Two-Day Online Commissioner Forum Series: Day 2 – Kit Johnston & Jason Fields

By Rebecca Wallis

YAMHILL COUNTY, OR – May 7, 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 incumbent Chair Kit Johnston and candidate Jason Fields. On May 5, we featured candidates John Linder and Neyssa Hays.

All responses are published exactly as received.

Chair Kit Johnston – Incumbent for Yamhill County Commissioner, Position 1

Dayton resident Kit Johnston is the current Chair of the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners, serving since January 2023. A fifth-generation Oregonian and lifelong farmer, he has operated a variety of agricultural businesses in the county since 1994. Prior to his election, Johnston served on the Yamhill County Planning Commission and the Newberg Urban Area Management Commission. He is a graduate of Dayton High School and a strong supporter of FFA and career technical education programs.

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?

Yamhill County succeeds by utilizing historical data to project tax collection rates conservatively. By fostering an environment that retains businesses and residents, we support economic growth without raising tax rates. Historically, our 10-year average tax growth to the General Fund is 4.739%, allowing us to balance steady revenue against rising service costs.

Public safety remains a top priority; I am committed to keeping the Sheriff’s Department fully funded while advocating against unfunded state mandates that impose unexpected costs on local taxpayers. Furthermore, our HHS programs must remain adaptive. I will continue to champion the public-private partnerships and volunteer-based committees that drive the success of our community outreach services for those most in need.

Regarding infrastructure, I will aggressively advocate at the state and federal levels for the funding required to finish the Newberg-Dundee Bypass, the McDougall Junction, and the Lafayette Highway/Hwy 18 Interchange. These projects have languished for too long, compromising the safety of our rural roads. By maintaining long-term fiscal responsibility, we can protect essential services without overburdening Yamhill County taxpayers.

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?

: To keep our economy strong, we must be proactive partners with our business community. I am committed to maintaining a business-friendly environment through the Yamhill County Economic Alliance (YCEA). By convening leaders from Business Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, MEDP, SEDCOR, local Chambers, and our city partners monthly, we ensure we are prioritizing support for small businesses, agriculture, and tourism. Currently, a top priority of YCEA is establishing Opportunity Zones to attract investment to underutilized areas in Newberg, McMinnville, and the West Valley.

To create sustainable revenue without raising taxes, I will continue to pursue strategic grant opportunities and capitalize on existing planning:

• Parks: We must leverage our $135,000 Parks Master Plan to secure state and federal grants. Developing larger parklands into RV and campgrounds will transform our park system into a self-sustaining revenue stream and a premier regional tourism draw.
• Public Safety: I will advocate for a Yamhill County Traffic Court. Currently, significant revenue from local safety enforcement is diverted elsewhere; keeping those dollars local reduces the Sheriff’s Office’s reliance on the General Fund.

Through these partnerships and efficiencies, we can build a resilient, self-sufficient local economy.

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?

Yamhill County effectively manages infrastructure through the state’s 50/30/20 gas tax split. By maximizing our 30% allocation, we have maintained a strong Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 76. My vision for the next decade is to sustain this quality by prioritizing “in-house” projects, allowing our county teams to complete vital maintenance more affordably than outside contractors.

A goal of my 10-year plan is to continue leveraging state and federal funding to address aging infrastructure. We recently secured over $10 million in ODOT grants to replace two critical bridges; the first project begins this year with only a $500,000 local match required.

Looking forward, my top priorities are the Newberg-Dundee Bypass, Lafayette Highway/Hwy 18 Interchange, and McDougall Junction. These areas present significant safety challenges that require persistent advocacy at the state level to secure necessary improvements. By combining fiscal efficiency with proactive grant-seeking, we can ensure our roads and bridges remain safe and reliable. My goal is a modern, well-maintained infrastructure network that supports our local economy and ensures every resident in Yamhill County gets home safely.

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 not a desk job; it requires being physically present and engaged. My approach is to show up on our partners’ terms, not my own, and participate in the conversation. Since being elected over three years ago, I have prioritized attending city council meetings and local chambers to understand firsthand any issues with a county nexus. This ensures the county remains a proactive partner in creating solutions rather than a reactive bystander.

I also serve as a dedicated liaison to various special districts, including Fire and Conservation. I do not take these commitments lightly; being a Commissioner means being consistently available for the weekly and monthly dialogues that drive our community forward.

When concerns arise, having an established foundation of trust and face-to-face communication across our region’s public and private sectors is essential for finding efficient solutions. My strategy is simple: stay at the table, listen to specific needs, and maintain the strong intergovernmental relationships necessary to solve the complex challenges facing Yamhill County. Staying engaged with our partners ensures that we are working together toward a shared vision for our future.

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

I feel most connected to Yamhill County when I am on the ground at our local events. Whether it is attending Friday Chamber Greeters or National Night Out, being present reassures residents that their representative is truly engaged. A personal highlight was participating in National Night Out in Willamina—specifically spending two hours in the dunk tank! Moments like those build the genuine, approachable relationships that are necessary for effective public service.

I also take great pride in showing my support at our local parades and participating in the four-day volunteer marathon at the Yamhill County Fair, the oldest fair in Oregon. Every minute spent giving back to a community that has offered me so much support over the years reinforces my deep love for where I live. Seeing the dedication and spirit of our neighbors during these traditions is a constant reminder of why I serve. I wouldn’t have it any other way; these connections are the heartbeat of my work as a Commissioner and the reason I am so committed to our county’s future.

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Jason Fields, Yamhill County Commissioner Candidate, Position 3

Newberg resident Jason Fields is a small business owner, community volunteer, and lifelong Oregonian. He founded Rare Air MFG, a company that manufactures and ships custom parts for classic Volkswagens. Fields serves as an elected board member of the Chehalem Park & Recreation District and as a member of the Yamhill County Budget Committee. He brings experience in sales, manufacturing, and local government service.

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?

I have served on the Yamhill County Budget Committee for the past five years, where we have balanced the budget while maintaining core services and a healthy reserve. That experience has given me a clear understanding of the challenges we face: rising costs for personnel, materials, and services are outpacing limited revenue growth.

My top priorities will be protecting essential services—public safety, roads and bridges, and public health—while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I do not support raising or creating new taxes. Families and small businesses are already feeling the strain, and the government should not add to that burden.

Instead, we need to think differently about revenue. Yamhill County has incredible assets—our agriculture, tourism, and community spaces—and it’s time we put those to work in a way that generates sustainable income. I will focus on identifying creative, long-term solutions that strengthen our financial position without asking more from taxpayers, while continuing to make disciplined, responsible budget decisions.

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?

Yamhill County has limited traditional options for new revenue, which means we need to be creative and strategic. I believe the county should focus on generating sustainable revenue through economic activity, not new taxes.

One of my key proposals is relocating our aging, undersized fairgrounds to a larger, more suitable site and incorporating a year-round amphitheater. This would create a destination venue that brings in tourism, supports local businesses, and generates consistent revenue for the county. I also support developing a self-sustaining, “pay-for-play” campground that can provide additional funding for parks and recreation.

Beyond these projects, the county should play a strong partnership role—working with cities, small businesses, agriculture, and tourism leaders to create opportunities for growth. Our Economic Development team is critical in connecting those partners and identifying opportunities that fit Yamhill County’s strengths.

We should also advocate for policies that allow more locally generated revenue to stay in our community, helping fund public safety and other essential services.

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 roads, bridges, and transportation systems is one of the county’s core responsibilities. Yamhill County has done a solid job prioritizing maintenance and safety, and we need to continue that disciplined, long-term approach.

My focus will be on updating and implementing our Transportation System Plan to reflect current growth patterns and future needs. That includes improving dangerous intersections, maintaining critical roadways, and ensuring we are investing where we get the greatest impact for safety and reliability.

Funding is always a challenge, especially for rural counties. I will work closely with our state legislators to advocate for a fair share of transportation funding and ensure Yamhill County’s needs are not overlooked. At the same time, we must continue to manage our existing resources wisely and prioritize projects that directly improve safety and mobility for residents.

A safe, reliable transportation system supports everything from emergency response to economic development, and it will remain a top priority.

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?

Strong relationships between the county, cities, special districts, and the state are essential to getting things done. I believe effective collaboration starts with communication, trust, and showing up.

As a commissioner, I will maintain an open-door policy and be actively engaged with our communities. I support continuing the practice of commissioner liaisons to cities, attending local meetings, and staying informed about the needs and priorities of each community. When people feel heard, it’s much easier to find common ground.

In my current role with CPRD and through my work on the Budget Committee, I have experience working through complex issues that involve multiple jurisdictions. I approach those situations by focusing on shared goals, being willing to listen, and looking for solutions that benefit the broader community.

Disagreements will happen, but they don’t have to stop progress. My goal is to bring people together, find practical solutions, and move forward in a way that strengthens Yamhill County as a whole.

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

Over the past year, I’ve knocked on more than 12,000 doors across Yamhill County. Those conversations have been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life and have given me a clear understanding of what matters most to people.

No matter where I go, I hear the same concern: affordability. Families are working hard, but the cost of living—housing, fuel, groceries, and utilities—is making it harder to get ahead. That reality has shaped my priorities and reinforced my commitment to protecting taxpayers.

Those conversations have also shown me how much people care about their communities. They want safe neighborhoods, good roads, strong local businesses, and opportunities for their kids.

I’m running to represent all of Yamhill County, and that means listening to everyone—not just those who agree with me. Staying connected to the community will remain a priority because the best decisions come from understanding the people you serve.

My goal is simple: keep Yamhill County safe, affordable, and thriving for the long term.

 

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File