Morton residents are faced with a choice on Nov. 2 between incumbent Councilor Jeanette Chamberlain and challenger Caro Johnson, a real estate agent experienced with community organizations, for city council position number 5.
Johnson led in the Aug. 3 primary with 121 votes, or 48.4% of the vote, and Chamberlain coming in second 77 votes, or 30.8%. Challenger Wendy McCully, a small business owner, was eliminated with just 49 votes, or 19.6%. Three ballots went to write-in candidates.
The Chronicle presented both candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot with the same list of questions. Johnson responded via email and Chamberlain gave her responses over the phone.
Caro Johnson
Chronicle: Can you tell me about your background and how your experiences qualified you for this position?
Johnson: I served as the executive director for the Lake County Chamber of Commerce for over a decade and in that position, I was also the administrator for the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway. I managed the staff, built the budget and worked with my board of directors. I worked directly with state and federal officials on local issues, and partnered with the Forest Service and the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). I worked on both economic development and tourism. I served on the United Way, FEMA Board and wrote grants for nonprofit groups.
Chronicle: Why did you decide to run for this position?
Johnson: Working on civic projects and events gives me a great deal of satisfaction, and is a wonderful way to make new friends. I decided to run for city council because I love this community and would like to be a part of its future growth and development. I believe my skills and experience would be an asset to the council.
Chronicle: What, in your opinion, are the primary issues facing the city of Morton and how do you intend to address them if elected?
Johnson: Morton has an aging water system and we are in the process of replacing about 600 water meters but the water lines themselves are antiquated. Our public works department is continually having to patch and repair leaks when they happen. A better solution would be finding funding to replace the old antiquated water lines and be proactive in replacing the lines rather than constantly repairing them. A second project that I would love to see would be a rejuvenation for the downtown business core. It would be amazing if we could develop a plan to update Main Street with facades, flowers (and) banners.
Chronicle: Is there anything else voters should know about you?
Johnson: I am on a life-long quest to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies and am always trying to improve my recipe. Reading is a daily requirement for me, and a good book is better than candy. I enjoy puttering in my secret garden, and continually try to beat my dad at pinochle. I would love to have the opportunity to be part of the team that makes Morton great.
Jeanette Chamberlain
Chronicle: Can you tell me about your background and how your experiences qualified you for this position?
Chamberlain: I moved here with my husband about 28 years ago. As soon as I got here, I pretty much started getting involved … I started working in local businesses … And then I also started becoming a para educator in ’96, started working in the schools. I also was a volleyball coach, an assistant coach from ’96 to 2003. I became a stay at home mom so I had to drop all that stuff. And then in 2015, I got involved with the local theatre here … and got a job with them. I also helped volunteer at the grade school. … And then 2018, I started volunteering here at the police department and became an auxiliary corporal, three years ago. I'm also a part of Morton drugs coalition.
Chronicle: Why did you decide to run for this position?
Chamberlain: I love this town. I fell in love with this town when I came here. Like I said, I came here in ’90, I tried to move here with my husband, he was born here in Morton, and it didn't work out. So in ’93, we were able to come and I started in Glenoma and ended up in Morton. I just love this town. And I would want to keep it going well.
Chronicle: What, in your opinion, are the primary issues facing the city of Morton and how do you intend to address them if re-elected?
Chamberlain: The stuff that I've been dealing with is roads, because I'm on that committee. Like potholes and things like that. I also helped get the blinking lights in front of the school. I guess, street safety, you know, it's a big thing for me. … We have a new sewage plant that's been needed for years. … I just help wherever I can.
Chronicle: Is there anything else voters should know about you?
Chamberlain: Just that I love this town. I want to see this town flourish. One thing I do think is cool during this pandemic time and whatever that we've had for the past almost two years is this town has been so blessed. Not one business closed down. This is how supportive this town is … I still shop local and I eat local to help out and do my part. … I love this town. My husband's family was part of this town before it became a town in 1913.
•••
All registered Lewis County voters will receive a ballot by mail for the general election starting last week, according to the Lewis County Auditor’s Office. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2 or in a county-certified election drop box by 8 p.m. on election day.
Voters can confirm their ballot status after submission by going online to www.votewa.gov.
The last day to register or update voter registration via online or by mail to vote in the Nov. 2 election is Oct. 25. Washington state voters can still show up in-person at their local auditor’s office to register or change their address up until 8 p.m. on election day.
