I had the privilege of serving on the Lincoln County Council on Aging with Bill Hall. He is what I often think of as an oxymoron, a “working politician.” He serves all of the constituents in Lincoln County, including those that do not always have a voice (or a vote) - the disenfranchised, the children, the elderly, the homeless. He does not pursue only his own personal agenda.

We, as voters, have an opportunity in this election to choose someone with integrity, a solid work ethic and a sense of civic responsibility. I hope you will join me in voting for Bill Hall as Lincoln County Commissioner.

Brenda Adams, Newport                        Published October 31, 2008

I am pleased to write this letter in support of Bill Hall who is currently running for re-election as a Lincoln County Commissioner.

I have known Bill for over 14 years and believe he has served the citizens of Lincoln County well during the last four years as a County Commissioner. Bill is a tireless supporter of senior citizens and public safety, a strong advocate for affordable housing, and I have witnessed him as a vocal advocate when representing Lincoln County at a wide variety of public and private business and community organizations.

Bill Hall has worked hard during these past four years and has proven himself to be a quick learner well versed in the myriad of complicated issues facing our county. He always has the interests of the County's citizens first. He has earned the opportunity for another term and I urge you to join me in voting for Bill Hall for Lincoln County Commissioner.

Doug Hunt, Toledo      Published October 29, 2008

The people of Lincoln County have a commissioner you can be proud of. I have worked with Commissioner Bill Hall on a regional basis for several years. We both are executive board members of Cascade West Council of Governments, serving senior and disability services. I have greatly appreciated Bill's insight on policy matters. He is a commissioner who is committed to his constituents and supporting programs to better their quality of life.

His leadership skills have shined here in the Willamette Valley. We both have been working on finding solutions to the rising homeless problem our state has been faced. Bill helped draft the Lincoln County Ten Year Homeless Plan. As co-chair of Linn County's Ten Year Homeless Plan, we used Lincoln County's Plan as a foundation base for our plan. Other counties in the state have been following the work of Lincoln County. Thanks to Bill, with his leadership skills, we are able to work collaboratively statewide in reducing the numbers of homelessness.

I have personally worked with many elected officials from the local to state level, it takes patience and caring to be a public servant and that describes Bill. Please send him your support by re-electing Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Hall.

Sharon Konopa, Albany City Councilor             Published October 29, 2008

I am writing to support the re-election of county commissioner Bill Hall. As a former Lincoln City city councilor, I have had the pleasure of working with Bill on our 10-year plan for addressing county homelessness. I have also worked with him to support and further the efforts of a nonprofit organization called Thugz off Drugz. This organization provides homeless addicts with housing and the opportunity to change their lives.
Bill's four-year record of service to the citizens of Lincoln County is solid evidence of his commitment and dedication to his constituents. He has worked to expand the ordinance that requires repeat drunken drivers to forfeit their vehicles. He also oversaw the expansion of our county Veteran's Service Office. Additionally, he has successfully opposed a plan to close three of the Senior Meal Sites in the county.
I believe Bill has worked to make Lincoln County a healthier, safer place to live. Please re-elect Bill Hall as Lincoln County commissioner.
Chester Noreikis, Lincoln City        Published October 22, 2008

Three important reasons to re-elect County Commissioner Bill Hall:

1) His recorded as one of our county's most honest, reliable newsmen who has become one of our most honest, reliable commissioners;

2) His role in reviving leadership to address neglected human services for our county's seniors, youth and homeless; and

3) His laser grasp on how Lincoln County's economic health is tied inextricably to its environmental health.

Many of us who watched and appreciated Bill Hall's years as a newspaper reporter and radio newsman learned to respect and trust his objectivity and dedication as a scrupulous fact-checker. And it's been heartening to watch and appreciate how Bill Hall has translated these journalistic qualities into tackling many of the county's most critical issues during his first term.

As one of three commissioners, Hall is a proven team-worker.

He's the current member who's zeroed in to identify groups who most need and deserve county services, but who remain somewhat invisible. Programs for seniors without transportation and adequate diet are now underway. Counseling, clothing and save havens from abuse for youth are better provided. And Hall is recognized at the state level for his sparkplug efforts in early planning, fund finding and creating shelter especially for our county's alarming number of homeless children and aged.

Perhaps no recent county commissioner has seen and addressed the connection between Lincoln County's economic and environmental health as Bill Hall.

With an economy built on tourism, fishing, timber and retirement income, our county cannot ignore the near-matchless natural resources which attract these economies: Clean beaches, clean air, intact forests, recovering recreational and commercial fish species and protected landscapes for wise and appropriate development.

Hall became an early and active supporter of marine reserves and wave energy research, recognizing their practical and economic potentials. He led in setting aside a half-million dollars for acquiring conservation easements on properties of scenic and environmental value. He joined coastal mayors in a test project to limit roadside use of herbicides to be replaced with mechanical management. And he was one of the few elected officials who initially studied and endorsed the Pew and U.S. Ocean Policy reports which urged all three west coastal states to collaborate on protecting their interlinked shorelands, near-shore habitats, and offshore fisheries.

As our county faces funding reductions because of upcoming tax deficits from local, state, and federal sources, we need to re-elect an experienced commissioner who's demonstrated skill in managing policy, priorities and compassion.

That's Bill Hall.
Charlotte Mills, Tidewater                    Published October 17, 2008    

Another election and opportunity to select people who best represent our needs and values is fast approaching. We look to people who possess good character qualities to provide an ethical and moral basis to guide them in representing our needs and hopes for the future. Commissioner Bill Hall has certainly demonstrated those qualities and more.

While Bill has shown his compassion for people; especially for those who are struggling to feed, clothe, and provide shelter for themselves and their family members, he has also demonstrated his understanding that government's first obligation is to ensure the safety and security of all of our citizens.

Commissioner Hall has demonstrated his strong support for public safety in Lincoln County. The progress and success of our Sheriff's Office in the past three and one-half years could not have occurred without the assistance and support of Commissioner Hall.

Bill cares about our safety and security and that translates into a strong commitment to improve our quality of life in Lincoln County.

Please join me in re-electing Commissioner Bill Hall.
Lincoln County Sheriff  Dennis Dotson  Published October 15, 2008

 I am very proud to support the re-election of County Commissioner, Bill Hall. He has been one of the most dedicated county commissioners in the state. I am hoping that people won't fall for the false claims made by his opponents that Lincoln County suffers from "poor fiscal accountability and condition." This claim is baseless. I speak from 11 years of experience as a Multnomah County Commissioner as well as a year's service on the Lincoln County Budget Committee. I can assure you that the county has maintained and improved services to their residents, continued to build its reserves, and won awards for its fiscal reporting. Lincoln County is a model for responsible and accountable spending and budgeting.

Bill and I serve together on the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs. He is an effective advocate locally on human services issues. The Drug Court he instituted is but one example of his leadership skills. He cares deeply about all the people in Lincoln County. We need to keep him working for all of us!
Sharron Kelley Gleneden Beach   Published October 15, 2008

 I would like to pledge my support to Bill C. Hall, Lincoln County Commissioner. As a citizen of Lincoln County I appreciate all he has done for the homeless. He helped bring in money from the state to help with runaway and homeless youth and to work towards housing for the chronically homeless. He helped bring in state funds to fight against substance abuse. He has helped keep Senior Meals sites open. He has helped those who needed it most. I appreciate and admire him for that. We are lucky to have him as our county commissioner. 
Patti Siberz Neotsu  Published October 15, 2008

 Bill Hall has served Lincoln County with integrity and with heart for almost four years. His concern for all residents of our community is apparent through his geographic presence, his various committees and donated time to community services and events, as well as the hundreds of thousands of dollars of funding he has helped to bring in for programs that serve the economy and the less fortunate of our neighborhoods.

Commissioner Hall works well with the other Commissioners, and the three of them together create a harmonious working relationship that serves us all very well in the state, and even national forums. Our Plan to End Homelessness is a model program at the federal level, and it could not have happened without Commissioner Hall's leadership. He most recently took a major role in receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Partnership Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse to fight underage drinking in our community. Bill was the Chair of the agency's Building Committee when My Sisters' Place built the county's much needed domestic violence shelter. He serves on the Boards of Samaritan House and The Trueman Recovery Center. Bill is the Chair of the Lincoln-Linn-Lane-Benton Regional Investment Board, and sits on the Region 4 Workforce Investment Board. He was appointed by the Governor to the statewide Council on Alcohol and Drug Programs, and is now the co-chair of that Council.

Bill is open about his positions on anything of consequence to this county. Visit his web-site at www.billchall.com for information, or better yet, go to one of the upcoming candidate forums. After you've seen what an asset we have in him, please join me in re-electing Bill Hall as our County Commissioner.
Theresa Wisner, Newport  Published October 15, 2008

 Having known Bill Hall before he was a county commissioner, I know him well. He has not only a wide breadth of knowledge, but also he is intellectually sharp. Now that is important in a county commissioner, but so is integrity, which Bill is blessed with.

Since I have followed his career as a commissioner, I am most pleased with his performance, and so I recommend him for re-election.
C. Norman Winningstad, Newport    Published October 8, 2008

 Bill Hall is a very caring person. He not only speaks of caring about the plight of the less fortunate, but he has worked hard on their behalf. He also works hard to provide the best services for all citizens of Lincoln County.

I work with him on the Samaritan House Board. He is an excellent, contributing board member. My husband and I have seen him in action at county commissioner board and budget meetings during the past two years. We are going to vote for him and would encourage you to vote for him too.

 For the past four years, County Commissioner Bill Hall has worked diligently to serve the people of Lincoln County. He has a genuine concern and compassion for everyone, but especially for those less fortunate: the homeless, the aging, the young and victims of drug abuse.

He worked to secure $540,000 in state money to establish six units of permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless.

Bill successfully kept meal centers open for seniors when these services were threatened with closure.

 Bill Hall has been a great county commissioner. That is why we will be voting for him in November. He has shown himself to be highly competent, compassionate and dedicated to the residents of Lincoln County. He has become expert in nearly all the facets of county government and has shown special skills in fostering and supporting programs that help the less fortunate people in our county. His assistance to the homeless has been especially commendable.

In addition to his official duties, Bill serves on several boards of local homeless facilities. He helped develop Lincoln County's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. The plan is only one year old, and largely through Bill's efforts, has made numerous accomplishments.

We feel a reelected Bill Hall will continue to serve all citizens of Lincoln County in an exemplary manner.

 In my estimation, we have never had a more caring county commissioner than Bill Hall.

I understand he is up for re-election. I know firsthand how understanding Commissioner Hall has been where seniors are concerned (since I am one). When closure of the meal sites was threatened, it was Bill Hall who managed to keep them operating, much to the joy of seniors who not only need the well balanced meals, but the camaraderie of fellow seniors as well as we gather at the various community centers.

Everyone knows what Bill has accomplished to benefit the homeless - his goals and successes are far too numerous to mention here.

Bottom line: Just make certain you vote in November for the man who has done the most for all the citizens of Lincoln County, Commissioner Bill Hall.

Edna Abbott, Toledo       Published Sept. 3, 2008

 Bill Hall has shown his capabilities as a community leader. He gave his support to homeless advocacy while he was still giving us the news each morning. He participated in every endeavor to bring much needed assistance to the non-profits who were working with low-income families and the homeless as well.

Bill answers the phone, he is approachable to his constituents, and he has worked well with both (Commissioners) Don (Lindly) and Terry (Thompson) to promote fiscal health in Lincoln County for all its residents.

I, for one, am proud to know Bill Hall. He was instrumental in seeing many changes in how the county deals with homeless, as well as the less fortunate low-income working class. Thank you, Bill.

Jack C. Nelson. Toledo
Published March 12, 2008

Letters from the 2004 campaign

 In the upcoming election for the Lincoln County Commissioner, we have the opportunity to elect a rare combination of horse-sense and brilliance. Seldom does this come in one package.

I have known Bill Hall for years now, and have enjoyed the association, since he is not only personable, but has an insight to discussions that shows his ability to see through, not only the core of the matter, but also the solution to the problems.

I would certainly recommend a vote for Bill Hall for Lincoln County Commissioner as a real step forward
- C. Norman Winningstad

I have known Bill for almost 16 years and think he is about the smartest man I have ever met. The late Dr. Selmer Westby, PHD in English Literature, a very special man and mutual friend of ours, lived to be 97 and regarded Bill as the smartest man he had ever met.

Bill is very knowledgeable and well read, and keeps up on everything that is happening all over the world. He is also one of the humblest men I have ever known. He listens to all sides of an issue, seeing good and bad points, and then gives a fair and just decision benefiting as many as possible. His sense of honesty, fairness, and being always well-balanced makes him the right person for the job of County Commissioners. A vote for Bill Hall is a vote for all of us.
- Donna Mazzeo

I believe I have known Bill Hall longer than any person in Lincoln County. We first met in 1969 when Bill was 9 years old and vacationing with his family on the Oregon coast. Our families became fast friends and my husband and I have followed Bill through his academic years and welcomed him to Newport in 1987 when he became a reporter for the News-Times, and since 1991 as the familiar voice of newscaster on KNPT radio and its sister stations.

Bill's knowledge of our area has been enhanced by his work here over the last 18 years, and I feel certain that the honesty, sincerity, and clear thinking he has always given his work is a part of him that will remain with him as Lincoln County Commissioner.

Your vote for Bill Hall is assurance that your best interests will always be his top priority.Bill Hall has my support for Lincoln County Commissioner.
- Suzane Westby

I have known Bill for more than 12 years and throughout his tenure as the news director for KNPT radio and its sister stations.

Bill demonstrates the critical characteristics necessary to be a county commissioner. He is a good listener and has the skills to examine all aspects of an issue before coming to a decision. He will represent all areas of the county with an open mind and without biases or other hidden agendas. Also, as a journalist Bill has learned not to jump to conclusions, but to research an issue and then reach a decision - all skills that will make Bill Hall an excellent county commissioner.

Along with these critical skills, Bill has the necessary knowledge of Lincoln County and of the county commission. Bill has covered the county and the commission for more than 18 years as both a newspaper reporter and in his current position as radio news director. Bill will bring a fresh viewpoint to the commission board supported by his knowledge of the board's actions and decisions, which he has gained through years of covering commission meetings.

Bill Hall has the skills, knowledge, and commitment necessary to be a successful county commissioner. I urge you to join me in voting for Bill Hall.
- Doug Hunt

It is my pleasure to support Bill Hall for Lincoln County Commissioner. I have known Bill for over 12 years, and the first word that comes to mind in describing him is "compassion." Bill has a loving, caring heart. Yes, it is important for Lincoln County to be represented by wisdom, fiscal responsibility and vision. Bill shares in all of those qualities. We are even better served when that intelligence, prudence, and foresight are inspired by a compassionate heart. Please join me in voting for Bill Hall for county commissioner.
- Don Taylor

I am voting for Bill Hall for Lincoln County Commissioner. When Commissioner Jean Cowan decided to retire at the end of her current term in order to run for State Representative, I was delighted to learn that Bill Hall had filed for her seat.

I have followed the career of Bill Hall since he arrived in Lincoln County in 1987. He and I met when he was a reporter for the News-Times and he covered the board meetings for Oregon Coast Community College during the early years of the college. Since then, he has worked for the Toledo radio station, KZUS, in 1990 and from 1991 to present, he has served as the news director for the five radio stations of the Yaquina Bay Communications, KNPT, KYTE, U92, KCRF, and KBCH.

Throughout the years, Bill Hall has been exemplary in his profession: he listens; he does his research and gets the facts straight; he takes action and responsibility for those actions; and, he is not afraid to make difficult decisions.

Bill Hall as Lincoln County Commissioner, will follow in Oregon's tradition of selecting political leaders from the news media such as, Governor Tom McCall, Senator Richard Neuberger and Secretary of State Bill Bradbury. Bill Hall will be the new bright star from the news media who will continue the tradition of leading with openness, honesty, and grit. He is the perfect person for this position at this time, when we as voters are expecting government to do more with fewer resources and expecting a greater level of accountability.
- Sandy Roumagoux

My wife and I have known Bill Hall for nearly 20 years. He has always been a knowledgeable man who reads and studies all the issues thoroughly. He's a fair-minded person who thinks out what's best for the entire community - not for just a few.

 His position as news director for our radio station has given him a personal insight on the problems we face here in Lincoln County. He's a hard-working man, not afraid of putting in long hours to get the job done.

Bill Hall is a caring person. He realizes the needs of the children in our schools and the problems of the elderly. It's time for a new, fresh face in Lincoln County's political process. Bill Hall is the man who can do the job.
- Fred and Donna Mazzeo

I have known Bill Hall for over 15 years. From his position as a reporter and editor at the News-Times through his current position as News Director for Yaquina Bay Communications, he has attended, perhaps, more government meetings than most of the county's representatives. His knowledge of Lincoln County, its government and issues is comprehensive. I have always been impressed by Bill's sense of fairness, his intelligence, honesty and integrity. I sincerely believe he is an excellent choice for Commissioner and will serve the communities of Lincoln County well. I urge you to vote for Bill Hall for a better Lincoln County.
- Tricia Morgan