Nichole Biechler

Environment / Energy Wasco County can move forward while still protecting the land, water, and natural resources that sustain our families and economy. Progress should never come at the expense of our watershed; clean, reliable water is essential for agriculture, public health, and future generations. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Public safety starts with trust—families need to feel safe in their homes and confident that county systems are working together to address real concerns, not inflame fear. Environment / Energy Renewable energy and innovation can be part of a responsible future when projects are planned thoughtfully, transparently, and with local input. Taxes / Budget Financial sustainability means planning beyond the current budget cycle so future generations are not left paying for short-term decisions. Infrastructure / Transportation Taxpayers deserve honesty about the real costs and benefits of major projects, including long-term maintenance, environmental impacts, and infrastructure strain. Protecting natural resources is not anti-growth; it is pro-community and pro-future. Taxes / Budget Every dollar the county spends comes from working families and deserves to be treated with care, intention, and accountability. Responsible spending is family-focused, because money wasted today is money unavailable for schools, public safety, roads, and essential services tomorrow. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Strong public safety depends on coordination between agencies, service providers, and community partners, because no single system can address complex challenges alone. Critical staffing shortages in corrections, emergency services, and public safety roles threaten both safety and fiscal stability and must be addressed through thoughtful workforce planning and retention.