Ayers looking to retain Commissioner Position No. 3

What is your family, education, and/or personal background?

Pacific County has been my family’s home for almost 25 years. I’ve been married to Ken, my high school sweetheart, for 33 years. He is a Navy Veteran, a Weyerhaeuser retiree, and operates our auto repair business in South Bend. We have two daughters and 4 grandchildren.
I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of Pacific County for almost sixteen years. Six of those years as a City of Raymond union employee, six as Pacific County’s Management and Fiscal Analyst, and as a County Commissioner since 2011.
Additionally, I worked 17 years in the private sector, including six years at Weyerhaeuser, and seven years in retail management. I hold degrees in accounting and computer networking.

What improvements or changes have you overseen during your time as commissioners?

Pacific County has experienced numerous successes under my leadership. However, the bulk of the credit goes to our quality county employees, other county elected officials, and hardworking volunteers. They all have responded to the call for problem solving through collaboration. The successes outlined below represent the results.

Financial

Over $400,000 was saved by refinancing existing county debt and taking advantage of internal lending opportunities.

An A-Plus rating was awarded to Pacific County by Standards & Poors for our effective financial management and credit worthiness. Although highly unusual, this month the county’s A-Plus rating was upgraded.

Through tough choices and shared sacrifices Pacific County made it through one of the most difficult economic times in its history, with minimal impact to services, and with a stable financial outcome.

Economic

Pacific County supported funding for the South Bend hardwoods mill that is now operating and supporting local jobs.

Pacific County protected agricultural property rights. We fought and prevailed in a lawsuit that would have severely limited the future use of hundreds of acres of agricultural land by changing its use to an “agriculture of long term commercial significance” designation.

The Tokeland marina project, now underway, will enhance commercial and recreational fisheries. The county supported funding and grants acquisition for this vital project.

Our Road Department continues to improve county infrastructure — critical component for our economic future. They successfully completed significant projects such as the Monohon and Camp One slides.

I had the honor of serving on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on ocean acidification. This is a major step toward addressing our shellfish industry’s issues regarding diminishing natural oyster assets.

Community

Due to the acquisition of new grant funding and strong partnerships, youth focused programming such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Substance and Tobacco prevention, and Peer Helpers has been dramatically expanded.

A ten-year plan has been adopted focusing on creation of a single access point for service for our low income and homeless population. This program promotes self-sufficiency instead of temporary fixes.

Pacific County’s Veteran’s Relief fund provides financial assistance to local veterans. We are re-evaluating our processes to create a program that will be accessible and responsive to our local veteran’s needs. I have promoted formation of an advisory committee primarily composed of local veterans.

What have you learned from being a commissioner?

Although the position requires at least a full-time commitment, it’s not a “sit behind the desk forty hours a week” job. Each of us represents the county on at least a dozen boards, most mandated by the state. We spend time in the community responding to citizen calls regarding a wide range of — and sometimes surprising — concerns. We meet with agencies and elected officials to advocate for local issues. And we do a voluminous amount of reading and research in preparation for important decisions.

Through the benefit of citizen input and continuing education that goes with the job, I’ve developed a clearer understanding of our county’s overall needs from local government, economic, and social perspectives. This broader understanding guides my decisions and goals.

What will you implement as commissioners if you are elected for a second term?

In 2010, I committed to prudently manage our tax dollars, fight for Pacific County, and support economic development. The needs haven’t changed and neither have my priorities.

However, it is my intent to become more involved in building strong and productive coalitions, partnerships, and community efforts aimed at improving our quality of life.

Here are a few of my goals looking forward:

Financial

Create a capital improvement and savings plan for repair and replacement of county facilities;

Implement a long term investment plan;

Implement video and telephone conferencing to reduce travel expenses;

Expand avenues for county employee input regarding cost saving ideas.

Economic Development

I will ensure the continued maintenance and improvement of our county roads. I will advocate for continued state highway and bridge improvements, and promote vital fiber optics, internet, utility, and cellular service upgrades.

The limited availability of industrial zoned properties in Pacific County limits expansion of existing business and hinders new business development. I will undertake a re-evaluation of current land usage, and recommend the rezoning of qualifying parcels.

Continue to support our local businesses, and advocate for balanced regulations, protection of our resources, and property rights.

Fight for Pacific County

Develop partnerships with our businesses and industries that will allow me to be proactive rather than reactive regarding decision making and advocacy.

Why would you like to be a county commissioner for a second term?

I’ve worked hard to meet the commitments I made four years ago. Naturally I’m proud of the progress, but I’m not done! I have new ideas and new goals for continued community improvements, economic growth, and a well-planned financial future for Pacific County.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I believe employees should be challenged and provided training and opportunities to grow. They should set standards without micromanaging. Minor problems or mistakes should be addressed and used as tools for improvement.

Although making final decisions rests on the commissioners, input is openly welcomed. Recognizing that I’m not an expert in all areas, I value the knowledge and expertise offered by staff and peers.

I support, respect, and take responsibility for my employees.