merkley and Wyden, as well as State funding with the help of Rep. Javadi and Sen. Weber.
We are lucky to have this man working for our community! Please join me in supporting Marc in the May 16 election.
Andy Barker
Manzanita, Oregon