UPDATE: With less than a month until the filing deadline on March 10, the race for county commissioner in Umatilla County is shaping up to be highly competitive but with a notably small candidate pool. Currently, only three candidates have filed for the two seats available in the upcoming May 19 primary election.
Incumbent commissioners John Shafer and Celinda “Cindy” Timmons are among the candidates, with Shafer seeking reelection after two successful terms. He has highlighted significant improvements in mental health services in Umatilla County, stating, “We’ve seen a huge increase in services provided to the citizens.” Shafer aims to further enhance these services by reintroducing detoxification programs and ensuring stable access to clean drinking water.
Timmons, also eyeing reelection, has made strides during her term, including clearing 7 tons of garbage from the Walla Walla River and passing an ordinance for all-terrain vehicles on county roads. She emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness, saying, “We’re moving forward with our homeless community day center,” indicating a collaborative effort with local partners.
Challenging Timmons is Eddy J. Antoniello, a 24-year-old newcomer who believes in making a difference in public services. “I see a lot of the homeless around here and that breaks my heart,” he expressed, underscoring his commitment to tackling high housing costs and poor infrastructure.
Election officials, including Stephen Craigen from the Umatilla County Elections Department, confirmed that if the candidate field remains unchanged, the primary ballot will not feature any county commissioner candidates, pushing the election to the general election in November. This means the primary will focus solely on federal, state, and local measures.
As the March 10 filing deadline approaches, the community is keenly watching to see if more candidates will emerge. Voter engagement is critical, especially as Umatilla County faces pressing issues such as homelessness and infrastructure.
Additionally, the county is seeking Election Board workers for both the primary and general elections, with paid positions available that require a commitment of three to seven days. Interested applicants can find more information on the Umatilla County website.
The urgency of the upcoming elections and the candidates’ visions for the county’s future make this a pivotal moment for Umatilla County residents. Share this urgent news to keep your community informed!
