My story is shaped by my Indigenous roots, my connections to Texas and Montana, and a lifetime of experiences that have taught me the value of hard work, family, community, and service.

Growing up, I learned the importance of perseverance, respecting others, and remembering where you come from. My cultural heritage and life experiences have helped shape who I am and how I approach leadership. I believe our differences strengthen our communities and that everyone deserves to be heard and treated with dignity.

I served for over a decade in the United States Army, including a deployment to Iraq. That experience taught me responsibility, resilience, and the importance of working together, especially during challenging times. As a first-generation college graduate, education has also been central to my journey. I earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Montana, an Executive Master of Public Administration from Portland State University, and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education and Leadership at Pacific University.

For more than 20 years, I've worked in public service across federal, state, and local government and higher education. My career has included human resources, public policy, organizational leadership, education, and community services. These experiences have shown me how government works, where it falls short, and why transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership matter.

Beyond my professional life, I'm a veteran, a student, and a neighbor. I enjoy the outdoors, exploring Oregon's trails and waterfalls, and spending time with family. I value the small-town character, natural beauty, and sense of community that makes North Plains special.

I'm running for North Plains City Council because I believe our community deserves thoughtful leadership that listens, brings people together, and plans responsibly for the future. I want to help protect what makes our town special while supporting local businesses, strengthening city services, and restoring confidence in local government.

My journey has taken me through different places, cultures, and experiences, but one belief has remained constant: leadership is about serving others, not yourself.

I'm Matt Blancas, and I'd be honored to earn your vote.

A neighbor. A leader. A voice for North Plains.