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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 19, 2016)
A10 Blue Mountain Eagle Blue Mountain Eagle LOCAL ELECTION GUIDE JOHN DAY CITY COUNCIL (Vote for three) O n Sept. 30, the Blue Moun- tain Eagle sent each candi- date in a contested race in the November election a certifi ed letter with identical instructions and questions to answer for free publication in this edition. The candidates were informed of the deadline. Not all candidates responded. The following are the answers received to these questions: 1. Please describe the offi ce for which you are running and its im- portance. (50 words or less) 2. Why are you running for this offi ce? (50 words or less) 3. What is your background, and what qualifi cations and ex- perience would you bring to this offi ce? (200 words or less) 4. What issues would you like to address, and how would you do so? (200 words or less) SHERIFF TODD MCKINLEY 1. I am running for the Offi ce of Sheriff, the highest elected of- fi ce in the county. This position is one of trust, truth, ethics, and law, and can steer the course of the people it represents by lead- ing them forward, and being an example. 2. I am seeking this Offi ce, af- ter observing the sheer audacity of individuals that think they can dic- tate the course of Grant County, without the input of all. I love my country, my county and my rights. I cannot sit idly by and watch what we have accomplished be destroyed. 3. I have worked and volun- teered in Emergency Services in Grant County for twenty seven years, with over fifteen years of that time spent employed with the Grant County Sheriff Office. I started my work with the Sher- iff Office as a Reserve Deputy in April of 2000, and then was hired full time in April of 2001 as the School Resource Officer. I worked my way up through the ranks, serving as a Patrol Depu- ty, and then in 2008, I was pro- moted to Undersheriff. During my time with the Office, I have dealt with multiple significant events and cases. I have in ex- cess of 1200 hours of document- ed law enforcement training and have obtained multiple hours of fire, hazmat and extrication training as well. That said I feel my upbringing here, the count- less hours and miles spent on the back of a horse, raising cat- tle, hay, and dealing with forest permits, have given me a much deeper understanding of what Grant County is about, and the struggles it faces. My years working for O’Rorke Logging, and Prairie Wood Products gave me great insight into the timber industry. I have been truly bless- ed to live here and call this my home. 4. If given the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff, I would bring the focus back to the gen- eral duties of Sheriff, being the conservator of the peace of Grant County. I would seek out those who disrupt our peace, and see that they be brought to jus- tice. I will defend Grant Coun- ty, as I have, and continue to do so, against those who, by riot or otherwise, endanger the public peace or safety. I will work to communicate with other agen- cies, regardless of our differenc- es, and keep our lines of commu- nications open. I will mend some broken fences as I believe we as a County, have more than a few. This does not mean giving in to some other’s wishes, but work- ing together for the common good. I see a drug issue in our County, and would like to see more effort put toward curbing this problem. I think that work- ing closely with other agencies can help bring about change in this area. I want to bring pride back to residents, by making good, sound decisions, that are not a gray area, but concise, that will make us once again proud to call Grant County our home. Incumbent Sheriff GLENN E. PALMER did not submit answers to the questions. RICHIE COLBETH 1. I’m running for John Day City Council. Society must have a system of rules administered by a government hopefully of the people, by the people and for the people. Often there are differenc- es of opinion or misunderstand- ings needing clarifi cation between government and its’ citizens; that’s why city councils are important. 2. I’m running for city council not only for my ability, but for my availability. My wife and I love our restaurants and eat out a lot. Few people know who or where their city representatives are; well, I’m user friendly, if you see me come sit down and let’s chat. 3. I’m a retired Air Force NCO. I worked under pressure and got things done right the fi rst time. Many John Day residents have some connection with the mili- tary. I dealt in benefi ts for depen- dents, survivors and veterans and I fought to see that eligible people got what they deserved. I was a Middle School PTA President, a school bus driver / trainer and la- bor union representative; I was on the John Day Budget Committee. After 9/11 I was a Security Screen- er at PDX; I quickly learned when to help frustrated passengers with their carry-on luggage and when to call for help. My wife, Sandy, is a Grant Union graduate. And be- cause of my varied volunteer ac- tivities these past 10 years, I know many people in John Day and they know me. I’ve worked Jane’s Grant County Historical Museum, Hospice, Tobe & Gary’s Ranch & Rodeo Museum. I’ve got a radio program on KJDY Sunday morn- ings. I worked Tammy’s Cham- ber of Commerce and was on Veanne’s Senior Citizen Advisory Council. I’m a life member of the VFW and have worked closely with Commander Gregg Starr. I’m a paralegal and am cognizant of issues, rules, analysis and reach- ing conclusions in the discipline. 4. I have appeared twice before the Council: the Senior Center and County Court say the Pledge of Allegiance and a local pastor says a brief non-sectarian prayer before deliberations; I asked the council to resume doing this as they did at one time but they rejected both my requests. However if I could change anything, it would be the way decisions are reached. The mayors, Bob Quinton and Ron Ludbom, in both cases ran with the ball and the councilors pretty much just sat there. I would like to see the council run in a democrat- ic format where each councilor weighs in with his or her opinion on the issues and majority rules. In case of a tie, only then would the mayor break the silence; actu- ally, I think that’s the way it’s sup- posed to be done; I also think new business on the agenda should be addressed fi rst and not stuck on the end an hour and a half af- ter the meeting is started as mine was. But I am not running for City Council to address my issues, but to be there for any John Day cit- izen with their issues and to treat them with respect. DAVID HOLLAND 1. This is a public offi ce posi- tion that represents the Citizens of John Day. The City Councilor re- sponsibility addresses the needs of the community to ensure that we meet our current and future eco- nomic, sustainability and livabili- ty needs and requirements. 2. As a resident of John Day, I’ve invested over 35 years of my life both as a citizen and past em- ployee of the City of John Day. I would like to continue my efforts in maintaining and building this community as a wonderful place to live and raise a family. 3. As a past Public Works Di- rector for the City of John Day, I have extensive knowledge of the current status and future require- ments of our water and wastewater systems, road system and capital improvement projects. Over the course of my employment tenure with the City of John Day, I have worked closely with City manage- ment during the budget process on developing balanced budgets, city operations and services, improve- ments planning and assets man- agement. I understand the role and procedures of the City Council as a governing body working with City management, and for many years I’ve attended City Council meetings working with the Coun- cil on building a sustainable com- munity foundation and quality of life for the citizens of John Day. 4. Although I believe our base water, waste water, roads, and capital improvement systems are critically important for the com- munity for a sustainable future and quality of life, I believe it is the responsibility of the City Council to address and prioritize all issues in front of the City and keep our community moving progressively and responsibly. With the experi- ence I have with the City of John Day and its operations, I believe I could use those qualifi cations not only to listen and address all issues as they arise, but contribute to solutions that would be ground- ed in reason and fi scally sound. As a John Day City Council we need to ensure that we are meet- ing community needs while pro- gressively planning to meet the present and future requirements for our future generations to enjoy economic growth, sustainability, and a great quality of life. Candidate CHRIS B. LABHART did not submit answers to the ques- tions. STEVE SCHUETTE 1. I am running for re-election to the John Day City Council. The Council works with the City Man- ager in making decisions that af- fect the quality of life for city res- idents and the future growth and progress of the city. 2. The city faces ongoing is- sues with infrastructure such as street maintenance and an aging sewer system, all challenged by a limited budget. I would like the chance to continue working with the City Manager and Council to fi nd innovative ways to problem solve and keep the city moving forward. 3. I have lived in John Day since 1985, and retired from a 29 year career with the Oregon State Police in 2003. In my career I dealt with diffi cult situations and people of many different opin- ions, learning to take all sides into consideration in order to make the best decisions. This approach has served me well during my three terms as a councilor. I have been elected as Council President for the last two terms, which in- cludes conducting Council meet- ings when the Mayor is absent. I serve on both the Council Ad- ministrative and Safety Commit- tee. I have a good understanding of the City budget, and how the process works. As a councilor for the past 11 + years, I understand that worthwhile projects can be a slow process with unforeseen problems to solve along the way. The recently completed fi re hall is a good example. 4. The Council needs to be as prepared as possible to handle the logistics of possibly thousands of people coming to the John Day area for the solar eclipse in Au- gust of 2017. To ensure a positive outcome, we need to continue to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the County Court, other city governments in the County, civic organizations and law enforcement. The current sewer system and infrastructure is long past it’s projected lifespan. Rather than a continued piecemeal band-aid approach, I would like to continue to pursue the possibility of a modern, effi cient hydroponic sewer plant system. I am proud of the grants obtained used to up- grade and install new sidewalks and streetlights. With additional grant money in hand, I look ahead to the completion of this project from 2nd St. to Grant Union High School. As a Council member I am committed to promoting our Industrial Park by exploring all available opportunities for new industry, including the feasibility of a fi ber optic network for both the Industrial Park and the city of John Day. I would like the op- portunity to continue working to make the city of John Day the best that it can be. DON WILLEY 1. I am a running as a candi- date for the John Day City Coun- cil. The city council is important because it exercises authority over the administrative affairs of the city, ie; carrying out city busi- ness, protecting the welfare of the city and its inhabitants, providing community leadership, etc. 2. Serving on the John Day City Council is how I can repre- sent and serve the citizens of John Day. It’s a way I can give the cit- izens of John Day a voice at the city’s governing table. 3. I was born and raised in John Day and I’ve raise my four children here. My wife and I have been married 44 years. I graduated from Grant Union High School. I have lived and worked here all but three years of my life. I have served as a John Day City Councilor for the last 8 years. I bring that experience to the council. Another qualifi cation, and I be- lieve it to be of fi rst importance, is that I am committed to, and love this city. Some experiences that I be- lieve qualify me for the position of city councilor: I have worked in saw mills, worked as a janitor, I’ve driven freight truck, worked as an auto mechanic, I worked 33 years as a manager of a local FM radio station. My list isn’t complete, but its just to say I’m one of you. I’ve been where you’ve been. I can relate to you, the citizens of John Day. 4. There are many issues before the city council in addition to the day to day operations of the city. Some of the more long term issues that are before the city are public safety, economic devel- opment, 9-1-1 emergency com- munications funding, capital and infrastructure improvements, and the continued development of the industrial park. One big issue looming over us is the need of a new wastewater treatment facility, which at some point the DEQ will require the city to build. The city council does not work in a vacuum nor do individu- al councilors work outside the whole council. It takes creativity and team work, when it comes to addressing these issues. You the citizens of John Day, the whole city council and the city manager, must work together; it takes all of us to come up with any real solu- tions to these issues. So how would I address these issues? I would encourage you to get involved, I would not be a “yes man” but a team player, bringing my ideas and yours to the conver- sation but ultimately relying on the whole council and city man- ager to address and resolve these issues as a team. CANYON CITY CITY COUNCIL (Vote for two) RUSS COMER 1. I am running for a city coun- cil position for the city of Canyon City. I believe that city councilors play an important role in local government and are in a unique position to create position change in their community. 2. My interest in running for the position of city councilor stems from my strong sense of community and the belief that I can truly represent the needs of the citizens of Canyon City by continuing to build a strong and healthy community. 3. I have been a resident of Grant County for 24 years and resided in Canyon City for the past 21 years. I am the Execu- tive Director of the Grant Coun- ty Safe Communities Coalition and am a small business owner. I work to stay connected to our Wednesday, October 19, 2016 community by being an active community member; I am an appointed member of the Local Community Advisory Council to our county’s Coordinated Care Organization, a board member of Families First Parent Resource Center and a founding member of the Coalition of Certifi ed Pre- vention Professionals. Through my years of working in the service and professional industries as well as my volunteerism, I have a deep understanding of our community’s needs. 4. If elected, I’d like to con- tinue working towards fostering healthy relationships with neigh- boring towns and our county gov- ernment. I’d also strive to develop an updated strategic plan for Can- yon City. I believe it’s important for the City to have realistic and achievable goals that refl ects the needs of the citizens and continues to move the City in a positive and prosperous direction. NATHAN GORDANIER 1. I will be running for a po- sition on the Canyon City, City Council. This position is import- ant because it is an opportunity to build a bridge between the city and its’ residents. 2. I fi rst considered running for this position because I have been asked by members of the commu- nity. I feel that I will be able to help increase community involve- ment and city policies. 3. Though I may lack political background, I have twelve years of management experience, in a variety of businesses. I am also a volunteer on the Canyon City Fire Department, and on the Grant County Search and Rescue. Over the last fi ve years I have been a part of numerous community events. A few of these events include: 62 Days, Canyon City Challenge, and the Canyon City Haunted House. I plan on bringing the experience I have gained through business man- agement into this position. 4. There are a few things I would like to address if I obtain this position. One is the recent lack of involvement of the city in community events. Another issue that I take seriously is that the Can- yon City Park is not a tobacco free park. That is one thing I would like to work to change. Something I would also like to see is a Farmer’s Market in this community. JUDY KERR (No photo submitted) 1. I am running for the position of Canyon City Council member. This position requires keeping cur- rent and aware of the needs and interests of Canyon City residents. As a 26-year resident of Canyon City, I understand the importance of representing and supporting cit- izens’ concerns to the best of my ability in Council meetings. 2. I am running for this position because I believe I can contribute support and information that may be benefi cial to the City of Canyon City. 3. My most recent background and experience is centered in cur- rent appointments to the Canyon City Planning Commission; Can- yon City Budget Committee; Grant County Road Advisory Board, and Grant County Wildlife Advisory Board. My career experience was predominantly clerical, Public Af- fairs secretary, branch lead secre- tary, civil engineering, road design, contract and document writing, and administering construction contracts while employed by sev- eral government agencies through- out the United States. 4. I would like to see the Canyon City Council involvement extend beyond city physical boundaries where County or other city activi- ties could provide information and a wider scope of understanding of various community interests. At- tending Grant County Court meet- ings has provided me with a wider view of situations affecting our rural communities. I would bring this knowledge to the City Council. Dependency on John Day for util- ity services would be better served by attending John Day city meet- ings to keep current on plans or proposals that affect Canyon City. Canyon City Council should use the opportunity to provide input on all matters that affect local commu- nities and County government. See ELECTION, Page A11
