Steve was first introduced to the city of St. Helens when he
met his wife Robyn, a 4th generation St. Helens native. Steve
quickly fell in love with the town and its people on his visits to
Robyn. They have been married for 30 years and raised three
children.
Steve opened his own law practice over 20 years ago which
has taught him how to effectively communicate with people,
interpret laws, and balance a budget. Steve’s professional
background equips him with a unique blend of legal and
administrative expertise that will serve St. Helens well.
Steve and Robyn have seen just how much St. Helens has changed and not necessarily for the better. In an effort to make a
positive change, Steve decided to get involved. He served on the city’s Planning Commission and educated himself on the
negotiation partners the city works with including: the Port authorities, developers, state regulators, and others. In 2024 he
started the Town Talk Café podcast, to share local stories, address important issues, and celebrate the unique spirit of St.
Helens.
When Steve isn’t working, or educating himself on local issues, he enjoys St. Helens access to the great outdoors. He loves
fishing on his boat in the St. Helens Marina, swimming, and walking on the trails with his wife Robyn. Steve understands the
importance of safe, clean, and fun recreational spaces for families, and he wants to create more of these family friendly
spaces in St. Helens.
Steve is running for the Mayor of St. Helens because he knows he can make a real difference in improving the livability of the
city so residents not only can afford to live here but they can thrive in St. Helens.
I’m Robyn Sharp’s husband - Ben and Bonnie Sharp’s son-in-law. Robyn was St. Helens High School Class President, 1981. I married Robyn 35 years ago in the Old Church in Portland. I’ve spent a lot of time in St. Helens over the last 35 years. I have lots of friends and family in St. Helens and in Columbia County. We could talk about the old St. Helens golf course, and Wildwood opening. Robyn’s Uncle Bob owned the Bar Harbor and Bobby cooked me a lot of breakfasts. Ernie Smith (God rest his soul), was a good friend who died way too young. He helped build the flagpole holding the huge flag on the river. My kids were little and then got big over time attending at least 20 St. Helens 4th of July fireworks shows. I have 750 miles logged on the board at the Eisenshmidt Pool. Robyn’s grandmother, Helen Sharp, worked at the Safeway. Ben and Bonnie owned Zatterberg’s and Sherlocks for many years, with the deer heads mounted on the walls. Ben grew up in a logging camp and he met Bonnie at the Dari Delish. I’ve represented clients at the Columbia County Courthouse.
Due to our love of this place, and its people, and a desire to slow down our hectic lives, Robyn and I decided to move here in 2018. We bought a house in 2019. Covid jump started our plans. We are part of the “work from anywhere” economy. We can live anywhere in the world. We choose to make St. Helens our home. Next year will mark my fifth year of St. Helens residency. Our business, Toschi, Collins, Doyle, and Houvener, APC, employs 4 St. Helens residents, and 1 Portland resident. We employ 28 people. We mostly work, swim, and enjoy our friends here in St. Helens.
Robyn is amazing. She is the controller of the corporation, handles HR, and IT. We have run the business together for more than 20 years. We have many loyal employees who have worked for us for more than 10 years. I have 5 partners, one is a woman, and I’m training the next generation of trial attorneys.
So I have 35 years of St. Helens under my belt, with 5 years here full time. I don’t pretend to know it all, but I’ve certainly gotten to know the people and the values of this community. St. Helens has been for most of its existence a prosperous town, where most people had money to spend, and many stores and businesses flourished. I’ve seen the City struggle. I have a lot of art I bought from stores downtown that aren’t open any longer. I commissioned the large fish, “Wild One,” hanging in the St. Helens Marina. Another work of art Robyn and I commissioned, “Lovely Day,” is printed on bags and sold on cards at the Antonia Doggett’s gallery, “Spilt Ink,” located downtown. We have invested in St. Helens for more than 20 years. We have donated to the pool, to Kiwanis, the museum, and the schools. We are trying to bring back the swimming lessons for school kids. We call it the “Schools to Pools” program. My nephews are going to St. Helens High School and my niece is coaching the SHHS JV Volleyball team. Look me up at the games. I have a boat in the St. Helens Marina with more than 400 hours logged on it in the last two years. I have a radio show on KOHI, Town Talk Café. Check out the podcasts. My goal as Mayor is to ensure that St. Helens reaches its potential. We will once again be known as “Paycheck City” and be the crown jewel of the Columbia.
My opponents have tried to falsely portray me as someone “new” to the town. They both have inflamed old prejudices against “outsiders.” A Mayor is supposed to represent all the people of the City. I’m the only candidate that represents all the citizens. I say, “Welcome to St. Helens,” with a smile. My opponents and their supporters have said things like, “leave town,” “we don’t want California money or California business.” Frankly, my experiences and Robyn’s experiences outside of St. Helens are strengths. I don’t have any biases. The locals know that our City too often has and still does cut corners and does favors for some select locals and this hurts our town and holds us back. It’s time to break that dynamic. Anyway, win or lose, we aren’t going anywhere.