<p>Lianne Thompson</p>

Clatsop County Planning Commissioner Lianne Thompson has announced her candidacy for the District 5 seat on the Board of Clatsop County Commissioners.

Thomspon, a planning commissioner since 2011, filed for the position Tuesday, and said she intended to apply for appointment to the seat for the remainder of the current term.

Former Commissioner Debra Birkby resigned from the District 5 seat Friday to take care of her 89-year-old father.

The South Clatsop County District covers Cannon Beach, Jewell, Elsie, Hamlet and part of Seaside. The position is on the May 20 primary election ballot. Birkby was elected to the position in May 2010 and the remainder of her term runs through Dec. 31.

Clatsop County commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. today to formally vacate Birkbys seat and begin the process of selecting a temporary replacement.

Thompson has worked with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as a leader and trainer. She also worked as a community organizer with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI).

As a community volunteer and as a paid staffer, Ive been doing work I passionately believe in: preparing our residents for catastrophic emergencies, said Thompson. But we have other challenges in Clatsop County.

Thompson stated in a news release that the economic base in Clatsop County has been eroding and there needs to be a rebuilding with new business and job opportunities.

Our capacity to support our schools, public safety and mental health has become increasingly inadequate, she said.

We need to work together to turn this situation around, Thompson said. Im running to bring my fresh experience to the challenges facing Clatsop County.

Thompson said her experience and the relationships shes made as a small business owner and in the public sphere make her a valuable asset to the board.

Good team play means we figure out as a community where were headed and what each one of us can do to support the whole to get there, she said. Thats the way we get individual satisfaction and a better result for everyone. A community with shared values and cooperative actions will produce a healthier, wealthier and happier Clatsop County.