Priorities

Focusing on the work that matters

As commissioner, Walter’s priorities center on strengthening local economies; expanding access to affordable housing; and ensuring your government remains transparent, responsive, and fiscally responsible.

(Photo: Walter portions surplus salmon at the Central Coast Food Web to be donated to Food Share of Lincoln County and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.)

Walter and Newport Fishermen's Wives at the federal courthouse in Eugene

Trustworthy Local Government

Your local government should be clear, accountable, and focused on results. I pledge to focus on the issues that really matter to Lincoln County by building strong relationships with state and local partners and prioritizing long-term success over short-term fixes or scoring political points. Every part of our community deserves to be heard, and I will focus on stabilizing the way the Board of Commissioners does business and creating a welcoming environment for the public to interact with its elected representatives. 

Walter joins County Health & Human Services Staff at Hands Across the Bridge 2025

Balanced Tourism & Community Livability

Tourism is critical to Lincoln County, but the measure of success must be the quality of living and working here. Visitors to our beautiful coast and forests support local jobs and small businesses. The county’s role is to make sure that tourism strengthens our community instead of straining it. This means creating infrastructure – like roads, water, and waste management – that is set up for peak demand, and finding ways to ensure that our visitors share some of the cost burden for the resources they use.

Walter rides along with Lincoln County Parole & Probation Deputies

Reliable Public Safety & Emergency Response

Public safety in Lincoln County means knowing that help will arrive when you need it, whether you’re at home, at work, on the water, or in the forest. I have fought to keep the Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter in Newport, because it saves lives every year and protects everyone who lives, works, or visits here. I will also make sure our law enforcement and first responders have the staffing, training, and resources they need to serve our county safely and professionally.

Walter serving Christmas Dinner at Lincoln County's Community Shelter & Resource Center

Expanded Housing Access

Affordable and workforce housing is about keeping Lincoln County livable for the people who work here. Teachers, healthcare workers, fishers, service workers, and public employees are being priced out of the communities they serve. As commissioner, I will focus on practical solutions, such as  building housing where infrastructure already exists, partnering with cities and nonprofits, managing short-term rentals responsibly, and using county resources to prioritize affordable workforce housing. Strong communities depend on the people who live and work in them.

News

Every day, Walter is meeting with federal, state, and local leaders to ensure that everyone who lives in Lincoln County has access to essential resources. Stay up-to-date with Walter’s upcoming events as he does the work 

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