Morrow County Commissioner Position 3 candidates talk county’s future
MORROW COUNTY — The voters in Morrow County face a decision about their futures during the upcoming May 19 election.
For Position 3, Morrow County could choose to reelect their incumbent, David Sykes, or change course to Heather Baumgartner, a current Boardman city councilor.
The East Oregonian sent questions to candidates about their approach to the county’s future and gave word limits for responses. For answers that exceeded the word limits, the EO cut off answers at the end of the last complete sentence. The EO also edited responses for clarity and style.
1. What do you consider to be the county’s top three priorities or needs, and if you win the election, what will you do to address those priorities or needs?
Baumgartner: Morrow County’s top priorities are housing availability, water infrastructure and community amenities.
Affordable housing, especially for middle-income families, is a growing concern. Limited availability affects workforce stability and community growth. I support increasing attainable housing while ensuring development aligns with community needs and long-term planning.
Water infrastructure is equally critical. Safe, reliable access to clean water is essential for public health and future growth. I will support infrastructure improvements, responsible water management and long-term solutions that ensure fair and sustainable access.
Community amenities are key to attracting and retaining families. Many people who relocate for work choose to live elsewhere due to limited access to retail, recreation and family activities. I support economic development that encourages businesses and amenities that improve quality of life.
My focus is on balanced, practical leadership that supports growth while strengthening long-term stability in Morrow County.
Sykes: Improve water infrastructure: We must provide permanent, sustainable clean water solutions for residents impacted by high nitrates. Through the Morrow County Clean Water Consortium, I am moving beyond bottled water to “putting pipes in the ground.”
Fiscal responsibility and economic growth: With the expansion of data centers and renewable energy, I will ensure our enterprise zone agreements and strategic investment program terms maximize local benefits while protecting our tax base to fund essential services
Infrastructure and transportation funding: I will work to ensure future adequate funding of our roads and bridges as well as the county’s facilities and infrastructure needs as outlined in our new five-year capital improvement plan.
If reelected, I will work to make sure we leverage state and federal dollars, ensuring every project and service makes the best use of our local taxpayer dollars.
2. County commissioners have to approve the county’s budget. What departments or functions should the county spend more on, and what departments or functions should the county cut back on?
Baumgartner: The county should prioritize funding for water infrastructure, housing and community development. Investing in safe, reliable water systems protects public health and supports long-term growth. Housing requires focused investment to increase availability and support workforce stability.
We also need to identify and support billable space for amenities that attract and retain families. Creating opportunities for retail, recreation and essential services strengthens our communities and encourages people to live locally rather than commute.
At the same time, the county should carefully evaluate administrative costs, travel expenses, and nonessential spending. Every dollar should be measured by its direct benefit to residents and long-term value to the community.
Sykes: I support a responsible, transparent budgeting approach that prioritizes essential services and infrastructure while reducing unnecessary spending.
I am in favor of making the county more efficient across all departments. I am strongly behind the county’s recent purchase of its new Enterprise Resource Planning software system, which will reduce redundancy and staff time by being the central nervous system of the finance department.
I was also in favor of establishing the new risk and procurement manager position, ensuring the county is not only getting the best purchasing deals but also following rules to receive the most grant monies possible.
I will work to ensure we provide adequate budgeting and funding for our newly adopted five-year capital improvement plan, which covers important infrastructure needs all across the county.
3. Data centers continue to be a divisive topic for voters. As a commissioner, how will you respond to inquiries about building more data centers? How do the benefits and drawbacks balance out?
Baumgartner: Data centers bring economic benefits, including jobs, tax revenue and infrastructure investment, but they also raise concerns about land use, energy demand and long-term community impact.
As a commissioner, I would evaluate each proposal carefully, ensuring transparency and public input are part of the process. It is important to determine whether the benefits truly serve Morrow County residents and align with our long-term goals.
I support responsible growth that balances economic opportunity with protecting our resources, infrastructure and quality of life.
Sykes: Data centers provide a massive boost to our tax base, funding schools and roads, but they cannot come at the expense of our community character. My approach is “Growth with Accountability.”
I will support data center expansion only when paired with discussion and planning. That is why I want to see county meetings to bring various organizations, including industry representatives, to the table to discuss how and where future data center growth will take place. We must balance the high-tax revenue benefit against the drawbacks of data centers, ensuring that the benefits clearly outweigh their impact.
4. How do you view the county’s handling of water quality with regard to nitrates in the water? What should the county do moving forward?
Baumgartner: Water quality is a serious concern, and nitrates in our water have been a long-standing issue for decades. This is not about pointing fingers, but about working together to find lasting solutions.
The county should continue partnering with state agencies, local stakeholders and the agricultural community to identify sources and implement practical improvements. This includes increased monitoring, clear communication, and support for efforts that reduce contamination.
Moving forward, we must ensure clean, safe drinking water is accessible in a way that is fair, sustainable and protects public health for future generations.
Sykes: I worked hard in the formation of the Morrow County Clean Water Consortium, an organization designed to move beyond talk and into execution. We are positioned to deliver on our motto: “plan, finance, build” infrastructure, including expanded pipelines and modernized utility systems. And we are performing. With $5.5 million in already committed funding, and backed by an advisory committee of local leaders and wide support from state and federal agencies, the consortium represents the only accountable, technically prepared pathway to providing functional, clean-water infrastructure. As chairman we must continue to empower the consortium to finish the job for residents.
