As a former county commissioner, I had the opportunity to work with and observe Marvin Padberg in his role as port commissioner.

During Marvin’s time on the port commission, there has been tremendous growth in both jobs and tax base in Morrow County. Some of the businesses that have come here during Marvin’s time on the port include Tillamook Cheese and Whey plants, Amazon, Lamb Weston, Pacific Ethanol, Calbee Foods, WindWave, Hanley Energy, Tread-it, NW Container, a couple of cold storage facilities and many more.

These companies represent thousand of jobs and billions of dollars in investment. The Port of Morrow has been able to do this by being a collaborative partner in our regional economy. The Port of Morrow has become the second largest port in Oregon. The average wage in Morrow County has continually increased because of these efforts. This translates into a healthy retail business opportunity in our county.

Marvin’s opponent has a track record of antigrowth. She filed an appeal with the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals to stop the proposed speedway. It was thrown out by the state, and the race track never came, but trying to deny them the opportunity was just wrong. She has also shown up at county commissioner meetings to stop employer sponsored housing, and often shows up at the Boardman City Council and planning commission meetings as a disrupter.

Join me in voting for Marvin Padberg for Port of Morrow commissioner.

John Wenholz

Irrigon