HomeMy WebLinkAboutStephen Jensen
Date: April 18, 2018
To: Ashland City Council
From: Stephen Jensen
Re: Application for Council Seat #6
Councilors,
I would like to be considered for appointment to the council #6 position. Please find attached
my answers to the four pro forma questions. Everything else I wish to say will be covered in my
responses to these questions, so there is no need to prolong this letter of interest with
repetition.
I affirm that I live in the city of Ashland and I am registered to vote.
Thank you for consideration,
Cordially,
Stephen Jensen
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Date: April 20, 2018
To: Ashland City Council
From: Stephen Jensen
Re: Application Responses for Council Seat #6
What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city?
There are numerous important issues on the road ahead. Generally useful visions and goals
abound in City documents. However, from the outside looking in, the top six nuts-and-bolts
issues are:
• Impacts and care of transient and homeless population
• Workforce housing affordability
• Budget process: clarity, PERS impacts, spending priorities
• Public works: water treatment plant, street paving, infrastructure
• Watershed health and safety
• City buildings upgrades: City Hall upgrade and/or relocate, Pioneer Hall, Briscoe
School
What is your primary motivation for seeking a vacant Council seat?
I have deep roots in Ashland. I moved here in 1972 after serving as a medic in Vietnam. My
wife, Carol, was born here. I have always been interested in local politics. It is easy to criticize
from afar but the effective and courageous civic work takes place in the preparation, discussion,
collaboration and decision-making that happens at the council level. I want to contribute using
my experience as a building supply general manager, building contractor, public school
educator and Ashland Forest Lands Commissioner.
What Community and City activities have you been involved with recently?
I am currently the chair of the Ashland Forest Lands Commission and one of the leading editors
of the nationally recognized 2016 Ashland Forest Plan. I serve as a district coordinator for the
Ashland Food Project. I am currently a member of the committee and primary editor of the
developing Ashland Trails Master Plan Update. I have been an educator (retired) at Ashland
Middle School and South Medford High School, teaching the physical and earth sciences as well
as five years of American History
What is the role of the City Councilor?
In my opinion, the role of the City Councilor is to act as the human connection between the
citizens of Ashland and their shared vision of quality, essential, small-town governance. In doing
so, City Councilors help citizens successfully navigate the necessary City rules, regulations,
municipal codes, budget practices, and important civic departments. Councilors act as the
informed, thoughtful, ethical and caring tribal elders as they guide our community into the next
decade and beyond.
Stephen E. Jensen
355 Otis St., Ashland, Oregon 97520
(541) 890-6353 sjensen355@gmail.com
EDUCATION
o Southern Oregon University
M.S. Ed (Integrated Science), 1998
Additional Endorsements: English, Social Studies
o California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
BS, Soil Science, 1982
o St. Vincent High School, Petaluma, CA.
College Preparatory, 1967
MILITARY
o United States Army, medic and surgery specialist, Vietnam, (1968-1970)
101 It Airborne Division, Hue and Quang Tri
American Spirit Honor Medal, Honorable Discharge
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
o South Medford High School, 9th grade phy science, 10th grade Am History (9/99 to 6/11)
o Ashland Middle School, 7th- 8th grade science teacher (8/98 to (6/99)
o HiWay Lumber Co., Medford, OR, General Manager (3/92 to 5/96)
Responsible for all operations (12-14 employees), directed major store remodel and
computerization, wrote first personnel policy.
o Roque Pacific Lumber Co. Medford, OR, General Manager (4/85 to 1/92)
Responsible for all operations, sales (25-30 employees).
o Grower's Refrigerating Co., (Naumes, Inc.), Medford, OR, General Manager (8/82 to 2/85)
o California Polytechnic State University, undergraduate student (1979 to 1982)
o Trans-Alaska Pipeline, Fairbanks, AK. semi truck driver/equipment operator (1975 to 1978)
o Oregon Highway Dept., Prospect, OR. truck driver (1973 to 1975)
o Skeeters and Skeeters Logging, Talent, OR. choker setter, laborer (1971 to 1973)
SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
o Secondary ed endorsements in Physical Sciences, English, and Social Studies (retired)
o Ashland Food Project, district coordinator (current)
o Chairman, Ashland Forest Lands Commission (2003-2005, 2017-current)
o Southern Oregon University Brain Bowl Tournament, director (current)
o President, Fish Lake Homeowners Association (current)
o Managed full computerization of two different lumber companies (1988, 1993)
o Completed four-year undergraduate science degree at Cal Poly in 3 years.
o Built and sold three homes as independent investment projects (1979, 1995, 1996)
o Owner of three rental properties
o Skillful in the operation of chainsaw, power tools, heavy equipment, heavy trucks
o Tile setter
o Able gardener: tomatoes, onions, garlic, prized dill pickles
o Married for 40 years and have a wonderful wife, two children, two grandchildren