“Two Days Online Commissioner Forum” Series, Day 2 – Challenger David “Bubba” King

By Rebecca Wallis
YAMHILL COUNTY, OR – October 10, 2024

Below are the 15 complex questions asked of Challenger David “Bubba” King on a variety of multi-layered subjects. Our editorial team did not throw softballs. We threw hardballs. Our complex questions are relevant, provocative, and essential to understanding the person who is running for Yamhill County Commissioner.  All answers provided by this candidate have been printed in their entirety, without editing, exactly as provided.

The Questions:

• Budget Management and Fiscal Responsibility: “Yamhill County residents are concerned about balancing the budget without overburdening taxpayers. How will you ensure responsible management of county funds, and are there specific areas where spending can be adjusted to avoid tax increases?”

First, as your county commissioner, I commit to no new taxes or fees that hit Yamhill County resident pocketbooks. To ensure responsible management of Yamhill County funds and avoid overburdening taxpayers, we must focus on increasing efficiency, prioritizing spending, and bringing our tax dollars home.

One key area is expanding our local economy through initiatives that boost tourism and support local businesses, which would naturally increase revenue without raising taxes. By investing in revitalization, tourism, and expanding urban renewal projects, we can create more jobs and attract outside dollars into our county, supplementing our tax revenue without impacting resident’s bottom line.

Additionally, I support reviewing our county’s budget to ensure funds are allocated to essential services like public safety, housing, and infrastructure, while cutting unnecessary administrative costs and streamlining services. Currently, this is not effectively being done, because of my opponent’s inability to separate her personal benefits from what she gives attention and resources to.

Focusing on economic growth, government accountability, and avoiding wasteful spending will be critical to maintaining a balanced budget without tax increases. Collaboration with state and federal partners is essential to secure our already paid tax dollars back to our community. Our tax dollars that are deducted from our paychecks are going to Metro. The irony is that my opponent wants to keep Metro out of YamCo, yet, she has given away our bank to them. This has left critical services like mental health therapy one of the lowest funded counties in the state, resulting in low capacity and high caseloads.

By implementing these strategies, we can ensure responsible fiscal management while keeping Yamhill County affordable for residents.

• Second Amendment and Community Safety: “Many citizens value their Second Amendment rights, while others are concerned about public safety. How would you approach balancing gun rights with the need to ensure safety and prevent violence in Yamhill County?”

I love my guns and have a concealed carry permit. As an outdoorsman, I own many guns for recreation, protection of our farm animals, and store my guns appropriately. Balancing Second Amendment rights with public safety in Yamhill County requires a thoughtful approach that respects individual freedoms while addressing concerns related to gun violence. I fully support the Constitution and the right to bear arms, which is a fundamental value for many citizens, including myself. I also believe in promoting responsible gun ownership, including education and safety training to help reduce accidents and ensure that firearms are handled appropriately.

To enhance public safety, we should focus on enforcing existing laws to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, such as those with a history of violence or mental health issues. I believe guns are not violent, people are. Without addressing the people’s issues that cause violence, we accomplish nothing. Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and mental health services is crucial to addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the support they need before situations escalate. This has not been a priority of my opponent as she prefers to focus on the gun than the people.

That said, guns have become a distraction for my opponent to create a boogeyman in Yamhill County. Instead of focusing on how we can create strong partnerships between our law enforcement teams and our mental health teams, my opponent wrote a letter to the governor, filed a lawsuit costing over $30,000 to taxpayers, and lost, even when our sheriff and attorney advised against it. This pattern of not listening to the experts of the field, creating fear, and using our hard earned money for unwinnable lawsuits stops with me. When I file lawsuits, I win.

By focusing on responsible ownership, education, and reasonable safety precautions, we can protect both the Second Amendment, while supporting the safety of our communities in Yamhill County.

• Government Regulation and Local Control: “There is often concern about the impact of state and federal regulations on local governance. How do you plan to ensure that Yamhill County maintains control over local matters while effectively working within broader regulatory frameworks?”

Preserving Yamhill County’s local control is at the very heart of what I stand for. Our county is a special place, rich in history, community spirit, and a deep sense of pride in our way of life. I believe strongly that the decisions that impact our daily lives should be made by those who live here, not dictated by far-off agencies that don’t understand rural values.

To protect our local autonomy, I will passionately advocate for Yamhill County at every level of government. I will work hand-in-hand with our state and federal representatives, building strong, cooperative relationships to ensure that when policies are crafted, Yamhill County’s voice is not only heard but respected. By nurturing these partnerships, we can secure valuable resources like bringing our tax dollars home and infrastructure funding, without compromising who we are as a community.

When it comes to important issues like land use, housing, and supporting our small businesses, I will fight to ensure solutions are thoughtfully tailored to meet our specific needs, rather than be bound by metro-based regulations. I will work for creative solutions, exemptions, or adjustments that honor the character of our county and protect our way of life, while still respecting the relationship with our state officials. Currently, we have no seat at any table beyond the BOC chambers.

• Supporting Law Enforcement and Addressing Crime: “Public safety is a top priority for Yamhill County residents. How would you support local law enforcement and ensure they have the resources to address challenges like drug-related crime while staying within budget constraints?”

My opponent refuses to bring our already paid tax dollars home. She touts the homelessness crisis as one of shock and horror, when in reality, she participated in the escalation of tents on our streets. By refusing to declare a state of emergency when neighboring counties did, she turned away our already paid tax dollars, set aside to provide solutions to homelessness, resulting in the tents we see today lining our streets and downtown businesses. While neighboring communities received millions of dollars, we have relied upon community-based and faith-based organizations to shoulder the burden on our behalf. Commissioner Berschauer has no place to complain about how homelessness, and an increase in untreated mental illness and addiction have hamstrung our law enforcement teams when she will not accept our money dedicated to relieving these crises on our streets. Law Enforcement deserves the financial support of the commission through the revenue streams structured by state agencies. Those “strings” my opponent talks about is called financial accountability and it’s telling that she cannot operate within restricted funding “grants” when in reality it’s to ensure the money is being spent appropriately and produces outcomes and results.

History has proven that law enforcement is not the tool to solve homelessness, addiction and mental health, as it is expensive and seldomly corrects the problem. It should be a tool to utilize and enforce after entry to treatment and housing have been made available. I would not only look to bolster the budget of the sheriff’s department, but also HHS. With M4002 now in effect I see HHS and the sheriff’s department working in tandem when it comes to public safety, with equal voices at the table.

• Approach to Homelessness: “Homelessness is an increasing issue across the county. What is your approach to addressing homelessness in a way that balances providing support for those in need with encouraging self-sufficiency and long-term solutions?”

Homelessness in Oregon is the result of the economic fallout from COVID-19, unaffordable housing, and the failed Measure 110. But in Yamhill County, it is amplified because of Commissioner Berschauer’s refusal to be part of the solution. Money that was made available to our county, of OUR paid tax dollars, was turned away and placed on the backs of community and faith-based organizations.

My opponent likes to say that the BHRN funding is the commission supporting mental health and addiction in Yamhill County, when the truth is it’s a requirement of Oregon Health Authority for HHS to operate as a lead agency within a BHRN of the county, acting as the facilitator and pass through to other partners. Expending funding for homelessness and sheltering to community and faith-based organizations is great and should be commended by the commission, but it’s not taking the lead on a county-wide approach, which was a lost opportunity when the commission refused to declare an emergency and accept funding from the state directly slated for addressing the homelessness crisis.

Additionally, homelessness is fundamentally a land planning issue. To address it, I will work to promote property rights and ensure the county advocates for policies that allow for the development of affordable housing options. I will also push back against anti-property rights groups that restrict the kind of growth needed to solve this crisis. By ensuring that land use regulations do not hinder housing development, we can increase the availability of affordable housing and provide long-term solutions for those in need.

The only way through this crisis is to accept every dollar provided by the state, restore essential services for homelessness and convene a homelessness task force from a countywide approach, providing leadership, administrative support, and oversight for results to our hardworking community partners.

• Land Use and Property Rights: “Development pressures and zoning regulations can create tension between growth and preserving property rights. How would you approach land use decisions to ensure a balance between the needs of development and the protection of individual property owners’ rights?”

By promoting open dialogue and collaboration between developers, landowners, and the community, we can create land use policies that promote sustainable growth while preserving the freedoms and rights of property owners in Yamhill County. Property rights is a foundational value of mine.

Balancing development pressures with the protection of property rights requires a thoughtful approach to land use decisions in Yamhill County. I believe in supporting responsible development that promotes growth and strengthens our local economy, but it’s essential that we also safeguard the rights of individual property owners. This means ensuring that zoning regulations are fair, transparent, and respect both the community’s needs and the rights of landowners.

I support a balanced approach where development is carefully planned to align with our long-term vision for the county, while also involving property owners in the decision-making process. This is the primary reason I do not support resurrecting the Yamhelas Westsider Trail. Working closely with the community and landowners, we will pursue recreational projects that include both at the table for future recreational development that is desperately needed. Cleaning up the Yamhill River is an example of a project I will support. I will advocate for policies that encourage growth in agreed upon areas, such as Mainstreet revitalization, without infringing on property owners’ rights.

• Non-Partisanship in Local Government: “Yamhill County Commissioner is a non-partisan position, yet voters often wonder how a candidate’s personal or party affiliations might influence their decisions. What does being ‘non-partisan’ mean to you, and how will you ensure that your decisions represent the interests of all constituents, regardless of political affiliation?”

To me, being ‘non-partisan’ means making decisions based on what is best for the entire community, not driven by party lines or personal ideology. This can be achieved through electing a balanced board that holds differing personal values as a check and balance to the board of commission. As a Yamhill County Commissioner, my role is to represent and serve all residents, regardless of their political affiliation. I am committed to listening to all perspectives, engaging with constituents from across the political spectrum, and making informed decisions that reflect the diverse needs and values of our county.

Currently, my opponent has been preaching to “hold the line,” and protect her personal values, implying that there is no room for alternative viewpoints at the table. This is a double down to her demonstrated mean-spirited behavior, elevating the rhetoric of “progressives” in Yamhill County as the enemy of her values by assuming they are the majority values of the county. A vote for me, is a vote for kindness, understanding, and solutions involving all people, not just those that think like me, donate to me, or elevate my position of power.

It’s time to lower the temperature.

• Efficient Government Operations: “Maintaining an efficient government is essential to providing services without unnecessary expansion. What steps would you take to ensure that Yamhill County’s government operates efficiently while continuing to meet the needs of its residents?”

I am not, nor will ever try to be an expert in every department of the county. Learning the needs of department heads, as experts in their fields, will be crucial to operating at our best.

Ensuring Yamhill County’s government operates efficiently while meeting residents’ needs requires a focus on streamlining services and reducing waste. My first step would be to meet at length with Commissioners Starrett and Johnston to learn their priorities and what review of the budget has already been conducted in a private setting. Next, I would push for a thorough review of the county’s budget and operations to identify areas where we can cut unnecessary administrative costs and improve service delivery. I support a lean, accountable government that prioritizes essential services such as public safety, infrastructure, and housing while avoiding unnecessary expansion.

As much as my opponent would like me to, I do not support big government and would not look to expand services beyond our year over year tax base. Diversifying our revenue streams through accepting back our tax dollars that currently reside at the state, and implementing a visitor tax, will aid in restoring services that have been reduced.

Additionally, I will advocate for modernizing our systems, using technology to enhance service efficiency, and making sure county departments collaborate effectively to avoid duplication of efforts. By pursuing external funding opportunities, like state and federal programs, we can bring in additional resources without increasing the burden on local taxpayers.

By focusing on fiscal responsibility, government accountability, and smart investments in technology and collaboration, we can ensure Yamhill County operates efficiently and continues to serve its residents effectively.

• Economic Growth and Business Development: “Supporting local businesses is vital to the county’s economy. How would you encourage economic growth and job creation in Yamhill County, and what role should the county government play in reducing barriers for small businesses?”

In the time I’ve spent in public service, whether as President of the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce or serving on city committees, I’ve always used economic development as a barometer for the health of our community. Giving every industry serious representation and understanding the needs of those industries has been the backbone of my leadership. When business gets a chance to engage with the government to express the needs, from housing to expensive fees the whole community benefits.

The current BOC has demonstrated bias against small business and specific business categories and is completely ambivalent to others – not to mention their dissolution of the SEDCOR contract. The commission supports those that support them. We have an ecosystem that needs to be supported regardless of if you grow filberts, grapes, or sell meals and lodging to visitors. The MAJORITY of businesses in Yamhill County are SMALL AND LOCALLY owned, they are literally your neighbors. We need to make no other distinction on their worth than they are our neighbors and working to make a living.

Encouraging economic growth and job creation in Yamhill County starts with supporting local businesses and reducing barriers they face. I believe the county government plays a key role in fostering a business-friendly environment by simplifying regulations, streamlining the permitting process, and ensuring that small businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive. By cutting through red tape and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, we can make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

Additionally, I support investing in initiatives that drive tourism and Mainstreet revitalization, which will naturally stimulate local economic growth. Programs like urban renewal projects and partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Coalitions can boost foot traffic and spending in local businesses. Furthermore, I will work to leverage our tax dollars to help local businesses expand and create jobs, without relying on increased taxes.

By prioritizing small business support, regardless of their support of me, and focusing on strategic investments, we can create a thriving local economy that benefits all of Yamhill County.

• Balancing Growth with Rural Heritage: “As Yamhill County grows, how would you balance the need for economic development and new housing with preserving the county’s agricultural roots and rural character?”

Balancing economic development and new housing with preserving Yamhill County’s agricultural roots and rural character requires careful, strategic planning. It also requires strong relationships with no division or exclusion of political beliefs to be effective at balancing two complex but pressing concerns.

I believe in supporting growth that is sustainable and respects the heritage of our agricultural communities. This means focusing new development in areas that can handle expansion, such as urban centers and Mainstreet revitalization projects, while protecting farmland and open spaces from overdevelopment.

By promoting smart growth policies, we can encourage economic development and housing in areas where infrastructure already exists, reducing the pressure on rural lands. At the same time, we must continue to support the agricultural sector by preserving zoning that protects farmland and investing in programs that promote the success of local farmers and agri-businesses.

This balanced approach ensures that as Yamhill County grows, we continue to honor our agricultural roots and maintain the rural character that makes our community unique, while still creating opportunities for economic growth and new housing where it makes sense.

The irony is that my opponent wants you to believe I’m pushing for Metro in YamCo—an interesting claim from someone who moved here from Portland, and who regularly questions my connection to farming. Having lived in Newberg for 18 years, and with my wife being a proud 5th generation Yamhill County resident, I’m deeply rooted in our community and its rural values. My experience owning businesses across multiple industries, leadership with the CVCC, and family history in the county give me a much better understanding of how to provide the balance our community needs.

• Workforce Development and Education: “A strong local workforce is key to the economic health of Yamhill County. How would you collaborate with local schools, colleges, and businesses to ensure that residents have access to the training and educational opportunities needed for the jobs of the future?”

Collaborating with local schools, colleges, and businesses is essential for developing a strong workforce in Yamhill County. I plan to facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and local industries to align training programs with the skills needed for future job opportunities. This includes advocating for vocational training, apprenticeships, and internships that provide hands-on experience and prepare residents for in-demand careers, like I could have benefited from as a youth.

Additionally, I will work to enhance communication between educators and local businesses to identify skill gaps and develop targeted educational programs. By securing funding for workforce development initiatives and supporting programs that focus on STEM education, we can equip our community members with the skills necessary for success in a rapidly evolving job market.

By fostering these relationships, we can ensure that Yamhill County residents have access to the training and educational opportunities required for the jobs of our county’s future, ultimately strengthening our local economy and community.

• Public Health and Emergency Preparedness: “Public health concerns, from pandemics to natural disasters, have been increasingly at the forefront. How would you ensure that Yamhill County is prepared to respond effectively to public health crises and emergencies, while coordinating with state and federal agencies?”

First, I would take accountability for the state we are in, led by my opponent, to neglect public health entirely. The public, including myself, only has limited knowledge of the funding turned away and efforts minimized by this commission. Our HHS Director, Lindsey Manfrin, has undergone a level of disrespect that no leader should have to face from a board. It is safe to say that millions of dollars have been taken from Yamhill County households and given to public health efforts across the state, most centrally to Metro communities.

To ensure Yamhill County is prepared to respond effectively to public health crises and emergencies, I would prioritize strengthening our public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness plans. This includes regular training and collaboration with local health officials, emergency responders, and state and federal agencies to develop coordinated response strategies that can be quickly implemented during a crisis.

I will advocate for investing in public health resources and ensuring that our county has the necessary tools and personnel to address potential threats, such as pandemics or natural disasters. By promoting community engagement and education, we can also empower residents to understand emergency protocols and health recommendations.

Additionally, I will work to secure funding for public health initiatives and ensure that Yamhill County is equipped with a comprehensive emergency management plan that outlines clear procedures for various scenarios. By fostering strong partnerships and
enhancing our preparedness efforts, we can ensure a swift and effective response to any public health crisis, safeguarding the health and safety of our community.

Let’s put an end to wasting our money on distractions and start funding preparedness for a crisis we hopefully do not have to face.

• Infrastructure and Public Services: “As the county grows, so does the demand on infrastructure and public services like roads, water, and sanitation. What are your priorities for improving or maintaining these essential services, and how would you fund these improvements?”

Infrastructure repair seems to be a topic my opponent forgets is a foundational role of the county commission. It was a missed opportunity to not secure infrastructure funding for Yamhill County through the Build Back Better plan. Currently, $800M is going to Oregon from the federal government, of which I have not heard of one dollar coming to Yamhill County.

As Yamhill County grows, prioritizing the improvement and maintenance of essential infrastructure and public services is crucial. My focus will be on developing a comprehensive infrastructure plan that addresses the needs of our expanding population while ensuring that current services remain effective and reliable.

To fund these improvements, I will advocate for securing state and federal funding specifically aimed at infrastructure development, as well as exploring public-private partnerships to leverage additional sustainable resources. It’s essential to prioritize projects based on community impact, such as improving roads, upgrading water and sanitation systems, and enhancing public transportation options to support both residents and local businesses.

Additionally, I will promote smart growth initiatives that include investing in infrastructure alongside new developments, ensuring that we are not only accommodating growth but also protecting the quality of life for our community. By focusing on strategic investments and responsible budgeting, we can maintain and improve essential services while meeting the demands of a growing Yamhill County.

• Affordable Housing and Community Development: “Many Yamhill County residents struggle with the rising cost of housing. How would you work with local governments and developers to promote affordable housing options while ensuring responsible community development?”

This borders on outside the scope of what the BOC does but collaborating with cities to make sure urban reserve lands are not densely developed would be where I start.

Addressing the rising cost of housing in Yamhill County requires a collaborative approach with local governments and developers to promote affordable housing options while ensuring responsible community development. I would advocate for policies that incentivize the construction of affordable housing, such as tax breaks or expedited permitting processes for developers who commit to including low- and moderate-income units in their projects.

Additionally, I will work with local governments to identify underutilized properties and potential sites for affordable housing developments. This includes supporting zoning changes that allow for diverse housing types, such as duplexes and multi-family units, to increase the housing supply in a responsible manner that aligns with community needs.

Engaging with community stakeholders, including residents and housing advocates, is vital to ensure that development projects reflect the priorities and concerns of the community. By fostering these collaborations and advocating for smart, inclusive growth strategies, we can address the housing crisis in Yamhill County and create a sustainable environment for all community members.

• Civic Engagement and Transparency: “Community involvement and transparency are key to effective governance. What specific measures would you take to increase civic engagement and ensure that county government decisions are transparent and accessible to all residents?”

This is why I’m running. We do not have a board chair that values the perspectives and lived experiences of those that do not support her. Civic engagement is extended to those that promote her personal agenda and projects, excluding many of our community from input. I’ve heard from numerous constituents, developers, business owners, and government officials who haven’t met her strict standards of loyalty—they haven’t just been turned away, they’ve been completely ignored. Under my leadership, this will stop.

I expect to be challenged and tested constantly, which is the right of constituents to do. I will seek out opportunities for those that think differently from me to do just that.

To achieve this, I would implement several specific measures:

1. Regular Town Hall Meetings: I would organize regular town hall meetings across the county to provide residents with opportunities to voice their concerns, ask questions, and engage directly with county officials. This open dialogue fosters community involvement and helps me better understand the needs of my constituents.

2. Accessible Communication Channels: I would enhance communication through various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and a user-friendly county website. This would ensure that residents can easily access information about county decisions, upcoming meetings, and available services.

3. Transparent Decision-Making: I would advocate for transparent processes in decision-making, such as posting meeting agendas and minutes online, and providing clear explanations of the rationale behind decisions. This allows residents to stay informed and understand how decisions impact their community.

4. Encouraging Public Participation: I would encourage public participation in local governance by creating advisory committees that include diverse voices from the community, ensuring that a variety of perspectives are considered in policy discussions.
By prioritizing these measures, we can create a more engaged and informed community, ultimately leading to better governance that reflects the values and needs of all Yamhill County residents.

 

Yamhill County News would like to thank Challenger David “Bubba” King for providing answers to our questions.

This concludes our “Two-Day Online Commissioner Forum” Series. 

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File