Paul Evans

08/31/2026

Many folks have asked my views about some of the more controversial aspects of emerging political organizations.

Here is my best response to economics.

Dispatch #21.

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

The Governor is doing her best to keep the public informed and interested in the scale of costs associated with the “new norms” in wildfire cycles.

However, we must push hard not just for the resources to fight fires but the underlying critical infrastructure at Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM), in the State Resilience Office (SRO), and the All-Hazards disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery networks.

We must build a robust resilience program for the future, not the past. This must become a priority for the upcoming campaign. We must prepare better, we must fund more, we must plan for larger (not smaller) scale catastrophes that will certainly come.

Gov. Tina Kotek said Aug. 27 Oregon has "at least another month" of fire season as many fires have come under control during a historic season.

08/27/2026

Great work by all involved. With existing conditions this could have easily been worse.

An vacant home and outbuilding were destroyed by a 5 to 6 acre vegetation fire that ignited southwest of Monmouth on Aug. 27.

08/27/2026

A nice evening at the Monmouth Music in the Park concert with DTW band! Complete with some quesabirria and a gourmet cookie!

08/27/2026

Our economy is relatively stable and “catching up” with national trends.

We must continue to navigate international, national, and regional challenges with both head and heart.

Our priority should be on using this breathing space to determine, develop, and deploy a fairer more durable tax system, a more resilient society, and a renewal of civic engagement.

We must build an economy for the 21st Century— it starts with building well informed citizens, a skilled workforce, and governance capable of facilitating responsible growth and shared prosperity.

Today is a good day, but tomorrow is another opportunity to effectively invest in a better, stronger future.

This is a developing story and may be updated. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, economic growth in Oregon has underperformed the nation’s. Now, the gap between

08/24/2026

Friends -

There are moments when local communities face difficult choices that deserve thoughtful discussion, respectful debate, and ultimately, a decision by the voters.

The cities of Independence and Monmouth are each facing a referral measure on the November ballot. One addresses fees associated with maintaining library and park services in Independence. The other concerns a land swap in Monmouth that would support continued housing development.

I have intentionally refrained from public comments while these matters moved through the referral process out of respect for the cities, their staff, and everyone involved. Now that both measures have qualified for the November ballot, I want to share where I stand.

I support both measures.

I believe voters should have the opportunity to weigh in when important local decisions reach the ballot. Elections give us the chance to ask questions, understand the challenges we face, and consider the choices before us.

I also believe the elected officials and staff in both communities have worked in good faith to make difficult decisions under challenging circumstances. Local government is not easy, and the people who volunteer their time to serve our communities deserve our respect—even when we may disagree with particular decisions.

For me, these issues are also personal.

My grandmother and mother depended on the Independence Library. That access helped my mother build the knowledge and opportunities that ultimately allowed her to succeed in college and improve our family's economic stability. Libraries are more than buildings—they are investments in people and in the future of a community.

As a former Monmouth mayor, city councilor, and planning commissioner, I also understand firsthand how limited developable land is within our city and how important responsible growth will be to meet the housing needs of future generations.

These are two different measures addressing two different challenges. But underneath both is a question that will shape the future of our communities:

Will we have the courage to manage growth, invest in the services that make our communities livable, and to plan for the future—or will we allow circumstances beyond our control to make those decisions for us?

Maintaining libraries and parks is part of sustaining Independence's ongoing economic renewal. Creating opportunities for responsible housing development is part of keeping Monmouth a place where families can afford to live and put down roots.

As a State Representative, I recognize that these are local decisions, and I respect the role of local voters. But as a longtime resident, nearly 30-year homeowner, former mayor, and someone who believes deeply in the future of both communities, I believe it is important to be clear about where I stand.

I look forward to engaging appropriately in the advocacy and public conversation leading up to November.

Whatever our individual views, I hope we can approach these decisions with respect, courage, and a shared commitment to the future of our shared communities.

Paul

08/23/2026

Thank you to all who participated and supported the 13th Annual “Shoot the Breeze” fundraiser!

Biggest success ever!

08/21/2026

Recently several folks have asked about my thoughts on the escalating scale and potential impact of a new faction within the Democratic Party.

There are no appropriate “10 word answers.” But here’s what I think about where we are, why, and our best path forward.

Dispatch #20.

08/15/2026

A BIG shoutout to our local Independence Lions Club for a record setting 195-vehicle car show!

It was fun to see beautiful cars and catch up with friends from near and far. This event is another reason to celebrate our parks— a perfect setting for a daylong event.

If you have some time today — stop by. It’s worth it. The craftsmanship that went into some of these vehicles and the care of their current stewards is amazing.

Have fun! And if you’re worried about parking take the MITROLLEY — I do.