Letter: Wilson keeps his word; Malone has not
We have two choices for Benton County commissioner: Pat Malone and John Wilson. I like John Wilson because he keeps his word, and I can’t trust Pat Malone.
Malone indicates in his political literature that he has helped bring EV charging stations to
Benton County. But I can’t access public charging in this county because there is none. His
literature is deceptive, which makes me wonder how much else of what he says is deceptive? I believe his stance on the denial of Coffin Butte landfill expansion is another deception. He voted “yes” to expand and then changed his mind and voted “no” at a later meeting. Will he change his vote again after the appeal hearings? I can’t trust his words.
I’m sure John Wilson keeps his word, and I’m sure he is going to support the people in Benton County who came to the landfill expansion meetings in large numbers to ask our commissioners to vote “no” to the expansion. It was easy to see what the people of our county wanted in these well-attended meetings. John Wilson will listen to us and vote according to our wishes. He promises to hold town meetings around the county, and I look forward to John’s town halls so that he can hear from us and know what we want for our beautiful county. Then I look forward to John Wilson implementing our wishes when he becomes county commissioner.
Lucille Honig
Corvallis
Letter: Wilson is the right choice for commissioner
The joy of being politically engaged is that you have your finger on the pulse of what is
happening in your community. Sadly, too many folks say, “I don’t do politics.” I say “sadly” because whether you vote or not, politics happen to you. Just look at what happened in Box Elder County north of Salt Lake City; three county commissioners approved a 42,000-acre mega data center despite hundreds — if not a 1,000 — filled a county fairground auditorium totally opposed to the data center. Ballots are out for the May 19 primary and we have an opportunity to elect a Democratic candidate for county commissioner, John Wilson, who has a public service track record, including listening to and responding in accordance with constituents concerns.
This is important as the health of residents and the quality of the environment of our county is at stake. Please join me in voting for John Wilson on your Democratic primary ballot.
Catherine Stearns
Corvallis
Letter: John Wilson is committed to public outreach
John Wilson is the best candidate for Benton County commissioner in the May 19 Democratic Party primary. He has demonstrated his commitment to Benton County through his service on the Corvallis Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and as a city councilor for Adair Village. He would be able to hit the ground running were he to replace the current commissioner. Like his opponent, he has experience coordinating with both state and federal organizations. As an Adair City Council member, he worked with state Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald and state Sen. Sarah Gelser Blouin to secure a $4 million grant for wastewater infrastructure in Adair Village. As a disaster case manager serving in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he managed grants from FEMA to help families put their lives back together. Unlike his opponent, John has demonstrated his accountability to Benton County residents. As a planning commissioner, he listened to the evidence provided by citizens and came to a thoughtful decision regarding the landfill. He didn’t have to hear state regulators reiterate concerns about the landfill to make the right decision. John is committed to public outreach throughout the county and throughout his potential term as
commissioner, not just asking people to come to him during campaign season. Democratic voters have a chance to choose the County leadership they deserve. On May 19, vote for John Wilson.
Holly Shutta
Corvallis
Letter: Wilson will listen to his constituents
Please join me in voting for John Wilson for Benton County Commissioner.
John is committed to positive climate action, affordable housing, improved transportation, and our health and well being. As a Planning Commissioner, after careful review of the record and public testimony, John voted AGAINST the Coffin Butte Landfill Expansion.
His opponent, after reviewing the identical record, ignored the concerns of his own Planning Commission and voted for it (changing his mind after the facts the public had already identified became impossible to ignore when disclosed by DEQ). Let’s have a commissioner that listens to their constituents and gets it right the first time. Vote John Wilson for Commissioner in the May 19 primary!
Kathleen Schonau
Corvallis
Letter: The reasons why Wilson has earned my vote
John Wilson brings the kind of broad, practical experience Benton County needs in its next
commissioner. Public service works best when leaders are willing to learn, listen, and do the homework. Wilson has shown these qualities. As a Benton County Planning Commissioner, he took the time to study complex land-use issues and ask thoughtful questions. That matters. County commissioners regularly face difficult topics involving housing, transportation, budgets, emergency preparedness, and environmental policy. Residents deserve someone who fully understands the facts before making decisions. Wilson also offers deep experience helping people directly. After 26 years as a social worker, he
understands how county policies affect real lives. Wilson’s background is valuable as Benton County addresses homelessness, behavioral health needs, and the rising cost of living. John Wilson’s public record also reflects attention to long-term community needs. He has supported housing supply, transportation safety, climate preparedness, and inclusive local government. Those are everyday issues that shape whether families can afford to live in Benton County, and whether our county government serves everyone fairly.
Experience comes in many forms: professional experience, community involvement, and the willingness to master unfamiliar subjects. Wilson brings all three.
This election offers voters a chance to choose energetic leadership grounded in service and curiosity. Benton County will face serious challenges in the years ahead. We would benefit from a commissioner prepared to study issues carefully, engage the public, and work hard for the whole community.
For these reasons, John Wilson has earned my vote!
Bob Kipper
Corvallis
Letter: Wilson will stand up for rural Benton County
As a Benton County rural resident for the past 30 years, I write in support of John Wilson for Benton County Commissioner. John has demonstrated a wealth of leadership skills by serving as Adair City Councilor as well as serving on the Benton County Planning Commission. In addition, he has served 26 years as a social worker, working with state and local social service providers, supporting Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office. Most recently, he has taken a stand for rural Benton County residents who suffer from the ever-increasing negative impact of the Coffin Butte Landfill in our parts of Benton County. John supports the non-expansion of the private corporate-owned Coffin Butte Landfill, as the Landfill continues to only increase its accumulation of waste from outlying regions surrounding Benton County rather than limiting it. Rather than supporting an expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill and the corporate gains of a multi-million-dollar Republic Services to our health detriment, John supports the protection of local Benton County residents.
For these reasons, I will be voting for John Wilson as Benton County Commissioner.
Bruce Thomson, M.D., M.S.
Corvallis
Letter: Benton would benefit from Wilson’s leadership
Many people underestimate the influence of Benton County commissioners. They help set the county’s direction through policy decisions, budgets, and final approval of code changes that affect residents for years. That role has become more demanding as federal support has declined and local finances have grown more complex. At the same time, county leadership has made decisions that deserve scrutiny. Residents still question how the franchise and regulatory agreement with Republic Services was negotiated and whether it has served Benton County well.
Many also remember the controversy surrounding the Justice Center. Voters rejected Measure 2-140, yet the county moved forward with a project partially financed through $35 million in debt backed by Benton County’s full faith and credit. Whether one supported the project or not, it raised concerns about accountability and responsiveness.
One commissioner associated with these decisions is now seeking a third term. That makes this election an appropriate time to ask whether Benton County would benefit from a new direction. Experience and institutional knowledge matter. Public service deserves respect. But leadership is not only about experience. It is also about adapting to new circumstances, communicating effectively, and earning public confidence.
At certain moments, communities need a different mix of energy, perspective, and approach. This may be one of those moments. Healthy government depends on renewal as well as continuity. We should welcome experienced leaders in mentoring and advisory roles while creating room for new leadership to step forward.
Benton County would benefit from the leadership of John Wilson.
Marge Popp, Corvallis
Letter: Wilson brings extensive education, experience
- Apr 30, 2026
I believe one candidate for Benton County Commissioner stands out as the best choice for the future of our community: John Wilson.
He brings extensive education and experience in areas critical to Benton County, including family services, disaster recovery, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. He currently serves on the Benton County Planning Commission, where he has demonstrated a thoughtful, collaborative approach to addressing complex local issues.
John is committed to preparing our county for the growing threat of wildfires and to strengthening and updating our climate action plan. He understands the importance of a healthy environment and a thriving population, and he has emphasized the need for community-wide collaboration to expand workforce housing.
I encourage voters to learn more about John Wilson and his vision for Benton County by visiting his campaign website and reviewing his impressive background. It is clear that voting for John is a vote for a strong and sustainable future for Benton County.
Joanna Stockslager
Albany
Letter: A leader who will get it right the first time
- Apr 30, 2026
Benton County needs leaders who can listen to constituents, understand facts, ask questions, and reach good decisions.
The May primary election for County Commissioner offers a clear choice between a challenger who has shown those abilities and an incumbent who has repeatedly failed.
John Wilson, in his seat on the Planning Commission, listened attentively as county residents gave factual evidence regarding problems with Coffin Butte landfill. He asked thoughtful questions. He reached a clear decision based on the evidence presented in the hearings. He and his colleagues voted unanimously to block the landfill expansion.
John Wilson’s attentiveness to constituents, clarity of focus, and decisiveness stand in stark contrast to incumbent Pat Malone’s record on this issue over the past five years.
Malone heard exactly the same evidence that the Planning Commission heard, but he voted opposite. During hearings, he showed little sign of either interest or respect for the dozens of constituents who testified. He asked no meaningful questions.
This was no surprise. Ever since 2021, Malone has been adversarial to community members who raised concerns about the landfill. When a citizens’ advisory committee pointed out problems at the landfill, including factual errors in the annual reports, he first voted to suspend the committee, then to dissolve it altogether.
After the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality validated the concerns of community members, Malone changed his position. Better late than never. But Benton County deserves leaders who can get it right the first time. Please vote for John Wilson.
Joel Geier
Rural Adair Village
Benton Co. race a time for reflection
AS I SEE IT
Apr 23, 2026
ROLLIE BAXTER
The May 19 Primary Election gives Democratic voters a choice for Benton County commissioner.
Pat Malone is running as the incumbent and will have served eight years. We have already seen letters supporting his reelection, highlighting his experience and skills.
John Wilson is also on the Democratic ballot. He serves on the Benton County Planning Commission and is an Adair Village councilor. He has prior experience on a city council and planning commission in Indiana, and his career has been primarily in social services as a case manager and supervisor.
These experiences, I believe, would serve both Wilson and the citizens of Benton County well. So, we have a choice. I encourage voters to inform themselves and decide who will best serve our county and communities.
You can review candidate websites, read letters of support, and attend forums. The Gazette-Times and The Advocate may also interview candidates and make recommendations. Ballots will arrive in a few weeks, so now is the time to do your homework.
You may also want to reflect on some recent actions of the county commissioners. I am concerned that some decisions have not received the scrutiny they deserve.
For example, the commissioners used Multnomah County as a comparator for setting salaries for management and supervisory staff as well as the commissioner’s themselves. This resulted in substantial salary increases — some approaching $50,000 annually.
Multnomah County has a population of roughly 795,000, while Benton County has about 98,000 (U.S. Census data). The scale, density and complexity of services are not comparable.
While some salary adjustments may have been warranted, using Multnomah County as a benchmark was, in my view, a misjudgment — and taxpayers are bearing the cost at $2.5 million per year.
More recently, the commissioners appear poised to terminate the Dial-A-Bus contract and bring the service in-house. Reports suggest this could double the cost while providing only modest, if any, service improvements.
A consultant has already been hired to recommend the change, and staff are being brought on board to implement it. “Listening sessions” are planned to gather public input.
But shouldn’t listening come before decisions are made? This sequence raises concerns that the outcome has already been determined, with public input treated as a formality. That suggests a pattern of relying more on consultants than on citizen engagement.
We have also seen how the landfill issue was handled. Many residents raised concerns over an extended period. An advisory committee that voiced concerns was dissolved. Members of another task force were removed when they objected to Republic Services’ control, dominance and manipulation of the process.
At the same time, staff possessed information about problems at the landfill that was not fully shared with decision-makers.
Ultimately, the commissioners voted to deny the expansion — but only after state and federal agencies confirmed serious issues that residents had been raising all along. It should not take outside agencies to validate community concerns before they are taken seriously.
Commissioner Malone deserves thanks for his years of service. But there are clear signs that a different approach is needed — one that places greater weight on transparency, public input and careful judgment.
Do your homework and cast your ballot.
For me, I think we can do better — and that is why my vote will go to Wilson.
Rolland Baxter is an OSU graduate in civil engineering (bachelors of science), now retired. He was previously employed by the city of Corvallis in various engineering and management roles.
Letter: Wilson to lead with integrity, compassion
- Apr 21, 2026
John Wilson has proven himself as a thoughtful and courageous leader for Benton County.
He has served four years on the Benton County Planning Commission. John listened carefully to both community members and Republic Services before voting against the Coffin Butte Landfill expansion — a decision grounded in facts, not politics.
He stood with the public interest even when the Board of Commissioners ignored the Planning Commission’s recommendation and approved the expansion.
John has deep roots in social service, with over 20 years as a social worker. He has a compassionate understanding of what people in Benton County need. He’ll work with local and state partners to expand the Coordinated Homeless Response Office and emergency shelter options.
As an Adair Village Council member, John has championed infrastructure improvements in Adair Village, and he will keep pushing for more workforce housing so folks who work in Benton County can afford to live in Benton County. He supports allowing accessory dwelling units in rural areas to expand housing choices.
A lifelong environmental activist and volunteer park ranger, John’s commitment to climate action is genuine and enduring. He brings planning expertise from both the county commission and the Corvallis Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, ready to advance clean transportation and EV infrastructure.
John will engage directly with residents — holding town halls, defending Oregon’s sanctuary laws, protecting voting access, and standing strong for LGBTQ+ rights.
Benton County deserves a commissioner with his integrity and compassion.
Mike Huntington
Corvallis
John Wilson offers a different approach
Benton County needs commissioners who listen consistently and bring careful, independent judgment to our most important decisions. Pat Malone has served as commissioner for seven years. Only in March 2026 — shortly before a highly contested primary — did he begin hosting “Chats with Pat,” a series of bi-weekly meetings at the county office to hear from constituents.
His record on the landfill expansion raises broader concerns about consistency. He signed the 2020 franchise agreement establishing the framework for expansion and initially voted to approve it during the LU-24- 027 hearings. During those proceedings, he stated he had not formed an opinion on the expansion. Yet his prior actions and subsequent reversal at the reconsideration hearing, after significant public opposition emerged, leave voters to question the steadiness of his leadership.
John Wilson offers a different approach. As a member of the Benton County Planning Commission, he participated in the unanimous vote to deny the expansion — based on the record — before that decision was overturned by the Board of Commissioners.
As an Adair Village city councilor, he has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to transparency, regularly meeting with constituents — not just during election season.
This election offers a clear choice. Benton County can move beyond reactive decision-making toward consistent, transparent leadership grounded in public engagement.
Please vote for John Wilson in the Democratic Primary on May 19.
Marge Popp
Corvallis