Pat Malone has filed for re-election to the Benton County Board of Commissioners, the three-member executive body that runs the County. These are partisan offices with a primary next May, and general election next November.
Malone is a Democrat currently serving his second term.
“As County Commissioner, I’ve enjoyed working hard on the important investments we’ve made here in Benton County. These investments include progressive and innovative solutions in behavioral health, housing, and aging infrastructure. Another term would allow me to continue working with a great County team on existing and new projects,” said Malone in a statement.
Malone says his priorities also include long-term planning. “Like many small business owners, I have had to manage our tree farm’s finances and live with the consequences of my decisions. I bring my tree farm experience of planning in 10 to 80-year cycles to the County to push for long-term solutions.”
Issues Malone talks about
Malone points to his support for developing the County’s the new Crisis Center, a voluntary, 24-hour, walk-in treatment facility. He points out that getting it built meant actively pursuing state and federal funding.
When campaigning for his current term, Malone acknowledged that getting the Crisis Center built would be only the first hurdle. There is a shortage of mental health workers. Malone says that in his next term he will pursue getting the Center fully staffed.
Malone also points to his continued support for two transitional housing units in Benton County and Corvallis, Van Buren Court and Harrison Boulevard. When considering homelessness, he says he believes that we need a variety of options, from emergency shelters to transitional housing to permanent supportive housing if there is to be progress.
Malone says he will continue to work on building more bike and hike paths. He says these are essential transportation options that help with income inequality, climate change and community health. Malone says he will seek partnerships to create more safe pathways to reduce reliance on cars. As an example, he points to the connector path between the Greenbelt Land Trust overpass, which will cross Highway 99W, and connect to the Jackson Frazier Wetland and Owens Farm.
“I would not be running, if I didn’t believe that the work needs to continue. During these historic and challenging times, when people are struggling, experience matters. Having a commissioner who has a strong understanding of the County and the County’s budget is essential to the job,” said Malone.
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