Seamus McVey
Candidate for Seaside City Council
MY background
I have been working to make Seaside a more livable city for several years. Whether as an advocate for the houseless or fighting for the rights of all the citizens of this beautiful community.
I grew up in a military family, participated in Boy Scouts where I earned the rank of Eagle Scout when I was 16, and went on to join the U.S. Army at 18. When I got out of the Army I spent several years working in private security. I spent some years homeless traveling around the country. Overcoming barriers I never thought I would encounter has taught me a lot about myself, and about how the system works for people who are not ensconced in it. In 2005 I began working in addictions, and then in 2018 I started a mental health and addiction recovery program right here in Seaside, and have had the pleasure of being able to step back and watch it grow to be in multiple states. Using the wide range of experiences life has given me has enabled me to seek out creative solutions to problems and teach others to do the same.
Currently, I work for Clatsop Community Action operating the Columbia Inn in Astoria as well as the soon-to-open Esperanza Villiage in Seaside. I also serve on the Clatsop County Human Services Advisory Council.
What can I do for you?
What can we do to make things better in Seaside?
What do you think Seaside is doing right?
I'm here to represent you. Without your input, I cannot do that job. So let me know what you think, good or bad.
If you have ideas, let's explore them to see if they can work.
As a long-time resident and local business owner, I encourage registered voters of Ward 3 in Seaside, Oregon -- especially those interested in humanity, integrity, justice, accountability, courage, and collaboration -- to vote for Seamus McVey. I trust Seamus to always listen to the people of Seaside and to stand up for what's right, based on his years of experience in public service and understanding of how to get things done. He'll fight for us!! I have confidence in Seamus' ability to represent our community and will cast my vote for him. I urge you to do the same! -Sara von Doofenshmirtz
Compassionate, principled and fearless are words I would use to describe Seamus McVey. As a reporter at the Signal, I got to know Seamus in 2016 through his advocacy at Seaside City Hall. It is largely a result of his work that Seaside addressed the homelessness issue long before most other Oregon cities, and helped the city be one of the first in Oregon to craft a homeless ordinance. He doesn’t just take an issue and move on. He’s been leading the way for safer and more lasting solutions for all residents. During an interview in 2022, McVey told me about his own path to a leadership role, his life challenges — a path that may be harsher than most, but something every Seasider can relate to. Seaside residents will want Seamus on their side. He’s invested in making Seaside a better place.
-Rj Marx, former editor of the Seaside Signal
I'm not a real political person. As I have grown to know Seamus, I can tell how he truly cares for the area and the residents of all statuses. He's not just talk, and being genuine matters a lot to me.
-Donna Coburn
Seamus McVey always shows the utmost respect for a great diversity of beliefs, and those who practice those belief systems. He shows patience and caring to those in need within our community, and beyond if he can be of assistance. It's for these qualities and many more that I give him my support.
-Kahina Chicoine
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Seamus over the last 10 years. He is a compassionate person who has overcome so much. All the things life threw at him that were meant to break him, only built him back stronger. He knows what it’s like having lived in the dark and has a passion to help pull others from the dark and give them a chance at knowing a good life. When someone needs help- he jumps at the opportunity, without fail. He stands for those who can’t stand for themselves, and alongside those who can but need some love and support. And would you believe this veteran plays an incredible Santa Claus too?! Is there anything Seamus can’t do? I encourage anyone to sit with him, and learn about him and his thoughts. You may not agree with everything, but if you listen, you will have the opportunity to learn a lot.
- Tonya Houston
With Seamus's strong leadership skills as shown through his A.P.E.S. program. Also his unwavering support and hours of dedication to helping the homeless community. Plus being a disabled veteran. He will be a very strong, effective voice for the people on the Seaside city council.
- Mike Anderson
Endorsements
My Approach