A crowd of sign-wielding Coos County residents took up station at the Coos Bay Boardwalk on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, to rally for Coos County Commissioner candidate Drew Farmer. The 38-year-old Navy veteran drew a crowd of roughly 50 despite blustery conditions.
“It’s awesome to see this much support. I’ve had people now from both parties reach out to me, and I’ve worked across the aisles on items. So it’s good to see support across the board, and very good to see this much support is willing to be out in this weather,” said Farmer about the support for his campaign so far.
If you were driving Northbound through Coos Bay on the 101, you couldn’t miss the contingent of blue and yellow signs lining the road. Through supporting honks from passing cars, I was able to speak with Farmer right there on the side of the thoroughfare.
The independent consultant, who has been a Coos Bay city councilor since 2016, boasts a local background, having graduated from North Bend High, and studied at SOCC and Portland State University. His resume includes experience with several non-profits, and he hopes people will look at his track record when considering their vote.
“The message I would say is: look at who’s done what. I’ve been able to get us a change to a governor’s order, Executive Order 23-02, to get surplus land for housing. I was able to drive a conversation leading to a lawsuit against the Oregon Health Authority over the mismanagement of the state hospital,” said Farmer on his message to undecided voters.
“And early on in my work we were able to get houses back from East Coast banks with the actions of the City Council. I’ve done it for seven years. I’ve gotten the state to change its policies, and we can do more of it if I had more time to focus on it.”
This election comes amidst a critical time for the South Coast. With a sweeping housing and homelessness crisis throughout the state, voters will be looking for solutions from their candidates. When asked about his approach to homelessness solutions Farmer had this to say:
“I think the most effective usage of our time is to push for an improved mental health system in the state. Because we know that around 70% of the homeless are struggling with mental illness, so if we had a more robust mental health system, we could address up to 70% of homelessness.”
The decision, as always, will ultimately come down to the voters. It is always imperative to do one’s research and have a plan for your ballot when the time comes.
For more information about Drew Farmer’s campaign, visit their official site: https://www.drewfarmerforcooscounty.com/
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