HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-0206 Study Session PACKET
CITY OF
ASHLAND
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
AGENDA
Monday, February 6, 2017
Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way
6:30 p.m.
1. Public Input (15 minutes maximum)
II. Look Ahead review
III. Discussion of Council seat #6 appointment
Immediately following the Study Session, the Council will hold an Executive Session
regarding employment of a public officer, employee, or agent pursuant to ORS
192.660(2)(a)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-
2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to
ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON CHANNEL 9. STARTING APRIL 15, 2014,
CHARTER CABLE WILL BROADCAST MEETINGS ON CHANNEL 180 OR 181.
VISIT THE CITY OF ASHLAND'S WEB SITE AT WWW.ASHLAND.OR.US
City of Ashland Council Meeting Look Ahead
*****THIS IS A DRAFT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE*****
Responsible 2/20 2121 3/6 317 3/20 3/21 413 414 4/17 4118 4/19 4/20 5/1 5/2 5/11 5115 5116 5/18
2/20 Study Session canceled due to Presidents` Da 2/20
2/21 Regular Council Meeting 2/21
1 Annual Presentation b the Transportation Comm Mike PW PRIES
2 OWEB contract Dave S. Fire CONS
3 Continued discussion/approval of Lithia Way/Pioneer St. beautification PW UNFIN
project Mike
4 Appointment of Council position #6 seat Barbara Recorder NEW
5 10 b 20 ordinance next steps Adam Admin NEW
6 Ordinance on FEMA Flood Hazard Ma amendments Bill CD ORD-2
7 Ordinance clarifying Ethics Code Dave L. Legal ORD-2
316 Stu Session in Siski ou Room) 1 Sts
s Continued discussion of water connections outside city limits PW Legal SS
Mike/Dave L.
9 Discussion of options for increasing effectiveness of study sessions Admin SS
John
10 Discussion of Team Ashland training proposal John Admin SS
317 Regular Council Meeting 317
11 Approval of a supplemental budget Bev Finance CONS
12 Approval of TOT funding resolution Bev/Adam Finance Admin CONS
13 Appointment of new Finance Director Tina HR CONS
14 Results of downtown survey (Ann) Admin NEW
15 Presentation and approval of the Climate and Energy Action Plan Admin NEW
Adam
16 Approval of arkin management strategy Mike PW NEW
3120 Stud Session in Siski ou Room 3120
17 Discussion of Electric rate design Mark Electric SS
3/21 Regular Council Meeting 3/21
18 Annual presentation b the Tree Commission Bill CD PRES
4 St ~ Session 1n SiS' uu Room 413
19 Discussion of process for filing City Recorder seat John Admin SS
Discussion of AFN Governance Committee recommendation re: new Admin Legal IT
20 AFN Commission Dave L.1Mark/Rich SS
4/4 Regular Council Meeting 414
4/17 Stud Session in Siski ou Room 4117
4/16 Regular Council Meeting 4/18
21 Annual resentation b the Historic Commission Bill CD PRES
22 Public Hearing for the award of Community Development Block Grant CD PH
CDBG funds Bill
23 Award of Social Service Grant funds Bill CD PH
4/19 Study Session (in Council Chambers) 4/19
24 Discussion/prioritization of proposed projects for budget (Bev/John) Finance Admin
4/20 Study Session (in Council Chambers) 4120
25 Continued discussion/prioritization of proposed projects for budget Finance Admin
Bev/John
511 Stu Session in Siski ou Room 5/1
5/2 Regular Council Meeting 512
26 Annual resentation b Michael Cavallaro from RVCOG Admin
Page 1 of 2 2/2!2017
City of Ashland Council Meeting Look Ahead
*****THIS IS A DRAFT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE*****
Departments
Responsible 2120 2/21 3/6 317 3/20 3/21 4/3 4/4 4117 4118 4/19 4/20 5/1 5/2 5111 5115 5/16 5/18 5/25
5115 Stud Session in Siski ou Room 5115
5/16 Regular Council Meeting 5116
27 Annual presentation b the Wildfire Miti ation Comm. Dave S Fire PRES
M. e
Commission Presentation Dates - 2017
February 21- Transportation Commission
March 21- Tree Commission
April 18 - Historic Commission
May 16 - Wildfire Mitigation Commission
June 6 - Band Board
Jul 18 - Forest Lands Commission
August 15 - Conservation Commission
September 19 - Airport Commission
October 17 - Public Arts Commission
November 21- Housing and Human Services Commission
December 5 - Planning Commission
To Be Scheduled
Discussion of Class & Com ensation stud (request of Councilor Voisin
Discussion of raising the temperature threshold for declaration of extreme weather
emergency shelter (request of Councilor Voisin
Discussion of potential solutions to deer problems (request of Councilor Seffinger)
Discussion regarding the seismic code
Update on internal controls policy
Senior issues (request of Mayor Stromber
Annual use of force report (Tighe)
Report on Eugene homeless and shelter infrastructure, including car camping (request
of Ma or Stromber
Jackson Count Vector Control concerns (request of Councilor Voisin
Resolution re: distribution of TOT funds Bev
Page 2 of 2 21212017
CITY OF
^ASHLAND
Council Communication
February 6, 2017, Study Session
Council Position #6 Appointment
FROM:
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder, christeb e,ashland.or.us
SUMMARY:
City Councilor Seat 6 became vacant on January 1, 2017, due to the election of then Councilor Pam
Marsh in November 2017 as Oregon State Representative. A study session was held on January 9,
2017, to discuss the process for filling this position.
The Elections Officer was asked to advertise the seat asking for applications from those interested and
to include answers to the following questions:
• What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
• What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
• What community and city activities have you been involved in recently?
• What is the role of the city councilor?
Advertisements were placed in the local newspaper and on the city website (applications were also
placed on the website for public review). The deadline was January 27, 2017, at 3:00 p.m.
Applications are attached.
BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
City Charter states that a vacant elective office shall be filled within sixty (60) days by the City
Council electing a qualified person to fill the vacancy. The deadline for filling this seat is March 1,
2017.
City Charter requirements for this position are that the appointee live within the city limits and are
registered to vote.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
n/a
STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION:
City Councilors should review the applications submitted.
• It is recommended that each Councilor talk with his/her top tier candidates before the
February 21, 2017, meeting.
• At the February 21, 2017, meeting, each Councilor will be furnished with a ballot with all
13 candidates' names and asked to vote on their top choice.
Page 1 of 2
mill
CITY OF
AASHLAND
• If no single candidate earns the majority vote during the first balloting, subsequent ballots
will be used to narrow the field and select an appointee.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
To be determined
ATTACHMENTS:
Applications
Page 2 of 2
Shaun J. Moran
Biography
I was born and raised in a small town in northern Rhode Island and originally came to Ashland with my family
like many others, by chance. I grew up in a community similar in size and feel to Ashland and this instilled in me
the importance and the value a small town offers in developirg strong lasting connections to family, friends and
community. The unmatched quality of life Ashland offers was the allure that eventually led my family to settle
here. Because of all Ashland has to offer it was an easy place to settle down to raise a family. After moving to
Ashland from Tokyo Japan in 2009 we unexpectedly returned to Tokyo for 2 112 years before returning back
home in mid- 2013 for good.
I attended Edinburgh University and earned my B.A in Political Science from Bates College in Lewiston Maine.
After college, I embarked on a journey that changed my life. I moved to Japan and lived there for nearly 24
years. That experience gave me vast insight into what it means to be culturally diverse. I believe those
experiences were essential elements in shaping who I am today and underscored the importance of being
accepting of those who are different. I try to employ that understanding in how I live my life every day. I am part
of an interracial marriage. My wife and I have been married for over 20 years and we have three interracial
children all enrolled and thriving in the Ashland school system. We have taught our children to respect and
accept others and to cherish the fact they are different. We value and celebrate diversity in our lives everyday.
I am a self-employed small business owner who understands the complexity and difficulties associated with
starting a business and working tirelessly to ensure it survives and prospers. I am an accomplished financial
services executive with extensive international banking experience. My banking career spanned nearly 18 years
encompassing organizational transformation, sales and service, strategy and business line management. I was
valued for my leadership, teambuilding, collaboration, communication and business acumen all of which I know
are important attributes of a productive and effective city council member. I was involved extensively in MBA
recruitment and executive leadership mentoring programs which involved recruitment, development and
retention of key employees. I was employed by Massachusetts Financial Services, Merrill Lynch and J.P Morgan
Chase Japan as a Managing Director. I am also fluent in Japanese.
I am committed to Ashland and to all it represents and have been an active member and volunteer in the
community. I am a contributing Board Member of the Ashland Emergency Food Bank which provides needed
resources to many of the underprivileged in our community and a citizen volunteer of the Ashland Budget
Committee. I look forward to expanding my role serving the community and hope I can count on your support
for the vacant city council position as the needs of Ashland continues to change and grow.
S' rely,
,LII I r
~f l~i~Sha .M o an
Shaun Moran: Application for Council Seat #6
1) What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
Economy
Ashland is undeniably a wonderful place to live. The quality of life is unmatched and is often cited as one
on the main reasons people choose to settle here. When leave, I often find myself eagerly looking
forward to returning home. We have a dynamic mix of people here from different social and economic
backgrounds and varied experience which contributes to the uniqueness of our community. That said
there are things that we should try to improve to make Ashland a better place for all.
In Ashland we are blessed to have Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon University which
both provide wonderful benefits to our local economy. But with most of our "economic eggs" in the
service sector basket in times of economic duress, like we saw in the last recession, our economy is
vulnerable. We need to be more diversified so we can better manage the unforeseen economic shocks
that inevitably will come. I think we need a fresh strategic vision to address the pressing issues of job
creation and economic vitality, both of which have been stagnate over the last several years. There were
more Ashland business licenses issued in 2008 than there were in 2015. Only last year has that started
to improve. We need a more balanced approach to insuring our economy remains vibrant in good times
and in bad. I believe we need to strengthen our partnerships with OSF, SOU and the Chamber of
Commerce. If we can better leverage and monetize these relationships we can find additional ways to
capture the important "tourist dollars" that our economy is so reliant upon. Simultaneously, we need to
capitalize on the synergies between these institutions so we can offer solutions to empower
entrepreneurship, retain and expand businesses and leverage the organizational assets we have in town
to insure we have a strong and resilient economy. I think we have an incredibly strong foundation to
build upon. We just need to take the necessary steps to protect our economy from the inevitable
economic hurdles in the future.
We need to engage and work more closely with SOREDI as well as other viable non-profits and economic
development groups. We should work to attract, encourage, and foster new companies from emerging
industries and people with great ideas to come here to flourish, raise their families and help diversify
our economy. We have several Enterprise Zones in town which could be a solution for new and growing
businesses. We need to stop talking around the issue and find ways to give entrepreneurs and creative
innovators a place to grow their vision. In 2008, Plexis Healthcare Systems was looking to relocate their
facilities at the Croman Mills Redevelopment Site to expand and grow their business. Problems arose
delays occurred and their move and the Croman Development never happened. Interestingly, Plexis just
announced they were moving their operations out of Ashland and taking 100 jobs with it. We need to
find ways to keep businesses like Plexis here in Ashland. They are the anchors of our local economy and
we need to help them grow and prosper. This is the key to balancing our economy and securing our
future. We cannot be complacent. We need to strike the right balance between building code
requirements, regulation and sensible decision making. We need to be proactive and take a fresh look at
a LE~ lov
1
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our economic development plans and strategy which have been unrevised since 2012. 1 think we should
revisit the idea of an Economic Development ad- Hoc Committee. This might allow us to harness some of
the untapped business skills and ideas from people within our community from different industries who
could provide actionable strategies to help. I look forward to helping in this challenge.
Affordable Housing and Smart Building
We can't improve our economy, address the lack of affordability in our town or really impact the lives of
our most needy without a multi-tiered strategic approach to solving the lack of affordable housing and
smart building in our community. I think the time is ripe for decisive action on this issue. A review of the
Housing Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan is essential. I believe the city can find actionable
ideas to implement which will help ease our housing problems. In many ways, our economic future is
linked to our housing issues. Some of the biggest challenges faced by Ashland businesses are around
attracting staff and skilled workers. In fact, in a recent Chamber of Commerce survey, many business
respondents suggested the "high cost of living" in Ashland made it difficult to find the right candidate.
We need more jobs that give people a livable wage so they are able to rent or buy homes in our
community. We ultimately need a broader vision that calls for a reset of "business as usual" in the
departments that oversee this essential part of the city administration. While working to preserve
Ashland's unique historic and architectural qualities, we need to evaluate existing building restrictions
and regulations to allow for more creative infill projects for commercial, residential and mixed use
projects. We need to allow for higher density buildings. The current building codes and strict
interpretation of them stymy practical utilization of existing lots and building that could be improved
and don't take into account the nuisances of many new projects. In many cases, the result is actually
creating subpar design.
Other ideas like adopting more stringent renters' rights rules (90 day no cause evictions) and funding the
Housing Trust Fund with a stable and reliable revenue source will provide options and achievable
solutions to the housing problems faced by our most needy. It is a fact that funding affordable housing
to give people a path to home ownership will be the cheaper alternative for our community over time.
We should learn from other municipalities where urban planning and forward thinking is leading to
livability, greater affordability, reduced costs and economic opportunity for it's citizens. I think Ashland
needs to consider the feasibility of Vertical Housing Development Zones which it doesn't presently
allow. Creating a master plan involving bigger and mixed use buildings incorporating the thoughts, ideas
and concepts of proven developers will create more affordable housing options for our citizens. I would
hope to play a critical role in the housing development and policy discussions as a city council member.
Climate Change and the Environment
I think the city has made great strides in addressing the importance of taking a proactive approach
toward Climate Change. This is an essential issue facing our community. I applaud the city's multi-
faceted approach to climate change and the environment. With 2016 being the hottest year in recorded
2
human history taking a proactive approach to Climate Change is not only essential for Ashland but the
world at large. I think we must maintain the momentum to insure we continue to set the bar high. Our
community is committed to taking responsible steps to contribute to the slowing of greenhouse gas
emissions and climate change. I agree with the commitment our city leaders are making toward
protecting the environment and I think it is an essential issue for our city leaders to continue to
champion. We should be proud we are setting the example for other communities to follow. I am
looking forward to the upcoming discussion around setting up a City Citizen Advisory Commission which
will be monitoring and tracking CEAP goals in the next few months. I am supportive of the 10x20
ordinance #3134 and hope this will be an essential part of the implementation of CEAP. I understand
this dialogue will take time as policy issues are refined and further discussed. Being a voice in the
discussion of how we impact our carbon footprint is critical to me and the entire Ashland community.
As part of the climate change discussion I believe we should continue to pursue a strategy of protecting
our forestland and our watershed through the good work of the Forest Land Commission and AFP, seek
ways to find incentives to make renewable energy more economically viable and work to promote and
educate our citizens on the importance of a reliable and stable water source. I often attend AWAC
meetings and listen to discussions and I look forward to helping in the Climate Change discussions as a
city council member.
2) What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
I pride myself on being an open minded individual who can work with others toward a common goal. I
have the integrity, experience, passion, enthusiasm and more importantly the time to help shape the
focus and discussion on issues that are important to the people of Ashland. We must ensure that our
city government works for the people and allows the voice of it citizenry to be heard. If selected to the
council this will become my new "full time job". I am sure I can inject a fresh perspective into the
discussions of our city government. Most importantly, I am dedicated to being transparent and
accountable. 1 understand and value the significance of "saying what you mean and meaning what you
say" and I believe it is essential that my statements are consistent with my actions and true to my
values. My experience as a citizen member of the budget committee has given me knowledge and
insight into the inter-workings of our city government. I have learned, in detail, how it is financed and
how it works. I have attended many city meetings outside of the budget committee where my goal has
always been to learn as much as possible about the issues facing our city. Now I think I'm ready to take
that next step, to reach out to try to have more of a voice while representing the voices of people in our
community and in the process hopefully positively impacting Ashland along the way. I don't purport to
have all the answers. I understand the learning curve for any new member of the city council will be
challenging. I do know that I have the time to dedicate to this task. My years living in Japan taught me a
cherished tenant of Japanese culture that being consensus building and open communication are
essential parts of the decision making process. I am willing and eager to learn, be collaborative and as
productive as possible while working with other members of the city council to find solutions to the
issue and problems facing the people of our community.
3
3) What community and city activities have.-you been involved in recently?
I had spent nearly half my life outside of the United States when I moved with my family to
Ashland in 2009. Looking at America from outside her boarders gave me a very unique
perspective on how lucky we all are to be citizens of this great county. I have been fortunate to
have found professional success and have always wanted to somehow give back. My mother
always said to my siblings and me when we went off to school "do something nice for someone
today" and helping others "is the rent we pay for our time on earth". The importance of those
words have never escaped me.
When I learned of the great work of the Emergency Food Bank in 2009, 1 periodically would go
down to volunteer. New to the Ashland community the vast majority of my time was spent
insuring my wife and family were settled and secure. It was after we returned to Ashland in
2013 that I pledged to get more seriously involved. Going to the Food Bank to help unpack food
provisions and restock empty shelves let me see firsthand the numbers of people in need and
how much this organization was helping our community. My wife and I began to take our
children there during Thanksgiving and Christmas to help. I got to know the people involved in
the organization and in 2015 1 was asked to join the Board of Directors. Being on the Board has
been an incredibly rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing to serve as a
productive member of this important Ashland organization.
As our family started getting involved in school and community activities in 2009, 1 learned of
the role of the citizen volunteers in the budget process in Ashland. Several people approached
me and suggested that my professional experience in finance could be a potential help to the
city. I was influenced that the expertise I had would blend nicely with both the other volunteers
and elected members of the city council. I knew in the back of my mind however that there was
a real possibility that we would be returning to Japan and I didn't want to make a commitment
that I wouldn't be able to see through so I decided to postpone that work until we returned to
Ashland for good. Once back home in 2015 1 decided to get more involved and I submitted my
application. I was selected as a citizen member of the budget committee prior to the adoption
of the 2015-2017 budget. I serve on that committee today and it is a role that I take very
seriously. As a member, 1 have an obligation to be professionally curious, inquisitive and
thorough. Not to dictate policy, but to offer insight into solving financial problems by looking at
potential solutions from a different perspective. I feel strongly that we must be cognizant of the
financial commitments we make today so all of our citizens have the best opportunities possible
to live and succeed in Ashland in the future.
In the summer of 2015 1 reached out to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce to educate myself
about the transient issues facing our town and the impact it was having on our business
community. I shared my own personal experiences and stated that as a business owner and
citizen I thought more needed to be done. My concerns were shared with the Executive
Director and Board and I was selected in late 2015 as a member of the Behavior Task Force
Committee. As you know, this group is made up of many leading business members in our
4
community. Like many others I supported the re-education campaign of "Reconsidering How
You Give" coupled with more police enforcement and oversight. That has gone a long way in
controlling behavioral issues of our "traveler" population, which in turn, better serves the
general population and our business community. This was an important Chamber collaboration
and initiative, and we have seen positive results.
4) What is the role of the city councilor?
The role of a city councilor is to serve the citizens of the community he or she represents. This
sounds simplistic but in reality I understand this can be a complex task. A city councilor is
someone who is committed to serve, a good listener, a coalition builder and a problem solver
who is results oriented and able to work well with other to find mutually acceptable solutions to
the problems facing the community. I know as a city councilor I will disagree at times with other
members of the council, as each person will hold true to their own ideals and principles but, as
we agree to disagree, I pledge to listen, be flexible and respectful of others and the positions
they hold dear. I am committed to finding common ground.
In a partnership between city government and the people it represents, I will not be afraid to
support policies that others disagree with in order to best represent all the citizens of our
diverse community. In addition, I know a city councilor must work well with different citizen
advisory committees and employees of the city. There are extensive administrative, budgetary,
and time demands that a city councilor needs to understand and commit to, in order to be an
effective member of the council. I am willing and eager to undertake this responsibility.
5
Shaun Joseph Moran
615 Tavlor Street
Ashland Oregon 97520
Phone: (541) 880-4223
Employment: Owner: Hoot Owl Estates, Trail Oregon
Vacation retreat offering cabin rentals on the Upper Rogue River
2009- Present
Head of Execution Services, Managing Director
,~Vovemher 2010 to .Itmc 2013
J.P. Morgan Chase Japan Securities Co., Ltd.
I was in chan_,c of transforming the J.P. Morgan institutional agency execution services platform
which involved a detailed technology overhaul, extensive cost-benefit analysis and a revamp of
the entire client/broker process. I v,!as tasked with overseeing all institutional client order flow
and execution in Japanese equities for the firm in Japan. I had 25 direct reports. A large part of'
IYiy joh \.vas to improve J.P. Morgan's client execution capabilities, analyze client profitability and
introduce broker attribution modeling to better understand employee efficiency and
aCCOlllltablllty. Additionally I was involved with the learning and development program to mentor
yoringer key eiiiployees in the equity fi-anchise.
Head of Execution Services, Managing Director
Muv 2000 to Febril r. 2009
Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co., Ltd.
From 2007 headed Bank ol'Amcrica/Merrill LvnCh execution services platforn which consisted
of oversight of offshore and domestic sale, trading, cash tradiric, execution, low touch trading,
listed futures and options. facilitation and portfolio trading. I had 42 people reporting to me. Our
offshore sales tradinp team routinely rated top in Japanese equity. Outside of day to day
management responsibilities Iran the learning, and development program for the equity business
which focused on development of key performers/upcoming talent which became the template for
Learning and [development program in Asia. I modeled leadership and team building with all
members of the equity business. I covered many of the most senior and important accounts with
global significance to the Merrill cash equity Franchisc in Japan.
Managing Director Sales / National Sales Manager in Retail Division
Septemher 1998 to AI)r1l 2000
Massachusetts Investment Management Co., Ltd.
Head of the MFS retail mutual fund sales channel in Japan. Responsible
for developin the mutual fund channel sales network in both the domestic
and non-.fapanese banks/hrokers. Supervised a three man lapancsc sales team
and conducted day to day business managcnient and investment discussions in
Japanese.
C
BY:------
~.V
Head of Japanese Equity Derivative Sales Team, Vice President
July 1994 io August 1998
Daiwa Securities America, (Tokyo Office)
Supervised a total of Five Daiwa America employees in Tokyo covering overseas clients
trading listed, OTC} equity derivatives and Japanese equities. Provided market
information, nevus, and trading ideas.
Education: Yoshida Institute of Japanese Language, Tokyo, .lapan.
Completed intensive Japanese language program. 1990-1992
Bates College, Lewiston. Maine B.A. Political Science. 1985-1989
Edinburgh University, Hinburgh Scotland
Concentrated in Comparative Politics and Asian Political History. 1987-1988
Volunteer: Tokyo English Life Line (TELL)
Helped with organization and fund raising for group which was an English support life line
for expatriate community in Japan who so_rght help and counseling. 1991-1993
Other: Fluent .lapanese. Very strong sales presentation and people skills. Proficient in Microsoft
Excel and Microsoft Word, Financial SerN ices Series 3,7,6,4,2%1 registered
References: Available upon request
1
Susan Bradley Krant
994 Stone Ridge Ave.
Ashland, OR 97520
Ashland Mayor and City Councilors
c/o: Barbara.christensen0ashland.or.us
City Recorder
City Hall, 20 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Re: Vacant City Council Seat Position b, Letter of Interest
I ask that you consider my application for appointment to the vacant city council seat and pursue a
discussion or other interview with me. I have answered the questions posed, below, and have attached my
resume to this memorandum to assure you of my interest in serving as a City Councilor. As an attorney
who has practiced law for over 30 years, and as a business owner running a law firm in the downtown, I
have seen firsthand the growth of issues which need to be addressed in Ashland as a city, as well as in
Jackson County in the Courts. I have seen where our judicial system can help, but where local action
through City government can accomplish much more, which I hope to be part of as a City Councilor.
1. What are some of the biggest issues I see facing our City?
Ashland needs affordable housing for those who live and work within our city limits and needs to
attract diverse individuals and families to make their homes here in the future.
Ashland needs to address the downtown homeless problem from the root cause approach, rather
than responding to effects impacting the rise in homelessness in Ashland. This approach requires
creativity, compassion, long term (rather than band aid) solutions, and should be achieved through
partnership with Ashland police, businesses, and charitable organizations. The solution should
include shelters and essential services to the homeless on a year round basis, and a way to
encourage homeless individuals to congregate in hospitable areas away from crowded sidewalks
and downtown businesses, while also addressing the deeper needs of children who are homeless in
Ashland.
Ashland will need to build and fund a safe structure to house its city services in a forward thinking,
fiscally conservative, and environmentally responsible manner, while selecting an option that
improves and grows downtown business and cultural offerings which will appeal to our locals and
visitors alike.
it
z
The City Council and many City departments are, at present, dominated by individuals primarily of
similar backgrounds and ethnicity. In order for Ashland to reach its potential in the 21St century,
the city needs to appeal to members of all racial, social, and economic strata. The City should
encourage through policy and actions a variety of rich programs which incubate opportunities for
all of its residents and visitors to share their lives, creativity, loves, passions, and working hours in
an accepting, just, and equitable culture together in a whole community, not in self-selected
factions. If this last issue is addressed in depth at a city level, rather than superficially, with a long
term commitment by the city, the three problems mentioned above would likely find significant
resolution.
2. What is my primary motivation in seeking appointment to the City Council?
Something has got to change. The recent election taught me I need to get off the sidelines and be
willing to participate in politics and use my power and influence as an educated woman with a big
heart and inquisitive mind for greater good than just helping myself, my family, my "pet" causes,
and my clients. I want equality for women, respect for all humans, safe and affordable healthcare
for all, and I want a government at all levels to look different than the people who are elected at
present. Simply put, we need more estrogen, more color, more love, and less concentration on the
mighty dollar reflected in our political representatives so that the good of everyone is paramount,
not the good of the few or the powerful. There truly is enough for everyone, but not for the greed of
everyone. One way greed manifests itself in politics is political representatives who hesitate to
relinquish power once elected, becoming career politicians, leaving the rest of us feeling that we
could never stand a chance of serving effectively in government at any level. I am taking a chance to
say that I want to try something different and be uncomfortable doing something I have never done
before, but which I feel with dedication I could do well for a period of time before passing the torch
to someone else to make their own contribution to our local government.
3. Describe Community and City Activities I have been involved in recently.
I was extremely active in the Ashland Public School system when both of my boys attended
elementary, middle, and high school in Ashland. As a parent, I volunteered extensively in the
classroom, in sports programs and fundraising, as a chaperone, in scouting, and sharing my passion
for artistic creation with Ashland students in classes in which my children were enrolled through
the years. Now that I have been an empty-nester since 2014, I have expanded my volunteer
commitments and service on working groups locally and statewide, both as a citizen, community
member, and as a member of the legal community. Since 2014, some of the work I have done has
included serving on the statewide board for the Oregon Women Lawyers, as well as locally as the
President of Rogue Women Lawyers, and as an attorney I also volunteer as a mediator for eviction
cases in the Jackson County Courts. I am past secretary of the Ashland Independent Film Festival,
and served on that creative and inspiring organization's board. I have recently been appointed to
the Oregon State Bar Advisory Committee for Diversity and Inclusion. I also serve as an elected
member of the House of Delegates for Southern Oregon in the Oregon State Bar. Locally, I am a
member of an informal women's leadership group, and served on the founding board of Shine a
Light, an Ashland non-profit designed to bring awareness and funding to programs designed to
assist victims of human trafficking. I am most excited about my beginning work as the leader of a
3
sub-caucus of the Jackson County Democratic Party working on community organizing and
activating to promote Immigrant Rights and Social justice; this group is at an incipient stage, having
been formed just recently after the November Elections through a community forum. In the past, I
helped the Ashland High School as a volunteer Aspire Counselor and also as the Career Day
Coordinator. I am passionate about Ashland, my husband and I chose to live here because of its
highly rated schools for our children, and chose to remain in Ashland after our children grew up
and moved away because of the wonderful community, culture, and friendships we have found in
Ashland. I have not served on any commissions or committees at the municipal level, nor have I
held any government office whatsoever, but I feel I am ready to participate and be fully engaged at
this point in my life.
4. What do I see as the role of city councilor?
The city councilor should listen to, seek out, and welcome difficult conversations and input from the
varied and, sometimes, oppositional residents, workers, business owners, students, and visitors,
while paying particular attention to obtaining input from the diverse perspectives of individuals,
communities, and organizations voicing the needs of persons who have been underserved and
underrepresented to date. The city councilor working to make Ashland rich in opportunities for
many people, businesses, and organizations should dedicate herself to intensive education, reading,
participation in forums, informal listening sessions, and other outreach opportunities to learn
about the way the city can create true equity for different, sometimes powerless, racial, social, and
political voices. The city councilor should advocate for programs, policies, administrative acts, and
municipal regulations which go beyond mere constitutionality, and reach for justice in fact in our
small, but amazing community, through the policies, programs, and policing it pursues. The city
counselor should appreciate that working cooperatively through open and inclusive exchange of
ideas and options for problem solving in local government requires excellent compromise and
collaboration skills, while always pursuing ethical decision making in government. The city
councilor should strive to achieve administrative and programmatic goals which are achievable,
sustainable, and worthy of the investment of precious city resources of time and money. The city
councilor should not pursue a personal agenda that does not reflect the desire of the community.
The city councilors, whether nominated or elected, should be reflective of the community as a
whole, accordingly, I feel appointment of a woman to the council for this seat is essential and is the
reason I have sought this position, which I hope will be a role model for participation in
government to the young women and people who are the future of our town.
Thank you for taking the time to carefully review and consider my letter of interest. I am happy to
answer questions or clarify any information submitted and would be proud to serve as a City Councilor at
thi ex~ng time in Ashland.
Ho efully,
usan ra ey ant
Susan Bradley Krant: Employment, Activities, and Associations:
Law Practice:
Anderson Bradley Krant, P.C. Shareholder and Partner, 2006 to Present. This firm is one of two solely
women-owned legal firms in the Rogue Valley. The firm was founded by Carolyn Anderson and Susan Bradley
Krant in April, 2006. Susan practices in the area of litigation, estate planning, guardian and conservatorship
establishments, estate litigation, and representing elder clients and family members through legal transitions
dealing with capacity and other care matters. Susan has a dual license to practice law in Oregon and
California. She has presented lectures on elder law and legal ethics to the Jackson County Bar, National
Business Institute, and other organizations. She has practiced law for nearly 30 years, focusing on elder law
and estate planning for the past 10 years. Susan has been licensed to practice law in California since 1987
and in Oregon since 1999. Susan graduated from Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco (1987) and
from Occidental College, Los Angeles (1984).
Legal Organization Affiliations:
Rogue Women Lawyers, Oregon Women Lawyers, Jackson County Chapter, Past President, 2013-2016,
Member 2006 to Present.
Oregon Women Lawyers, Board of Directors, January 2014 - May 2016, Member 2013 to Present.
Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) Mediator, Jackson County Courts, 2009 to Present: Volunteer two
afternoons each month to mediate landlord/tenant disputes before trial.
Research Assistant, Jackson County Courts, 2001: Volunteered in Oregon Circuit Court, Jackson County, as
Research Assistant to Judge Daniel Harris (ret.).
Member, Jackson County Bar and Southern Oregon Estate Planning Council.
Delegate, House of Delegates of the Oregon State Bar, 2013 to Present.
Member, Oregon State Bar, 1999 to Present.
Member, California State Bar, 1987 to Present.
Community Volunteer Affiliations:
Ashland Independent Film Festival, Board Member, Secretary, 2014 to 2016.
Ashland Women Leaders Group, 2014 to Present.
Shine a Light: Secretary, Founding Board Member, 2014-2016
Career Day Coordinator: Ashland High School, 2012: Organized approximately 100 professionals and
business people to speak to students during 4 sessions, at this annual high school event.
Mock Trial Instructor: Ashland High School, 2009-2010.
Yreka Soroptomists: "I'm Speciaf' Coordinator, 1999: Coordinated self-esteem and career choice seminar for
8th Grade Girls in Siskiyou County, California. Member at large and Board Member, 1998-2000.
Volunteers in Parole (VIP): Attorney mentor to parolees (1987-1988)
To Mayor Stromberg and City Council Members,
This is my letter of interest regarding the City Council Position 46. My
wife and I moved to Ashland, Oregon, from Los Angeles, California and I
have been working with Neuman Hotels foM the past 9 years. I am presently
The Regional Senior Sales Manager.
Below are the answers to your questions:
• The biggest issues facing the City, in my option, are Climate and
Energy Action, the Railroad Clean up Project and the Homeless
issues.
• My primary motivation for seeking the council seat is to be of service.
I am passionate about the culture of Ashland. I believe that I can
bring a diverse opinion to the city council.
• I have been on the Phoenix Counseling Center Board, and I am
currently on the Children's Advocacy Center Board, MLK Committee,
Housing and Homeless Steering Commission, an Ashland Rotarian
and I am the Founder and President of Southern Oregon Pride.
• The role of a City Councilor is to adopt ordinances, establish goals
and objectives for the City Government.
I believe in communication and collaboration, working with the
commissions and listening to the Citizens of Ashland. I know we can grow
our community into an even more diverse culture. Bringing in more
tourism, and business while growing a sustainable economy that other
communities will want to pattern themselves after.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Gina DuQuenne -1 fin , ~/N RECEIVED jAN
2 fop
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Theodore I. White
1130 Oak Street, Ashland, OR 97520 (541) 951-8096 buzzsaw141@hotmail.com
January 25, 2017
Mr. John Stromberg
City of Ashland
20 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Dear Mayor Stromberg and Ashland City Councilors,
This is my letter of interest in filling the Ashland City Council Seat #6 position. I have lived and
worked in Ashland for the past 12-years and call this unique and special place my home. I look
forward to the opportunity to collaborate and work within your staff whom I have grown
tremendous respect for over my two stints as Ashland City Council Candidate. I will bring a
fresh perspective and a level of cooperation needed for Ashland to become global leader.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
-Transparency, sustainability, expansion, affordable housing, tolerance, political diversity, and
homelessness.
What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
-1 want to serve the community to my fullest potential. I want Ashland to be the standard for
healthy living nationwide.
What community and city activities have you been involved in recently?
2X Ashland City Council Candidate (2014, 2016). Nevada St. Bridge Opposition.
What is the role of the city councilor?
Listen, tell the truth, research, discover, learn, model, inform, respect, communicate, and to
encourage the best possible solutions for complex problems.
Respectfully, r
S • l~ RECEI VED
JAN 25 1017
Theo White
JCJ r -
J
D
Dana Smith
From: Emily Trivette <emilytrivette1 @gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 2:06 PM
To: Dana Smith
Subject: City Council seat 6 Application
Emily Trivette
215 Tolman Creek Road #15
Ashland, OR
97520
cell phone 541-631-8598
Letter of Interest and Intent for the position of City Council Position #6
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Emily Trivette and I am hoping to gain the City Council position, #6.
When my family started, we were in the depths of the great recession. I have lived in
Ashland for almost ten years. I moved here with my one year old son and husband at the
age of 22. We came here when the economy crashed in 2008 and my husband had to fold
his construction business in Santa Ynez, CA. My parents retired to Ashland three years
earlier and we were lucky enough to be able to move in with them in order to get back on
our feet and find a place of our own in which to start over.
I quickly got a job at Nimbus, the high end retail store downtown, and my husband
Tyler went to work for the Ashland Grange Co-op. We put our young son in day care and
worked very hard until we were able to move into our own house. Over the following
years, Tyler was given an opportunity to work for a local landscape company and we were
able to move yet again, to a nicer house better suited to our growing family. I was
eventually able to stay home to care for our now three year old and were expecting a
second child. We had government assistance to help us with feeding our family and my
parents helped with pre-school for my older son. Tyler continued to move up in the
company until eventually we launched our own construction company in Ashland. We
used our entire tax return so Tyler could get his license as well as launching a website and
paying for advertising. I'm the office manager which includes budgeting salaries, filing
taxes, accounts recievable, accounts due and mailing 1099's to our sub-contractors. I am
in charge of our Public Relations and Marketing. I joined a well respected networking
group, Business Networking International, and I am in charge of Marketing and Public
Relations for our Ashland chapter, Ashland Business Connections. We have come a very
long way thanks to the City of Ashland. T/ I- Ct
I CAA F,r RECEIVED JAN 26101
to wortz 'H
I am a high-school graduate and instead of going to college I worked as a horse
trainer until I met my husband and got married in 2007. 1 am a lover of books, I read
anything I can get my hands on. I am a mother of two boys, 8 and 5, and I run a
successful business with my husband. I teach spin class at the YMCA once per week, and
I manage a working stable of 13 horses during the rest of the week. I am on the Ashland
Little League Board as the Rookies Coordinator and I volunteer extensively with the
Bellview PTO and within my childrens classrooms. I taught myself how to use QuickBooks
so I can do all of our accounting, and I also taught myself how to do web design so we
could have a beautiful website to share with our clients. I wake up every morning and
make breakfast, get my kids off to school, and go to work. Its a good life.
You may wonder why I have given you my back story in such a fashion. Let me
explain. I do not have college degrees and I have not run huge companies. My
qualifications come from within. I am a traveler. I have been to several different countries
and all over the United States. I am proactive in my community. I am civic minded and I
truly care for other people and the City we live in. I am a voracious reader of history and
science, with a few Sci-Fi's thrown in there once in a while. I know how to manage large
groups of people (and animals) and I know how to do it with a mind of democracy and
equality. Serving on the Little League Board for three years has taught me a lot about
volunteering for a greater good of the community and I get true joy from it. I love
volunteering at school and working with the PTO. I volunteer my time to give horse back
riding lessons to bullied girls so they can know what it is to be confident and have self
awareness and self -respect. I am, in no uncertain terms, your average hard working
American success story. I have come from the bottom and worked my way up, to owning
a home and running a company, however small it may be. I can identify with a lot of
different demographics, and I feel that I would be a clear, positive voice for the
hardworking people of our awesome City. We need more people in local government who
truly understand the majorities voice. They are desperate to be heard, and I want to hear
them and help them. I want to provide a womans voice, a woman who has gone from
recieving government assistance in order to put food in my childrens stomachs, to a
woman who is now successfully running a business and continuing as a full time mom as
well.
The biggest issues I can see within our city, is the exponential growth of residences and
business buildings and the vagrancy that has all but taken over our downtown and lovely
YMCA fields.
Growth is a wonderful thing but not when it starts to change the face of a town or
city. Ashland is a proud City and we love our open fields and working farms. For large
developers to come in and build matching houses with little to no character, packed so
tightly next to each other there are no yards in order to squeeze as much profit out of the
land as possible, this poses a problem. Our town prides itself on the quaint feel as well as
the progressive designs that improve everything around us. Large business complexes
and housing tracts take us dangerously close to resembling a lot of the highly populated
areas all over the country. Ashland is a special place that needs to keep its distinction
from `everywhere else'. Thats why we love living here! I would like to be a voice in helping
Ashland maintain its ambience and charm.
2
The vagrancy problem. I am not without empathy. My sons and I regularly hand out
sandwiches to some of the local homeless people and I have been known to give them
jackets or socks when they are in need. The vagrants seem to be younger, on drugs or
drinking, and they gather in our most beautiful and public parts of town. Downtown and at
the YMCA. I live down the street from the Y and I see it firsthand. Yelling, litter, illegal
fires, grafitti and theft. I would like to help find new ways to help the homeless people in
need while creating a better alternative for the vagrants who post up in our downtown area
panhandling and all in all, bothering a lot of our locals and out of town tourists alike. I want
to find a way for us all to cohabit in a more positive way without being taken advantage of
by the vagrants.
What is my motivation for seeking a city council seat?
have wanted to take a more active role in our local government for about a year
now. After my experience on the Little League Board and working at the YMCA, I have
realized my calling is to public service. This realization was cemented at 11:30pm on
November 8th. I, and many fellow Americans have woken up from a complacent slumber,
always trusting the people and the government to do the right thing. Well, as is evident we
can longer rely on other people, and it is time for voices and ideas like mine to be heard
and executed. I am driven, and I want to help people at the same time as serving our City
of Ashland.
What does a city councilor do?
A city councilor helps with decisions regarding ordinances, finances, development
and infrastructure of their City. A city councilor works closely with the Mayor to make the
best decisions pertaining to their city. A city councilor is a voice for many and a lot of the
time a voice of reason. A city councilor works for the people and businesses of their city.
I believe I have answered the other questions in my opening paragraph. Please consider
me for the appointment. I would make an excellent addition and I am readly willing and
able to work hard for our fellow Ashlanders as well as the Council itself.
Thank you for your time,
Emily Trivette
3
January 27, 2017
Mayor Stromberg and members of the Ashland City Council-I appreciate the opportunity to
express my interest in Position #6. Thank you for your time and consideration-
What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
When I look around Ashland, I notice that there are a lot of people my age and older; OSF plays
are loaded with silver-haired patrons, as are the movies at the Varsity Theatre. It is expensive to
live in Ashland, expensive to buy property and rents are high; sometimes just finding a rental is
impossibly frustrating. My young friends have been leaving Ashland for years. In a more vibrant
Ashland, younger people would stay having found a diverse workplace, sustainable incomes and
housing that was available and affordable.
As I am walking the streets of Ashland in the early morning, I see the folks who have slept in the
woods or have taken advantage of a church floor when the temperatures drop below 20 degrees.
They are men, loaded with a backpack, sleeping bag, pad, and sundry personal items. Right now,
there is only one woman; she is obviously answering to an internal voice and she often shouts
back. Starbucks is the spot downtown where these folks often sit, cardboard signs and dogs near.
I tend not to offer money but I am comfortable buying coffees and teas and I am often graced
with personal stories. These folks are not going away-others will take their place-and my guess
is that their numbers will increase.
This summer I noticed larger groups of folks playing music and talking and shouting and eating
and smoking in the public parking lot across Lit Way from the small convenience store and Chloe,
an upscale salon and spa. Two women who work in Chloe told me that they wished that this
group wasn't in the parking lot because the men made them nervous. Eric, a periodic visitor to
Ashland, used to sit in front of the convenience store with his buddies; he isn't there anymore,-
no one is. It appears that they have moved across the way to the parking lot.
Truth is, people on the street are another issue. Talking with them educates me into their realities
of drug and alcohol dependence, mental illness, personality disordered behavior and fear. While I
often marvel at the kindness shown them and the multiple resources that our city dispenses, I
continue to believe that there is more to be done. One step forward is to involve the "parking lot
posse" in a discussion aimed at stronger relationships built upon common ground.
What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
My primary motivation is to be of service. "To whom much is given, much is expected." I am that
person; I have been blessed with a set of talents, with (relative) wealth, knowledge and time. To
serve my community-the place where my children were raised and the place that I have called
home for most of my life would be my good fortune.
What community and city activities have you been involved in recently?
Very recently, I joined thousands of other women in the Women's March in Ashland; the Monday
before that I attended the Martin Luther King celebration. I belong to a board of directors' that
oversees the Star thistle project; ST was built with a HUD grant and it offers housing to those
individuals who suffer from mental illness. I am grateful to have been a part of this board because
I have been a witness to humane housing-both in design and maintenance for the benefit of its
tenants.
On a much more personal note, I pick up trash as I make my 5-mile morning trek through Ashland.
In addition, I pick up trash at the Ashland Skatepark along with sweeping leaves when the piles
create a skating hazard. I realize that these activities of mine probably don't fall into the category
of what most people consider "community and city activities." I must credit Brian Almquist, a
former City Administrator, with his unknowing mentorship. Many mornings I see Brian picking up
trash, taking down outdated "garage sale" signs and peeling stickers off of the plexiglass bus stop
walls. Brian is one of my heroes-his attention and care reflects his abiding affection for the City
of Ashland. I hope that mine reflects the same.
What is the role of the city councilor?
When I hear "city councilor" in my head, I think of a public policy-driven role. I think of serious
study, stacks of paper, manila folders, meetings, ordinances, legal documents, a packed Council
Chambers, microphones, lights, name plates, and the importance of order and respect.
I also think of a councilor as being a trusted person-one who would return a call or make some
sort of contact with a community member-one who would acknowledge prejudice and bias in
the mix of a decision. Over the past year, community members have called me when juveniles
(and those over 18) have been involved in the news. Having left my position with the City of
Ashland over ten years ago, I am still surprised by these calls. In both cases-the boys who held
up the female pizza delivery driver and the stabbing death of the woman at the hand of her son, I
talked to people who were concerned, frightened, questioning, and eager to help in some way if
that was possible. I am not a lawyer and I could only speculate about the fate of these kids. At
core was the conversation itself and my hearing, "I feel better now, thank you for listening."
And, thank you for "listening." I look forward to an interview, should that happen, and I wish all of
you well in your search.
Resp ctfully s bmitted-
r ~
J Janssen RECEIVED JAN 2 7 2017
541-488-2491 " "
107 5th Street, Ashland OR, 97520
jjanssen@fastmail.fm t' L 1 • fiv ~ L ~-l ec%+►v~f
C o r4 , r rrc ck , U o s
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Louise D. Shawkat
870 Cambridge St.
Ashland, OR 97520
Louise00208_ Ca)-gmail.com
502.777.7550
January 27, 2017
City Recorder
20 E. Main St.
Ashland OR 97520
Re: City Council Seat Vacancy
This is my letter of interest for the Council Position #6 vacancy on the
Ashland City Council.
As an Ashland senior citizen I believe I would bring a unique
perspective to the issues facing our City, based on my life experience,
my work experience as a nurse, and my many and varied volunteer
experiences, both in Ashland and elsewhere. Below I provide more
detailed information about this experience and how I believe those
experiences will serve our City and the Council well.
1. What are some of the biggest issues I see facing our City?
• Lack of affordable housing affects the demographic characteristics
of any city, and Ashland is no exception. The current lack of
affordable housing in Ashland diminishes our City in several ways,
resulting in a lack of diversity and too much homogeneity of our
population. A diversified community creates richness and energy
in our City and the current housing crisis in Ashland is robbing us
of the benefits of a diversified community.
• Lack of diversified job opportunities. Growing up in a tourist
town, I am very familiar with the economic drawbacks to citizens
in a community where job opportunities revolve around tourism
primarily focused on theatre, restaurants, lodging, and shopping.
~~L-~; ons
I c
RECEIVED JAN 272017 1
Gam; r
Capitalizing on the success of downtown Ashland, is there a way
we can enhance tourism by expanding access to our natural
resources in the area, creating more and greater diversity in job
offerings.
• The recently developed Climate Energy Action Plan, once adopted
by the City Council, is just the first step in developing a vision of
what the City should look like in 2050. A well-articulated vision
is needed to guide the city every step of the way toward achieving
a sustainable future for generations to come. This will require all
city departments working together and with our community
partners to implement the steps to create our 2050 city.
2. What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council
seat?
My primary motivation is to continue my longstanding dedication to
community service in the communities I've lived in.
I have a Masters in Nursing, and the last ten years of my working
career were spent at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in
Louisville, KY. I worked in the Preservation Amputation Care and
Treatment Clinic as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, with a specialty in
bowel and bladder diversions and as a wound care specialist.
I have lived in Egypt and Saudi Arabia; I am a long-term student of
the Spanish language; and I have walked across England and have
driven across the US several times with a beagle as my co-pilot.
3. What community and city activities have you been involved in
recently?
Since moving to Ashland in 2010, I have been active in several city
and community organizations and issues. My city-related activities
include serving as an active member of Ashland's Climate and Energy
Action Plan. I also regularly attend the Conservation Commission
and other city commission meetings, such as the Transportation
Commission and the Downtown Parking Management and
Circulation Ad Hoc Advisory Committee.
2
In addition, I have served as a volunteer in the following
organizations:
• Energize Rogue
• Master Gardener Association
• Owner of a certified Pollinator Garden (Ashland Parks & Rec)
• Jackson County Master Recyclers
• Ashland Garden Club (four years as Secretary)
• Siskiyou District Oregon Federation of Garden Clubs (2 year
term as Secretary
• Volunteer at Ashland Dog Park (two years)
• Volunteer at the North Mountain Nature Park via the Ashland
Garden Club
• Volunteer for the Ashland Independent Film Festival
• Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) (volunteer for special
projects) and Tudor Guild volunteer
• Supporter of Voice of Hope Orphanage in Rongo, Kenya (Kenya
Kids @ Rongo)
• New Day Breakfast Steering Committee
• Ashland Food Project (recruit donors)
• SOCAN Master Climate Protector Program
• 10 x 20 Group
In addition, I am also a member of the following organizations:
• (KS) Wild
• Jackson County Library Association
• American Civil Liberties Union
• Sierra Club
• Member Ashland Cooperative
• OSF
• Ashland YMCA
• New Plays Festival
• Jefferson Public Radio
• SOCAN
3
4. What is the role of the city councilor?
• To continue the work of providing a safe, sustainable
environment for our citizens
• To strengthen dialogue between citizens and businesses
• To dialogue with citizens and obtain their input early in a process
• To work as a team member with other council members
To ask pertinent questions, read meeting packets (do the
homework)
- To have an understanding of what is financially possible with City
resources
- To communicate with city commissions and city staff to learn
what commissions are discussing and proposing and to hear the
concerns of city staff
• To dialogue with officials in surrounding towns regarding
common concerns, and then communicate with our citizens about
the outcomes of this dialogue
• To continue to work to expand our economic resources so that we
are not only a destination to see plays, but a destination to enjoy
our natural environment, thus strengthening our economic base
• To support efforts to coordinate and integrate multiple processes
to ensure they complement each other and work together to
achieve the community's goals
• To recognize the diversity of need and help reconcile and/or
accommodate different perspectives
• To act with integrity
Louise D. Shawkat
4
January 27, 2017
Dear Ashland City Council,
With this letter, I am formally indicating my interest in being appointed to fill the remainder of
Pam Marsh's term for City Council Position #6.
1 grew up in a small town in Nevada and have lived in Ashland for over 20 years, during which
time it has become my second hometown. I have raised my children here specifically because
of its safe environment, natural beauty and biodiversity, dedication to its children, and the
eclectic mix of small town and world renowned theater, art, and music. I am sure I do not have
to tell you all that Ashland is an incredible place to live and work.
My desire to serve the people of Ashland on the City Council comes from my love of this place
and the deep connection I feel to people I have gotten to know in many different spheres: the
people in the nonprofit sector who are working hard to solve conservation and social
challenges, the members of my faith community, some local business owners, the parents of
other children in the school system, and of course, my neighbors, close friends, and family.
Ashland is in a unique position to be able to innovate and experiment with various ways of
solving the challenges that come with being a small city in the modern world. We have many
different people with interesting experiences to draw from who can help us be both resilient
and creative. I would like to be part of the effort that keeps our community healthy and lend
my knowledge and experience to the task of addressing local issues as they arise.
My father served as a Justice of the Peace for 22 years and I grew up watching him serve the
people of his community with thoughtfulness, compassion, and accountability. He ran for office
the first time not because he had aspirations of holding public office, but because his
community needed a Justice of the Peace with integrity who held court on a regular basis. By
the time I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to eventually serve in some formal capacity
in local government. Now that my children are older and most of them are off to college, I have
the capacity in my life to devote to serving on the City Council.
I do not have a particular issue that is drawing me to serve at this time, but I believe my
knowledge and experience in climate change and conservation issues, as well as my
relationships with people working on social issues, could serve the Council well and
complement the knowledge, expertise, and community connections that already exist on the
Council.
I affirm that I live within the boundaries of Ashland and am a registered voter. Thank you for
considering my application for City Council Position #6.
Sincerely, RECEIVED JAN 272012
T~r~a VK
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What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
Ashland is faced with several issues, some of which will be addressed in the time remaining on
this term and others which need to be addressed over the longer term with the City Council
making a good start on them over the next two years. Please note that the items on this list are
in no particular priority order.
Near Term Issues:
City Government Vacancies
There are a number of vacancies in leadership positions within the City that either exist now or
are expected to arrive in the near term with the anticipated retirement of several department
heads who have held their positions for many years and carry significant institutional history.
Current examples include the City Administrator, Administrative Services/Finance Director, and
City Recorder. The City Council will need to fill those positions in a thoughtful way that not only
guarantees that we hire or appoint people who are qualified to do the job, but also ensures
that those new leaders share the values of Ashland's citizens and are committed to moving the
community toward inclusiveness, diversity, economic vitality, and ecological sustainability. It
will be critically important that the City Council do all it can in these processes to ensure that
they are fair and free of implicit bias for all applicants.
Biennial Budget (2017-2018)
This spring the Council will come together with several community members as the Budget
Committee to determine how the City will invest its resources over the next two years. This is
where the rubber meets the road in terms of the City's priorities. How we invest our public
resources is the clearest indication of what is important to us. In addition to funding standard
city services and infrastructure upgrades, the Council will need to determine the highest
priority issues facing the City in relation to its strategic plan and how much to invest in each of
those issues.
Long-Term Issues
Seismic Upgrade/Rebuild of City Hall
The Council is currently in the process of assessing the safety of City Hall in terms of earthquake
risk and determining the best way to address those safety concerns. This will be a large
infrastructure project requiring significant financial investment, so how the City decides to
move forward to address the risk is very important.
Affordable Housing
When I arrived in Ashland over 20 years ago, I did as many people with newly minted college
degrees do. I picked up several "rent" jobs and worked to get my career off the ground while
living in an upstairs apartment on North Main Street. I was able to be successful in getting my
start because there was adequate rental stock and prices were reasonable. I've been fortunate
to buy a home in Ashland since then, but I've watched as it has become more and more difficult
to live in Ashland for people with low income and young people in college or who are just
starting out. My young adult children have very little hope of being able to afford to live here
because of the cost of housing. My vision for Ashland is that it is a vibrant community that
welcomes and accommodates people with a range of incomes and that the people who work
here can afford to live here. I do not claim to know how to fix these issues, but I am committed
to helping find a way to ensure that we have adequate affordable rental stock and that we
figure out how to make home ownership more access ible for people with low income in
Ashland.
Climate Change
The climate crisis is the greatest long-term global challenge faced by all communities and
requires an immediate and effective response by the City. Fortunately, we are making a good
start with the Climate and Energy Action Plan nearing completion. Through several different
venues and processes, the citizens of Ashland have signaled clearly that they are very
concerned and want appropriately scaled action from the City on this issue. Once the plan is
accepted, the task before the Council will be to determine the most effective way to invest in
implementing the plan so that Ashland can successfully meet the aggressive, but absolutely
necessary, targets it is in the process of setting for itself.
People Who Do Not Hove Homes
The issues around people who do not have homes are complex because not all homeless
people have similar situations or need similar help. The situation of a family living in their car or
on a neighbor's couch is vastly different than that of ~ young summer traveler passing through
or that of a chronically homeless elder. The "solution" is likely to be several solutions that
understand and address that complexity and take advantage of resources available in all sectors
of our community. We also need to ensure that our citizens, local businesses, and visitors
experience Ashland as a fun, friendly, and safe place. Our downtown needs to be welcoming,
lively, and accessible to all, including people without homes, but there also needs to be
accountability and responsibility in that access. In that process, the City needs to continue to
address this issue by working directly with this population as well as others in county and state
government and in the nonprofit sector to ensure that the City takes on aspects of solutions
that are appropriate to its role and function.
Getting There
This is certainly not an all-inclusive list of challenges the City is facing, but these are the most
important from my perspective. Fortunately, Ashland has a good many strengths to draw from
in its efforts to address these issues, including an active and engaged citizenry, a functional and
thoughtful City Council, financial resources, significant knowledge and experience within its
citizenry, and a team of dedicated professionals working for city government who clearly care
about the work they do. While the problems listed above are not easy to solve, they are not
impossible either. Working together, we can develop a shared understanding of these issues
and determine what the "design specs" are for our solutions so that we take advantage of the
resources Ashland has in creating effective solutions that align with our values.
What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
I am very interested in learning more about how local government operates and bringing my
knowledge and experience to bear on the issues facing our community. My interests certainly
include climate change and sustainability, but I am committed to social justice and taking care
of each other in our community. And, I recognize that a healthy community rests on the
foundation of a healthy economy and that a diversified, local business sector is key to that
healthy economy. There is always a balance that needs to be maintained with the City taking on
the responsibility of maintaining and improving municipal services and infrastructural systems
while working in partnership with its citizens and neighboring communities to move forward on
important community issues. I have extensive experience developing partnerships and
integrated, holistic, community-based solutions that I believe would be a nice fit given the
challenges the Council has before it.
I have always been civic minded - registering young voters, assisting with local issue and
candidate campaigns, and writing the occasional letter to the editor. My first recollection of
conversations around voting and public service came when I was about 10 years old and I was
helping my father build a plywood sign for out in front of the courthouse in my little town. It
was a dual purpose sign that said "Register here today!" and had a sign overlay that made it say
"Vote here today!" That carpentry project initiated many conversations with my parents about
how we govern ourselves and the civic responsibility each of us carries. I believe everyone has a
role to play in serving their community and I am excited by the prospect of serving on the
Council as one of the ways that I can personally contribute.
The last twenty years of my professional life have been spent working to solve issues, starting
from a place of collaboration and aiming for a win-win solution wherever possible. In that time,
I have developed skills that I believe would be helpful to the City Council as it embarks on a
busy two years and makes critical decisions that will chart the course for our community well
into the future. While I will need to learn more about the specifics of the formal process the
City employs in its decision-making, I have transferable experience on decision-making bodies
and with governance processes.
I envision the Ashland of the future as a place inhabited by people of mixed incomes where
citizens and the City do their part to address climate change and move us toward greater
ecological sustainability; our business community is vibrant, healthy, diversified, and strong;
and where people of diverse races, ethnicities, and religions choose to call home. Ashland will
make many decisions in the next few years that will determine to what extent this vision can
become a reality. I would like to be part of that work by serving on the City Council.
What community and city activities have you been involved in recently?
My local activities generally relate to volunteer work -hrough the schools, helping with
programs at the Ashland First Congregational United Church of Christ, and assisting with the
City's Climate and Energy Action Plan.
AHS Turf Field Campaign
Most recently, I volunteered to assist the Ashland Schools Foundation and the Ashland School
District as the co-coordinator of the Turf Field Fundraising effort at Ashland High School. That
effort raised enough money for the District to replace the problematic grass football field with a
multi-sport, natural fill, turf field at the outdoor stadium that can be used for football, soccer,
high school PE classes, and community events. My responsibilities included serving on the Turf
Field Committee at the school district, writing grants and fundraising appeals, and assisting with
budgeting and outreach.
AHS Senior All Night
I have assisted with the AHS Senior All Night celebration for the past four years. The first two
years I served as a chaperone and clean up volunteer. The last two years I served as a co-chair
of the volunteer parent committee that organizes the celebration each year. In that capacity,
my responsibilities included facilitating the planning meetings, managing the overall effort for
creating the event, supporting the various committees, assisting with fundraising, and helping
refine the budget to ensure that we kept our expenses within our means. In the first of those
two years of co-coordinating the event, we worked herd to create a process that could be easily
replicated by future volunteer committees.
John Muir School
I served as the volunteer parent driver coordinator for 9 years organizing drivers to transport
the students to a variety of nature activities and field trips. I have also assisted with specific
events for the school and served as a parent chaperone on some of their day trips and
overnight excursions.
Ashland First Congregational United Church of Christ
am an active member of my congregation and support a variety of programs of my church,
including coordinating hospitality for Sunday services and assisting with events and action
efforts as needed. I served as Chair of the Selection Committee for an Interim Pastor two years
ago to hire a temporary pastor to lead our congregation while the formal search process was
underway for the new settled pastor.
Climate and Energy Action Plan
In my role as Executive Director of the Geos Institute, I worked with our ClimateWise" team to
secure resources to assist the City of Ashland in developing its Climate and Energy Action Plan.
That effort has resulted in the Geos Institute complet!ng a climate vulnerability assessment and
citizen survey that complement the efforts of the City's contractor on the project.
Nonprofit Association of Oregon
While this community engagement is focused on a state level organization, it touches local
organizations in Ashland because of the role that NAO plays in the nonprofit sector across the
state. I served on NAO's Board of Directors as an at-large member and then as the Treasurer.
My term ended in the fall of 2015. My contributions as Treasurer focused on ensuring that the
Board had a strong understanding of the organization's finances by working with the Finance
Director to develop more effective ways of communicating the organization's financial position
to the Board members so that we could better anticipate potential funding challenges.
What is the role of the city councilor?
The City of Ashland has several important documents that guide the work of the City Council,
including the Ashland 2020 Strategic Plan and the Council's Goals and Objectives, which help
the City meet those strategic plan goals. These documents create a strong framework within
which the Council does its work on behalf of the people of Ashland. The Council as a whole
must balance and weigh the various goals against the resources it has to invest and the
timeliness of the need for various actions in order to chart an effective course for meeting the
City's goals.
As a key decision-maker in this process, the City Councilor has several different roles. First and
foremost, the Councilor works to translate the goals of its citizens into action to improve the
community through ordinances, strategic planning, and the budget process. Part of this is
balancing short-term needs with long-term investments and prioritizing what action the City
should take, and the scale, timeline, and level of investment of that action.
The councilor serves as an important connection between the Council and the citizen
commissions that work to further the goals of the City and identify new issues to be considered.
By serving as a liaison to several commissions, the councilor ensures that the Council is kept
informed about developments in those commissions, new concerns or opportunities that are
arising, and actions that the Council may be asked to take at some point. In that context, the
councilor can bring the perspective of the larger whole of the City to those commission
discussions while taking back to the Council the top level ideas and concerns of the committee.
Citizens rely on the councilors to have their ear to the ground in terms of issues that are
bubbling up within the larger community, so councilors have a responsibility to maintain their
connections in the community and develop new ones that are perhaps not their natural
inclination. It is important that each councilor have relationships with multiple sectors to
ensure that they have a well-rounded understanding of what the challenges the City is facing
actually look like from different perspectives.
Finally, the role of the councilor includes supporting strong governance processes,
transparency, and accountability. City councilors should speak up when a process does not
include adequate opportunities for citizen engagement or when a process is so focused on
engagement that it threatens to fail to reach its objectives. The councilor should do her or his
work in such a way that the citizens have faith that even if that councilor does not agree with
them in the end, the process was fair and their concerns were given thoughtful consideration.
Relationships are particularly important in governing oodies like a City Council, so it is
important that councilors treat each other with respect, especially when they have serious
disagreements regarding the best way forward. If the process is solid, all councilors should
respect the final vote of the Council and model integrity in government for our young people
who are just learning how to engage in this experiment we call democracy.
January 25), 2017
Traci DarroYv. RN BSN
253 Cambridge Street
Ashland OR 971;20
Ashland Mavor and Cite Councilors
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
Cite flan, 20 E. Main Street, Ashland OR 97520
RE: Vacant City Council Seat Position #G, Letter of Interes~r
Please accept this as my letter of interest for consideration to the vacant city council seat, position #6. 1
have been a resident of Ashland since movie; here in 1984, I am a graduate of Southern Oregon
University (SOU) and Oregon Health Sciences University (01-ISLE) School of Nursing. My children have
been Helman Dragons. Ashland Middle School Cubs and Ashland Grizzlies. I have seen the changes, body
positive and negative, in our community over the Nears and I feel I have the depth and the experience to
serve the community on city council.
I hilve been working in public policy, health care, advocacy and representative government for over 25
years. I have experience working for a State Representative frorn Ashland in the Oregon State
Legislature and here in the District, as well as for the first openly gay state legislator in Oregon during my
tenure as a Legislative Aide in Salem. I worked for U.S. Senator Ron Wytlen for many years as a Field
Representative and ant proud to have opened the first Oregon U.S. Senate office outside of the
Willamette Valley in 1996 in Medford. I approach public policy with an open mind; neither party has a
monopoly on good ideas. or bad ones. It is the responsibilit of an elected or appointed official to look past
partisan politics and do what is best for their constituents and their community. I am also Registered
Nurse and have worked in nursing and healthcare adr-ministration for man, vears. My time has
predominately been focused on caring for the underserved. Working in the public sector on broad-based
public policy combined with nay Nv-ork as a nurse and nurse administrator in community health has given me
a unique perspective which I believe I can apple v,7ell to benefit the citizens of Ashland.
What are the biggest issues facing the City?
As a member of the Ashland Budget Committee I think that the most challenging issue facing the city and
the city council is the delicate balance of crafting policy solutions that address current issues, such as
affordable housing, while also adhering to a strategic plan that addresses and anticipates future needs.
Just as there is no single cause tu- homelessness, there is no single solution. Economic opportunity,
education, living wage, affordable health care, transportation, access to mental health services - all of
these issues are connected. For example: the state~vlcle ballot measure to increase some corporate taxes
on gross receipts failed in November. Oregon has, and will continue to have, issues funding PERS (Public
Employees Retirement) retirees, education, health care and senior services. The PERS issue affects
Ashland's city budget directly with ever increasing annount~ going to cover PIERS costs.
j s
vim,. y~1~
Ashland currently is self-insured in their health insurance pool for employees. There are certainly many
unknown factors that may affect that delicate funding balance in the insurance marketplace and in access
to health care. As Ashland's largest employer, SOU is faced with possible reduced state funding and
increases in tuition. Reductions in state funding for education in turf affect our economy, housing,
workforce and K-I2 education. We have a commtrnity with an aging demographic. The city will have to
address issues around services to keep seniors in their horses and as independent as possible for as long as
possible. I support the I0x20 climate action plan and the excellent work the climate change organizations
and the work the climate and energy committee has been doing. Climate change affects all of us - and
again is an issue that is connected to manv others. I support the work of the Ashland Fire Resiliency
Project. With uncertainty in our climate we must do as mur.h as possible to protect our watershed and
municipal water source: a summer of forest fires and a smoke-filled valley and degraded water supply
vti-ould do damage to our tourist economy. A precipitous drop in tourism then affects Oregon Shakespeare
Festival (OSF) and all the local businesses that depend on those visitors. Reductions in tourist visitors
would mean a reduction in the revenue collected from the occupancy tax and meals tax. Which w=ould
result in reduced municipal revenue at a time we need to be making investments in many of the issues
mentioned above. While each of these issues are important ui their own right, the council must address the
issues in an interconnected manner; thus yiecvirrg the most politically urgent problems against the backdrop
of the larger system is in my view the most important issue.
What is your primary motivation for seeking a vacant council seat?
I am motivated to seek dais seat to continue the work of the existing council in a collaborative and
productive manner. I don't seek this council seat vv~ ith a specific agenda but rather a goal to address the
urgent and important issues vv-ithin the context of the overall strategy, financial abilities and constraints of
the city. My experience in policy, social services, health care and an understanding of the operations and
issues facing the city from my experience on the city Budget Committee provide me a solid background to
apple at the Council level. I love Ashland. I have chosen to live here and to raise my family here. I do
feel 1 can understand the issues facing many vvho are economically disadvantaged and challenged. My
v,\*ork in CommunitN Health, which serves a majority of Medicaid-covered individuals has given me a much
greater insight to those in our community vvho Struggle witl-i the sockil determinants of health. My work at
the Ashland Emergency Food Bank also reminds nee each clay- that there are multitudes of people iii our
community: who are struggling to mane ends meet. I welcome those who chose to move here. buy a
home, retire here or start a business here. We need to support nets community members (many who
choose to spend hours in volunteer service, such as the Food Bank) and our local businesses while we also
acknov,dedge the ever-increasing income disparity- in our area.
% hat community and city activities have You been involved in recent(v?
I am currently the Executive Director of the Ashland Emergency Food Bank. I serve on the Ashland
Citizens Budget Committee. I worked recently at Rogue Community Health helping to not only provide
duality, affordable healthcare but also to help build the partnerships to connect our patients with other
social service supports in the community. I am a local precinct committee person for the Jackson County
Democratic Partv.
My work for Senator W'yden and other elected officials has given me the opportunity to support city
initiatives and local projects (AFRR SOU. SOREDI, Cascade Siskiyou National Monument among
others). I also have worked full time, some of that as a single mother, and have spent much of the last 19
years raising my family. That included volunteering in the classroom, attending sporting events, helping out
with sundae school classes and when I have a rare free block of time enjoying our beautiful Lithia Park,
theatres, restaurants and wineries.
What is the role of the city councilor?
The role of the councilor is to participate in the decision-making of the Cowicil and to represent the local
community in that decision making. to contribute to the strategic direction of the Council through the
development and review of strategic plans and to amend th,)se plans as needed or required; to listen to the
diversity of interests and individuals in the community and FOspect a wide array a viewpoints, to act with
integrity and transparency; to participate in the fair and responsible allocation of municipal resources and
to facilitate communication between the council and the community regarding those allocations. Ashland
is blessed with a unique population of citizens with a vast amount of experience, education and opinions. A_
councilor in the city of Ashland should continue to encourage and rely on the exceptionally talented
individuals who serve on our ninny boards and commission,,.
I WOUld appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and an- ewer additional questions you may have.
thank you.
Sincerely,
Traci Darrow RN, QSN
Traci Darrow, RN BSN-T-V
253 Cambridge Street
Ashland. OR 97520
530-598-2460
tr aciracdarrovy,'E of 11:t Cis i 3
Personal Profile: Mission-driven professional who has worked over 25 years in community and
leadership positions. Committed to social change throug-i collaborative process that spans healthcare.
natural resources, economic growth, equal rights. environmental protection and education.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Oregon Health Sciences University June 2007
Bachelor of Science. Political Science
Southern Oregon University June 1989
Executive Director, Ashland Emergency Food Bank
I was hired by the Board of AEFB in November of 2016. While this is a new position for me it
incorporates many of my skills and abilities of supporting those in need, collaborating with other
organizations in the community, addressing and promoting awareness of hunger in our community
and managing a diverse group of dedicated volunteers. This position reports to the Board of Directors
and is responsible for the daily management and of the facility, staff, and operations. The Food Bank
has been part of the social safety net of Ashland, Talent and surrounding rural areas for over 40 years.
I manage a large team of volunteers, am a spokesperson -Ind advocate for the organization and work
with many other non-profit organizations. faith-based organizations. businesses, individuals and
community partners. Strong leadership, organizational. financial and communication skills are
required for this position. November 2016 - present
Clinical Network Officer, RN BSN, Rogue Community Health
Rogue Community Health (RCN) is one of Jackson County's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
that provides primary medicalibehaviorai health/dental -ind pharmacy services to predominantly
Oregon Health Plan recipients. As Clinical Network Ofticcr (CNO) for RCH I represented the
organization to community leaders. I was responsible for maintaining and growing the community
partnerships that are so vital to an FQHC in the health care reform environment. These partnerships
included elected officials at the local, state and federal le',el, hospitals, non-profits, schools, business
leaders, insurers and other FQHCs in the region. As part )f the officer-level leadership team I was
responsible for not only strategic planning and organizati-anal direction but implementing the
programs and clinical services required to serve patients. As CNO I was the Officer leader for our
Member Services Department, Nursing program and Pati,_-nt Centered Medical Home program. RCH
has clinics valley-wide from Ashland to Prospect. Since the geographic footprint of the organization is
so broad, maintaining many diverse community partnerships and relationships was vital. As part of
the RCH Leadership Team I worked directly with our CEO. COO, Medical Director, CFO and Board
members. As part of that officer-level team we:
• completed organization re-branding to the community in 2014 from Community Health Center
to Rogue Community Health
• pioneered billing for RN visits that created a financially sustainable model to double RN staff
s implemented Oregon Health Authority pilot project changing to Alternative Payment
Methodology and Care Model.
• ensured all of our Medical Assistants were certified - at no cost to the employee
• streamlined lab services and implemented CLIA Waived Lab at substantial savings
• increased size and scope of School-Based Health Center services
• expanded Patient Centered Medical Home model to include pharmacy, mental health and
Community Health Workers.
November 2013 to May 2016
Field Representative, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Established the first U.S. Senate office in Oregon
outside of the Willamette Valley in 1996. Opened Senator Wyden's SW Oregon field office in Medford
that served Jackson, Curry, Josephine, Klamath, Lake and Douglas counties. Being embedded in the
community it was possible to forge new partnerships with local leaders and elected officials that
allowed creative bipartisan solutions on policy issues. Created numerous local working groups that
addressed issues such as transportation, forestry issues. water rights, environmental protection.
education, economic development and housing. This position was often at the intersection of local.
state and federal policy and regulations. A base knowledge of the legislative process at multiple levels
was essential. Knowledge of the appropriations process at the State and Federal level was required.
Also. an understanding public budgeting to the extent funds could be identified from grant or other
programmatic funds for priority projects. This position also provided constituent services for
individuals and community leaders on a wide range of issues relevant to the SW Oregon constituency.
Advised scheduling team on Senator Wyden's frequent visits to SW Oregon, and was personal staff to
Senator. Skill in executive level meeting and agenda planning required. This position required the
ability to garner community and stakeholder support for initiatives. I also specialized in Housing
advocacy for constituents that involved federal agencies and lending and banking institutions as well
as natural resource issues pertaining to the Department of Agriculture and Department of the interior.
1996-2004 2009-2013
Legislative Assistant, State of Oregon House of Representatives. 1989, 1991 and 1993 Legislative
Sessions. 1989 and 1991 worked for the State Representative for current District 5. 1993 Legislative
Session I worked for State Representative Gail Shibley D-Portland. This position required working
knowledge of legislative process and involved securing support for a wide range of initiatives and
projects. Excellent communication skills required: planning and implementing proposals; managing
legislative office.
Executive Director, Mainstream Oregon. 1995. National Education Association-led voter education
project for Oregon US Senate special election. Formed coalition that included unions, environmental
organizations, trial lawyers and faith-based organizations to create and distribute issue-based voter
education guide.
Consultant, Future PAC. 1994 Oregon House Democratic Caucus political action committee that
recruited and trained House candidates and their election committees. Consulting services for
candidates statewide.
Campaign Manager - Re-Elect Nancy Peterson D-Ashland. 1990 Managed and led re-election
campaign for State Representative Peterson. At that time the legislative district included Ashland,
Talent. Phoenix, outer Medford and the Upper Rogue region.
Field Representative, Oregon Trucking Association. 1992 Provided campaign strategy, outreach, and
campaign staff training in the 2nd Congressional District for Oregon statewide ballot measure
campaign.
Health Care
RN, Rogue Valley Dialysis Services, Davita, Inc. RN serving client population of in-center hemodialysis
treatment. RN duties include assessment of patients before, during and post dialysis treatment,
administration of medications and prescribed therapies, oversight of Patient Care Technicians, creating
and updating comprehensive care plans. documenting and charting using EMR and working with other
members of the Davita team to provide holistic patient-centered care including physical, mental and
psychosocial patient needs. June 2012 to November 2013
RN, Ashland Community Hospital/Memory Care Center/Neuroscience and Orthopedic Unit Asante
Rogue Regional Medical Center.
Worked as RN on the Medical Surgical Unit of Asante Ashland Community Hospital and as the RN Case
Manager for the Ashland Memory Care Center - a day program serving patients with Alzheimer's and
other dementia--related illnesses. I also worked as an RN on the Neuroscience-Orthopedics Unit at
Asante Medford Medical Center giving acute care nursing services to post-ischemic event and post
orthopedic surgical care and recovery. August 2007 - February 2009
RN Internship in Cardiac Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Rogue Valley Medical Center through the OHSU
Student Immersion program. This program allowed for an additional 280 hours of specialized
intensive care cardiac training. Completion June 2007.
Mental Health Assistant, Behavioral Health Unit, Rogue Valley Medical Center. Assisted providers in
direct patient care, assessment and oversight of mental health patients. Conducted group and
individual educational sessions focusing on patient needs and behavioral health goals.
January 2006 - November 2006.
Service/Awards/Honors
City of Ashland Citizens' Budget Committee (October 2014 - present)
Health Care Coalition of Southern Oregon Board Member (March 2014 - May 2016)
Leadership Development Forum, Centerpoint certificate winter 2016
Jackson Care Connect Clinical Advisory Panel (May 2014-January 2016)
Southern Oregon Healthcare Workforce Advisory Committee (2012-2016)
Sigma Theta Tau, Nursing Honor Society. Induction May 2007.
Asante Excellence in Nursing Award. 2006-2007
Sr. Donna Taylor Scholarship, Providence Medical Center, Medford 2006-2007
Medford Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Forum. Scholarship 1997
Application for Council Seat 6
Carol Voisin
Interest in Council Seat 6:
Having termed out of Council Seat 1 after serving two full four-year terms as an Ashland
City Councilor, I left office with several unfinished projects that I'd like to see through to
completion. One of my longstanding priorities serving on the Council was guiding citizens
through the intricate legislative processes that Ashland government presents, and continuing in
this effort further motivates me to submit my application. My knowledge of issues,
personalities, and governing processes is especially crucial in these extraordinary times; even
small communities like Ashland are sure to be impacted by decisions made in our nation's
capitol. 1 bring eight years of crucial experience on the City Council, experience that is needed
in these challenging times.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing the cites
The most immediate issue is balancing the city budget for the next two years with the
demands of PERS, 10x20 ordinance, departments requesting additional personnel, CIP
prioritizing, and the funding of citizen services. A long-term issue that needs addressing is
revision of the Comprehensive Plan. We need to develop a 211t Century plan via a process in
which citizens are invited to participate in setting the vision and direction for our community.
Affordable housing for those who work in Ashland is at crisis levels. The Affordable Housing
Trust Fund can be an instrument that begins to tackle the crisis, once revenue streams are
identified to monetize the Fund. Finally, before hiring a new City Administrator, I feel the
Council might consider the pros and cons of a city manager vs. city administrator form of
government. Including public discourse in this deliberation would be crucial to determining
whether we might need a change.
What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
My motivation is to continue bringing a progressive, critical-thinking approach and
perspective to the actions of the Council.
What community and city activities have you been involved in recent?
Most recently, I served on Ashland's City Council for eight years while teaching Ethical
Thinking at Southern Oregon University. I served as liaison to the Tree Commission, The Ashland
Historic Commission, the Band Committee, and the Ashland Water Advisory Committee. I served
on the Housing Commission, the Facilities Planning Commission, and the Affordable Housing
Trust Fund committee. I participate in several citizen-organized groups to address local issues
and am a current member of Ashland's chapter of the American Association of University
Women. Ccve,U~;"~(1)'C_,,
RECEIVED
.JAN 2 7ZOt7
ACV . J o'c ~f.
What is the role of a city councilor?
The simple answer is to serve the citizens of Ashland. The complexity emerges in
balancing multiple competing interests. Ideally, a city councilor carries the community's values
into policymaking processes and balances citizen needs and priorities with those presented by
city staff. Whether repairing or building new infrastructure or addressing social issues such as
homelessness, a councilor's job must be to stay in as close touch as possible with the people
and to balance their concerns against the strictures and limits imposed by city government via
law and statute and its view to the broader public good. A councilor listens to citizens but also
hears their larger concerns and ensures that those concerns guide decision-making; citizens
inform the Council, and Council directs staff, not the ether way around.
d
Mark Haneberg, J.D.
657 Prim Street
Ashland. OR 97520
(541) 488-4719
January 27. 2017
Barbara Christensen
City Recorder
City Hall, 20 East Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520
(541) 488-5307
RE: Application for City of Ashland Council Position 46
Lack of housing that meets the needs of people living and working in Ashland continues to be the most
important problem facing our city. Statewide planning Goal 10 begins with the beautiful and
compassionate aspiration that our "plans shall encourage the availability of adequate numbers of
needed housing units at price ranges and rent levels which are commensurate with the financial
capabilities of Oregon households and allow for flexibility of housing location, type and density."
Goal 10 is not enforceable in terms of results. Ashland is, however. deeply and tragically in violation.
Goal 10 requires only periodic inventories that quantify our regional and local failures. During the
Regional Problem Solving process, presentations were made that identified a large regional deficit in
affordable housing. Ashland debated and decided 15 years ago to solve the problem with infill and
higher density-statements motivated by our committed and qualified representatives who asserted that
Ashland would show the region how to do things right by proving that housing demand could be met
with our adopted strategies.
Ashland failed. As it was 15 years ago, people who love Ashland and people who work in Ashland
cannot afford to live in Ashland. The situation has worsened during our 15 years of addressing this
problem.
When I practiced law, I got a close-up look at an element of the housing problem in Medford and in
Jackson County wherein the only housing options for low-income families were substandard and
dangerous rentals infested with mold and rats, asbestos, lead and fire hazards. These rentals poison the
families living there and poison our communities. Under our system, rentals can reach a level of decay
wherein the landlord profits by causing illness, bloodshed and brain damage because the costs fall not
only on the victims but are shifted to the community-schools, hospitals, charities and the safety net of
governmental assistance pay the price of slumlord profits. It broke my heart. It was and is a vicious
circle.
If it is wrong to hurt a child with an instrument, like a stick. why is it good business to hurt a child with
a different instrument, like a moldy. rat-infested rental?
Sociologists refer to the unintended consequences of public policy. The most famous example is how
some poor people in the 1980s adapted to government aid offered to families with dependent children
-by starting families without fathers to qualify for aid. In our system, we offer legal protection and
other aid to landlords who hurt children. families and community with substandard and dangerous
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rentals. The unintended consequences include not only the shifting of costs, but the spread of physical
and moral decay.
Ashland contributes to the problem with policies that protect and increase property values by excluding
people who work here from living here. Ashland externalizes housing demand thereby contributing to
slum conditions in our region. Inclusive policies to protect and increase property values, if they could
be formulated, would eliminate the awful unintended consequences of the present situation. I'll return
to this subject later in my letter.
Recently. I joined two other citizens to stop Central Point from permitting a Costco superstore in an
industrial zone near the Rogue Valley International Airport. My reasons reveal elements of my
philosophy of government.
First, the entrance to the airport is currently protected by adjacent low-traffic industrial uses. A high-
traffic retail use is incompatible with this location and with regional and local zoning and transportation
system plans. A good transportation system would provide speedy and efficient access to an
international airport. Costco traffic would endanger that valuable access. Good government would not
only protect that access but keep industrial-zoned land for industrial uses.
Corrupt government rewards powerful people while ignoring or punishing the unrepresented or
underrepresented. In the short term, Costco traffic10,670 new daily tripswould cause the Table
Rock and Airport Road intersection to operate ten times worse than failure. Costco would cause 60 to
120 minutes of congestion in areas not normally congested. In the long term, Costco traffic will make
sections of Table Rock Road even more dangerous than they are today. Good government would not
endanger the people who live along Table Rock Road and would not endanger people driving on Table
Rock Road.
Because industrial zones are an essential element of any balanced local and regional economy, Central
Point should not convert its industrial land into commercial retail use. Central Point has land zoned for
commercial retail use adequate for a Costco superstore. Why would Central Point turn away from its
commercial zone to site Costco in its industrial zoned land?
The next three paragraphs contain highly detailed background information on the reason why Central
Point wants to use its industrial land instead of its commercial land for commercial use.
On October 5, 2005, developer Cris Galpin purchased the 23.63-acre site from Modoc Orchards for
$4,850,000. On January 4. 2008, Galpin borrowed $5,000,000 from PremierWest Bank and developed
access to the eleven industrial-zoned lots. On July 18, 2008, Galpin sold a 2.36-acre lot to Lodge
Number 1168 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (or $796,059.00. This sale established a
probable appraised value of $7.174.650 for the remaing ten lots, a total of 21.27 acres.
PremierWest Bank made many high-risk loans during the housing bubble. The bank officers
participated in the fallacy that property values would always increase. The bank officers did not
recognize that fraudulent loans and inflated appraisals were driving the apparent values. The bubble
broke. On August 31. 2010, Galpin signed a Forbearance Agreement with PremierWest that anticipated
the sale of 15.64 acres to Costco for $3,315,680. That sale didn't happen. On January 6, 2012, Galpin
transferred the property to PremierWest Bank with a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. The bank added the
21.27 acres to its other OREO-other real estate owned--property.
Because of its high-risk loans, the bank was in trouble. The bank had loaned more than its credit limit
of $25,000,000 to Galpin, and may have hidden troubled assets to create the illusion of solvency. The
bank entered into the federal TARP-Troubled Asset Recovery Program-and issued preferred, 5%
dividend-paying stock to the federal government in exchange for $41,400,000. In October 2012, the
troubled bank announced that it would be acquired through a merger agreement. The acquiring bank
would repay the federal government and pay $1.65 per ordinary share.
Now things get interesting. At this moment in time. PremierWest Bank is in a merger agreement and is
operating with federal funds. It owns the 21.27-acre property instead of the $5,000,000 it loaned
against the property. The actual sale of one lot to the Elks before the bubble broke established a
probable value of $7,174,650; the proposed sale to Costco after the bubble broke established a probable
value of $4,509,240 for the property. Almost certainly, the property was and is worth at least the
amount lost by the bank-$5,000,000.
What did the bank do? It arranged a deal wherein the Treasury Department forgave the bank
$6,200,000 in unpaid dividends and interest. Then, on December 28, 2011 it sold the property to an
entity controlled by the adult son of the bank's largest shareholder for $1,250,000. This is kith and kin
to white-collar crime. But the payoff all depends on Central Point and on Mayor Hank Williams.
Central Point Mayor Hank Williams is retired from Pren-,ierWest Bank. Under Mayor Williams, Central
Point applied to itself for a ruling that an intense retail use is similar to an industrial use on this site.
After many episodes that resembled due process, Central Point ruled in favor of its own application. On
my appeal, the Land Use Board of Appeals ruled in favor of Central Point. It looks like the entity
controlled by the adult son of the bank's largest shareholder walked out of the bank with a free
$3,750,000. Probably more, as Mayor Williams has worked tirelessly to increase the value. Why didn't
that money go to the Treasury Department? Why doesn't the Treasury Department collect it now`?
This is the type of government I oppose.
What I have described is a capital structure wherein powerful people profit at the expense of others. I
have described the slum in our machinery of government and finance.
Many non-profit organizations work to mitigate the damage. Regulatory barriers constrain and limit
their effectiveness and in many cases turn intended good works into support for the injustice in the
system. Many good people have advanced solutions or partial solutions to the affordable housing
problem and most have been turned aside by government usually because existing land use laws do
not favor affordability.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, the Ashland Daily Tidings continued its reporting on the application
by the Rogue Credit Union for a branch office at 1651 Ashland St. The story indicates that the credit
union included a non-binding proposal to enable 24-32 affordable housing units in exchange for a
variance. The story states that the affordable housing would be developed in partnership with an
unnamed nonprofit community group.
I remember that, during the Regional Problem Solving process, a landowner adjacent to the city
proposed a substantial affordable housing development if his property was brought into the city. His
proposal was rejected.
Perhaps 20 years ago, a proposal was made to develop 5.000 affordable houses on land north of
Medford along Highway 62. To keep costs down, the homes would. have been mass produced. That
proposal was rejected.
The credit union paid $17.22 per square foot for its two lots. The one-acre lot that could be used for
affordable housing cost about $750,000. Thirty-two 400-square-foot apartments could cost about
$1,500,000 to build, for a total cost of $2,250,000. The going rate for rental apartments is probably
about $1.25 per square foot, about $500.00 per month or $6,000 per year-about 1 /3 of an $18,000
yearly income.
For the investor who can pay 15% down, the mortgage would probably run $9,000 per month with a
$1.5 million balloon payment after 10 years. Property taxes, repairs. utilities, garbage collection,
insurance, property management and capital expenditures would have to be paid. The apartment
building can generate a maximum income of $16,000 per month at full occupancy and without an
occasional vacancy, which is inevitable. Already, it looks like there will be no net operating income and
a negative cash flow. It's a one-way ticket to bankruptcy.
This example shows that Ashland property is too expensive for affordable housing. To have affordable
housing, land must be affordable. Even with affordable land, building costs and the costs of ownership
must be manageable.
A few years ago when I practiced law, an investor paid 30% down on a moldy $80,000 Medford duplex
with flaking lead paint, a leaking roof and dangerous electricity. The mortgage ran about $330 per
month. Property taxes were low. The duplex generated $1,500 per month. These are the kinds of
numbers that excite investors to invest in harmful properties: these are the kinds of financial numbers
that are needed for safe affordable housing to become available.
It is a great and complex puzzle.
On the good side, I believe this is a problem of not knoN ing everything that humanity knows. There
must be ways to produce safe, desirable housing using less expensive materials and techniques. There
must be a place where these homes will not offend those already established in the community.
On the difficult side, I fear that the only inexpensive land is that which is not suitable for farming but
excluded from our urban boundaries and available only with legal permission from the state, agreement
by the landowner, and by Ashland resolution or ordinance.
On the exciting side, a virtual pilot project followed by a physical demonstration project could be
developed relatively quickly. If we are allowed to experiment, then a solution becomes much more
probable.
Even more exciting is the prospect that some people. not just a government on behalf of the people.
could be empowered to experiment.
I believe that Goal 10 can be a reality.
I believe the time is riLht for Ashland's heart to grow and to embrace affordable housing. With the
repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and with the possible conversion of Medicaid to lower block-grant
funding, combined with ever-rising health-care costs, it is possible that more of our parents, peers and
children will be bankrupted by the costs of an illness or disease. The new administration will cause the
monetary safety net to shrink. Therefore, I propose a physical safety net-affordable housing. Before
the 2016 election, it was politically impossible for Ashland to become a complete community-to have
all the rungs on our housing ladder. I believe changed circumstances have made it pollitically possible
for Ashland to embrace affordable housing.
Also, a much greater need for affordable housing might arise beyond those suddenly impoverished by
the costs of treating illness and disease. Futurists have raised the possibility that Al and CNC robots
and self-driving trucks will replace many workers and leave a much larger proportion of our population
unemployed. It would be much better to have housing options ready for this possibility than to wake LIP
to an enlarged population of homeless people camping under tarps along Bear Creek.
I believe that the mission of any government official should be to enable freedom. In my view, the most
important guiding principle for the present is that
We hold these truths to he sell=cv'idtnt_ that all men are created equal- that thcN
are cndovNcd by their Creator with certain unalienahle IZights_ that alllong these
are I,il'e. I.ihcrty and the pursuit o#' happiness. Tliat to secure then: rights.
GoN Cl"ntl1cnts arc Instituted among Men, dcrtv'Ing theft just po\1 ers h-onl the
consent o the ~gm,k2rncd.
A government official should enable citizens to develop. Government should support citizens in
achieving personal and professional goals. We know- that people are willing to walk an Oregon Trail of
difficulties just to have freedom and opportunity.
Our great opportunity is to learn about freedom. The only barriers we should have are those that
prevent people from harming other people and from harming our shared planet. We should have
knowledge of freedom so that we can share training, advice and guidance. Good government coaches.
It enables everything good for people and planet. That's why I'd like to serve a short term as an
appointed member of the City Council.
Thank,
f_
Mark Haneberg
City Council - Position #6
i. What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
If I were two choose two focus areas, I would like to see continued efforts in attracting
businesses that will bring jobs to the area and expand our tax base, and fast-tracking the project
currently underway to provide additional parking downtown.
2. What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
I worked for one of the 20 largest corporations in the world, Siemens AG. I have experience in
business process reengineering (turnarounds), managing a $52M budget, and supporting an
$18B services organization. I sincerely believe some of those skills could be useful working in
collaboration with the Council on issues facing Ashland.
Although not my primary motivation, in light of the millions of women and men who marched
on January 21st, I believe it is important that the Ashland City Council fill Pam Marsh's position
with a qualified, competent female. I happen to be one of those and I am offering to do the work
required.
3. What community and city activities have you been involved in recently?
I have been actively involved in non-profit organizations in the Rogue Valley for the past seven
years.
AAUW (American Association of University Women) in Ashland - Treasurer, three years
FOTAS (Friends of the Animal Shelter) in Talent - Vice President, two years
Habitat for Humanity in Medford - Habitat ReStore
Ashland Hospital - volunteer database
AIFF - box office
Court Advocate - Jackson County
Jackson County Commissioner race - database for Kevin Talbert's campaign
4. What is the role of the city councilor?
I believe the members of the City Council have two primary responsibilities: representing and
supporting the wants and needs of the citizens of Ashland, and doing due diligence to ensure
any given program, position, or project represents the best possible solution, based upon the
knowledge and information available at the time.
Respectfully submitted by:
Christine Fernlund
1579 Woodland Dr.
Ashland, OR 97520
541-482-1772
RECEIVED JAN 27 2017
L• J C ~l eGt y s
25 January 2017
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
Ashland City Hall
20 East Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520
RE: City Council - Position #6
I am interested in being considered for the City Council seat vacated by Pam Marsh.
I fulfill the basic requirements of living within Ashland and being a registered voter.
Attached please find my responses to the questionnaire posted on the City of Ashland
website regarding this appointment.
Thank you for your attention and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
n
Ch ine Fernlund
1579 Woodland Dr.
Ashland, OR 97520
541-482-1772
fei-rilLiii(l «11(>tnliallIx(1:11
Council Scat 6 App ire cnt
See below for applications receive
City of Ashland Vacancy
Council Position #6
The City of Ashland has a vacancy on the CITY COUNCIL for
COUNCIL POSITION #6 for a term to expire December 31, 2018
If you are interested in being considered for this position on the City Council,
please submit to the City Recorder's Office, your letter of interest, along with
answers to the following questions:
i
1~ t
. . What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
' • What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat?
- • What community and city activities have you been involved in recently?
• What is the role of the city councilor?
d
rA City Charter requirements for this position is that you live within the city
limits and are registered to vote. If you do not meet these requirements your
application will not be considered.
SEND APPLICATIONS TO:
City Recorder
City Hall, 20 East Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520
y barbara.christensen@ashland.or.us
j
(541) 488-5307
DEADLINE FOR APPLIICATIONS: 3 p.m. Friday, January 27, 2017
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