2 weeks Ago
Editor's Note: So that voters can compare Sweet Home candidates on their priorities, Mid-Valley Media sent a questionnaire to all the candidates. Five responded. The field is wide open, with 12 candidates vying for four at-large seats on Nov.
5 and three incumbents — Greg Mahler, Dave Trask and Lisa Gourley — choosing not to run again. Meanwhile, incumbent Angelita Sanchez is seeking reelection. The three candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected to four-year terms and the candidate with the fourth highest number of votes will serve a two-year term.
Candidates who responded to our questionnaire are listed here alphabetically. Why are you running for City Council? Chelsea Augsburger: As a lifelong resident of Sweet Home, I care about the future of our town and would be honored to earn your vote. I'll represent all citizens, promoting fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency.
Matthew Bechtel: This council has a reputation for not being able to get agenda items accomplished. I want to help end this gridlock by encouraging open communications and return integrity to the City Council. Ken Bronson: Council has been in a dysfunctional stalemate for the last two years.
With three councilors choosing not to re-up, it's time for new blood that can work as a team. I have spent my life building successful teams in the private and public sectors to achieve a common goal. I bring teamwork and leadership with common sense to the council.
Elaine Evans: I want to be a voice for those around me. I think a problem of the present City Council is people don't feel like they are being heard. People's wishes need to be addressed more.
It's not what the council wants; it should be what the people want. Angelita Sanchez: Our city faces many challenges, and I feel my experience is needed. There is still ongoing work that needs to be completed.
What experience do you have that makes you a good candidate for City Council? Chelsea Augsburger: I have been a local teacher, worked at the Sweet Home Planning Department, as well as the Linn County Assessor's Office. I am well-versed in the issues our city is facing and am well-equipped to navigate those challenges to bring what is best for our town. Matthew Bechtel: As an Iraqi veteran, I have served in tough situations.
I have experience managing small teams. I am currently serving as the chair for the Budget Committee, a member of the Park and Tree Committee, and I am the director of Hope Church Food Pantry. Ken Bronson: Board of Directors, Sweet Home Senior Center (current).
Linn County Parks Advisory Board, current chair; Linn County Transit Advisory Council, current chair; Sweet Home Rotary, past president, current treasurer. Past: Pleasant Hill School Board and more. Elaine Evans: I have a background in speech communications, including interpersonal communication.
I feel that these skills help me interact with others well, so that business can be dealt with in a timely and effective manner. Angelita Sanchez: As a fourth generation resident and a small business owner, I'm passionate about Sweet Home. I'm currently serving as a voice for the residents on the City Council.
I have strong relationships with county and state elected officials. What issues do you think are most important to address as a city councilor? Chelsea Augsburger: The Green Peter drawdowns, our downtown, addressing homelessness, water rates, our city's growth and an overall transparency to our community about the issues and celebrations that affect us all. Matthew Bechtel: The primary duty of a councilor should be to promote the economic growth of the city while ensuring the safety and interests of all the residents, and to preserve Sweet Home's natural resources.
Ken Bronson: The Green Peter Reservoir drawdown and the consequences to our city, environment and life quality. Maintaining infrastructure (water/sewer, streets, gas, electric grid, Wi-Fi/ cable). Sensible city growth.
Elaine Evans: The hiring of a new city manager, the (Green Peter Reservoir) drawdown, homeless population, lack of filled storefronts on Main Street. Angelita Sanchez: There are a variety of concerning issues, but two that are most important to me: 1. Cost control to ensure careful use of the public's money; and 2.
Consistent communication with the community. Where do you see room for improvement in Sweet Home? Chelsea Augsburger: I want to see improvement with the use of our taxes, improvement with notifications to citizens, transparency about issues, listening to citizens and being accountable to voters with council actions. Matthew Bechtel: The empty buildings need to be utilized.
Our youth need more to do. We need local jobs. Further develop the tourism to include year-round events.
Open a night market allowing more hours of commerce. Ken Bronson: Seeking out and promoting business economic opportunities within Sweet Home. Continued support of existing city businesses.
Elaine Evans: We need more involvement from residents at the council meetings and with all city events. That would be a key factor. Angelita Sanchez: Building public trust while continuing to strategically plan for our future.
I also believe the mayor should be directly elected by the voters, instead of being appointed by the council. What is an issue or decision that you feel should have been handled differently at City Council? Chelsea Augsburger: One of council's highest responsibilities is hiring, training and retaining a city manager. With this task, a thorough search and interview process will ensure our citizens are best served.
Matthew Bechtel: City councilors, as elected officials, should have held themselves to a higher degree of professionalism and respect. This would have enabled more responsiveness to the public's desires and better relations with city staff . Ken Bronson: The 47th and Long stop sign issue.
Knee-jerk reaction by council on one intersection. City growth in the area warrants for a much broader review of the area from Main Street, 43rd, 49th streets and the south hills area. Elaine Evans: The bullying by council members should have been handled differently.
The involved individual should have had consequences for their behavior. Angelita Sanchez: In 2021 I suggested an analysis of the savings the city could realize, and the projects we could accomplish if we accepted a low-/no-interest loan. That opportunity was rejected.
We could have gotten a lot of streets repaired by now. What do you see for the future of Sweet Home? Chelsea Augsburger: I will work to maintain our small-town feel, as well as our beautiful surroundings, while also embracing growth. I will listen to the citizens and be their voice on council.
This is OUR town, and I want to work to make it what we all want it to be. Matthew Bechtel: Growth and change are inevitable. The best way to handle this is to prepare.
I believe Sweet Home should focus on tourism to draw in businesses and promote the local economy. The development of Quarry Park will play a significant role in our future. Ken Bronson: Continued growth; more people escaping larger metro areas means more people, housing, traffic and more needs for city services.
Plan, not react. When I look out my window each morning I ask myself, "How can you not want to live here?" Home Sweet Home. Elaine Evans: I see filled store fronts on Main Street and the homeless situation under control.
I'd like to see Sweet Home as it was in the '70s before the spotted owl hit us. Angelita Sanchez: Sweet Home is a great small community, but we are growing. Careful management is essential.
I'm excited for the next generation of leadership. What is a hobby you have or activity you like to do in your spare time? Chelsea Augsburger: I like walking with my husband, Luke. I like to read and also be involved in the local schools.
Matthew Bechtel: Most of my time is spent volunteering around town or at home with my family. I enjoy walking in our parks and meeting people in our community. Ken Bronson: I swim, bike, run, hike, hunt.
I enjoy the outdoors.Community involvement; Sweet Home Rotary, school bike education classes, support of schools and more. Elaine Evans: I love plants and gardening, and I raise six cats, mainly Persians.
Angelita Sanchez: For the last 10 years, I have volunteered with a local organization to reduce food waste. I love gleaning and donating my harvest to local foodshares. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
