Watch the Candidates Forum Recording
If you weren’t able to join us live or would like to watch again, the recording of the May 2026 Primary Candidates Forum is now available.
Elvina Contla is a candidate for Klamath County Commissioner, Position 2, with a professional background rooted in financial oversight, organization, and public service. She has worked in escrow since 2010 and has nearly 16 years of experience handling complex transactions, reviewing detailed documents, and helping people navigate important financial decisions. She is also a longtime mobile notary and signing agent, which has given her the opportunity to work with residents throughout Klamath County, including many of its rural and outlying communities. In addition to her professional experience, Elvina has an extensive volunteer background in Klamath County and has dedicated countless hours to local boards, community projects, youth-centered programs, and nonprofit efforts. Her volunteer work has given her firsthand insight into the challenges local organizations face, from limited funding and aging infrastructure to the need for stronger community support and better long-term planning. That experience has strengthened her belief that county government should be transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on serving residents effectively. Her priorities include stronger financial accountability, better public access to information, support for public safety and infrastructure, and making sure smaller communities outside Klamath Falls have a stronger voice in county government. Elvina is running to bring practical problem-solving, clearer communication, and a service-first approach to county leadership, grounded in transparency, fairness, and commitment to every part of Klamath County
I’m running for re-election because Klamath County deserves leadership that delivers results, protects taxpayers, and keeps our community moving forward.
I have focused on measurable outcomes—not politics. I worked across the aisle to successfully secure nearly $10 million to help local families facing dry and failing domestic wells, protecting people, and property values, across our county. I launched the KF-35 Task Force to prepare our community for the new Kingsley Air National Guard Base mission and to position local workers and businesses to benefit from new economic opportunities.
At the county level, I have taken a hard-line approach to government spending. I restructured departments to eliminate unnecessary administrative costs and improve efficiency. I led efforts to reduce building fees and incentivize construction of much-needed housing. I also advanced county pension reform to help protect long-term financial stability for taxpayers.
I remain strongly committed to supporting family-wage jobs, responsible economic growth, and an environment where small businesses and entrepreneurs can succeed.
Public safety and infrastructure continue to be top priorities. I have prioritized improvements to Highway 97, leading a statewide Commissioners’ effort to push for meaningful safety upgrades to protect our residents and support commerce.
Throughout my service, I have worked to bring people together and focus on practical solutions that move Klamath County forward. I believe government works best when it is accountable, efficient, and focused on the people it serves.
It’s important for Klamath County to have a voice at the table, and no Commissioner has done that better. I have been appointed by previous and current Governor’s, confirmed by the Oregon Senate, to serve on
With your vote, together, we can continue delivering proven, results-focused leadership to Klamath County.
I've lived in Klamath County since 2019, and have come to feel so welcomed here that I now seek the opportunity to serve my community in a greater capacity.
Many of my local constituents may already know me from my current job, and those who do may recognize me as a source of integrity, reasonability, and reliability. It is these key qualities that I intend to bring to the office of County Commissioner.
I am a lifelong Cascadian, and growing up amidst the natural wonder of our region has given me an immense respect for wildlands, wildlife and the necessity to steward them responsibly.
Having lent my ear to the community has shown me the need for resolute safeguarding of the rights of my fellow citizens; which can be accomplished through carefully considering every vote cast, and insisting on evidence-based policy decisions.
I recognize not only all of our Civil and Constitutional rights, but also Tribal rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10th, 1948.
I was born and raised here, started my family here, and have spent my entire life invested in this community. When a place means that much to you, you don't stand by and watch it struggle, you step up and do something about it.
For over 22 years, I've served in the Oregon Air National Guard, rising to Senior Enlisted Leader, managing multimillion dollar budgets, leading complex operations, and being personally accountable for outcomes, not just intentions. Those same standards are what I'm bringing to county government.
My priorities are clear: strengthen public safety and fully fund law enforcement, bring real fiscal discipline to county spending, protect our agricultural heritage and water rights, cut red tape so local businesses can grow, address homelessness with accountability and measurable outcomes, and make county government transparent and accessible to every resident it serves.
I believe the best leaders aren't the ones with all the answers, they're the ones who know how to find them. That means bringing in the right experts, listening to the people closest to the problems, and making decisions based on facts rather than politics. That's how I've led for over two decades, and that's exactly how I'll lead as County Commissioner.
Klamath County has incredible potential and I'm ready to do the hard work and fight for this community to make sure we get there together.
Ballots can be mailed or dropped off at any ballot drop box location. A ballot drop box will be located inside Chiloquin City Hall. Hours are Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri 10 am to 4:30 pm. The last day to drop off ballots is Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The forum will be moderated by John Rademacher, CVIP Board President, who will pose questions submitted by the community.
The forum will be held at the Chiloquin Community Center and will be available online.
The forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Klamath County and Chiloquin Visions in Progress.
