Patrick Birkle for St. Helens City Council

  Work History Director of Religious Education, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, California, 1985-1988 Director of Religious Education, Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, Charleston, West Virginia, 1989-1990 Director of Religious Education, Catholic Communities of Geyser, Stanford, Hobson, and Moore, Montana, 1990-1992 Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate, St. Frederic's, St. Helens, Oregon, 1992-1999     This is the job that brought me and my family to St. Helens. Director, CASA of Columbia County, 1999-2000     This was a bridge job as I completed my Master of Arts in Teaching program and began my teaching public school teaching career. I worked with the Columbia County Commission on Children and Families to establish an independent Court Appointed Special Advocate program in Columbia County. Unfortunately, this independent program was not viable and it was dissolved. Fortunately, a CASA continues in Columbia County throught the auspices of another org...

Initial Thoughts on Tourism  If elected I want to engage residents and businesses in a discussion about tourism in St. Helens.  I think that consideration should be given to the re-establishment of a Tourism Committee. I think that there should be a shift from a focus on events such as Halloweentown and 13 Night on the River to a broader approach to tourism that will attract tourists for other reasons year-round and that will benefit a wider range of businesses beyond those in the River Distrcit. To be continued....

  I have always associated the League of Women Voters with involvement in and promotion of state and national elections. I was surprised, but I suppose that I shouldn't have been, when I received an email invitation to submit information for their Voter's Guide , VOTE411.org. My responses to their three questions are below. Responses were limited to 500 characters. The first two responses are short versions of information that I put in the Oregon voters pamplet. The response to the third question about homelessness is the first time that I have written my thoughts about this topic: What kind of leadership can you bring to the City and the City Council? I will bring 28 years of community engagement to the city council that includes collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit organizations. As an educator, I believe in looking at issues from multiple perspectives. I will be independent from the influence of special interests and give thoughtful consideration to all opinions...

 Here is a draft of my candidate statement to be included in the voter pamplet that will be mailed next month. I am limited to 325 words. Suggestions and comments welcome! PART ONE: REQUIRED INFORMATION OCCUPATION:   Teacher OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND:  Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate, 1985-1998; Director, Columbia County CASA, 2000-2001; Elementary Public School Teacher, 2000-Present EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Cheyenne Central High School, Conception Seminary College, BA Philosophy; St. Thomas Theological Seminary, MDiv; George Fox University, MAT PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE St. Helens School District Board of Directors, City of St. Helens Budget Committee, City of St. Helens Library Board PART TWO: OPTIONAL INFORMATION I am a 28-year resident of St. Helens. I am independent. I did not accept financial contributions and did not seek endorsements. As an educator, I believe in looking at issues from multiple perspectives. I will give thoughtful consideration ...