Media & Endorsements

I'm concerned with the lack of appropriate experience of two of the candidates for Cowlitz County Commissioner. The two who are qualified to run a county government are Amy Norquist and Mike Reuter.

Amy has a degree and recent experience advising counties and cities across the country. Her opponent's experience in government was some 40 years ago — times have changed.

Mike Reuter has, since 2017, been presiding, rather smoothly, as mayor of Kalama. It has been stated that Mike is unemployed. That is incorrect. 

Both of Amy and Mike's opponents seem to answer most questions about policy or programs by saying "we would look at whether the county should be doing that or not." Eliminating programs and not following laws and mandates is negative governing. Amy and Mike will work cooperatively to provide positive solutions to our problems. 

Jim Bain 

Published: Oct 25, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

Some time ago, I woke up with a severe pain in my gut, and it wasn’t indigestion.

Once on my feet, I realized that the ache came from my ongoing concern about the dysfunction, animosity and lack of creativity in community government, especially among the current members on the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners, where rhetoric and dogma often have had priority over leadership for the public good.

But the pain went away when I looked into an imaginary tunnel and saw a light at the end … and that glow came from Amy Norquist who is running for county commissioner in District 2

I reviewed her qualifications and found a person well aware of our county’s needs and how to meet them. That includes taking advantage of available resources — such as state grants for public health, including children’s dental care —together with a greater focus on economic development to create more jobs.

Amy knows how to best save taxpayers’ money. She has years of experience in public and private administration which she will use not just to govern but to creatively build closer, sounder relationships all around. Her goal is to listen to and represent everyone regardless of their party or politics.

She has stepped up to volunteer for numerous community organizations in leadership positions and is working with the Lower Columbia School Gardens to help it to thrive as an valuable resource for elementary and middle school kids.

We need change. We need Amy.

John M. McClelland 

Published: Oct 17, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

For a number of years now the Cowlitz County commissioners positions have been held by what I refer to as retired conservative Republicans, or RCRs.

These individuals apparently view being a county commissioner position as a desirable retirement pastime job.

In my opinion their politically motivated management philosophy has been a disaster for the county demonstrated by their absolute disregard for the health, safety and well-being of county citizens and the county's reputation and desirability to any/all outsiders (individuals and businesses).

Examples of their extreme conservative philosophy is demonstrated by their refusal to support HOPE Village and the Drug Court program, and refusing state funding to hire a sixth Superior Court Judge.

I believe the most perverse/destructive action the commissioners have undertaken is the circus they cultivated in the county health department. Adopting and publishing their medical freedom statement benefited nobody but is medically unprofessional and embarrassing. Topping that is the return of the state health grant of over $950,000, which is dangerous, hurtful and illogical.

It’s hard to believe we elected and pay these individuals to lead Cowlitz County considering all the harm and disregard for citizens well-being they have demonstrated.

If we want to stop this foolishness it’s painfully obvious to me that we need to stop giving RCR candidates (Steve Ferrell and Steve Rader) their sought-after retirement jobs as councilmen.

Lets stop the craziness and please vote for Amy Norquist and Mike Reuter, and reject Ferrell and Rader for county commissioner.

Art Birkmeyer

Published: Oct 4, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

Rarely does an experienced, organized, aware citizen step forward to ask to assist in the arduous task of running our local government. Well, put on your celebration hat, because Amy Norquist is just that citizen.

Thank you, Amy. Never has there been a better time for an active, engaged, government machine-aware person to step forward.

Amy’s experience in the arena of communication and active participation in serving the people in a variety of ways is invaluable.

Although her experience was highlighted in the primary voter pamphlet, I invite you to please read the voter pamphlet for the General Election for a full account of her abilities and experience. Then vote for Amy Norquist for Cowlitz County commissioner. The time has come to turn the corner and prepare for tomorrow.

Kathleen Johnson

Published: Oct 2, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

Amy Norquist, a native of our community, brings a fresh, practical approach to the office of county commissioner, District 2.

She is bright, has valuable work experiences and has a sincere, outgoing personality.

Amy genuinely desires to work together to make government function for all of us. At the local level it can importantly involve our health and safety and the growth of our economy. Throughout, she strongly believes in fiscal responsibility.

Amy has the ability to see potential for improvement as she seeks a better life for all of us in Cowlitz County.

A vote for Amy Norquist for county commissioner, District 2 is an exciting, positive step forward!

Marge Ofstun

Published: Aug 4, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

Amy Norquist is running to be elected to serve Cowlitz County as a commissioner.

She believes she can work to improve aging infrastructure; public health and safety; housing; and the quality of life through partnerships, state and federal resources, and cities as allies.

In her own words, Amy said, “Let’s move toward hope and away from grievances.”

Amy is a Rotarian and Rotarians believe in “Service above self." Amy has lived that belief, been successful in many endeavors, and will bring vision, stewardship and action for the betterment of all citizens of Cowlitz County.

Please vote for Amy Norquist.

Gary Lindstrom

Published: July 26, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

What a nice thing has happened!

D. Norquist's daughter, Amy Norquist, has returned to live in Longview. She was born and raised here, and lived in various places around the U.S. in the interim.

She's had the opportunity to observe a lot of ways of doing things — what works and what doesn't. She is now running for county commissioner.

We'd be getting a real bargain if she wins. Please join me in voting for Amy.

Dorothy Bain Hanson

Published: July 26, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

I am supporting the candidacy of Amy Norquist for Cowlitz County Commissioner District 2.

Amy grew up locally and attended R.A. Long High School, where she excelled in athletics and academics. She earned her Masters in Public Administration, with a public policy focus, and has been involved with large government projects. She taught courses at several major universities throughout the U.S.

She started her own company and received a top innovator award from Aspen Institute and Intel. 

As a commissioner, Amy wants to invest in our aging infrastructure, improve public health for county citizens, create new economic opportunities and jobs, tackle homelessness through comprehensive strategies, and continue our environmental stewardship. 

Amy Norquist will bring wisdom, compassion, experience and education to the position, with a style of leadership that is collaborative and cooperative. She will be the creative, visionary leader we so desperately need.

When you get your ballot in the mail, vote for Amy Norquist, and urge your family and friends to do the same. 

John Steppert

Published: July 19, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

I strongly support Amy Norquist and I urge you to do so as well.

Over the years, I've met dozens of political candidates and I know a good one when I see one. Amy is a good one.

I'm not a Democrat or a Republican — I vote for the candidate, not the party.

Amy is honest, qualified, bright, well-spoken and energetic. And she cares about Cowlitz County. She is a no-nonsense leader who will get things done.

I have been so impressed by Amy that I am writing this letter in support of her. Her professional experience and unique skills are exactly what we need in our county.

You need to vote for Amy Norquist and support her however you can.

Bill Ammons

Published: July 18, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

Amy Norquist is running for Cowlitz County Commissioner.

Every time I’ve met her I’ve been impressed by Amy’s dedication to this community. She 

asks questions and genuinely listens to the concerns of everyone in the room.

People could be discouraged by our local political leaders lately, but now we have an opportunity to vote for someone who truly wants the best for all of us.

After a career including teaching, nonprofit leadership and running a company, Amy wants to put her strong work ethic and broad experience to use for us. She cares about improving infrastructure, public health, public safety, and will collaborate to create new economic opportunities.

Please VOTE and vote for Amy Norquist. Check out votenorquist.com to get to know her.

Joel Rupley, joined by Janie Stixrud (wife) and Katie Rupley (daughter)

Longview resident and former Cowlitz County commissioner

Joel passed away July 22, 2024, may he rest in peace

Published: July 13, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

Amy Norquist possesses the critical strengths of knowing how to listen and to hear a point of view, and then how to negotiate with considerable expertise to achieve what Cowlitz County needs.

One of her goals is to bring relevant resources into the county so we can build on our strengths and have thriving communities.

 In these challenging times, a vote for Amy is a vote for an open-minded and skillful county commissioner. She will serve us well. 

Lesley Bombardier 

Published: July 10, 2024 (link to TDN Letter)

I am very pleased that Amy Norquist has decided to run for Cowlitz County Commissioner (District 2). Amy is incredibly talented and experienced. She grew up here, loves this area, and has a vision for expanding opportunities that will benefit all of us.

Amy pledges to work cooperatively to bring infrastructure investment, create new economic opportunities, ensure fiscal health and accountability, and address housing and public health issues.

Our county has many assets. It is high time we elected a visionary leader who wants to tackle our challenges and make government work again. Please join me in voting for Amy Norquist as Cowlitz County commissioner.

Margaret Lapic

Published: June 7, 2024 (link to original article)