LETTER: Jo Brown (5/13/26)

Read Jo’s letter to the editor in the Astorian

May 13, 2026

Astoria has come long way from teenage mutants

“ROLLING!” 

This is how my workday would start as a paint supervisor on “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III.”  The sets were built in a World War II abandoned hanger at Tongue Point.  It was 1993.  I remember how amazed I was by Astoria’s people and history.  This filming took place during a time of struggle for Astoria.  Hotel Elliot, a flop house; the Liberty Theatre chopped up into a multi-plex; cocaine bars, etc. Most just avoided this area.  There was no tourism. 

“CUT!” 

Today much has been accomplished by Astorians building on what we have and who we are.  Both film and tourism are now industries employing our people, respecting our history, and grounded in our beautiful natural environment. 

Mike Brosius has been a part of local efforts to promote our new film museum.  He believes in building on what we have and who we are and through that perspective actively seeks and cultivates opportunities in support of affordable housing, living wage jobs and sustainable growth, all on our terms as a unique, historic and vital community--one that has re-imagined itself again and again.   

Mike deserves our vote for Clatsop County commissioner, District 3.

Jo Lumpkin Brown
Union painter and artist
Astoria