Keeping Waldport Wonderful, Together.
I believe local government works best when it’s accountable, transparent, and focused on serving the people who call our community home. I also believe the best solutions come from listening to one another, working together, and treating each other with respect.
Waldport is a special place. It’s where neighbors support neighbors, where people step up when help is needed, and where we all share a responsibility to leave our community better than we found it. That’s why I’m running for City Council.
My Story
I grew up in La Grande, Oregon, where I learned the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and community involvement.
In 1991, I moved to Oregon’s Central Coast and quickly developed a deep appreciation for the people, communities, and way of life that make this region so special.
In 2006, my children and I made Waldport our home, and it has been my community ever since.
For more than 13 years, I served as the Head of Guest Services for a locally owned vacation rental company. In that role, I worked closely with homeowners, visitors, local businesses, and community partners, helping create positive experiences while balancing the diverse needs of the people we served. Today, I continue to support that business as a consultant.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that successful organizations are built on communication, accountability, and trust. Those same principles guide how I approach leadership and community service.
Why I’m Running
I’m running because I care deeply about Waldport and the people who live here.
Over the years, I’ve listened to friends, neighbors, business owners, and community members talk about their hopes for our city and their concerns about its future. What I’ve heard is that people want thoughtful leadership, open communication, and a voice in the decisions that affect their daily lives.
I don’t believe leadership is about having all the answers. I believe it’s about listening, learning, asking questions, and bringing people together to find solutions.
My goal is simple: to help ensure residents feel informed, respected, and represented while helping keep Waldport the wonderful community we all love.
What Guides Me
Accountability
Public service comes with a responsibility to be transparent, honest, and responsive.
Residents deserve clear communication and leaders who are willing to explain their decisions, listen to concerns, and accept responsibility for their actions. Trust is built through consistency and follow-through.
Neutrality
Every resident deserves to be heard.
I strive to approach issues with an open mind, consider different perspectives, and focus on facts rather than assumptions. Good leadership requires fairness, thoughtful discussion, and a willingness to listen before making decisions.
Community Stewardship
Waldport belongs to all of us.
The decisions we make today affect future generations. I believe we have a responsibility to care for our community, preserve what makes Waldport special, and make decisions that strengthen our city for years to come.
Beyond City Council
Service has always been an important part of my life.
When I’m not working, you’ll often find me volunteering at community events, supporting local organizations, or helping teach CERT and CPR programs. I believe strong communities are built by people who are willing to share their knowledge, lend a hand, and help their neighbors.
Giving back to the community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it continues to shape how I approach leadership and community involvement.
In addition to community volunteering, I have pursued specialized training to better serve and support our community. I am a Emergency Medical Responder and I completed fire academy training and earned certifications as an NFPA Fire Fighter I and NFPA Fire Fighter II, along with certifications in hazardous materials awareness, fire apparatus operation, rope rescue operations, and wildland firefighting. These experiences strengthened my understanding of teamwork, emergency preparedness, and the importance of remaining calm and focused during challenging situations.
I also assist with one of our community’s most cherished traditions each year. As an Assistant Lead Operator with Western Display Fireworks, I help bring the annual fireworks show over Alsea Bay to life, supporting the planning, setup, and safe execution of an event enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
When I’m not volunteering, I’m usually at home with my husband and our dogs. I’m also a proud grandmother and love spending time with my grandchildren, whether we’re roller skating together or creating new memories.
I enjoy photography and turning photos into fairy-tale stories. I’m also an avid crafter and creator behind Elegant Embers, where I make handmade journals and other unique items that you may have seen at the Wednesday Market.
These creative pursuits remind me that every person has a story worth telling and that communities are strongest when people share their talents, experiences, and ideas with one another.
My Commitment
If elected, I will strive to be accessible, respectful, and accountable to the people of Waldport.
I will listen before I speak, seek understanding before judgment, and remember that my responsibility is to serve the entire community.
Whether we agree on every issue or not, I believe meaningful progress begins with respectful conversations between neighbors.
Because keeping Waldport wonderful isn’t the responsibility of one person.
It’s something we do together.
Wendy Rush Knudson
Candidate for Waldport City Council