Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Ron Butcher (City Council)

November 2012

How long have you lived in Silverton? I moved here permanently in 1994 Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests? I am 58 Yrs old, Divorced with 2 Sons living out on their own now, I am an Insurance Agent working primarily with Construction Businesses, High School Graduate many years ago with some College, Outside interests are Golf, travel, and have assisted with Swimming programs.

Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL.

No unfortunately I do not. - Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in?

I ran for City Council about 6 years ago, but nothing since. - What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton?

I have served as an Officer in a Local Home Builders Association as well as the State Home Builders Association. - In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements?

With the Previous mentioned positions, I have served as Treasurer which required developing, as well as monitoring and maintaining the annual Budget. The Positions also required Long Range Planning and Goal Setting for the Association, both at the Local as well as the State Level. - Why are you running for mayor or city council?

I have listened to people that have expressed concerns, and/or, complaints about what the City has been doing. It seems that they did not have a way to properly express those concerns, so I have decided to run for City Council to bring those concerns forth. - Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? I feel that I will bring a new and fresh outlook to working on the issues that face our City. It is always good to have someone new bringing their ideas forth. - What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? To make sure we operate with a Fiscally responsible Budget. We cannot operate with excessive spending and we need to make sure that any cuts be done responsibly. I am also interested in the Downtown area and where we are headed there. I am also interested in what happens with our Pool. What would be your first priority if elected to office?

To review all of the City Expenditures, and if cuts need to be made to make sure we operate with a Balanced Budget, then those cuts need to be done responsibly. - What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? Just to be sure that any decisions that I would make would be in the best interests of the City as a whole. - In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? I truly enjoy the small town feel that Silverton has. It is a great place to raise a family and I would hope that we can keep it that way for the next 10, 20 plus years. To keep the crime rate low, to keep our City Festivals running smoothly so that people can truly feel at home here in Silverton would be a great accomplishment. - If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond?

If challenged then I would review what they had to say and respond. I do not believe that my Qualifications would be challenged. Even though I do not have any experience in City Government, I believe that the Experience I do have from the Home Builders association, and dealing with the State Government with some of the issues facing that Industry, allows me to better understand how the City functions.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Laurie Carter (City Council)

November 2012

How long have you lived in Silverton? We moved here in 1978 because this is the most charming town in the Willamette Valley and we thought there was room for another dentist . Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests? My husband has been a dentist in Silverton for 34 years. We raised our two daughters here (our younger daughter was married at the Oregon Garden the summer of 2011) . Our older daughter married a Silverton boy, so we are delighted to share our two little grandsons with their other Silverton grandparents. I have a Bachelors degree in English and I work for my husband as the office administrator. I am interested in gardening, knitting, travel, reading, learning French, crossword puzzles, and especially history. Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL. You can visit my husbands home page through the Chamber of Commerce or my biography on the City website. Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in? I ran in 2010 but lost, and was appointed to fill a council vacancy. Previously I was on the city Planning Commission until we moved outside the city limits. What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton? I was treasurer for Silverton Together in the 90s. I concurrently served on the Oregon Judicial Departments Citizen Review Board for ten years, and was state chairperson for two. I was appointed by the governor to serve on the Oregon Childrens Commission in 1996. Prior to the birth of our daughters I was an assistant vice president at Benj. Franklin Fed. Savings and Loan Assn. and a branch manager and loan officer. I am currently the president of P.E.O., an organization dedicated to education for women. In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements? Although Ive only been a councilor for 19 months, it was my idea to use the money from the meters to give an annual fixed donation to the murals society and other charitable organizations. The revenue from the meters was a neutral because of the cost of maintaining and monitoring them, and the police department favored discontinuing them. Also, I proposed the city have a banner to honor our returning servicemen and women and arranged for that to be permanently displayed on an annual basis without cost to the city. Working with Chief Lewis, we issued a proclamation and personally honored our returning guard units. I also made the motion to refer the swimming pool winter maintenance issue to the voters. Why are you running for mayor or city council?

I love Silverton, I get goosebumps every time we drive into town after being away, and I like being involved. I think its really frustrating to sit on the sidelines and criticize the decisions of city leaders; its more rewarding to actually be part of the decision-making. Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? I am an a registered voter and have lived in the city more than twelve months! What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? Like many small towns in Oregon, we are facing shrinking revenues ; we have to be careful how we spend our resources to have the greatest impact. Personally, I would like to see the park in Pioneer Village developed, and connectivity improved in that area and also in the Northside Addition commonly known as Mill Town. I also want to see the early warning system up and running before winter this year. Long term, we need to attract new environmentally friendly businesses to Silverton by facilitating affordable housing for employees. We also need to update our sewer and water runoff systems, so that were not just patching an old system that doesnt serve the needs of a thriving city. What would be your first priority if elected to office? o 1. Work with the new council and city government to prioritize issues by consensus based on the forthcoming city survey. o 2. Encourage city staff in its pursuit of grants for better connectivity to the Northside Addition and Pioneer Village. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? I would hope in four years to see that downtown Silverton has no vacancies and lots of trees! And that Pioneer Village and Northside addition have parks , and sidewalks and bike paths connecting them to downtown. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? Thank goodness Silverton is still the uniquely lovely, tree-filled city it was 34 years ago and hasnt been the victim of injudicious sprawl. I hope in 34 years growth will continue to be carefully planned. Silverton is characterized also by its diverse population of young families and retired people with a thriving arts community. I expect in the future we will be more culturally diverse, and we need to welcome and embrace change. If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? Thats part of being on the council. The first thing is to look into oneself and see if the criticisms are justified and what one can do to improve. If the challenges are to my fundamental beliefs, then I have to stand up for my own personal ethos. I have learned that I have core values that are constant and that I can refer to when making difficult decisions.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Jason Freilinger (City Council)

November 2012

How long have you lived in Silverton? I was born and raised in Silverton and lived here most of my life except when I was in college. I have actually lived in Silverton 38 of my 43 years. Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests? My wife and I have been married 13 years. We have a daughter that is a freshman at SHS. I am a graduate of Portland State with a degree in Business Administration Marketing. I have worked in the telecommunication/electronics industry for the last 20 years. Past positions I have held include AT&T Regional Sales Manager, T-Mobile Site Director, and I am currently the owner/operator of the new Silverton RadioShack. My interests include family, Silverton, history, geography, and gardening. Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL. Facebook: Friends of Jason Freilinger Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in? I have run for County Commissioner and School Board in the past. I currently serve on the Silverton Planning Commission. What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton? Silver Falls School District Facility Planning Committee for two terms. 5 years on the Board of SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation). 3 years on the Board of Oaknoll Estates HOA (2 as President). 20 years Management Experience in the private sector managing organizations of up to 1,200 associates and Managers, and balanced a $50,000,000.00 budget annually. In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements? I am proud of my success in the corporate private sector. I was consistently one of the top performing managers/directors in the nation both at AT&T and T-Mobile. I consistently balanced budgets and exceed performance expectations. This led to the financial success that allowed me to pursue my aspiration of opening a successful business here in my hometown of Silverton. Why are you running for mayor or city council? I have always had a driving passion for my community of Silverton. Currently we are in a financial and crisis that will require us to balance the budget while meeting the needs of our community. I want to keep Silverton as small town with a great character, but also successful fiscally and economically.

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- Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? I believe my experience in the private sector as well as my experience in organizations like SEDCOR will make it possible for me to provide valuable input as we go through these trying times. I know that the number one attribute of a good leader is one that listens objectively and respectfully to all, makes an informed decision, and clearly communicates a vision for the future. I will always be available to members of the community and will look to them for input on all I do.

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What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? I will work to balance the budget without raising taxes, ensure the security of the community, start the work of repairing our broken infrastructure, and help to create an environment of civil constructive discussion that addresses the needs of the community while depending on the residents of Silverton for input. What would be your first priority if elected to office? Balance the budget while providing for the future stability of the city without raising taxes. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? We need to restructure the city government so that we are not spending more than we are taking in while still providing the needed services for the community. Currently we are not taking care of one of the citys primary responsibilities - sewer and water infrastructure and transportation infrastructure. The Olsen ditch is an example of something that needs to be addressed immediately. The city currently has a master plan that includes expensive additions like bridges to nowhere and By-Passes. These plans are driving up SDC fees paid by developers while not effectively dealing with the citys past growing pain issues. Revising the master plan to focus on cost effective ways to address growth and development by updating the existing infrastructure will lead to lower SDC fees and more being done to serve the community as a whole. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? Silverton is much more than just a small town. It has a thriving art community, rich history, and multiple attractive destinations. We are diverse community that is welcoming and friendly to all. We need to build on that without destroying it. For Silverton to continue to thrive it has to grow, but it has to grow in a manner that is smart and not excessive. I envision a town that continues to have a thriving downtown with its own unique character. A town that people in and around Oregon and the United States will want to visit and talk about. We will have modest residential and industrial growth that keeps us economically strong while not turning us into just another suburb of Salem or Portland. If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? I will always be respectful and listen closely to all concerns brought before the council. I will ask questions to gain more understanding of what the concerns are. I will continue to always remain open to new positions and facts regarding a situation even if I have already voted on something. If I have made a mistake I will own it and learn from it. I will never insult or talk down to anyone. Jason Freilinger

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Ken Hector (City Council)

November 2012

- How long have you lived in Silverton? 32 years. - Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests? Married to Darby 33 years, 4 children, 3 grandchildren. Work Director of Community Outreach & Governmental Affairs, Silverton Health Education Batchelor of Arts, Psychology, Univ. of Portland Interests Family, travel, golf, community service. - Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL. No. - Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in? City of Silverton: Mayor 16 years, City council 7 years, Budget Committee 3 years. - What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton? I have served on a number of non-profit Boards over the years, including leadership positions in the following organizations: Silverton Together President Woodburn Chamber of Commerce President Oregon Self-Insurers Association President Willamette Education Service District (WESD) Board Chair Management-Labor Advisory Committee Appointed by Governor - In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements? As Vice-Chair, and now Chair of the WESD Board, to which I was elected for Zone 3 in 2010 to be a change agent, I have worked collaboratively with my fellow Board members to effect the changes necessary to eliminate the many documented problems that have plagued WESD for many years. The result has been a change of direction and clean audits for WESD. - Why are you running for mayor or city council? It is clear to me that the Council has suffered from a lack of leadership over the past 4 years. I am running for Council in order to utilize my proven leadership skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a governing body to once again achieve the level of service and positive accomplishments that the citizens of Silverton expect and deserve. Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor?

The 23 years of previous service on the Council, including 16 as Mayor, during which time the Council overcame many significant challenges, clearly reflects my qualification and ability to serve effectively. - What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? Electing a Mayor and Councilors who will put the interests of Silverton ahead of personal agendas. The City is experiencing a significant and deteriorating fiscal problem, which wont be resolved if the pettiness we see regularly at council continues. It is time for Council to work openly and transparently for the good of all Silvertonians, not just those with special interests. What would be your first priority if elected to office? Bringing Council to consensus on the problems we face, identify and prioritize the solutions, and take the steps necessary to implement those solutions as quickly as possible. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? Resolve our fiscal problems, return civility and professionalism to the Council, and with the tools available to us, seek to attract new, clean manufacturing and light industrial businesses that pay family wages and provide health and related benefits, while preserving our quality of life. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? Silverton is a blend of historic and new. We need to preserve that which we cherish, while recognizing that some change is inevitable, and can be good. One way to preserve our quality of life is to address our infrastructure challenges, lest we fall farther behind. Expanding our economic base is but one way to help meet those challenges. So while we will see cosmetic changes over the next 20 years, the Silverton of 2032 should still reflect the small town feel and friendliness that has made it a great place to live, work and play for decades. - If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? Depending on the nature of the challenge, I would respond factually and professionally. If it was over an opinion or an action, I would explain how I reached the opinion, or why I took the action I did. At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, while opinions can differ, facts do not.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Steve Kaser (City Council)

November 2012

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How long have you lived in Silverton? I am a third generation Silvertonian having lived in the area for 65 years and in Silverton for 29 years. Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests? My wife Nori and I have five children and eleven grand children. I have been a Drilling Product Manager for 37 years. Through my work, I belong to the state drilling associations of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. I develop and present on going Continuing Education Seminars, approved by the various states, to drilling contractors as a requirement in maintaining their contractor licenses. Nori and I held hunter education classes at our home in Silverton over a twenty-year span earning the Gold Instructor Award from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hundreds of Silverton area youths attended our classes. Our family loves all outdoor activities with a special fondness for fishing at Diamond Lake. I gain personal strength and enjoyment out of hunting, fishing, oil painting, antler carving, writing short stories and poetry. Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL. No I do not Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in? This is the first time I have run for an elected office. I am currently serving on the City of Silverton Budget Committee. What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton? As part of my duties as a Product Manager I managed a machine shop supplying drilling tools to customers throughout the Northwest. I was responsible for tooling design and manufacturing staying within a budget set by revenues. In addition, my duties including the training of our sales force while supporting and directing them in their endeavors. In your most recently held leadership position, what have been your achievements? By working closely with the machinists and welders, the shop grew to become the largest drill tooling manufacturing facility in the Northwest and we achieved company wide sales in excess of 15 million dollars. Why are you running for mayor or city council? To curb the wasteful spending of our tax dollars, return fiscal responsibility to our city government, improve the relationship between the city council, city staff and citizens, and provide all the citizens of Silverton with the same basic reliable infrastructure needs of water, sewer, street and sidewalks they pay taxes for. Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? I rely heavily on common sense and logic in addressing issues. I have the courage to say no to frivolous spending, and am unafraid in asking the important and sometimes tough questions of accountability that go with making decisions on spending of taxpayers dollars. I have no problem admitting publicly when I am wrong in my beliefs or statements

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making the necessary changes and then move forward. Throughout my business career, I have been required to work within a very strict budget and make needed adjustments, as revenues require. What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? Restoring the citys financial health and reserve funds to acceptable levels, infrastructure rebuilding and improvements and repairing the citizens faith and respect for their citys government. What would be your first priority if elected to office? Returning the city to financial stability. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? Strong permanent financial health for the city, updating the citys infrastructure, and improve citizen/ government relationships. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? The residents themselves are what characterize the city, not pedestrian malls or trails along Silver Creek. Council decisions have and are being made based on what makes the city look good, rather than what is good for the citizens of Silverton. The city should strive to maintain the same look in the next twenty years that it was noted for twenty years ago. We were a together community then; today our community is split and divided caused by the divisive attitude of our city council. If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? I welcome public questions or challenges as they present the opportunity for learning and better understanding on both sides. I am not endorsed by or affiliated with any special interest group other than the citizens as a whole therefore I will be completely open minded, listen carefully, ask and/or answer questions in a direct manner being truthful, honest, and above all respectful of everyones civil and human rights.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Kyle Palmer (Mayor)

November 2012

How long have you lived in Silverton? 46 years (I was born in Silverton Hospital and except for 2 separate years during college and in my 20s, I have always been here). Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests? Im 46, I was raised here and attended Eugene Field, Robert Frost, Mark Twain, and Silverton High School. I have worked for Silver Creek Animal Clinic in Silverton since 1993 and have been Practice Manager since 1998. I have been a Certified Veterinary Technician since 2009 and am working on specialty acredidation in the field of veterinary dentistry. I am also the Manager of Evans Valley Stables in Silverton a thoroughbred racehorse operation and have been there since 1986. Since 2009, I have served as the Executive Director of Northwest Equine Practitioners Association, and since 2010 I have been a freelance writer and regular contributor to Veterinary Economics and Firstline Magazine two national veterinary management magazines. I completed approximately 2 years of undergraduate classes at Chemeketa Community College in the late 80s, focusing on Spanish and English Literature. I plan to finish someday. My interests include athletics golf, tennis, baseball and volunteering in our community.

- - Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in? No I am currently finishing my eighth year as a Silverton City Councilor and ran unsuccessfully for Mayor in 2010. Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL. Yes www.palmer4silverton.org.

- What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton? Besides work, I have served in the following capacities Board Member, Treasurer, and Past-President of the Silverton Chamber of Commerce; Board Member, Treasurer, and Past-President of the Silverton Rotary Club; Board Member and Treasurer Homer Davenport Days and of the Homer Davenport Community Festival; Board Member of the Silver Falls Family YMCA Leadership Council; Chairman of the Silver Falls School District Bond Advisory Committee; Board Member of Silverton Area Little League; Founding Board Member of Silverton Youth Junior Baseball.

- In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements? Ive served as the City Council liason to the YMCA board and have helped weather a difficult time with respect to the pools future and their service contracts with the city. I helped develop city support for completion of the regional-class athletic fields complex at Silverton High and have helped move the relationship forward between the School District and the City. Ive helped push the Skate Park and Dog Park closer to

completion by working with those committees. Ive developed a reputation as a moderate voice of reason who is not part of a voting bloc, but rather takes each matter on merit and is able to lobby council support when needed. - Why are you running for mayor or city council? One reason and one reason only. If not for this reason, Id be running for City Council. I expect leadership from a Mayor and I can provide that. Respect for the democratic process, a willingness to debate respectfully, an interest in building consensus and actual problem solving are things I can and will deliver. In my opinion, there are opportunities when the Mayor has an obligation to mediate the passion on both sides of issues such as the streetscape process and the effort to recall myself and other councilors by giving the public all sides of the issues and any facts available. I will bring balance and reason to those times and provide the leadership that rises above politics. I will return to the standard of meeting with regional mayors and economic partners in order to help move our city forward.

- Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? Eight years of council experience, countless leadership positions throughout the community, years of financial management experience, a commitment to Silverton over my lifetime and leadership skills that must be part of the office of Mayor. - What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? Prudent financial management, Economic Development, Sidewalk Connectivity to some of the outlying areas (through grants), equality and balance in our sewer and water rates, and creating an environment where opposing opinions are a regular part of respectful decision making. What would be your first priority if elected to office? To schedule 2-4 public Town Hall meetings for each year and really drive citizen involvement in our process. Before those meetings, however, I will stand up and make sure that the public and the council knows that a new era of respect has begun. No one should fear voicing their opinion or be treated disrespectfully for having a different one. Half of the job of Mayor is about leadership and creating an environment where good governing can take place.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? As Mayor, I hope to return the process of governing to that of respectful debate and consensus building. You wont read comments from me in the media that disrespect fellow councilors. Diversity of opinion is important and the democratic process is working when a majority vote a specific way. Id also like to see reform of our sewer and water rates we cant create an effective long range capital improvement plan with knowing that rates are being applied fairly. The city should continue to play a role in economic development, pursuing industrial park tenants and improving our business environment. I will oversee an approach to our budget that balances restraint with the use of other opportunities to help us move forward.

 - In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? The city of Silverton is in better shape than many other local cities. We have a vibrant downtown both architecturally and now literally we have some remarkable natural resources like Silver Creek and Silver Falls. Our historic downtown and the Oregon Garden draw visitors here that arent going to other local areas. Silverton has a wealth of citizens who volunteer to keep our community moving forward and their passion about how our city should look and act is terrific. In 5 years I hope we are at the tail end of this economic downturn and that our business community has just continued to do better every year. I hope our population is relatively stable. I hope that our Urban Renewal District has finished some projects that will add to economic development. I look forward to seeing a completed Skate Park and Dog Park. In 10 years, I hope that we will have seen major investments in Silvertons business community and industrial park. I hope that we have identified ways to capitalize on Silvertons agricultural roots and remain rooted in a local economy even though many forces push us elsewhere. I hope our downtown has undergone some improvements but still retains the charm that we all enjoy. I hope the Oregon Garden enjoys a wealth of visitors on an annual basis. In 20 years, I hope our population is still stable, but major business and industrial partners help offset the burden on our water and sewer rate payers. I hope to see a Silverton that is under the leadership of thoughtful, respectful citizens who include the entire population in decisions that shape the future.

- If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? Since you asked, both have been challenged in public during City Council meetings. In all occasions, I have remained calm, exuded respect for the citizen(s) involved, answered every question to the best of my ability, and attempted to have them leave with a good sense of who I am and what my actions were. This is an area that I think is critical to city leadership elected officials must not only allow, must not only invite, but must truly embrace the opportunity to hear a citizen complaint. Lets face it citizens have complaints in every city and if were not hearing them and responding to them, we are not doing our job. I have always had the following policy I will answer anyones question about any topic its the only way to approach this job.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Stu Rasmussen (Mayor)

November 2012

How long have you lived in Silverton? I have lived in Silverton 64 years. Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests?

Victoria (my significant other) and I have lived at the James Street house (Bolognia Hall) since 1988. We enjoy shopping at Goodwill and thrift stores. We have five cats that allow us to live here as long as we feed them and see to their every need. I work as a freelance software engineer and operate the Palace Theatre 7 days a week. I graduated with an ASEE from Chemeketa Community College (then Salem Tech) in 1968 and subsequently worked for a number of high-tech ventures in the area. I have many varied interests I do precision metalworking, collect handcuffs and indulge in the occasional home improvement project. - Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL.

www.StuRasmussen.com - Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in?

I was first elected to the Silverton City Council in 1984 and have served a total of 24 years in elective office here in Silverton. This includes 20 years as mayor or councilor and 4 years on the library board. - What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton?

I have concentrated my political activities here in Silverton where my heart is. In my business (Palace Theatre) I am the co-owner and general manager of the enterprise. I have also managed or led engineering task forces on various software and hardware projects for a variety of high-tech manufacturers in the area. - In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements?

Most recently I have been concentrating on bringing the Palace Theatre literally back from the ashes of a fire in April. Although it was a team effort I believe that without my willingness to step up and lead the restoration the Palace would have closed permanently and Silverton would have lost a star player in the downtown. It would have been easier to walk away and retire, but thats not my style. - Why are you running for mayor or city council?

This is a critical time for local government and our local economy. As a fiscal conservative it has shocked me to watch as a majority of our council squanders our precious tax dollars on wasteful pet projects while ignoring the coming revenue shortfall. We desperately need cool heads with common and business sense and fiscal responsibility to carefully manage and preserve our tax dollars. Frankly, if the community re-elects me as Mayor and also elects known wastrels to other council positions then we are in big trouble. As Mayor I do not have veto authority over wasteful spending a small majority of the council can spend Silverton tax money like theres no tomorrow.

Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? I have over 40 years experience owning and operating entrepreneurial businesses in Silverton plus 24 years as an elected official. In my opinion thats the best experience and qualifications of any candidate running.

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What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? Maintaining Silverton as Silverton without trying to turn it into some sort of ugly California clone. This is a classic community that residents and visitors fall in love with just as it is we dont need artificial improvements that only cost us money for no benefit other than ego gratification of the promoters. We need to concentrate on the core issues that affect everyone in Silverton maintaining public safety, providing pure water, adequate wastewater treatment and maintaining our streets and sidewalks. What would be your first priority if elected to office?
Working with the n ewly elected council to review and re-prioritize the current plans for various public projects and bring them in line with the fiscal reality of our time. Review city programs and eliminate unnecessary or redundant city functions to save taxpayer dollars.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? I will balance city spending with income and not rely on savings or reserves to operate into the future. We already owe enough on the credit card without going further into debt. I expect to explore alternative ways of providing city services that will maximize benefit to our community while maintaining critical emergency response capacity. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years?

Silverton is 40 miles and 40 years from Portland and we like it this way. A classic time capsule with modern amenities and 21st century technology A great place to live and raise a family. We have the best of both worlds and I hope people years in the future will feel the same way because of the proactive steps we take now to keep it this way. - If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond?

It has been my experience that my qualifications, opinions and actions are regularly challenged in p ublic. After 24 years of successful public s ervice I have acquired a thick s kin and first consider the qualifications, experience and opinions of the person questioning me b efore responding. Im good at what I do and I have clear, logical and verifiable factual information to back it up. I maintain my sense of humor and know that it is the empty bucket that makes the most n oise.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Dana Smith (City Council)

November 2012

How long have you lived in Silverton? We were searching for a new home for our family and architect/engineering business 14 years ago and stumbled into Silverton during Homer Davenport Days. We saw the couch races, heard the noon whistle and knew we belonged here. I have been active in the schools and business communities ever since. Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests? I am 53, married to and business partner with the love of my life, Victor Madge. We have two adult children, Sam and Sydney Madge, who attended local public school. I earned both BS and MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri. I love hiking, camping, sailing and generally hanging out with my husband, kids, and dog. I am especially passionate about education and empowering girls to seek careers in non-traditional fields. Two of my biggest pet peeves are inefficiency, in general, and complaints that something is not being done right but making no constructive effort to remediate. Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL. http://www.facebook.com/DanaSmithForSilverton Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in? I was elected to and served on the Silver Falls School District Board of Directors, 2005-2009, and served on the City of Silverton Parks Master Planning Committee. What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton?
2 years Robert Frost PTA treasurer and Jog-a-thon, Chair 1.5 years SHS site council 7 years on Silverton Fine Arts Festival Committee, current Chair Co-Chair One High School Campaign Bond Advisory Committee for SHS Phase II 28 years project engineer/manager General contractor for construction of our Silverton home Occasional construction manager for Habitat for Humanity

In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements? I just finished a term as Chair of the Silverton Fine Arts Festival which brought 6000 attendees to town. Since the City had relatively new personnel in several key positions, ongoing coordination and communication was essential to maintain Festival quality and keep our partners comfortable with event operations. Why are you running for mayor or city council? I am running for City Council because I believe that personalities have gotten in the way of effective decision making in the last few years. As stated earlier, Im more inclined to volunteer than criticize the (lack of) efforts of others. Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? With my education and life experience, I am well suited to process information and render opinions based on rational analysis rather than emotion or intuition. I am also respectful of opinions that may differ from mine, dont take those differences as a personal affront and can move forward without prejudice if not in the majority.

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What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? I have no preconceived agenda other than bringing civility, respect and intellect to the position. What would be your first priority if elected to office? I think the most important thing for rookie Councilors is to educate themselves on protocol, current issues and most importantly budget and priority directives given to staff. I would set no personal priorities until I have a thorough understanding of existing conditions. Thats the way I approach my work and my life in general. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? I have no agenda other than a commitment to respectful debate and ethical decision making. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? Silvertons most valuable asset is the friendly, unselfish population. I have never seen a more philanthropic and involved community. That sentiment was echoed in the survey of artists who participated in the Fine Arts Festival. As for the physical appearance: I hope it looks much the same with a vibrant downtown and thriving business community. But that does not happen by accident and without effort. There must be intentional investment in infrastructure to maintain livability and attract new businesses without diminishing levels of service. Of course, budgeting is a constant balancing act and my philosophy is to think in the long term whenever practical. If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? I would simply reiterate my qualifications and try to explain more fully the thought process behind my opinion or action. It is inevitable that there will be differences of opinion on many issues. And I am certainly willing to accept that I will not always be in the majority. When that happens I intend to accept it with grace and move on to the next issue.

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Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Steve Springer (City Council)

November 2012

How long have you lived in Silverton? Four years Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests?

About myself, Im married to Barbara with two unmarried adult children. Im retired after many years as an educator. Most of my professional life was as high school teacher or administrator in public schools and as head teacher in a private school for the last twelve years. I enjoyed a short stint as a building contractor with twelve employees. My formal education includes a BA from Boston University in political science and German, an MS degree from the University of Oregon in education administration, and a graduate level certificate in special education from the University of Vermont. My particular interests are forest management, vegetable gardening, hiking, and reading. I also like music, and am a member of Festival Chorale Oregon, a mid-valley choral society, where Im also the treasurer and past president. I consider myself a supporter of the arts. - Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL.

No website - Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for or served in? I served for ten years on the Randolph, VT School Board, and just prior to moving to Silverton, served for two years on the Randolph Vt. City Council, (Vermont Selectboard). In Vermont I was chair of the municipal water & sewer committee, and served on the municipal budget committee. In Silverton I was appointed to and continue to serve the Citizen Involvement Committee and currently chair a subgroup working on the next Silverton community survey.. I have long enjoyed budgeting and financial management. What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton? Besides managing classrooms of high school students, I worked for six years as supervising principal of a three school district where I managed over 50 faculty and staff persons, and developed, publically defended and controlled a budget of nearly one million dollars.

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In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements? As a school board member, I was in the forfront of an effort to secure a bond levy for a new elementary school. I was also a successful labor negotiator. As a member of the water & sewer committee, I became aware of a serious water supply issue and initiated steps to secure municipal funding for a major rebuild of the pipeline. I also pressed for and was successful in taking steps in controlling a significant surface water inflow to a major sewer line, preventing waste water from flowing into an adjacent stream. While serving on the City Council, I uncovered the failure by a local corporation to pay taxes due and successfully persuaded the Council to take appropriate action. Why are you running for mayor or city council? Firstly, I was asked and persuaded to run. Second, I enjoy the work of a Councilor and municipal service in general, and finally, Im energized when there are opportunities to make the city run better and be more accountable to the taxpayers. Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? Because Im experienced. Although my public service was in a different part of the country, many of the issues are the same: insufficient money, keeping taxes in check, personnel, matters and staffing, accountability, care of city resources etc.

What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? 1. Need for increased transparency of government operations and expenditures, 2. Increasing citizen involvement, knowledge, and interest in government. 3. Accountability of all municipal funds, including the Urban Renewal funds, the General Fund, water and sewer accounts etc. 4. Reducing debt. 5. Examining City Codes, with a view toward not inhibiting business development. 6. Developing and maintaining good city parks 7. The need for an active low interest business loan program. What would be your first priority if elected to office? Taking beginning steps to increase citizen participation in city government. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? Two years is not a long time for a City Councilor new to Silverton. I expect to learn about the municipal funding structure, and in doing so make municipal funding programs more transparent to the public. I hope to see a specific plan in place to address the issues related to the city parks..

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Finally, I will work toward a fully transparent small business loan program. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? Silverton today consists of a variety of components, including corporate business, service to agriculture, a downtown retail/restaurant/residential district, significant residential neighborhoods, arts programs. tourist attractions etc. I think Silverton should maintain the current balance, with perhaps a greater emphasis and support for small business and retail. At the same time, strong support should be offered to major anchor businesses, especially those which might offer longevity.

- If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? This depends on the nature of the challenge. If I have a factual rebuttal, I will deliver it, probably once. If its personal, I expect to remain quiet and hope that the mayor, as a collegial person, would rule it out of order. If it is in anyway an attempt to entangle me in a debate, I will likely not respond. If it needs factual information currently unavailable at the meeting, I might offer to get the information to the person later.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Jim Squires (Mayor) How long have you lived in Silverton? I have lived in Silverton 52 years. Tell us a little about yourself: family, age, work, education, interests?

November 2012

I am age 58, one of eight children. I served two tours in the US Marine Corps and am now on a service-related disability pension. For several years I owned and operated a telecom business. I graduated from Chemeketa Community College. My personal interests are community activism, traveling, fishing, gold panning, and exploring ghost towns. Spending time with my grandkids. Do you have a website where voters can learn more about you and your campaign? If so, please include the URL. I do not have a website. However, I encourage people to call me at 503-534-6450 or email me at jdsquires@wavecable.com. Is this your first time running for office? What other city government positions have you run for? I previously ran for mayor of Silverton. I also ran for and was elected to the Silverton School Board and the Chemeketa Community College Advisory Board. What leadership positions have you held outside of city government in Silverton? I have been a member of the Silverton School Board, Chemeketa Advisory Board, and the Oregon School Boards Association. I was a founding member of the Silverton Mural Society and was a member of both Kiwanis and Elks. For the last several years I have been working with the owners of commercial properties in trying to recruit new businesses to Silverton and in trying to stimulate more citizen involvement in Silverton civic affairs. My efforts were largely responsible for the Citizen Involvement Committee, of which I am a member. I was very active in promoting and participating in the Spring Clean-up of our historic down town district. In other words, I have been unofficially doing for Silverton what I believe a mayor should be doing. In your most recently-held leadership position, what have been your achievements? I am most proud of my efforts to establish the Citizen Involvement Committee, which now had 15 citizen members. Why are you running for mayor or city council? I am running for mayor for three primary reasons:

The average citizen has been excluded from the citys decision-making process. As mayor I
would be uniquely positioned to promote more citizen involvement. In fact, I am well-known in the community for my advocacy for the average citizen and would recruit citizen advisors to help guide my decisions. I believe that if Silverton had put in place a regular Town Hall process we could have avoided a great deal of the conflict and bad feelings that have been common in recent years. 1

 I believe the city should lead in recruiting new businesses and previous administrations have not
met that obligation. As mayor, I would work hard to promote Silverton as a business-friendly environment. I believe the city should partner with the business community and I would establish a joint city/business task force to create this partnership. As an example of the need, Silverton residents have seen their water rates increase five times this year because we lack industrial rate-payers.

The city has been remiss in handling its financial affairs. We are now broke and are $33 million
behind in maintaining our basic infrastructure. I believe I have the correct penny-pinching perspective to guide the community out of its current fiscal crisis. In particular, I am very opposed to using urban renewal funds, which our citizens provide through taxes, to benefit a small group of insiders. We have used up our general fund credit card and city leaders are now trying to get around that by using an urban renewal credit card. Taxpayers, of course, are going to pay for it in either case. There is no magic money tree. Why are you qualified to be mayor or city councilor? In addition to being elected to the Silverton School Board, I have held a number of responsible positions in Silverton that have given me valuable experience in civic administration and community involvement. I believe I am the only candidate who is truly committed to giving our citizens a voice in their own community. As a previous small business owner I have experience in all of the same issues that are part of operating a community. For the past four years I have attended all city council and planning c omission meetings and work sessions. Because I am a retired, disabled veteran, I will be able to be a full-time, rather than part-time, mayor. What are the issues that matter to you most in this election? I believe the two most important issues are community involvement and fiscal responsibility. Previous administrations have failed in both areas and we definitely need a change. What would be your first priority if elected to office? The first priority absolutely must be to get our fiscal house in order. We need to quit spending money we dont have and we need to spend what money we do have on bringing our infrastructure in line with current and future needs. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as mayor or city councilor? I hope to put Silverton on a sound financial footing and create an environment in which Silverton residents truly have a voice in how their city is run. In your opinion, what characterizes the city of Silverton? How do you think it should look in 5, 10, 20 years? I believe the most important characteristic of Silverton is that people really like living in a small, intimate community that has all of the necessary health, cultural, recreational, and business amenities. However, Silverton has lost some of its previous vibrancy because its basic infrastructure has been neglected. In addition, the city has not recruited the kind of community-friendly businesses it needs for sustained growth. In five years Silverton needs to have its finances corrected so that slow, careful, growth can occur. In less than five years the industrial park should be filled with environmentally-friendly, tax-creating, small businesses. In 10 years, Silverton should be a bit larger but have regained its culturally vibrant past and be so fiscally sound that it has a substantial emergency fund. In 20 years Silverton will be at the top of everyones list of most desirable places to live. Nah, well do that in less than 20 years. 2

If your qualifications, opinion or actions were challenged in public (e.g. at a City Council meeting), how would you respond? I would love it. I always have and always will want people to say exactly what they think, regardless of whether or not I agree. A good, open, honest dialogue will go a long way in ensuring that our community decisions are the best ones we can reach.

Appeal Tribune Candidate Questionnaire Scott Walker (Mayor)

November 2012

My w ife Andrea and I moved t o Silverton fourteen years ago. Because our home was annexed into Silverton in 2002, we d id not live in the city for a few years. We have b een married for thirty four years. It is the s econd time around for both of us. She has three children who live in New York and California. My daughter is a school teacher in Michigan. We are b lessed with five grandchildren. We decided to move to new place for our retirement years. After an exhaustive s earch we found S ilverton and p urchased property here in 1993. Our income is d erived from pensions, Social S ecurity, and savings. We both have Masters Degrees. My interests are: p laying at golf, travel, photography, lapidary, gardening, music ( especially classical and b lues) and service to my community. For twelve years I have driven the Silverton Hospital Care Van. I also b elong to Silverton Lions and volunteer at the Mission of Hope (a Marion-Polk Foodshare a gency in S ilverton). These are great organizations and would recommend them to other Silvertonians. I do not have a w ebsite but will respond to any questions: WalkerForSilvertonMayor@gmail.com I ran for City Council and was elected in 2010. My election t o City Council is my first significant leadership position. I have a lways b een a worker in various organizations. I enjoy b eing on the front lines of service organizations. In t he last t wo years I have gone beyond the issues presented to the city council by city government to those brought to me b y our citizenry and my analysis of S ilvertons n eeds. These include: I initiated the process that resulted in parking meter money going for maintenance of the murals. I initiated the process that resulted in the only non-planning ordinance (Social Gaming) enacted by council s ince January 2011. I convinced the city to evaluate the p ossibility of underground s torage of Abiqua Creek water which would inexpensively secure late summer water availability to S ilverton for future generations. The citys water consultant identified this as the major issue facing S ilverton and proposed a 2,000,000 gallon $2.7 million above ground water storage facility. Salem stores 550,000,000 gallons of Santiam River water underground in four wells a t a cost of four million dollars. Experts have looked at our geology and b elieve there is a good chance that underground storage of water will b e successful in Silverton. The City Budget includes funding to thoroughly evaluate the cost and potentiality of underground storage of water in S ilverton. I convinced the Budget Committee and the Council to test our drinking water for a known carcinogen found in other Oregon drinking water from similar sources. I successfully mediated a s erious d ispute involving tens of thousands of d ollars b etween a major S ilverton group and city government. I convinced the city to assume responsibility for exterior maintenance of buildings leased to local citizen groups. The new rental a greements reflect that change. I am running for Mayor for several reasons. I b elieve it is the b est way for me to successfully continue the work I have been doing the past two years. Additionally, the mayor will p lay a key role in restoring S ilvertons financial h ealth and my extensive budget background will b e uniquely h elpful in this process. I also want restore a s ense of civility to council proceedings and prohibit citizens from character assassinations of council members. Citizens can criticize what a

councilor says during council meetings or how a councilor has voted, but criticizing their p ersonal qualities has no place at council meetings. My w ork on Council qualifies me to b e mayor.

The m ost important issue to me is Silvertons financial situation. Silverton has b een spending more money than it is receiving. The difference between our general fund spending a nd revenue is estimated to b e as h igh as $700,000. If this continues we will have to start borrowing to meet our payroll. Fixing this problem will b e painful and d ifficult. My first priority will b e reversing the vote which authorized spending $450,000 to makeover one b lock of Main Street. None of these funds have b een spent. The proposed makeover would, a mong other things, widen the sidewalks b y three feet, narrow the road b y s ix feet, and replace the mature trees with twigs. Our resources are limited and there are many more worthy uses for these funds. Before you vote for mayor and councilors find out how each candidate would vote on the one block makeover. It passed last year on a vote of 4 to 3. Two of the councilors who supported the makeover are vacating their office. Mr. Palmer, who is running for mayor, supported the $450,000 one b lock makeover. I hope that during the n ext two years we can make the adjustments to our revenue and spending to bring b alance to our fiscal s ituation. Silverton is a wonderful place. It is a refuge from a chaotic world. I hope that in the next 5, 10, and 20 years the essential character of our town does not significantly change. If I were challenged, I would listen with what was said and respond with the truth. If the challenge were true, I would acknowledge it. If it were false, I would d ispute it.