Three run for mayor; primary election will narrow the field to two

Voters residing in the Town of Cathlamet city limits will soon decide which two of three candidates for mayor will appear on November’s general election ballot.

The Wahkiakum County auditor’s Office will mail ballots and a local voter’s pamphlet this Friday for the Aug. 3 primary.

The three candidates are incumbent Mayor Dale Jacobson and Council Members David Olson and Robert Stowe.

Stowe and his wife moved to Cathlamet in 2016 to retire; he is a working artist and member of the Tsuga Gallery. He joined the Cathlamet Planning Commission in 2018 and successfully ran for a council position in 2019.

“I helped guide the Town during the current Pandemic, forming policy to bring the Town’s Municipal Codes into compliance with the State,” he said in a press release.

“I entered the race for mayor because I believe I can make a difference. As a council member, I see struggles in all areas of the town. Our infrastructure is badly in need of repairs and improvement.

“Cathlamet is at a critical junction. We need to move forward and take a more proactive stance in creating a business environment, while still retaining the small-town atmosphere that makes Cathlamet so unique . . . Main Street needs an infusion of business. Our waterfront area needs development and after years of talking, it’s time to act.

“Quality of life matters, but we need to attract people and jobs to add to our base rather than raising taxes and fees.”

Olson was appointed to the council in May, 2019, to fill a vacant position, and later that year, he was elected to fill out the unexpired term. He is a retired lawyer with over 40 years experience in government work, including the office of the Oregon governor, the City of Portland and other Multnomah County entities.

In his announcement of his candidacy, he lists these council participation highlights: 100% attendance at council meetings; restoring “public comment” to the top of the agenda and adding civility guidelines; introduced Butler Lot compromise based on community input; leading the effort for $110,000 state electric vehicle charger grant; helping win a Pioneer Cemetery renovation grant and other funding; writing a grant for tribal heritage signage; leading a push for free public wi-fii system downtown; recommending health insurance coverage for town employee families; writing a grant to restore town dock; led push for Cathlamet directional signs at Westport ferry road, and supporting town businesses during pandemic.

Jacobson is completing his second term as mayor. A Wahkiakum High School graduate, he served several terms as mayor of Long Beach while operating a business there before returning to Cathlamet and becoming mayor here.

The Eagle will publish more information about him as it becomes available.