October 20, 2021 3:50 a.m.  

Former Roseburg City Councilor Ashley Hicks is challenging incumbent Chris Boice for his seat as a county commissioner.

Hicks is an administrator for Superior Drywall and a content contributor for Travel Roseburg Oregon on social media. She was defeated in her race for a second term representing Ward Four on the council in 2020. Hicks also lists her past governmental experience as being on the City of Roseburg Budget Committee and the Historic Resource Review Commission along with being part of the conference planning committee for the League of Oregon Cities.

Boice has been a commissioner since January of 2015 and served previously on the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority of Douglas County. He is the owner of both Big O Tires and Midas of Roseburg, and has been a small business owner for 20 years.

Hicks told News Radio 1240 KQEN that she is running for commissioner because she believes “…communication is important and the public has a right to participate in their local government”. Hicks said subjects of great importance to her are a homeless shelter and meeting a statewide and county transportation goal while preserving the Scottsburg Bridge. Hicks said she wants to use it to reconnect the fairgrounds with the Mill-Pine District. Hicks is critical of the current commissioners, saying they “…talk down to audience members” at meetings, and “…rarely answer questions respectfully”.

Candidates have until March 8th of next year, to file for positions up for a vote in the May Primary Election.