One incumbent and four newcomers seeking voters’ nod in special district election

Open up the May 20 special election ballot, as well as the recently-distributed voters’ pamphlet, and you’ll notice that a lot of people are running for spots on the five-person board of directors for the Chehalem Park and Recreation District.

The park board has three at-large positions up for election to the board, and five individuals are seeking voter approval: incumbent Jim McMaster and newcomers Brandon Slyter, Nick Konen, Ty Darby and Rob Smith.

While McMaster is seeking to return to his position on the board, the remaining four candidates’ hope is to be elected to two positions that will be vacated as incumbents Gayle Bizeau and Lisa Rogers are not seeking reelection.

Varied backgrounds

McMaster was the longtime park/project supervisor for the park district before retiring several years ago. He has been on the park board since 2021.

Slyter is founder and president of Connect: Japan Property Network, which he described as a nonprofit with the purpose of “purchasing and restoring property in Japan for community centers, disaster relief waypoints and other community service related uses.” He has a background in marketing, communications, multimedia creative and logistics.

Konen is director of operations and business development for Forest Hills Farms Inc., a Cornelius firm that grows a variety of crops. His past employment experience includes stints as a park technician for the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, boys tennis coach, English language assistant, human resources/compliance manager and vineyard manager.

Darby is a fire marshal at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, with previous experience as a fire inspector in California and stints in the Marines and the Oregon Army National Guard.

Smith is owner of the Chehalem Valley Brewing Company and formerly worked as senior director for global operations for Concentrix (formerly ProForma).

An educated collection of candidates

All five candidates have bachelor’s degrees in disciplines ranging from McMaster’s degree in recreation management to Slyter’s degree in multimedia, Konen’s degree in business management and Darby’s degree in fire services administration.

Why are they seeking office?

McMaster: “I’m running because I think we should maintain the parks and facilities we have in a financially responsible way, not saddle the taxpayers with expensive new projects that benefit only a few special interests.”

Slyter: “I’m running to serve our community and ensure that our parks, fields and facilities remain vibrant and accessible for all. As a father with young children, I understand the importance of well-maintained spaces where families can gather, play and grow.”

Konen: “As an active member of our park and recreation district, I see firsthand how CPRD’s parks, programs and facilities impact people of all ages. I want to ensure that our district continues to serve everyone – families, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and future generations.”

Darby: “My wife and I are raising our four boys here because this is a great place to live. CPRD’s parks, trails and youth programs have helped shape our community and I want to ensure those resources stay strong for the next generation.”

Smith: “Our parks, recreation centers and open spaces belong to all of us. I will work to preserve and enhance them for future generations through fiscal responsibility, strategic planning and community-driver decision making.”

Endorsements

Among other organizations, McMaster, Slyter and Konen are endorsed and financially supported by Oregon CARES, the political action committee that successfully replaced the conservative bloc on the Newberg-Dundee school board and helped David “Bubba” King defeat incumbent Lindsay Berschauer on the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners.

Smith and Darby have enjoyed endorsements from more conservative individuals and organizations, including Commissioners Mary Starrett and Kit Johnston, Newberg Mayor Bill Rosacker, Newberg City Council member Robyn Wheatley, park board president Matt Smith and Dundee Mayor David Ford.