The Columbia County commissioner race is now down to one candidate, and various boards across the county may be looking for new leadership as Alex Tardif steps back from the public eye.
As of this week, Tardif withdrew from the Columbia County Board of Commissioners race and appears to have left his role as executive director at the Columbia Pacific Food Bank. His continued roles at Columbia Community Mental Health and on the Scappoose school board remain unclear.
On Thursday, June 26, Tardif submitted paperwork to the county elections division to formally withdraw from the November runoff election, slated to be against incumbent Margaret Magruder .
His reason for withdrawal was listed simply: “Family.”
In a statement to the Columbia County Spotlight, Tardif reaffirmed his decision to withdraw was based on personal matters.
“I've made the decision to withdraw from the election to focus on my family and health,” he said. “Serving our community has been a joy, but now it is crucial for me to prioritize myself. … To lead effectively, I need to ensure my own well-being."
“To the community, I share the message to stay hopeful and engaged in shaping our community's future," he continued. "Together, we can make a real difference. To anyone struggling, remember you are not alone, and help is available. Take care of yourselves. This isn't goodbye, just see you later.”
Magruder said she was “surprised” to hear of Tardif’s withdrawal, but looks forward to continuing her work on the board for another term.
"I remain dedicated to performing my duties and working hard to earn the citizens’ votes in November,” she said. “Representing Columbia County is an honor, and I look forward to serving our community for another four years.”
But Tardif's candidacy in the impending election is not the only role he appears to have forgone.
As of Friday, June 27, the Columbia Pacific Food Bank now lists Casey Wheeler, former executive director of the food bank and former Columbia City mayor, as the interim executive director. Tardif took over the role from Wheeler in early 2022.
Tardif and the food bank did not immediately respond to request for comment regarding his departure.
Tardif is also the president of Columbia Community Mental Health, a nonprofit medical and mental health service provider located in St. Helens. He additionally holds a seat on the Scappoose school board.
Both those groups list him in his positions and did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he would retain those roles.
Tardif previously served as a Columbia County commissioner but was unseated by Commissioner Casey Garrett in a November 2020 runoff election. Garrett now holds Position 3 on the board. Tardif has also held roles as the Scappoose Fire District finance director and president of the South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce.
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