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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 7, 2018)
9A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 Risley, Benefield prevail in Bonamici cruises to victory Cannon Beach council race Democrat will Voters approve new fire levy By BRENNA VISSER The Daily Astorian CANNON BEACH — Real estate agent Robin Risley and Cannon Beach City Coun- cilor Mike Benefield overtook hotelier Greg Swedenborg for the two open seats on the City Council. With most of the votes counted, Risley had the lead with 37.1 percent, and Bene- field held off Swedenborg 32 percent to 29.2 percent. Mayor Sam Steidel, who ran unopposed, won a second four-year term. While amicable, the City Council race was notably more aggressive compared to recent years, with candidates buck- ing the trend of keeping local advertising and yard signs out of the campaign. Much of the campaign was defined by the candi- dates shared goals of address- ing workforce housing and financing large capital proj- ects like City Hall and South Wind development, as well as the evergreen task of managing a tourism industry with local quality of life. Benefield, who is return- ing for a second term, said he would focus on creating workforce housing, redirect- ing lodging tax dollars to go toward investing more in pub- lic art and developing an event center at the old Cannon Beach Elementary School. “I’m very happy to see the majority of our voters seem to appreciate the vision that I have and also Robin has … We’re very similar in that way,” Benefield said. “I think it ought to be a good council to work with.” Risley, a longtime resident and real estate agent, is joining the council after three decades of public service on planning commissions, parks boards and the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce board. Risley’s campaign largely focused on developing the Cannon Beach Elementary School property, housing, rebuilding City Hall, bolstering the arts and “pre- serving the character of Can- non Beach.” “I’m very excited and thrilled for the support,” Ris- ley said. “I can’t thank every- one enough. I’m looking for- ward to making a difference.” A Cannon Beach native and co-owner of The Waves Oceanfront Lodging, Sweden- borg ran to act as a voice for the business community and working families. In his first bid for public office, Sweden- borg’s campaign mainly cen- tered around creating work- force housing, sustainable tourism and supporting paid parking initiatives, as well as a food and beverage tax to address congestion and infra- structure repairs. “I strongly believe that in the voting population there are a ton of people who moved here in 1999, 2000 — choose the year — and don’t want it to change. Then I come with a platform about changing things — the food and beverage tax, parking … that’s a lot of change they don’t want to see,” he said. “You’ve heard of ‘Can- not Beach’ before? I think that motto holds true, and I don’t think we’re going to see a lot of change.” Swedenborg said overall his first bid for public office was positive and congratulated his opponents. He intends to run again and Risley and Benefield should expect him to be “a usual sus- pect” at City Council meetings, he said. Sixty percent of Cannon Beach voters also approved a five-year renewal of the fire levy Tuesday night, which pays for the fire chief’s salary, vehi- cles, administrative costs and supplies. The levy will raise the tax rate to $0.19 per thousand of assessed property value, up from an average $0.14 voted in five years ago. The measure initially failed during a Sep- tember special election due to low voter turnout. “I am extremely happy the citizens of the fire district went out and voted to support hav- ing a fire chief for the next five years,” Fire Chief Matt Bene- dict said. “The district needs a fire chief.” Balensifer elected Warrenton mayor Prevails over Washington By KATIE FRANKOWICZ The Daily Astorian WARRENTON — Mayor Henry Balensifer handily defeated challenger and Ham- mond resident John Washing- ton on Tuesday. Balensifer, communica- tions manager for Lektro Inc., has served on the Planning Commission and was elected to the City Commission in 2012. He was appointed as mayor last year to serve out the remainder of former Mayor Mark Kujala’s term after Kujala stepped down. He promised to run for election to the post this year. Washington, a retired auto- motive technician and com- mercial truck driver, ran a door-to-door campaign with an emphasis on increased gov- ernment transparency and a renewed focus on Hammond. “I take this election to be a vote of confidence in the (City Commission’s) direction and the goals it has set as well as affirmation of the good work we’ve begun in the last two years since I took on the role of mayor,” Balensifer said after earning 74 percent of the vote to Washington’s 25.2 percent. “It’s been full steam ahead since I took over as mayor,” he added. “And I don’t expect the pace to stop.” The race was the first time Washington had pursued a public office and said it will likely be his last. He has no plans to be involved in city government now that the cam- paign is over. “The people have spoken, and congratulations to him,” Washington said. “Next time I see him, I’ll shake his hand.” Housing, livability and eco- nomic development emerged as dominant themes during the campaign. Washington was firm in his belief that the city could do more to promote the build- ing of affordable and work- force housing, while Balen- sifer pointed often to steps the city has been taking to better understand its housing mar- ket. Balensifer chaired a com- mittee for a countywide hous- ing study. Balensifer cited his proven track record within city gov- ernment and his ability to cooperate with other commis- sioners. He has helped to push forward city ownership of the Hammond Marina, as well as revisit long-term planning documents to help guide future development. He has also held a number of town halls and community meetings to meet with citizens and discuss city issues and projects. Washington, too, noted that the mayor is just one person on a five-member commission and cooperation with other members is key. He clashed with City Commissioner Rick Newton at a meeting in October, however, follow- ing an incident where New- ton crashed a meet-and-greet Washington was hosting. Newton disputed Wash- ington’s claims that the city wasn’t doing enough to inform citizens or deal with ongo- ing issues like the elk herds that roam Warrenton and Hammond. Newton, who was unop- posed, won re-election to a second four-year term on Tuesday. serve in the majority By EDWARD STRATTON The Daily Astorian U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici cruised to vic- tory Tuesday over Republi- can challenger John Verbeek and Libertarian Drew Layda in the state’s 1st Congressio- nal District. The district covers Clat- sop, Columbia, Washington and Yamhill counties, along with a northwestern portion of Multnomah County. Dem- ocrats heavily outnumber Republicans and have long dominated. “Now that the election is over, my hope is that mem- bers of Congress can work together to improve the lives of all Oregonians and Americans,” the congress- woman said in a statement after winning 63.5 percent of the vote. “I will continue to champion quality pub- lic education because edu- cating our future leaders is a good investment. I’ll continue to work to make higher education, housing and health care more acces- sible and affordable. I’ll fight for a robust investment in infrastructure to boost our economy and create good jobs. And I will persist in my fight to protect the envi- ronment, preserve our natu- ral resources, and safeguard public health.” Bonamici, a consumer protection attorney, has not faced a serious challenge since the Democrat defeated Republican Rob Cornilles in a 2012 special election to replace former Democratic Rep. David Wu. She will get her first chance to serve in the majority after Demo- crats captured the House on Tuesday. Her campaign committee has raised nearly $1 million over the past two years. Nei- ther Verbeek nor Layda have campaign committees. Verbeek, a financial adviser, has previously run for the state Legislature and Metro regional government in Portland. Layda, who owns a diving equipment company in Portland, was backed by the Libertarian and Pacific Green parties. Before Congress, Bonamici served two years each in the state House and Senate. Her committee assignments include Educa- tion and the Workforce and Science, Space and Tech- nology. She is the co-chair- woman of caucuses around education, ocean health, estuaries and nursing. Smith takes Gearhart council race Voters also OK pot taxes By R.J. MARX The Daily Astorian GEARHART — City Councilor Kerry Smith won re-election on Tuesday night to Position 1, defeating chal- lenger Jack Zimmerman. “I would like to thank the voters of Gearhart for giving me the opportunity to repre- sent them again,” Smith said after winning 69.4 percent of the vote to Zimmerman’s 29.3 percent. “I appreciate their faith in my work and what I have accomplished in the last four years. … As we move forward, I renew my commitment to listening to my constituents and direct- ing Gearhart in a positive direction.” Smith is an independent contractor and has lived in Gearhart for 33 years. He started his own business 26 years ago and primar- ily has done home remodels in Gearhart and Seaside. He has served as a city councilor since 2014. Smith has called a new fire station the city’s most important concern. The exist- ing fire station, built in 1958 and liable to collapse and flood during a Cascadia Sub- duction Zone earthquake and tsunami, is the topic of years of conversation. City Councilor Paulina Cockrum, who was unop- posed, won re-election to Position 3. Cockrum, a Gearhart res- ident since 1976, served on the Planning Commission before her appointment to the council in 2015. Her goal is to “practice stewardship and work to make Gearhart a bet- ter place when I leave than when I started.” Pot taxes Gearhart voters approved a 3 percent tax on marijuana sales. Gearhart was among a few cities to vote in a tax prior to the legalization of recreational cannabis. In 2014, shortly before state voters approved Measure 91, the city passed an ordinance requiring a 10 percent tax on the sale of rec- reational marijuana and a 5 percent tax for a medical mar- ijuana registry cardholder. The city sought to reduce the tax to keep it line with other cities on the North Coast. County voters on Tuesday also approved a 3 percent tax on marijuana sales. OREGON CAPITAL INSIDER Get the inside scoop on state government and politics! 2018-19 | 29TH SEASON COLUMBIAFORUM November 13, 2018 • 6 p.m. What Just Happened? A look at the November 6, 2018 general Election. John Horvick Vice President and Political Directory at DHM Research Barber keeps role as Seaside mayor Rec expansion bond defeated By R.J. MARX The Daily Astorian SEASIDE — “Let Sea- side Keep Its Mayor,” read the lawn signs throughout the city. Voters heard the request, as Mayor Jay Barber on Tues- day defeated challenger John Chapman, owner and operator of KSWB Productions LLC/ Radio Clatsop. Barber, a former city coun- cilor who filled the vacant seat of the late former Mayor Don Larson in 2016, has lived in Seaside for 11 years. The for- mer president of Warner Pacific University and pastor of a com- munity church in Red Bluff, California, Barber and his wife, Jan, have four grown children and five grandsons. With all members of the City Council returning next year, Barber seeks continuity to pursue projects already under- way, including a $15 million Seaside Civic and Convention Center remodel, urban renewal and providing city infrastruc- ture to relocate schools outside the tsunami inundation zone. “I really appreciate the faith the voters have expressed by voting for me,” Barber said after taking 60.1 percent of the vote to Chapman’s 37.8 per- cent. “I look forward to work- ing with our council, which stays intact as well for the next four years. We live in a great city, and we’ve got a future ahead. I’m honored to be able to serve.” City Council City Councilors Steve Wright, Tita Montero and Dana Phillips each ran unopposed in Ward 1, Ward 2, and Ward 3 and 4. Montero, a councilor since 2010, touted council accom- plishments during the cam- paign, and cited the need for continued work on workforce housing, homelessness, city infrastructure, emergency pre- paredness and quality of life. Phillips, elected in 2010, said she was proud of opportu- nities to assist residents when they have had issues and raised concerns, citing her advo- cacy for those seeking park- ing access for people with disabilities. Wright moved from Gresham to Seaside in 2014. He worked 35 years for an international grain exporter, retiring as chief financial offi- cer in 2013. Rec bond defeated Sixty-six percent of Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District voters gave a thumbs down to a $20 million bond to expand the Broadway aquatic facility. The measure would have funded the expansion of district facilities and provided indoor recreation space at the Sunset Pool, opened in 1977. The tax rate for the bonds was 70 cents per $1,000 in property value, or $140 annually for a home with an assessed value of $200,000. On Tuesday night, Sky- ler Archibald, the rec dis- trict’s executive director, said the organization has strived to meet the needs of residents and guests by providing high-qual- ity recreation programs and facilities. “While the results of Mea- sure 4-196 are not what we were hoping for, we’ll continue to work to meet those needs,” Archibald said. “Throughout our process, we have repeat- edly heard from our residents of the need for more indoor rec- reation space to increase com- munity health and wellness. The district will be proactive in seeking out opportunities to provide that space both for the interim and for the perpetual future.” John regularly presents to the public officials, boards of directors, nonprofit groups and regional and national conferences, including Portland Business Alliance, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, and Oregon Society of American Foresters. John’s insights and commentary for DHM, can often be found in local media such as OPB, the Pamplin Media Group, the Oregonian, the Willamette Week, as well as in various national publications. Columbia Forum Sponsors: • The Daily Astorian • OSU Seafood Laboratory • Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa • Craft 3 • KMUN-FM COLUMBIAFORUM 2018-19 Next: OSU Marine Mammal Science • February 20, 2019 For reservations, to become a member or be added to contact list: Contact Holly Larkins at 503-325-3211x227 or forum@dailyastorian.com To Attend: Forum to be held at (new location): Chef Chris Holen’s NEKST EVENT 175 14th St., Ste 100, Astoria Next to Baked Alaska at the foot of 12th St. Use back-in parking RSVP by November 11, 2018 Members: Dinner & Lecture $25 each; Lecture only free. Non-Members: Dinner & Lecture $35 each; Lecture only $15 each Appetizers available at 6pm. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm. Lecture will begin after dinner.
