Press Statement
Walla Walla farmer Bob Biles has declared his candidacy for position #3 on the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners
Biles, a landscape specialist for Whitman College, also operates a direct market farming operation and has been doing this for past 30 years. He is one of the original vendors of the Walla Walla Farmers Market and serves on its board of directors. In the past, he also served three years as the treasurer for the County Dems. Biles is also a member of the Walla Walla City Planning Commission.
"I have a good understanding of growth management, as well as other complex issues facing the county," Biles said. He went on to say, "I am proud our homeland's traditions are found in its soil, which holds the potential to sustain families, farming entrepreneurs and future generations of agriculturist. Should we neglect our stewardship of this rich inheritance, or include the health of our farmland as an indicator of true progress. Regrettably, I believe the county is drifting in an unhealthy direction that is detrimental to the character, traditions and quality of life of our residents. We yearn for a collective vision that represents the interests and aspirations of the majority of our community. We need to remember that we are government by the people from the ground up, rather than from the top down by a narrow ruling body."
Biles expressed concern that the county is becoming increasingly divided and polarized as its population expands. He also stated, "We do not have a balanced, innovative and sustainable economic development platform that truly addresses the challenges that we face in this new century."
As a county commissioner, Biles would set the following priorities:
- Diligently work for us to regain our public trust in our elected officials, restore electoral interest and encourage public discourse as we together work with a clear vision to execute those substantive goals which provide quality for our families and standards for our community.
- Help farmers in every way possible to ensure that the vital role of agriculture remains a significant financial and cultural anchor.
- Closely work in a win/win relationship with the County Watershed Planning Unit to align our changing water allocation goals with a workable and fiscally responsible strategic plan.
- We need to continue to recognize that we have a wise leadership base in our aging population and yet we must insure that appropriate housing, transportation, medical care and community are in place to accommodate challenges associated with growing old.
"We must have smart long-range planning that accommodates growth, while recognizing the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural resources," Biles said. "Government should provide incentives that promote a strong business, educational, and industrial base that will provide family-wage jobs. These living-wage jobs are the backbone of strong and successful community."
Biles attended Walla Walla Community College, Whitman College and he was also in the United States Peace Corps volunteering in the country of Nepal. He served the community for nearly 15 years as a basketball referee with the Blue Mountain Basketball Officials' Association.