Prineville, Ore. – Prineville City Councilor Jason Carr plans to take his community advocacy across the street to the Crook County Courthouse. Carr will be filing to run for Crook County Commission. Over the past eight years, Carr has served in a number of leadership positions and plans to focus his efforts on economic development, improving communication with the public, and continuing work as a strong advocate in local government.
“We need to invest a significant amount of time making Crook County an attractive location with a business-friendly environment that offers employment for the people who already live here, not just the ones who might be attracted to our beautiful part of the world,” says Carr
As a city councilor, Carr has made smart, cost-competitive infrastructure a priority and wants county government to work proactively with the city to ensure taxpayers are getting a good deal. Carr has experience advocating for businesses of all sizes. He points to his work attracting the data centers, but has spent more time working with the local mills and small businesses like King’s Auto to overcome roadblocks and unnecessary costs to development.
“It’s my goal be a strong advocate in local government,” explains Carr. “Small businesses remain the backbone of our economy and I’ll continue to be a champion for the little guy in town.”
As a former journalist who used to keep public officials accountable, Carr also believes open communication and giving the public a strong voice is the true spirit of democracy. He believes serving in elected office is about giving back to the community.
“I was raised by a father and grandfather who served in our nation’s military and taught me the value of service to our country, to family, and to our neighbors,” explains Carr. “That’s how I’ll approach the job as county commissioner.”
Carr is a native Central Oregonian and moved to Prineville in 2007 to become the community’s economic development director. He was elected to the Prineville City Council in 2012 and currently chairs the city’s downtown revitalization committee. He has been active in the League of Oregon Cities and is chair of the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. Based in Prineville, he presently works in corporate communications for Cypress Renewables, a private energy development company.
Carr has been married to his wife Gwen for 17 years and has two children ages 10 and 12. He’s involved in his local church, volunteers his time as a coach for youth sports, and enjoys exploring the outdoor opportunities in Crook County.
