The following information is copied from VOTE411.org. Candidates answered questions about their qualifications and their work for the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
East Multnomah County SWCD – Director, At Large, Position 2
Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky
Town: Corbett
In addition to answering the VOTE411 questions, Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky submitted a statement that is printed on page M-32 of the Multnomah County Voters’ Pamphlet, the mid-section in the Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet.
Candidate’s answers to LWV questions
1. What currently is the biggest challenge for the East Multnomah SWCD? How do you plan to address it?
Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky: A primary challenge for the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is ensuring that programs and policies promoting healthy soil and clean water for East Multnomah county also build climate resiliency and equity into communities urban and rural alike.
2. What do you think are the most important natural resource concerns in the East Multnomah SWCD and how would you address them?
Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky: I am working to ensure that our farmland continues to feed people in our district and support small businesses for generations to come. In our urban areas, ensuring access to greenspace and effective stormwater treatment facilities are a priorities for me.
3. What background, experience, and interests do you have that would assist you in serving on the District board?
Jasmine Zimmer-Stucky: As a former community organizer, I understand how important it is for decision-makers to hear new voices and welcome new perspectives. During my time as a Director At Large 2 at the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District I have been a committed listener to members of the public, fellow directors, and advisory council members. While remaining consistent to my values, the input I receive from others has shaped my decisions, priorities, and actions.
East Multnomah County SWCD – Director, Zone 3
Michael Guebert
Jake Kerslake
Jake Kerslake has not yet answered the VOTE411 questions. However, he submitted a statement that is printed on page M-33 of the Multnomah County Voters’ Pamphlet, the middle-section in the Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet.
Candidate’s answers to LWV questions
1. What currently is the biggest challenge for the East Multnomah SWCD? How do you plan to address it?
Michael Guebert: Oregon’s land use laws have helped prevent our rich farmland from getting swallowed up by housing developments, but that land is unobtainable for most aspiring farmers, particularly if they are people of color. We have a successful incubator program at our Headwaters Farm to prepare farmers for that next step, but suitable land for them after they graduate is in critically short supply. I hope to use our resources to help provide better access through easements, acquisitions, and lease options.
Jake Kerslake: Candidate has not yet responded.
2. What do you think are the most important natural resource concerns in the East Multnomah SWCD and how would you address them?
Michael Guebert: A community’s greatest resource is its soil, which not only provides a medium for growing crops, pastures, and forests, but also can filter and store water, and can sequester tremendous amounts of carbon. But many practices, like tillage, overgrazing, pollution, and repeated applications of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, are destroying this resource. I am proposing programs to reverse these damages, like a demonstration farm, a district-wide equipment rental program, & learning options.
Jake Kerslake: Candidate has not yet responded.
3. What background, experience, and interests do you have that would assist you in serving on the District board?
Michael Guebert: I am a lifelong conservationist who cares deeply about maintaining balance between human activity and needs and the natural world. I am also a farmer and believe strongly that farming done right can enhance soil and water quality and quantity. My educational and career background is as a geologist, which allows me to look at natural systems holistically and through the lens of deep time. I’ve also worked in government for 20 years and have served on the board of EMSCD for 10 years.
Jake Kerslake: Candidate has not yet responded.
West Multnomah County SWCD – Director, At Large 2
Shawn S. Looney
Shawn S. Looney has not responded yet to the VOTE411 questions. She also has not submitted a statement for the the Multnomah County Voters’ Pamphlet. However, she is currently the At Large 2 Director for the West Multnomah County SWCD. Her profile on the website for the WMSWCD says:
“Shawn Looney was born and raised in Portland. She received BS and MS degrees from Portland State University, and retired in 2010 after working for 23 years as a Portland Public Schools Speech-Language Pathologist. Shawn and her husband David live in the Linnton area, where Shawn has been actively involved in the Linnton Neighborhood Association, the board of Roosevelt High School’s Alumni Association, and volunteer projects in Linnton to remove invasives and replant with northwest natives. Before becoming a Director, Shawn served as a Board Associate Director from 2012 to 2014. Contact Shawn Looney at info@wmswcd.org.”
West Multnomah County SWCD – Director, Zone 4
Brian W. Lightcap
Brian Lightcap has not responded yet to the VOTE411 questions. However, he submitted a statement that is printed on page M-34 of the Multnomah County Voters’ Pamphlet, the middle-section in the Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet. He currently serves as a Director of the West Multnomah County SWCD. His profile on the WMSWCD website says:
Director since 1983, Brian is the longest serving board member. Brian worked as a wetland ecologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 25 years, retiring in 2001. He owns a 54 acre agro-forestry operation in NW Multnomah County, including sheep and sustainably produced trees he uses for picture frames, gates and furniture. Brian has been active with the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts and has volunteered his time at Resources and People (RAP) Camp, a week-long camp at Camp Esther Applegate for high school students throughout Oregon. His volunteer efforts on the Sturgeon Lake restoration planning group have helped obtain support from many organizations, resulting in a $42,000 grant from OWEB. Contact Brian Lightcap at info@wmswcd.org.
Matthew McLean
West Multnomah County SWCD – Director, Zone 5
Terri Preeg Riggsby
Terri Preeg Riggsby has not responded yet to the VOTE411 questions. She also has not submitted a statement for the the Multnomah County Voters’ Pamphlet. However, she is currently the Director Zone 5 for the West Multnomah County SWCD. Her profile on the WMSWCD website here. It says:
“Terri Preeg Riggsby was born in Virginia but also spent part of her childhood in Lima, Peru and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Terri recieved her BA in Mass Communication at James Madison University and her Masters in Natural Resource Management at PSU. She also obtained the Watershed Management Professional Program Certification. Most recently, Terri worked as a senior Performance Auditor for the Oregon Secretary of State’s office, and now owns Babbling Brook Designs, producing and selling functional and environmentally friendly pottery. Terri joined WMSWCD in 2006 because of her passion for improving and protecting our natural environment within an urban setting. She has spent over 10 years performing and advocating for on-the-ground restoration in and around the City of Portland and knows that getting the right partners working together will yield great results. These partners are already seeing great and positive impact on our watersheds by reducing non-point source and storm water pollution and Terri looks forward to continued success. Terri and her husband Ben Riggsby have fun with their son Caleb. She also likes to hike, garden, and travel. Contact Terri Preeg Riggsby at info@wmswcd.org.”