Planning Commission applicant Michael Soule backs rural protections, urges consistency in county code

Michael Soule, an attorney and Polk County resident, told the Polk County Board of Commissioners during his March 31 interview that protecting farm and forest land and directing growth to incorporated cities are his top priorities if appointed to the Planning Commission.

Soule said he would press for consistent application of land-use laws and resist "incremental exceptions" that he said can erode the integrity of the comprehensive plan. "Protecting farm and forest land definitely is a big one," he said, adding that directing growth to cities reduces infrastructure costs and avoids inefficient sprawl.

The comments came during a scheduled interview for a vacancy on the county's Planning Commission. Soule introduced himself as an attorney who lives in Polk County and said he applied because he recently bought a home in the county and wants to help preserve the area's rural character and economic base tied to agriculture, timber and small business.

Soule told commissioners that while private property rights are important, government regulation is justified where safety or incompatible uses require it. "I just think there has to be a good balance," he said.

On whether Polk County should be more restrictive than state law, Soule said generally no, arguing Oregon's land-use framework is highly regulated and that local restrictions should be added only with clear evidence and purpose. He suggested state-level flexibility for rural communities and recommended county code changes that increase clarity and reduce delay or litigation.

When asked about Polk County's performance in carrying out statewide land-use goals, Soule said the county appears to be doing a "really good job," citing alignment between the county comprehensive plan and statewide goals. He also described experience working with diverse stakeholders to reach practical solutions in prior legal work.

Soule acknowledged he had not previously attended a Polk County Planning Commission meeting and had not spoken with the director; commissioners asked those follow-ups before thanking him for appearing. Commissioner Gordon said the board would be in contact about next steps. The board took no formal vote on the appointment during the meeting and adjourned later the same day.

Next steps: the board did not vote on an appointment at this meeting; commissioners said they would follow up with the applicant.