Two-Day Online Commissioner Forum Series: Day 1 – John Linder & Neyssa Hays

By Rebecca Wallis

YAMHILL COUNTY, OR – May 5, 2026

As we approach the upcoming Yamhill County Commissioner election on May 19, 2026, voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of Yamhill County. Two commissioner seats are up for election, with contested races in both Position 1 and Position 3.

Incumbent Chair Kit Johnston of Dayton faces challenger John Linder of McMinnville in the race for Position 1. In the Position 3 race, Neyssa Hays of Yamhill, Jason Fields of Newberg, and David Wall are on the ballot.

Today we present responses to a series of key questions from candidates John Linder and Neyssa Hays. Tomorrow we will feature incumbent Chair Kit Johnston and candidate Jason Fields.

All responses are published exactly as received.

John Linder – Candidate for Position 1

McMinnville resident John Linder is a CPA and financial professional with experience in business valuation, investment advising, and economic consulting. He has lived in Yamhill County since 2002 with his wife and two children.

Responses to our questions:

1. Budget Priorities & Fiscal Responsibility
   Yamhill County faces ongoing pressure from rising costs while revenue growth remains limited. What specific priorities would guide your budget decisions, and how would you balance funding essential services like public safety, roads, and health programs without overburdening taxpayers?

The key in providing and expanding essential services to our residents, given existing funding constraints, is to seek additional funding from other layers of government (state and federal) via grants, as well as providing services more efficiently supplying existing service at the same cost (doing more with the same amount of funding). My plan for this involves asking departments to reexamine service processes and seeking to reengineer them utilizing technology to streamline both provision of services and reimbursement for services when applicable. For example, we need to understand the reimbursement dollars we are leaving on the table in provision of public and behavioral health services. Obtaining maximum obtainable reimbursement would be a priority. We also need to reduce turnover at our public and behavioral health departments, and increase morale. This is a complex issue, but involves management, compensation, career paths, and strategic goals.

2. Economic Development & Revenue Stability
   Counties have limited options for generating new revenue. What strategies would you pursue to strengthen the local economy and create sustainable revenue sources, and what role should the county play in supporting small businesses, agriculture, and tourism?

The county commissioners need to have their fingers on the pulse of large employers in the county. Knowing what these employers need to succeed, thrive and expand, is vital. It is also important to provide consulting resources to them, which SEDCOR is ideally situated to do. I would reinstitute the county contract with SEDCOR for this purpose. In addition, given that we are a wine tourism destination, I would play to this strength and work to increase recreational opportunities for visitors and residents in the county, with input and impact mitigation for the farming community. Tasting room sales are much more lucrative to vineyards (farmers) than wholesale sales. The tourism economy is large and growing, something we need to lean into and expand.

3. Infrastructure & Transportation
   Transportation, roads, and infrastructure are long-term challenges for rural counties. What is your vision for maintaining and improving Yamhill County’s roads, bridges, and transportation systems over the next 10 years, and how should those priorities be funded?

Roads, bridges, and transportation systems rely on the gas tax and grant funding. My plan for funding includes proactively seeking grant funding for infrastructure improvements. In addition, there are road and public works crews for the cities throughout the county. The county should collaborate to see if there are economies of scale available to the county by sharing equipment and personnel. If there is need beyond the resources available for maintenance (we don’t want bridges falling down), bonding for infrastructure is legitimate for long term asset construction / renovation; however, maintenance needs to come out of the gas tax and operating budget. If there simply isn’t enough money available to maintain our roads, a I’d be open to funding road maintenance (along with public safety needs and county parks) with a transient lodging tax in the county.

4. Intergovernmental Collaboration
   County commissioners must work with cities, special districts, and state agencies to get things done. How would you approach collaboration with local cities, special districts, and state leaders to solve complex issues, especially when there are disagreements or competing priorities?

The first step in coordination is getting to know all parties involved and having regular contact with them. I will meet with city councilors, our state delegation, the leaders of both chambers in Oregon, as well as the statewide office holders. I will meet with our federal congressional delegation and their staffs to develop a working relationship. Coordination, particularly with parks and recreation districts, can deliver significant synergies. I will collaborate with all elected officials, including those who have differing opinions. Furthermore, economic development coordination is critical as businesses who wish to locate or expand need the assistance of multiple layers of government to access programs and to work through permitting and regulatory processes as painlessly as possible. It is our job as commissioners to take the lead on this.

5. Community Connection
   What’s a moment in your life when you felt most connected to the Yamhill County community, and why?

I’ve felt most connected to my Yamhill County community in several meaningful moments. From my church, to my neighbors, to the people I meet in local establishments, Yamhill County is a unique and special place to live. That sense of connection became especially clear when our children were born. Neighbors and members of our church showed up with meals and support for me and my wife. It was a simple but powerful reminder of how much people here care for one another. Another memorable experience was a canoe trip I took with my daughter, alongside a group of dads and their daughters. We traveled down the Willamette River, camping along its shores between Wheatland Ferry and Newberg. That trip highlighted not only the beauty of our natural surroundings but also the incredible recreational opportunities available right here in the county. Finally, as a runner, I’ve been fortunate to find my tribe. For me, athletic activity is more than exercise, it’s how I connect with others. In the end, it all comes back to people. That’s what makes this community so special.

Neyssa Hays – Candidate for Position 3

Yamhill resident Neyssa Hays serves as chair of the Yamhill County Parks Advisory Board and director of an outdoor education nonprofit. She brings experience from family businesses, union work, education, public service, and seasonal jobs.

Responses to our questions:

1. Budget Priorities & Fiscal Responsibility
   Yamhill County faces ongoing pressure from rising costs while revenue growth remains limited. What specific priorities would guide your budget decisions, and how would you balance funding essential services like public safety, roads, and health programs without overburdening taxpayers?

My approach to the county budget starts with protecting core services that residents rely on every day: public safety, roads and bridges, and public health. These are foundational to a safe, functioning community and a stable local economy. At the same time, fiscal responsibility requires careful evaluation of how dollars are spent. I would prioritize transparent budgeting, regular performance reviews of programs, and identifying efficiencies where possible—especially through collaboration across departments and with partner agencies. We should also pursue grants and outside funding aggressively to reduce pressure on local taxpayers. Balancing these needs means making thoughtful, sometimes difficult choices. I believe in a practical approach that avoids both across-the-board cuts and unsustainable spending increases. Instead, we should invest strategically in programs that prevent higher costs later, such as early intervention in public health and maintenance that extends the life of infrastructure. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively, responsibly, and in ways that strengthen the long-term stability of Yamhill County.

2. Economic Development & Revenue Stability
   Counties have limited options for generating new revenue. What strategies would you pursue to strengthen the local economy and create sustainable revenue sources, and what role should the county play in supporting small businesses, agriculture, and tourism?

A strong local economy is the most sustainable way to maintain county services without overburdening taxpayers. Yamhill County’s economic strength comes from its diversity: agriculture, forestry, small businesses, light manufacturing, medicine, and tourism all play essential roles. The county’s role should be to support, not over-direct, this growth. That includes ensuring clear and predictable permitting processes, investing in infrastructure that supports business activity, and removing unnecessary barriers where possible. We should also partner with local organizations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups to align efforts and maximize impact. Essential to this work is bringing back the SEDCOR contract, hiring a grant manager, and developing a county economic development strategic plan. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy, and protecting working lands must be part of any long-term strategy. At the same time, we can support small businesses and entrepreneurs by improving access to resources, workforce development, and technical assistance. Tourism, particularly around our natural and recreational assets, presents additional opportunity when managed thoughtfully. Investments that enhance access, while respecting local communities and landowners, can help generate revenue that benefits the broader county. By focusing on stability, predictability, and strategic investment, we can strengthen the economy in a way that supports both current residents and future generations.

3. Infrastructure & Transportation
   Transportation, roads, and infrastructure are long-term challenges for rural counties. What is your vision for maintaining and improving Yamhill County’s roads, bridges, and transportation systems over the next 10 years, and how should those priorities be funded?

Maintaining and improving infrastructure is one of the county’s most important long-term responsibilities. My priority is to protect and extend the life of our existing roads and bridges through consistent maintenance, as deferred maintenance often leads to significantly higher costs later. Looking ahead 10 years, we need a balanced approach that includes maintenance, targeted upgrades, and planning for future needs. This includes addressing safety concerns, supporting agricultural and freight movement, and improving connectivity between communities. Good decisions start with good information. I support using data such as safety analyses and high-risk corridor identification from the Oregon Department of Transportation, along with local expertise from our Public Works team, to guide transparent and effective prioritization. Funding will require a combination of local, state, and federal resources. We should actively pursue grants and partnerships while using existing funds efficiently. I also believe we should keep an open mind about long-term transportation options, such as making continual improvements to our bus system, that improve access and mobility, especially in underserved areas, while ensuring investments remain financially responsible and broadly beneficial.

4. Intergovernmental Collaboration
   County commissioners must work with cities, special districts, and state agencies to get things done. How would you approach collaboration with local cities, special districts, and state leaders to solve complex issues, especially when there are disagreements or competing priorities?

Effective collaboration is essential to getting things done at the county level. Many of the challenges we face (housing, transportation, water, public safety, and economic development) cross jurisdictional boundaries and require coordinated solutions. My approach is grounded in communication, respect, and a focus on shared goals. Even when there are disagreements, it’s important to keep conversations productive and centered on outcomes that benefit the broader community. Listening carefully to different perspectives often leads to better, more durable solutions. I would prioritize building strong working relationships with city leaders, special districts, regional partners, and state agencies, and ensuring that Yamhill County is an active and constructive partner. This includes showing up consistently, following through on commitments, and advocating for the county’s needs at the regional and state level. When priorities compete, transparency and data-driven decision-making can help guide discussions. By focusing on what we can accomplish together, and maintaining a collaborative tone even in challenging situations, we can make meaningful progress on complex issues.

5. Community Connection
   What’s a moment in your life when you felt most connected to the Yamhill County community, and why?

My connection to Yamhill County is deeply personal. I grew up here, my husband was born and raised here, and we chose to raise our family here as well. Two of my three children have grown up in this county, building their own relationships with the land, schools, and community that shaped both of us. Because of that, my connection isn’t tied to just one moment, but something that has developed over a lifetime. It’s in the places I explored as a kid, the people who supported our family over the years, and the experiences we’ve been able to provide for our own children. I’ve seen how this community shows up for one another, through schools, local events, volunteer efforts, and everyday interactions. That continuity across generations is something special, and it’s part of what makes Yamhill County feel like home. Serving this community means a great deal to me because it’s not just where I live. It’s where my roots are, and where I’ve chosen to invest in the future.

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News