Why I’m Running for Elgin City Administrator

Elgin is the Jewel of the Blue Mountains. What makes our community special? Award-winning productions at the Elgin Opera House? Prime access to the Grande Ronde River at the Hu-Na-Ha RV Park? Historic use of the Indian Valley by Native American tribes?

I have worked in government in rural Oregon for over a decade, and the area’s economic prospects are not improving. Jobs are fleeing, natural resources are limited, and politicians in DC and Salem are more focused on whatever concerns donors throw at them during the day. To many people, northeast Oregon’s better days seem to lie behind it.

But not in Elgin. Despite the destruction of the timber economy and the economic malaise that followed, Elgin’s residents and leaders remain optimistic that better days are ahead. This belief is half the battle, and it proves to be the wind in our sails when Elgin city officials plan for the future and govern on behalf of the people.

In the past year, I have put my political connections and public policy experience to work reviving our City government. Under the direction of Mayor James Johnson and the Elgin City Council, we have made great strides forward polishing the Jewel of the Blue Mountains:

• Renegotiated the law enforcement contract with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
• Contracted with the Union County Justice of the Peace to provide municipal court services for Elgin.
• Worked with the Union County District Attorney to dispose of the Elgin Police Department Evidence Room.
• Financed early debt retirement for the City’s ambulance.
• Resurrected the Public Safety Committee and formalized other City Committees to promote community involvement.
• Assisted Union County in securing funding for the Fairgrounds during the 2025 legislative session in Salem.

So what is next? For one, new contracts and improved relationships are fine, but they mean nothing without follow-through across City government. Ordinance enforcement and law enforcement collaboration need to result in a cleaner town and lower crime rates. Debt retirement must continue to free up financial resources and save for rainy days. Work remains to ensure that the City’s vehicle fleet is up to date. Over the next few years, I want to build on our success with public safety and focus on making a more livable community and developing our rural economy:

• Promote public safety in Elgin with intergovernmental partners and community leaders.
• Complete the original plans for the Hu-Na-Ha RV Park and transform it into a regional recreation destination.
• Work with business leaders to assess commercial assets and spur economic development.
• Collaborate with our new Parks & Recreation Committee to promote tourism and investment in our community.

I hope you will join me as I run for a full term to be Elgin City Administrator during the November 2026 election. Have ideas to benefit Elgin? If you cannot visit me during office hours at Elgin City Hall, email me at me@alexfor.us or call 541-805-2630. Let’s keep polishing the Jewel of the Blue Mountains together!