LINCOLN CITY — A conscientious city councilor who isn’t afraid to take on the establishment has pulled ahead in a Boiler Bay Beacon poll for Lincoln Co. Commissioner Pos. 2.

Marci Baker has made a name for herself as a staunch advocate for working residents and businesses, sometimes earning the displeasure of fellow officials when she bucks the system. Educated and articulate, she is hoping to fill the remaining term of the late Claire Hall. Baker is a few points ahead of the progressive platform’s Cristen Don, with farmer Joe Steere and educator/entrepreneur Eddie Townsend working to close the gap.

To get a better picture of the leading candidate we asked a few relevant questions of Marci Baker:

1. The county recently closed its business meetings to the public and eliminated public comment from the agenda. Do you agree with this decision?

“No, and I don’t think this should have happened without action from the governing body. No available mitigating steps were taken, including evaluating current rules. Good governance requires evaluating and improving processes, not removing the people. I strongly support the public having the opportunity to address the entire governing body, on the public record, when it is able to deliberate and take action.”

2. Weighing factors like tax revenues, tourism pressures and livability for locals, would you rather see more or fewer Short Term Rentals at the coast?

“One problematic house in your neighborhood is enough to harm livability, and this isn’t unique to rentals. We need solutions that address private management regulations, public code enforcement tied to licenses, and long-range planning. Continuing to grow our economy as a whole is the only way we will be able to afford to take care of our infrastructure and facilities and expand county services. Managed well, I don’t see the quantity of short-term rentals directly affecting livability for locals.”

3. Do you think 2nd homes are the reason for the coast housing shortage or are other factors at work such as zoning barriers, land-use restrictions, voluminous retirees or what?

“Lincoln County has always been a destination to own a second home, prior to the recent housing shortage crisis. What I have seen change is how we build homes and who is buying them. The shortage is not due to one cause. We should actively collaborate with local housing developers, real estate agents and residents facing housing challenges to create locally informed solutions that lower existing barriers to housing.”

4. If elected, are there things you would do to improve public safety?

“The Board of Commissioners has the responsibility to think about public safety today and for tomorrow. I would ensure we determine what we need in place to be successful in 15 to 30 years and establish long-range plans that reflect this priority. The Sheriff and DA are elected as public safety experts and I would expect collaboration with them, their departments, county administration and outside entities to set goals and strategies, prioritize funding, and ensure accountability.”

5. And if elected, what would you do to improve the local economy?

“A strong economy begins with caring for what we have, supporting existing businesses, preserving existing housing stock, and focusing on increasing disposable income. New industry comes second, and must not leave our existing workforce and businesses behind. One opportunity is micro-farming tied to specialized food manufacturing, which supports land stewardship, community resiliency, existing business growth, new light manufacturing industry, environmental tourism opportunities, and increased health and wellness.”