Election Day is May 16th, 2023 - Educate yourself before you vote!
Coos County Special District Election Cycle brings us this spring election for School Boards, Airport Commissioners, Education Service Districts and so on. Local Bandon Measures include proposed rate increases for Sewer, Water and Electric. For details, go to:
https://www.co.coos.or.us/
The League of Women Voters of Coos County is holding the Bandon School District Board Candidate Forum on Wednesday April 19th at 7pm at the Bandon City Council Chambers.
For more information, check out the League of Women Voters sites:
https://www.facebook.com/
https://my.lwv.org/oregon/
April 25th is the last day for new Coos County voters to register. Ballots will be mailed out on Thursday April 27th, and if you haven’t received yours by May 5th please contact the Coos County Elections Office at 541-396-7610.
We will attempt to share information about the measures and people running for the various positions. To kick us off, here’s bios on some of our Bandon school board contestants. Because of our publication deadline, we have obtained bios for the incumbent candidates from the Bandon School District’s Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/
BANDON SCHOOL BOARD POSITION 2
Martha Lane is running for the Bandon School Board position 2. She is a strong supporter of public schools. Martha has lived in Bandon for 33 years, and taught here for 30 of those years. Her children were born and raised in Bandon and attended Ocean Crest Elementary, Harbor Lights Middle School and graduated from Bandon High School.
Martha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Portland State University after starting at OSU and transferring to U of O. She completed a Masters in Education and Reading from the University of Portland while starting her teaching career at Centennial High School in Portland.
Before moving to Bandon she lived in Montrose, Colorado and taught English and coached girls track at Montrose High School (also spending every free minute hiking the mountains and canyons). Following Montrose, she lived in Coos Bay and taught at Southern Oregon Community College for five years in the reading lab, supervising school practicums and working with the adult diploma program. She then moved to Bandon.
In addition to her background in education she brings experience in business and maintenance. With her husband they started, owned and operated a commercial fishing business out of Charleston, Morning Star Fishing Llc, for over 30 years. Because she admittedly gets famously seasick, she assisted only on the land side.
Now retired, she is excited for the opportunity to again serve this community. Watch for Martha’s upcoming public Facebook site for more information. She will also be attending the Woman League of Voters School Board Forum on April 19th.
BANDON SCHOOL BOARD POSITION 7
Greg Looney is the incumbent running for re-election for Position 7
Excerpt From the Bandon School District 54 Facebook Page Oct 2020:
Greg Looney was elected to the Bandon School Board in May 2019. Greg is a Bandon native and graduated from Bandon High School in 1991. Both of his parents, and his wife, are also BHS grads. He is a Journeyman Lineman for the City of Bandon. Formerly, he was a Bandon Police Officer for seven years. Greg and his wife Amanda live in Bandon with their four children who attend Harbor Lights and Bandon High.
“I enjoy working with the kids; in turn I hope I can contribute a little to make their school experience the best it can be.”
BANDON SCHOOL BOARD POSITION 4
AJ Kimball is the incumbent running for Position 4
Excerpt from the Bandon School District 54 Facebook Page Oct 2020:
A.J. Kimball is in his second year of his first term on the Bandon School Board. A.J. and his wife Sara live in Bandon with their two young children, both of whom attend Ocean Crest Elementary. He is a 1999 Pacific High School graduate; he also attended SWOCC and obtained his basic EMT certification. He is currently a teacher’s aide at Bandon Community Preschool and a stay-at-home-dad. Formerly, he was a local cranberry worker/grower.
“I have been on the Bandon school board for a year now; I’ve learned so much, and I am constantly amazed at how much behind the scene stuff there is. One thing I found out is that our teachers can teach, and our Admin staff can get stuff done for their students and district; what love! I have watched them rise to this year’s challenges time and time again; they never cease to amaze me in what they are willing to do for their students! I said last year that my goal is to continue to seek improvement on the wonderful legacy of the Bandon School District, to empower all students to achieve their potential through communication and understanding, and to encourage our community to invest in our future, the children. How truly applicable that statement is today! In this trying time the District is working hard to improve, adapt and overcome. I’m so proud of this school district!”
BANDON SCHOOL BOARD POSITION 6
Anthony Zunino is the incumbent running for Position 6
Excerpt from the Bandon School District 54 Facebook Page March 2022:
We are pleased to announce the mid-term appointment of our newest school board member, Anthony Zunino, to position #6.
Anthony is a long-time Bandon resident and a graduate of Bandon High School. He owns and operates Freedom Graphics, as well as being an active member of our community and contributing to a variety of efforts and events. He has served on several boards, including the Bandon Chamber of Commerce and the Bandon Rural Fire Protection District. Anthony’s experience makes him well-qualified to serve on our school board and we welcome his insight and contribution to our district.