With no incumbent on the ballot, voters in District 12 will have their pick between Darin Harbick (R), who beat out State Rep. Charlie Conrad at the polls in May, and Michelle Emmons (D), who earned her spot on the ballot with enough write-in votes in the Primary.
District 12 covers Creswell, Cottage Grove, Marcola, McKenzie River, Lowell, and other communities outside our coverage area, such as Oakridge, Junction City, and Coburg.
Both candidates participated in The Chronicle Q&A and submitted a column and bio for voters to consider before Election Day.
Darin Harbick, 55, of McKenzie River, is the co-owner of Harbick Inc., a logging/dump truck business, and served on the McKenzie School Board from 1998-2012 and in 2023. Harbick is married with three adult children.
According to Harbick, one word to describe his leadership style is “commonsense,” one word to describe him at his best is “resilient,” and one word to describe him at his best is “workaholic.”
Michelle Emmons, 55, of Oakridge, is the deputy director of Willamette Riverkeeper and the executive director of the Oakridge Trails Alliance. In 2022, she ran for the D-12 Oregon State Representative against Rep. Charlie Conrad. She has four adult children and three grandchildren. Her spouse also works in outdoor recreation.
Emmons has worked with the City of Eugene, the City of Oakridge Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Oakridge Westfir Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Eugene Inc., the Lane Arts Council, Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, the Oregon Trails Coalition Advisory Committee, and on the Oregon State Parks Recreation Trails Program Committee. She has also worked with Pacific Real Estate Services and Recreational Equipment Inc. and was self-employed.
According to Emmons, one word to describe her leadership style is “authentic,” one word to describe her at her best is “visionary,” and one word to describe her at her best is “overcommitted.”
According to the Small Business Administration’s most recent 2020 study, there are about 18,804 small business owners in D-12, representing about 94.5% of all businesses in the district. What can you do to ensure those small business owners thrive and that D-12 is a place for fledgling entrepreneurs to prosper?
■ DARIN HARBICK: I began my entrepreneurship career at the age of 22 in District 12. It started with operating a grocery store and expanded to a motel, restaurant, and a few businesses in between, ending with Residential Treatment Homes (RTH) for people who suffer with mental illness. I have also served on the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce board for many years, giving me experience not just with my businesses but also in understanding many others in our area through the relationships I built.
I know the red tape, financial pressure, and time constraints business owners face. We must prioritize policies that foster a pro-business environment. I would like to give middle-class families some tax relief to give them opportunities to have more capital to start businesses, and we must streamline permitting processes to help aspiring business owners launch their ventures.
We should advocate for tax incentives aimed at small businesses to encourage growth and job creation. By fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive, we can create a robust local economy that benefits everyone in Lane County.
■ MICHELLE EMMONS: To support the nearly 19,000 small businesses in our district, I’ll focus on creating a business-friendly environment that fosters growth, reduces barriers, and ensures long-term success. First, I will advocate to review and explore options to adjust the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT), which might include a tiered tax structure, raising the minimum gross receipts threshold, and/or providing exceptions for essential services such as pharmacies or small family farms, to help relieve the burden on small businesses and allow them to reinvest in growth. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and a fairer tax structure will make it easier for them to thrive.
Additionally, I’ll push for expanded access to affordable financing and grants for new and existing small businesses, prioritizing local entrepreneurs. By supporting programs that reduce regulatory burdens and increase access to resources, we can make it easier for small business owners to navigate licensing, permitting, and compliance issues.
To further empower entrepreneurs, I’ll support initiatives that connect them with mentorship programs, workforce development resources, and access to technology and training. This includes promoting rural broadband expansion, vital for reaching customers and expanding operations in our digital economy. By implementing these strategies, we can create an environment in D-12 where small business owners have the support and flexibility to grow and innovate.
This year, Creswell’s only independent medical practitioner closed, citing issues with the state’s healthcare industry after the Oregon Medical Group buyout in 2022. This led to increased costs, flat or declining reimbursements, and the countywide exodus of dozens of doctors. Since then, folks have experienced extended wait times to be seen for sometimes the most basic care. What steps will you take to advocate for rural healthcare so that doctors can practice rurally and that healthcare is accessible and affordable for all residents?
■ HARBICK: I have lived my whole life in a rural area – McKenzie Valley – and understand the need for healthcare in small towns. Doctor and nurse shortages are impacting everyone. We are fortunate in our community to have Orchid Clinic provide health care, and I would like every community to have the same access. To make this happen, I support policies that incentivize medical professionals to practice in rural areas and enhance access to telemedicine services, making them more affordable and efficient for residents. Strengthening partnerships between state and federal agencies is vital to securing necessary resources for rural healthcare infrastructure. By incentivizing healthcare providers, expanding training and telehealth services, and promoting health education, we can ensure that quality healthcare is accessible and affordable for all rural residents. This comprehensive approach will help to revitalize our rural healthcare system for future generations. I would also like Oregon to join the interstate nurse licensure compact to encourage nurses to move and work here. I also think reforming regulatory barriers, like Certificate of Need requirements, will promote more treatment facilities to open in rural areas. Unfortunately, bills to do both of these things were killed by Democrats in Salem over the last two sessions.
■ EMMONS: Oregon’s rural healthcare challenges require proactive, community-focused solutions. To support local practitioners and ensure affordable access for residents, I will advocate for funding models prioritizing rural medical services and addressing the flat or declining reimbursement rates that make rural practice unsustainable. This includes reviewing reimbursement structures for independent practices to help doctors remain viable in rural communities like Creswell, where the Oregon Medical Group buyout has resulted in increased costs and strained access.
I will also support initiatives encouraging medical graduates to practice in rural areas through loan forgiveness programs and financial incentives, especially in underserved regions. Collaborating with state and county health departments, I’ll work to streamline regulatory processes, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure providers can deliver timely, quality care. Finally, prioritizing partnerships with healthcare organizations and exploring innovative telehealth solutions will be essential to expand access and alleviate wait times for rural residents.
The City of Cottage Grove has experienced much turmoil this year after three councilors were recalled, another resigned, and other councilors reportedly received death threats. How do you plan to navigate division when faced with it in Salem, and what advice do you have for city governments that are struggling with this issue?
■ HARBICK: When I was on the McKenzie School Board, we didn’t face challenges of death threats, recalls, or people resigning like we see today. Now, with social media, our disagreements are highlighted. I understand what Cottage Grove is facing. I attended three city council meetings, did a ride-a-long with the police, toured the homeless camps, and had conversations with many of the residents of Cottage Grove.
Navigating division in any city like Cottage Grove requires a commitment to open dialogue and respectful engagement. In Salem, I plan to prioritize transparency and communication, ensuring that all voices are heard, even amidst disagreement.
■ EMMONS: Navigating division requires a commitment to open, transparent dialogue grounded in integrity and accountability. My approach fosters collaboration by focusing on shared goals, such as community well-being and sustainable growth. This means actively listening to all perspectives, addressing concerns directly, and building trust through consistent and honest communication.
For city governments like Cottage Grove facing deep-seated divisions, my advice is to establish a culture of respect and mutual understanding from the outset. Leaders must prioritize setting aside personal differences to work for the greater good. By promoting civic engagement and creating clear channels for public input, city councils can bring the community into decision-making processes, ensuring diverse voices are heard. Additionally, de-escalation training for council members and town hall discussions can help reduce tensions and create safe spaces for dialogue. My experience advocating for accountability and stewardship has shown me that transparency, coupled with genuine community involvement, is essential for restoring trust and unity.
Finding solutions to the unhoused issue has proven contentious in rural Lane County. In Cottage Grove, a nonprofit withdrew its $2.3 million offer to help the unhoused, citing misinformation, political turmoil, and a need for community consensus. In Creswell, where no services are available, so residents took matters into their own hands and created mobile shelters for the unhoused. What will you do from the Capitol to address the unhoused issues in rural communities like ours?
■ HARBICK: Addressing the homelessness issue in our community requires a structured approach that prioritizes both residents’ needs and the dignity of those experiencing homelessness.
First, we must establish clear policies that guide how we provide support, ensuring that any initiatives are transparent and effectively communicated to the public. Without clear metrics, we cannot have accountability. I think Oregonians are tired of throwing their money at problems without tangible results or knowing where the failures are. I will work to implement that much-needed accountability.
It’s clear from my time running a treatment home that many of those struggling with homelessness are experiencing drug addiction and/or mental health challenges. We need to address those underlying issues so they can return to productive lives of meaning again.
I look forward to working with local leaders to develop a comprehensive plan that is tailored to the needs of our community. This plan should include regulations for mobile shelters and any other solutions, ensuring they are safe and well-managed. It should also include utilizing federal support to fund essential services like mental health care, job training, and addiction recovery programs. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also aims to prevent homelessness in the future.
Community engagement is vital; we must hold regular meetings to gather feedback and build consensus on proposed solutions. By implementing thoughtful policies and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, we can create a sustainable strategy that benefits both the unhoused and the broader community.
■ EMMONS: Addressing the unhoused crisis in rural Lane County requires a collaborative, locally informed approach. In Salem, I will advocate for increased funding and resources specifically directed toward rural communities, ensuring that counties like Lane can implement tailored solutions. One of my priorities is to streamline state support for nonprofits and community-led initiatives, reducing red tape that often hinders their efforts. This includes grants for transitional housing, mobile shelters, and wraparound services, allowing communities to build solutions that work best for their unique needs.
I also believe that misinformation and lack of consensus are challenges that can be overcome with transparency and proactive communication. I will push for state-level initiatives to foster partnerships between local governments, nonprofits, and residents, creating clear pathways for feedback and community involvement in addressing the unhoused issue. Expanding mental health and addiction services, especially in rural areas, is crucial to supporting our most vulnerable residents and preventing homelessness at its roots. By advocating for these actions at the state level, I aim to empower rural communities like Cottage Grove and Creswell to make progress on this issue with the backing they need.
What strategies do you support to address achievement gaps between different student groups in South Lane schools, such as students of color, students from low-income families, and students with disabilities?
■ HARBICK: I grew up going to McKenzie schools from kindergarten through high school. During my time there, the divisions we had were between low-income students and students with disabilities. Those challenges remain today, but when students, parents, teachers, and administrators model good behavior to all students, regardless of their individual challenges, others will follow suit and can really help a struggling student succeed.
I also support giving families more options to pick the best educational environment for their kids. I would like to expand charter schools, virtual options, and career and technical education programs that empower families to select schools that best meet their children’s needs. This competition can drive improvements in all schools, benefiting students from diverse backgrounds. Investing in targeted support programs for struggling students is also important. Programs that provide mentorship, tutoring, and after-school resources can help bridge the gap.
Lastly, promoting strong early childhood education initiatives can lay the groundwork for future success. By focusing on these strategies, we can create a more equitable education system that prepares all students for success, regardless of their background.
■ EMMONS: To address achievement gaps in South Lane schools, I support strategies prioritizing equitable resources, early intervention, and inclusive support systems. Equitable funding is essential to ensure all schools have the resources to support diverse learning needs for students of color, those from low-income families, and students with disabilities. This includes state-funded grants to enhance literacy, STEM education, and individualized learning programs, especially in under-resourced rural districts. I also advocate for expanding early intervention services to identify and support students’ needs from a young age, helping bridge gaps before they widen. Increasing access to counselors, special education resources, and after-school programs can offer tailored assistance, allowing each student to reach their potential. I support professional development for educators on culturally responsive teaching and strategies that uplift all students, reducing unconscious biases and improving outcomes for marginalized groups.
Partnerships with community organizations can provide additional mentorship, tutoring, and family support services, creating a network that empowers students in and out of the classroom. These strategies, when supported at the state level, can help ensure that every student in South Lane has access to the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.
