Upcoming Elections
May 2025
Local Candidate Questionnaire
NAME: Kathryn M Thomas
CANDIDATE: Port of Hood River: - Position 3
ELECTION: 5/20/2025
1. List your previous experience and accomplishments that might be relevant to this position:
- US Military - Naval Officer: Helicopter Pilot: Leadership experience in high-pressure
environments, mission coordination, and understanding of airport operations.
- Nonprofit - Founder & Executive Director: Successfully built a nonprofit supporting
individuals who have experienced trauma, securing diverse revenue streams through program
fees, public-private partnerships, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
- Private - Environmental Consultant: Expertise in permitting, stakeholder engagement, and
dredging operations—skills essential for balancing economic development with environmental
responsibility.
- Government - Bridge Authority Member: Direct experience leading tribal negotiations and
navigating the NEPA permitting process for critical infrastructure projects. Serving on the
engineering and construction committee has given me a deep understanding of regulatory
challenges and funding pathways, particularly for projects like the Hood River Bridge
replacement.
2. List your personal skills or attributes that will be useful in this position:
- Proven leadership and decision-making in complex, high-stakes environments.
- Ability to build consensus and negotiate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience in strategic planning and long-term project management for infrastructure and
environmental initiatives.
- Deep commitment to service and community engagement with a results-driven approach.
- Financial acumen in developing sustainable revenue streams and ensuring fiscal
responsibility.
3. What are challenges and/or opportunities that you see ahead for this board/commission:
- Infrastructure Investment: The Hood River- White Salmon Bridge replacement is a top
priority, requiring strategic leadership to secure funding, streamline permitting, and avoid
economic disruptions.
- Economic Development: Ensuring Port properties generate long-term, living-wage jobs while
supporting small businesses and private investment while not taxiing the already stressed
utilities.
- Environmental Stewardship: Managing marina operations responsibly, balancing economic
growth with sustainability, and ensuring compliance with EPA regulations.
- Community Engagement: Developing Lot 1 into a vibrant, community-driven hub that
supports local businesses and tourism while respecting free-market principles, and concern of
lack or infrastructure.
4. Is there anything in particular you’d like to [help] address/accomplish as a member of this
board/commission?
- Advocate for the expedited replacement of the Hood River – White Salmon Bridge to
prevent economic disruptions and improve regional connectivity.
- Strategically implement a Master Plan for marina management, ensuring responsible
stewardship while addressing tenant needs and environmental concerns.
- Develop Lot 1 into a community-driven economic hub with local business input and free-
market solutions.
- Promote public-private partnerships to enhance waterfront recreation areas and boost
tourism.
5. List other elected or appointed positions you’ve had in the Gorge:
- Hood River – White Salmon Bridge Authority (appointed)
6. List any current volunteer activities:
- Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Portland Post Board Member
- Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Foundation National Board Member
- Foster Mom (paid, but also very much volunteer)
7. Why would you like to serve in this position?
- I believe the Port of Hood River plays a critical role in shaping our local economy,
infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. With my background in leadership, aviation,
infrastructure, and environmental consulting, I am uniquely positioned to help drive smart,
sustainable growth that balances economic opportunity with community values. My experience
serving on the Bridge Authority has given me firsthand insight into the challenges and
opportunities facing the Port, and I am committed to ensuring its resources are managed
effectively for long-term success.
Have you thought of running for office?
If you or a Dem friend are interested in running for elected office, or would like to find out more about it, please contact us! We want to meet and offer support to potential Dem candidates as early as possible in the process.