Wasco County is very fortunate to have Lisa Gambee as a candidate for the Wasco County Board of Commissioners.
As the former Wasco County Clerk, she has worked closely with the board of commissioners and has extensive knowledge about county organization, its processes and its people. Experience in volunteering on county projects made clear to me how extensive and diverse the obligations of county government are. The Wasco County Budget for the current fiscal year totals $39.5 million, and is detailed on over 640 pages. https://cms5.revize.com/revize/wascocounty25/FY26%20Wasco%20Adopted%20Budget.pdf?t=202509051044160&t=202509051044160
Becoming familiar with and able to make good decisions about all of the subjects contained within that budget requires time and experience, something that few candidates will have in advance to the extent already possessed by Lisa Gambee.
In 2024, Lisa was one of five of Oregon’s 36 county clerks recognized by the National Association of Secretaries of State. The Medallion Award was given in recognition of her being “one of the people who make democracy work,” in spite of “ongoing threats, harassment and false information campaigns.” https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/SOS/Posts/Post/2024-national-association-secretaries-state-medallions
Lisa Gambee has demonstrated her dedication to Wasco County and her leadership abilities. I urge you to take advantage of her willingness to serve, with your vote.
Support Gambee
We are writing in support of Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner. She is a proven leader with a deep knowledge of our county.
During her decade as Wasco County Clerk, Lisa worked closely with communities from Mosier in the northwest to Antelope in the southeast — Dufur, Maupin, Tygh Valley, Wamic, Pine Grove and Shaniko among them. She learned the character of each place, the challenges they face and the people who keep them going — priceless experience that matters. Lisa understands our county and has a strong record of collaborative, transparent service and integrity. She is the perfect fit to help lead our county now.
Lisa Gambee is a proven leader, having served almost 10 years as Wasco County Clerk, a position which required the establishment of effective working relationships with other leaders and community members throughout the county.
I am impressed with her heartfelt dedication to service. She now aspires to become a Wasco County Commissioner. Lisa’s determination to build upon her years of experience and move us forward through very challenging times earns her my vote. Please join me in voting for Lisa Gambee.
Connie Krummrich
Voting Gambee
To the Voters of Wasco County: As a multi-generation Wasco County citizen, I feel compelled to urge readers of this letter to cast their vote for Lisa Gambee. My reasons for supporting her candidacy include her integrity, work ethic, mature judgement and open mind.
Lisa has earned my support through her professional expertise serving as Wasco County Clerk. The knowledge she acquired in that capacity will be of benefit to all Wasco County citizens.
Lisa will administer the county budget for the benefit of all of us. Lisa understands the importance of agriculture and business in our local economy. Lisa supports public education and understands that democracy depends on an educated citizenry.
Both Lisa and her husband, John, have been volunteer contributors of time and talent enhancing the community they live in.
Lisa will listen to citizen concerns and obtain the information needed to make decisions for all Wasco County residents.
Please join me in voting for Lisa Gambee for the Wasco County Commission.
Dan Van Vactor
Lisa Gambee is a proven leader, having served almost 10 years as Wasco County Clerk, a position which required the establishment of effective working relationships with other leaders and community members throughout the county.
I am impressed with her heartfelt dedication to service. She now aspires to become a Wasco County Commissioner. Lisa’s determination to build upon her years of experience and move us forward through very challenging times earns her my vote. Please join me in voting for Lisa Gambee.
I am writing in support of Lisa Gambee’s bid to serve as a Wasco County Commissioner. As the Executive Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners, I worked closely with her throughout her entire tenure with the County. That experience gave me a front‑row seat to her character, her work ethic, and her unwavering commitment to the people of Wasco County.
Over the years, Lisa and I collaborated on many major countywide initiatives. We served together on the planning team for Leadership Summits, on the training team for all‑staff employee development, and on the creation of the County’s 100% Love culture initiative. I also supported her as she brought numerous items before the Board - each one thoroughly researched, thoughtfully prepared, and grounded in what would best serve our residents.
In every setting, Lisa demonstrated the same qualities: she is collaborative, strategic, ethical, and exceptionally hard‑working. She brings compassion to difficult conversations, innovation to complex challenges, and organization to every project she touches. She communicates clearly, operates transparently, and consistently elevates the people around her. Lisa is the ultimate team player; someone who listens deeply, seeks common ground, and leads with both heart and integrity.
Lisa Gambee will bring thoughtful leadership, practical experience, and a deep sense of responsibility to the role of County Commissioner. She has already proven her dedication to this community, and will continue to serve it with integrity. My vote is going to Lisa Gambee, and I invite you to stand with me.
I have had the honor of knowing Lisa Gambee for 37 years. What I have learned about Lisa that impresses me most is that when she puts her heart and soul into an endeavor amazing things happen.
While attending Portland State University (PSU) on athletic scholarship, Lisa was a two-time, first-team All American volleyball player with her team winning back-to-back National Championships both of those years. She is a member of both the PSU and State of Oregon Sports Halls of Fame. Several years after leaving PSU with a Bachelor of Science degree, Lisa returned and earned her MBA. With her MBA in hand, she started a successful marketing and brand strategy firm.
In 1995, Lisa and her husband purchased property in Tygh Valley where they built the first straw bale house permitted in Wasco, County. Lisa put in countless days bucking straw bales, stacking and trimming the bales into walls, and applying plaster and stucco to finish the walls. Lisa applied the final coat of stucco while 8 months pregnant with Clara Tygh.
Lisa began her service as Wasco County Clerk in 2015. She was a dedicated public servant for the almost 10 years that she served. As County Clerk, Lisa increased election transparency and improved all processes associated with the Clerk’s office. Most importantly, she listened to the people of Wasco County treating all with respect and helping in any way that she could.
Lisa is ready and willing to put her heart and soul into Wasco County. Please join me in voting Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner, Position 1, amazing things can happen.
Years ago, I was a newly appointed interim board member for the White River Health District. I had a host of questions regarding option tax levies and funding for special districts and a variety of other topics. I emailed my list of questions to County Clerk Lisa Gambee, hoping that she could at least suggest resources where I could find the information I needed. Within the hour, I received both a phone call and a detailed follow up email from Lisa wherein she was able to answer all of my questions and more importantly, she explained the information within the larger context of how our tiny district fit into both county and statewide policies. I was deeply impressed by her depth and breadth of knowledge, her clear and concise answers, and her kindness and respect.
Fast forward to the present day and Lisa Gambee is now running for Wasco County Board of Commissioners Position 1. I have read her responses to questions in the S. Wasco County Times and again her depth and breadth of knowledge and extensive preparation surpasses others.
Within her role as Clerk and as a resident of Tygh Valley, Lisa has worked with citizens in The Dalles and all of the smaller communities throughout our county. She understands and shares our concerns regarding the lack of affordable housing, increasing economic diversity in our smaller communities, wildfire threat and aging infrastructure (particularly water systems). Lisa has concrete solutions to these concerns should she be elected. For me, the choice is clear. I hope you will join me in voting for Lisa Gambee for Wasco Co Commissioner Position 1 in May.
There’s nothing more crucial and more sacred to our democratic republic than safe, secure, and accessible elections. Lisa Gambee ensured we had just that during the decade she served as Wasco County Clerk. Now she’s running for County Commissioner (position 1) and there’s no one better suited to step into this role than Lisa.
She managed our elections (and plenty of other county clerk business) during the Covid shutdown and she managed them during the turmoil of national false claims of election fraud. She did so with professionalism and grace, with the confidence of a leader who is organized, skilled at solving problems, and determined to get things right for the people she serves.
I first met Lisa when I attended a public demonstration on how voting and elections are conducted in the county. The presentation gave me great confidence in the security of our local elections, and Lisa’s clear explanations and thoughtful answers to our questions reinforced that trust. I later volunteered as an election observer for several elections, which gave me additional opportunities to witness the high quality of Lisa’s work with her staff.
I also had the opportunity to work on a joint city and county ad hoc committee with Lisa for about a year and a half. She was, once again, professional, hard-working, and a very skilled leader.
I’ll be casting my vote for Lisa Gambee to be my next county commissioner and I hope you’ll do the same! (Plan to vote early if you mail your ballot back – the post office isn’t as efficient as it once was.)
I am supporting Lisa Gambee to become our Wasco County Commissioner. She is familiar with South Wasco County issues, which is appreciated. She lives in Tygh Valley, she is in South Wasco County and understands the issues we face: aging infrastructure, limited resources and increasing demands on local leaders and volunteers.
She has attended Maupin City Council meetings to learn about the issue our community faces. She is a member of our garden club.
She believes that communities need steady leadership and support from the Wasco County Commissioners.
As county clerk, she strengthened public trust, worked collaboratively and ensured people had the tools they needed to participate in civic life.
Most importantly, Lisa listens. She knows the best ideas come from the people doing the work: volunteers, small business owners, growers, ranchers, parents and neighbors.
This is why I’m voting for Lisa — because she is a leader who listens. I encourage my neighbors to vote for Lisa as well.
Carol Beatty
Mayor of Maupin
To our neighbors and fellow Wasco County residents,
As residents of Wasco County for almost 50 years, and through our many decades of serving on various local boards, we’ve gained a firsthand understanding of the complexities of our county. We strongly support Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner.
A proven entity we can trust: In politics, promises are easy. With Lisa, we don’t have to guess how she will lead because she has already served us as our county clerk for almost 10 years. The clerk’s office requires absolute accuracy, transparency, and fairness — and Lisa mastered that role. Because she has been in the trenches of our county government, she makes decisions grounded in experience, NOT in politics. She understands exactly how the “system” affects our daily lives and where improvement is possible.
Focusing on a resilient future: Lisa is interested in addressing the real needs of our communities, not just the latest “trendy” project. She is dedicated to making Wasco County more resilient. Whether you live in The Dalles, Pine Grove, or somewhere in between, Lisa has been there, and she has listened. Having a residence in Tygh Valley for 28 years, she has a lived perspective on our rural areas and knows that practical solutions matter more than flashy headlines.
A calm, honest voice: Lisa is remarkably calm and collected. She handles high-pressure situations with a level-headedness that invites collaboration rather than conflict. She is honest, straightforward, and listens more than she talks. She will hear our voices and our needs.
The bottom line: Lisa Gambee doesn’t need a “learning curve.” She’s already earned the trust of the citizens she served. Based on our own experience in local leadership, we know a steady hand when we see one. Lisa is the real deal — experienced, local, and honest. We hope you’ll join us in voting for her.
Dennis and Mary Beechler
Tygh Valley
I’m writing in support of Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner because she brings something rare and essential to county leadership: a deep understanding of public service grounded in fairness, transparency, and non-partisanship.
As Wasco County Clerk, Lisa oversaw our elections with a steady hand and an unwavering commitment to integrity. In a time when election systems across the country have been under intense scrutiny, Lisa ensured that every ballot in Wasco County was handled securely, every process was transparent, and every voter — regardless of party — could trust the outcome. Her work strengthened confidence in our local democracy, and that matters for all of us.
What stands out most about Lisa is her approach to decision-making. She listens first. She looks at the facts. And she focuses on what will benefit the entire county, not just one group or political viewpoint. She understands that the role of county commissioner is not about partisanship; it’s about stewardship. It’s about making thoughtful, practical choices that support our communities, our rural areas, our local economy, and the people who call Wasco County home.
Wasco County deserves leaders who put people first. Lisa Gambee has already proven she can do that. The choice is clear for Wasco County’s future, and I hope you’ll vote for Lisa Gambee.
Roseann Smeraglio
Maupin
I’m writing in support of Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner, Position 1, because she brings something essential to county leadership: a deep commitment to fairness, transparency, and non‑partisanship.
As Wasco County Clerk, Lisa oversaw our elections with steadiness and integrity. At a time when election systems across the country faced scrutiny, she made sure every ballot was handled securely and every process was open and understandable. She spent whatever time was needed helping residents learn how our systems work so they could feel confident their votes were counted accurately. That dedication strengthened trust in our local democracy.
Lisa’s approach to decision‑making is equally grounded in service. She listens first, looks at the facts, and focuses on what will benefit the entire county, not one group or political viewpoint. She understands that the role of County Commissioner is about stewardship and practical problem‑solving. It’s about making thoughtful choices that support our communities, our rural areas, our economy, and the people who call Wasco County home.
Wasco County deserves leaders who put people first. Lisa Gambee has already shown she does exactly that. I encourage my fellow residents to support her in this important election.
Sheila Dooley
Wasco County has been fortunate to have many dedicated public servants, but few have shaped our county’s direction as meaningfully as Lisa Gambee. As voters consider who is prepared to serve on the Wasco County Commission, I hope they will look closely at Lisa’s record of thoughtful, forward‑looking leadership.
As County Clerk, Lisa was more than an administrator - she was a key contributor to the county’s long‑term vision. She played a key role in developing the Wasco County Vision, Mission, and Core Values statements, work grounded in deep listening and collaboration. Her work as County Clerk continues to influence decision‑making across departments today.
Lisa also helped design and launch the county’s Leadership Summit sessions, which strengthened communication, built shared purpose, and supported the development of future county leaders. These sessions have had a lasting impact on workplace culture and cross‑department cooperation.
She was also instrumental in shaping the county’s 100% LOVE culture initiative, focused on respect, accountability, and service. This effort reflects her belief that strong communities grow from strong relationships — a belief she has put into practice throughout her career.
Lisa’s leadership is rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help Wasco County thrive. She brings experience, steadiness, and a deep understanding of how county government works and how it can work better.
For these reasons, I urge you to vote for Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner.
Suzanne Steffen, Mosier
I’m writing in support of Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner.
During her time as Wasco County Clerk, Lisa developed a deep understanding of how county government works. Just as important, she made herself available to anyone with questions about county processes and spent whatever time was needed helping people understand how elections operate. Whether someone arrived with a simple question or a complicated concern, Lisa met them with patience, clarity, and respect. She understands that trust in government is built one conversation at a time.
At a time when many residents feel uncertain about how decisions are made, Lisa’s approach stands out. She didn’t just talk about transparency—she practiced it. She opened the door, answered the phone, and made sure people left feeling informed and confident that their government was acting with integrity.
That is the kind of leadership we need on the Wasco County Commission. As a former County Commissioner, I believe Lisa will bring the same steady dedication to the Commission that she demonstrated as Wasco County Clerk.
I will be casting my ballot for her on Election Day. I hope you will too.
Bill Lennox
My first glimpse of Lisa Gambee occurred many years ago in Wamic, as she seemed to fly into the Barlow Gate Grange kitchen at the end of one of our long, July 4th breakfast fundraisers that had fed hundreds of diners that day. Lisa was not a Grange member at that time. Nonetheless, she had rounded up many of her family members to join her and her husband John, as they simply took over the clean up at the end of that long, tiring day. Lisa and her family scrubbed, washed, scoured, swept and mopped until the job was done. And, it was well done. That annual miracle went on for years….
I worked with Lisa Gambee when she was the county clerk and cannot speak highly enough of her warmth, intelligence, and integrity. I worked several elections as a ballot processor and admire her composure and leadership. When I heard she is running for county commissioner I was just thrilled. Lisa is intelligent and thoughtful, and committed to serving our community. The fact that she is from south county means she will bring awareness of issues and a perspective from our wider community, not just The Dalles. In these times, it takes courage to step up and take responsibility, and Lisa is just the person to help lead Wasco County. I sincerely encourage your vote for Lisa for county commissioner. Join me in voting for Lisa Gambee
Having worked with Lisa Gambee as our County Clerk through several elections, we know of her personal integrity, attention to detail and always above board adherence to the law. We can be confident that as a County Commissioner she not only knows of our entire county's varied needs, but has a deep commitment to serve those needs.
We were proud to work on elections with her during Covid when her priorities were for election integrity while protecting her election workers. We worked together to start doing live streaming of election processes which gave more people access to the work being done. It was a great example of how things could be improved when the public asks for it. We were even given a class in signature analysis. Observation streaming worked so well and was so transparent that our state coordinator asked to use her example to implement Gambee's method statewide.
Thinking outside the box, always being open to new ideas, listening to what constituents want, .Gambee's and her staff's ability to build consensus all contribute to our safe balloting system which is also audited by the state.
Lisa Gambee is willing to give even more of her time to this county she loves, and we very much admire that commitment. Let's elect her and keep her working for us!
I am writing to voice strong support for Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner. Commissioners play a vital role in the functioning and growth of our communities and I support the candidate who has not only exemplified integrity and transparency but has the experience to hit the ground running.
During her decade as Wasco County Clerk, Lisa gained a deep understanding of county operations: elections, public records, budgeting processes, interdepartmental coordination, and direct service to county residents. Her work required constant collaboration with every county department and every community in Wasco County; she built solid, trusting relationships with local leaders, volunteers, and residents and developed a practical understanding of what people need and how county decisions affect their daily lives.
For many of Lisa Gambee’s years as County Clerk, I worked as a temporary election worker under her leadership. I witnessed her exemplary transparency and communication of the ballot intake and counting processes, careful adherence to the laws, excellent active listening skills, and calm, compassionate support of a steady stream of Wasco County citizens who arrived with questions and concerns. Every one had value in her County Clerk office.
I’m excited to cast my vote for Lisa Gambee, the candidate who has the experience to serve Wasco County from day one and has demonstrated the integrity and compassion to represent everyone in Wasco County. Please join me!
Wasco County is very fortunate to have Lisa Gambee as a candidate for the Wasco County Board of Commissioners.
As the former Wasco County clerk, she has worked closely with the board of commissioners and has extensive knowledge about county organization, its processes and its people. Experience in volunteering on county projects made clear to me how extensive and diverse the obligations of county government are. The Wasco County budget for the current fiscal year totals $39.5 million, and is detailed on more than 640 pages (www.cms5.revize.com/revize/wascocounty25/FY26%20Wasco%20Adopted%20Budget.pdf?t=202509051044160&t=202509051044160).
Becoming familiar with and able to make good decisions about all of the subjects contained within that budget requires time and experience, something that few candidates will have in advance to the extent already possessed by Lisa Gambee.
In 2024, Lisa was one of five of Oregon’s 36 county clerks recognized by the National Association of Secretaries of State. The Medallion Award was given in recognition of her being “one of the people who make democracy work,” in spite of “ongoing threats, harassment and false information campaigns” (“Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade Recognizes County Clerks with the 2024 National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion,” Secretary of State Newsroom, Dec. 17, 2024).
Lisa Gambee has demonstrated her dedication to Wasco County and her leadership abilities. I urge you to take advantage of her willingness to serve, with your vote.
Wasco County, like most rural counties, faces many complex challenges. For that reason, the upcoming election of a new County Commissioner is of utmost importance for local communities. Having served as a Wasco County Commissioner from 2019-2022, I well understand that importance. That is why I am asking you to support Lisa Gambee in the upcoming May 19th election. Lisa served as the elected Wasco County Clerk for nine years where she oversaw and assured accurate elections, estate recordings and other vital county services. I know Lisa to be a gifted leader, a relationship builder and a nice person who truly cares about improving the lives of every person who calls Wasco County home. I urge you to please cast your vote for Lisa Gambee, position 1, as your next County Commissioner.
Your Voice Matters: How to Write a Letter to the Editor
Your perspective matters more than any campaign ad. When you share why you’re supporting our vision for a more resilient Wasco County, you’re helping your neighbors see the real-world impact of local leadership.
Writing a letter is simple, and our local news teams at CCCNews and Columbia Gorge News love hearing from the community. Here’s how to get started:
3 Tips for a Great Letter
Keep it Personal: You don’t need to be a political expert. Just share a quick story about why you trust Lisa—maybe it was her help at the Clerk’s office, her work on the Pine Hollow boat ramps, or her roots in Tygh Valley.
Be Brief: Aim for 150–250 words. Short, heartfelt letters are more likely to be published and read!
Include Your Details: The newspapers need your full name, address, and phone number just to verify who you are (they won’t publish your private info).
Where to Send Your Letter
Columbia Community Connection (CCCNews)
Email: news@cccnews.com
Note: CCCNews loves "solutions-minded" stories about neighbors helping neighbors.
Columbia Gorge News
Email: news@gorgenews.com
Word Limit: They generally prefer letters under 350 words.
Need a Starting Point?
“I’ve lived in [Your Town] for [X] years, and I’m supporting Lisa Gambee because she understands [Water/Fire/Transparency/South County issues]. As our former Clerk, she’s already proven she has the integrity we need on the Commission...”
Let us know if you send one!
If your letter gets published, send us the link so we can share it on our social media pages to celebrate your contribution to the conversation.