Smith endorses Corbett’s Thiemann for HD52

By Marcus Hathcock

The Sandy Post, Mar 20, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (2 Reader comments)

Phyllis Thiemann.

contributed photo / the sandy post

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Phyllis Thiemann says she is ready to continue the “great work” of Rep. Patti Smith and is the best choice for House District 52 voters who wish to see that legacy go on.

“I want to make sure that citizens are represented in the House and that we don’t lose our voice,” Thiemann said.

Smith agrees; she endorsed Thiemann last week.

“I think she’s great, and I’m proud of her for throwing her hat into the ring,” Smith said. “I was real pleased to see that a small-business owner wanted to do this … we need more people like her in the Legislature.”

Smith describes Thiemann as a “big supporter,” an acquaintance and someone “who has been very involved in the political arena.”

“I haven’t found anything we disagree on yet, but we haven’t had a lot of time yet to talk about all the issues,” Smith said. “She has a lot of experience in recreation and tourism, which is where this district is headed.”

Thiemann, 53, is the co-owner of the Brickhaven Bed and Breakfast in Corbett – Patti Smith’s hometown – and works as the marketing and event coordinator for the city and port of Cascade Locks.

Thiemann comes into her campaign with more direct leadership experience than Smith had when she first ran. Thiemann has served as president of the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce and was on the governmental affairs committee for that organization, serving as a representative for the business community on issues such as transportation and public safety, among others.

She also has served as president of the Columbia River Gorge Visitors’ Association, and has been a part of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department citizen’s advisory board (CBAC), the East Metro Economic Alliance, the Future Forum Committee for the Columbia Gorge and the Community Advisory Team for the Columbia Gorge.

Her previous occupational experience includes work as a real estate agent, UPS driver and sales administrator for Freightliner. She is a graduate of Camas High School.

All of that experience, Thiemann says, prepares her for the Legislature because she has, firsthand, dealt with many of the issues facing the district.

“I’ve learned in a trial by fire over the last eight years, dealing with special-interest groups and land-use planners,” Thiemann said. “It’s actually served me well in the fact that I can try to work through the political mire. Because of the land-use issues that have gone through with the bed and breakfast, I’ve become intimately acquainted with some of the regulations … and the challenges we face.”

Thiemann said she would address and balance the big issues of the Sandy area: Highway 26 safety, recreation opportunities and tourism.

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