Sean Davis for Astoria

Last week, I spent four days at the Clatsop County Fair talking with people from across our community.

The fair is one of those events that reminds you what makes this county special. There are rides, barbecue, music, livestock, and children walking around with pride after showing an animal, winning a ribbon for baked goods, or competing in one of the many other events. You see generations of families together, neighbors catching up, and young people learning that hard work should be celebrated.

I was also surprised and humbled by how many people came up already knowing who I was and that I am running for mayor. Every conversation gave me another opportunity to listen and learn about what people value, what concerns them, and what they hope to see from Astoria’s next mayor.

Saturday, I took the day off from campaigning to bring my daughter to a Portland Timbers game with some old Army buddies. Not only are they the men who had my back in Iraq, they, and their families, are some seriously amazing human beings who do a lot in their communities. Jackie has some awesome role models.

You have to make room for for quality time. Family centers us, reminds us why we work so hard, and gives us the energy to keep going. Public service matters, but so does being present for the people waiting for you at home.

Monday night, I did something I had not done since February: I missed an Astoria City Council work session. I had a good reason, however. I had been invited to introduce myself and speak about my priorities to the Clatsop County Democrats.

I have also reached out to the Clatsop County Republicans but have not yet heard back. The mayor of Astoria is a nonpartisan position, and I intend to treat it that way.

To be honest, I have never liked that our political system tries to fit nearly every idea and every person into one of two boxes. Communities are more complicated than that. I will speak with anyone who invites me, within reason, naturally.

I pride myself on being open-minded. I will make decisions by observing the situation, listening to the people involved, considering the available evidence, and weighing what will do the most good for Astoria. I will not make decisions simply because a political party tells me what I am supposed to believe.

Earlier Monday, I spoke with former state senator and gubernatorial candidate Betsy Johnson. She brought up something I had heard before: some people know I ran for mayor of Portland ten years ago and wonder whether I simply go around running for mayor wherever I happen to live.

The answer is no.

I ran because I was trying to do good in the community where I lived. I believed my experience and skills could help build a stronger team and make that community better. I lost that election, but I do not regret running. Out of 17 candidates, I finished fourth, directly behind three candidates with far more money, institutional support, and major endorsements. We did a lot with very little, and I remain proud of that campaign.

I also learned from it.

This year, I originally planned to run for Astoria City Council. After speaking with community members, including sitting city councillors, I was encouraged to run for mayor instead. With that support, the experience I have gained, and the work I have already put into understanding city government, I came to see running for mayor as the better mission.

Tuesday morning, I attended the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce meeting at Astoria Brewing Company. City Manager Scott Spence delivered a State of the City presentation filled with useful information about the work the city is doing and the direction it is heading.

He concluded by discussing Advance Astoria, the city’s five-year economic development strategy adopted in 2017. I was excited to hear him bring it up because I have been studying the plan and have incorporated several of its ideas into my own platform. I first heard of this plan when I spoke to Chris Nemlowill, one of the founders of Fort George.

Advance Astoria was designed around economic diversification, wealth creation, and resilience. It sought to create more family-wage employment while supporting entrepreneurs, existing businesses, and strategic public-private partnerships.

Some of its major priorities included:

• Supporting five key sectors: craft beverages and fermentation, maritime industries, seafood processing, microenterprise and entrepreneurship, and research and development connected to education, health care, and seafood.
• Helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start, survive, and grow.
• Expanding internships, apprenticeships, and employer-driven workforce training.
• Strengthening partnerships among the city, port, schools, colleges, health care providers, and private businesses.
• Addressing housing, infrastructure, zoning, parking, and other barriers to economic development.
• Creating more family-wage jobs and reducing Astoria’s dependence on tourism and seasonal employment.

The plan originally set a goal of helping create 200 jobs by 2021. Although much of its implementation did not come together as envisioned, the ideas remain relevant.

After the Chamber meeting, I headed to the American Legion for our Tuesday Veterans’ Coffee. I had to leave early, however, because I was meeting another community leader at the Labor Temple.

I wanted to speak with Dulcye Taylor because she has run for mayor before, has been involved in Astoria for many years, and understands both the opportunities and frustrations that come with public service. She shared a great deal of thoughtful advice, and I appreciated her willingness to sit down with me.

That night, I played shortstop for our softball team, the Rogue Cell Rabbits. I went three-for-three with three runs batted in, although we lost in the final inning.

That is all right. The main purpose of the team is not the scoreboard. It is to get veterans out of the house, build friendships, and create community alongside civilians. We competed, laughed, gave one another a hard time, and had a blast. That is a successful night, regardless of the final score.

Tonight is the American Legion Post 12 board meeting. We are working to support veterans, assist local small businesses, and help the Legion become an active and positive force in Astoria once again.

Tomorrow, I will visit the business of someone I met at the fair. Rebekah runs the Astoria Birth Center and invited me to come see what they do and learn more about how they serve local families.

These are some of my favorite parts of running for mayor: meeting new people, learning about local businesses and organizations, and discovering the many ways people quietly serve this community every day.

Leadership begins with showing up. It continues with listening. Then comes the part that matters most: taking what you have learned and putting it to work.