Garibaldi Fencepost Nov 12

In the past few elections at this point, there was typically enough of a gap between the candidates that we would typically know on election night what to expect come January.

The neighborhood would have a get together and all continually refresh the browsers on our computers and phones until the first results were posted.

The updates typically left were nominal, insignificant changes.

But this year: No signs, no feuds, no get-together. And no clear winners.

And after last Thursday’s update, the race tightened, with all three candidates now holding at least 30% of the vote.

The state typically allows three weeks to officialize the results. The county website says there are only about 273-274 votes in the entire county left to account for, and mail ins can trickle in until press day.

At this point, voter turnout in the county (74.43%) is down compared to 2020, and on par nationally, so the November 14th update should be the one to clear things up for us.

Maybe.

Again, shoutouts to all three of them.  

And thank you.

She’s gearing up for the holidays like she holds the keys to Santa’s workshop. She’s everybody’s favorite local librarian, June Ekborg:

“There’s a little something for everyone at the library this week…

“Teens (ages 12-18) looking for some indoor fun can sign up to have a Bakealong kit delivered to their local branch for pick-up.  All ingredients for making some yummy treats are included along with the instructions.  This month’s treat is Linzer Cookies!  Learn more and sign up at tillabook.org/library/webform/teen-bakealongs or contact the library and we’ll get you signed up.

 “All ages can now easily follow the Spring Chinook salmon as they grow from the comfort of home as well as visiting the tank in person.  Check out our website at tillabook.org/library/page/fish-eggs-fry-growing-spring-chinook-salmon-library where weekly updates are posted.  While there, you can sign up to have weekly updates sent to you, or you can follow our Facebook page to watch weekly videos.  You can also check out Tillamook Estuaries Partnership’s Facebook page for more great information about salmon, their habitat and local watersheds. They recently posted some amazing videos of the young alevins in our tanks.”

Last Thursday, representatives from Governor Kotek’s regional planning team, along with State Senator Weber met with council and staff for a resource planning workshop. I’m told the meeting was very productive and helped the state see the nuances that make this fishing village and its unique resource situation unique and important to the state.  

I hope to have more on the meeting as follow-ups and action ítems trickle down the pipe.

Lastly, I just received a message from a local business on U.S. 101 regarding street closures. When I noted City Hall should know and that they are open Mon-Thurs till 3:30p.m., said business owner wasn’t aware that city hall was open for walk-ups.  

Yes. It is. Has been for a little while now.  

Democracy is still in action.