30 Year Yamhill County Farmer 5th Generation Oregonian Business Owner
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Leading by Example & Getting the Job Done
Preserving Farmland & Protecting Property Rights
Preserving Farmland & Protecting Property Rights
Public service is about more than holding office. It’s about showing up, volunteering, and giving back. As an elected official, I believe the best way to lead is by serving alongside the people I represent.
Preserving Farmland & Protecting Property Rights
Preserving Farmland & Protecting Property Rights
Preserving Farmland & Protecting Property Rights
Growing up farming taught me the value of a strong local agricultural economy and owning land taught me the importance of property rights. Protecting both is how we protect our way of life here in Yamhill County.
Keeping Government Accountable
Preserving Farmland & Protecting Property Rights
Keeping Government Accountable
As a farmer and business owner, I know firsthand how tough it can be to keep things running. That’s why I’ll fight against higher taxes and unnecessary red tape because hardworking people don’t need more barriers, they need leaders who make it easier to succeed.
Steady Leadership matters.
Protecting Essential Services with NO NEW TAXES or Tax Increases
The property tax rate in Yamhill County has remained unchanged since 1998 — the same year my wife and I graduated from Dayton High School.
Since then, our family has celebrated three more graduations — including our youngest daughter from Dayton High School and our oldest from McMinnville High School, and later from George Fox University.
Over those same 27 years, the cost of living has steadily climbed — groceries, gas, utilities, insurance. Families have had to tighten their budgets and make tough choices. County government has to do the same.
Instead of coming back to the taxpayers for more, fiscally conservative County Commissioners have lived within their means — prioritizing essential services, improving roads and parks, and maintaining public safety — all while holding the line on the tax rate, maintaining a balanced budget, and keeping enough money in our reserves for unforeseen emergencies.
That’s responsible stewardship — protecting taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars while keeping Yamhill County strong for the next generation.
YAMHILL COUNTY IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK!
Protecting Our Farms
Protecting Our Farms
Protecting Our Farms
With three decades of experience farming this land, I’ve seen firsthand how top-down policies can hinder our work. Despite these challenges, Yamhill County remains one of the premier agricultural regions in Oregon—and we must keep it that way. Our future depends on leadership that understands and respects Exclusive Farm Use zoning. Our high-value crops do more than just feed people; they are the engine of our local economy and tax base. Looking at neighbors like Benton County, who saw a staggering 24% loss in farmland between 2017 and 2022, it is clear that we cannot take our land for granted. We must protect our agricultural heritage.
Preserving Our Parks
Protecting Our Farms
Protecting Our Farms
Just as Yamhill County leads the way in agriculture, we rank among the top ten in the state for the number of county owned parks. My mission has been to make every county owned park accessible to the public. We recently successfully cleared the deed restrictions for Metsker Park at Rainbow Lake and Baker Creek Falls. Moving forward, I am focused on maximizing our county assets; by developing prime locations into RV sites, we can generate sustainable revenue to fund our parks system without asking taxpayers for more money. It’s about being good stewards of our land and our budget—and taking care of what we already have!
"Kit Johnston has proven that he is a dedicated leader, committed to protecting our farms and maximizing our park potential!"
Keeping Our County Pro-Business!
As a business owner, I understand what it means to meet payroll, manage rising costs, navigate regulations, balance a budget, and still deliver for your customers. Small businesses aren’t just part of our economy — they are our economy.
Here in Yamhill County, our downtown shops, family farms, tradespeople, vineyards, and startups form the backbone of our communities. From McMinnville to Newberg, Dayton to Sheridan, local businesses create jobs, sponsor youth sports, support nonprofits, and reinvest in our neighborhoods.
Being pro-business means:
- Keeping taxes predictable and stable
- Cutting unnecessary red tape
- Making permitting clear and efficient
- Investing in infrastructure that supports growth
- Protecting public safety so businesses can thrive
Government shouldn’t create obstacles for the people driving our economy. It should be a partner — focused on smart policy, steady leadership, and creating an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed.
That’s why I made it a priority to formally include every Chamber of Commerce in Yamhill County in the Commissioners’ liaison responsibilities — ensuring small businesses have a direct line to county leadership. I personally serve as liaison to three of the four chambers because staying connected to our business community is essential.
Leadership means showing up, listening, and making sure local employers have a seat at the table. I’ll continue working to keep Yamhill County a place where hard work is rewarded, opportunity is real, and businesses can grow with confidence.
Public Health and Safety is a Priority
Law Enforcement
When our communities are safe, businesses and families can thrive. I remain committed to backing our law enforcement officers and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to do their job.
Safe Roads
Securing state and federal funding to fix dangerous intersections isn’t optional. I won’t stop fighting for our share of state and federal dollars to make our roads safer. Love them or hate them — roundabouts reduce fatalities by 90%!
Mental Health
Addiction affects families every day. Yamhill County needs an inpatient medical treatment option close to home. I am committed to continuing the work with fellow elected officials to make that service a reality for our community.