Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplications Council Seat 6 t~ `1~17i November 10, 2012 bU'" Mayor John Stromberg and members of the City Council City of Ashland 20 East Main Street Ashland, OR 97520 Dear Mayor Stromberg and members of the Council, Please accept this letter and the enclosed background document as application for the vacant position on the City Council. I am applying for the Council because I believe government matters. Decisions made by our elected officials affect the way residents live their lives, run their businesses and raise their families. Thoughtful leaders help us unify around our common values and negotiate pragmatic and collaborative solutions to challenges that come our way. Good government protects the well-being and dignity of our most vulnerable residents, while fostering an environment in which families and businesses are supported and flourish. I have a long history of relevant involvement in local government both as a community volunteer and as a staff person. Most recently, I have spent six years on the Ashland Planning Commission, serving as chair for two years. Before that, I was a member of the Ashland Charter Revision Commission. In my prior community of Palo Alto, California, I also served on and chaired the Planning Commission, and volunteered on a variety of community boards and committees. I enjoy and value public process, and I think my former and current colleagues would agree that I play well with others. In my professional life in Southern Oregon I have been the owner of a restaurant and inn, deputy director of a nonprofit alcohol and drug treatment agency, and (currently) the Manager of the Ashland Emergency Food Bank. I understand the challenges of doing business in a tourism-based economy, and each day at the Food Bank I see the social and financial realities facing families in this environment who are struggling to make it through the month. Ashland is a wonderful place to live and work. We need insightful, creative and decisive leaders to ensure that we remain a healthy, resilient community. I hope you will agree that I have the experience and knowledge necessary to join you in that mission. Best regards, Pam Marsh 696 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 541-282-4516 Background Information Pam Marsh 696 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 541-282-4516 (cell) 1. Significant tasks/challenges facing the next City Council will include: • Economic Development. We need to continue to nurture our core tourism- based institutions and businesses while seeking to diversify/expand the local economy. If we are going to have families here, we have to have family-wage jobs. We need to support existing businesses that need to expand, and we need to work with the Chamber of Commerce and regional entities such as SOREDI to help attract new business. Ashland is not going to be home to heavy manufacturers, but we have multiple assets to attract high tech start- ups and entrepreneurial enterprises. • Downtown. We need to make sure that the plaza remodel continues and is implemented by the start of next tourist season, and we need to pursue other beautification efforts to perk up downtown. On a larger scale, the council will need to decide if, and how, to implement a recommendation in the citywide Transportation Plan for a parking and circulation study of downtown. It is likely that the Planning Commission will recommend that this study be broadened to include other planning issues, as well. • Homeless Resource Center. The council will need to shepherd the R1FP process and oversee development of the center. • Transportation Plan. Council members will review, possibly amend and eventually adopt the Transportation Plan. High priority projects and studies will be incorporated into the capital improvement budget. Specific attention should focus on the implementation of new fee strategies. • Maintaining _a family-supportive environment. Both the recently released Housing Needs Analysis and school district enrollment trends confirm that high real estate prices are a barrier for families who want to settle here. Low-income housing will be a solution for a limited number of families, and planning initiatives, such as smaller R-1 lots, may help a few more. But the most effective approach the Council can take may be to ensure that this is a place where families want to be - even if that requires some financial struggle. In that regard, the council should look for strategies to partner with and support Ashland School District. 1 • Health care. Councilors will need to review and possibly approve an affiliation between Ashland Community Hospital and an as of now unnamed partner. Pending changes in health care delivery, including those incorporated in Obamacare and further defined by Oregon's health care initiative, will be relevant as the Council considers the future of the hospital. • Budget issues. Of course there will always be budget issues. Among those the council will face in the coming year will be a potential increase in transportation utility fees, review of garbage rates and ongoing discussion regarding allocation of funding to the Parks and Recreation Commission. • Completion of current initiatives, including the Ashland Forest Resiliency project and the Water Master Plan. 2. The role of a city councilor. Strictly speaking, city councilors comprise the legislative arm of local government and are responsible for development and review of goals, policies and programs. The council oversees the budget process, levies taxes and ensures that the city (specifically, city staff) has the resources necessary to carry out the council's direction, implement priorities and perform day-to-day operations. The council consults with the mayor to hire key city staff and appoint citizens to public commissions/committees. As assigned, city councilors may also represent the community in regional and/or state level initiatives and organizations. More broadly, members of the city council are the stewards of the public process. Councilors need to ensure that residents know what is going on and have a chance to be heard. Public process that is viewed as transparent, decisive and fair inspires confidence and builds community - which should be a fundamental goal of our elected officials. 3. Abbreviated Resume WORK EXPERIENCE Manager, Ashland Emergency Food Bank, May 2012 - current Deputy Director, OnTrack, Inc., 2005-2012 Owner, Green Springs Inn, Ashland, Oregon, 1994-present (active in management, 1994-2003) Coordinator, Santa Clara County Cities Assn., Sunnyvale, California, 1991-1994 2 Field Representative, State Assemblyman Byron Sher, Palo Alto, California, 19134- 1988 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Current: Ashland Planning Commission; Board member, Family Nurturing Center Past: Member, Ashland City Charter Review Committee; Concessions Czar, Ashland High School Booster Club; Chair, Pinehurst School Site Committee; Chair, Palo Alto Planning Commission; Member, Downtown Redesign Committee (Palo Alto); Chair, Ohlone School PTA; Chair, Midpeninsula Health Center Board of Directors EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, Political Science Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon, 2005 University of California, Berkeley, 1973-1975 3 12 November/210 12 D ~ 1 Barbara Christensen, Ashland City Recorder O V 1 2 l City Hall B Y. 20 E. Main Street Ashland Or. 97520 Re: City Council Application Honorable Mayor and Council, I appreciate the opportunity to submit this application for City Council Position 6. l have lived and raised a family in Ashland for over 24 years. I believe my diverse educational background; my professional qualifications as an architect/planner and my extensive community involvement makes me an ideal candidate for City Council Position 6. This opinion is supported by the attached ''.brief resume and the answers to the following questions. ISSUES ( not in order of importance ) - homeless - affordable housing - sustainable local economic development - preserving Ashland's quality of life - reaching consensus/decisions in a timely manner - obtaining public input beyond council meetings - downtown parking and multi-modal circulation ("road diet') PERSONAL MOTIVATION - believe city can benefit from my public meeting experience - giving back to the community COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES - see resume, community involvement ROLE OF CITY COUNCILOR - determine the community vision - perform independent research - review staff reports - welcome and listen carefully to public testimony consider individual interest versus public welfare weigh the costs and benefits participate in discussions with other councilors explore all possible solutions before making a final decision In conclusion, I enjoy working with people, even those vV'Ith diverse opinions, to solve problems, reach consensus, and produce creative solutions. Sincerely, Wv Tom R. Giordano 105 Lincoln Street 4A Ashland, Or, 97520 541 482 9 193 RE,SITME Thomas R. Giordano Registration: Architect - California, 1982 (13451) Architect - Oregon, 1989 (2954) Education: M.A. Environmental Planning/Resource Management, 1979 Consortium of the California State Universities and Colleges B. Architecture, 1970, Arizona State University B.F.A. Environmental Design, 1968, Arizona State University Community Involvement: Interim Phoenix City Planner, 2008 - 2009 City of Ashland Historic Commission, Present City of Ashland Building Codes Appeal/Demolition Board, Present City of Ashland Planning, Commission, 1994 to 1997 Jackson County Planning Commission, 1988-1994 Jackson County Historic Advisory Committee, 1988-1994 City of Ashland Commercial Design Standards Committee, 1991-1992 City of Ashland Citizen Planning Advisory Committee (CP1-1 Chairman, 1988-1992 City of Jacksonville Interim Town Planner, 1989-1990 Intel [m Talent City Planner 1997 Santa Barbara, CA. City Planner/Urban Designer/Environmental Analyst 1974-1982 Academic Qualifications: California Teaching Credential (Community College Level) Assistant Professor Status (California State College and Universities) Military Service: Naval Reserve, Honorable Discharge, 1967-1970 0 ~.1 Lynn K. Thompson NoV 125 N. Main Street B Y 1 3 2~ Ashland, Oregon 97520 lkthompson(Thotmail.com 552-0889 November 13, 2012 Barbara Christensen, City Recorder City of Ashland 20 East Main St. Ashland, OR 97520 Re: Vacancy on Ashland City Council Dear Ms. Christensen: I am submitting this letter of interest in appointment to the vacancy on the city council created by the resignation of David Chapman. Before turning to the specific questions, I'd like to offer a few brief personal and biographical details. I moved to Ashland in 2000, after coming here for over a decade to see the plays, enjoy the town, and experience the outdoors. My two children attended local schools: Kelly (now 26) graduated from AHS in 2004, and Kyle (now 23) graduated from AMS and then AHS in 2007. Kelly went to UC Santa Cruz, did her graduate work in Spain and currently lives in Madrid. Kyle graduated from UofO and currently works in LA. My partner since 2001 is Leslie Kendall whose two children grew up with mine. We are firmly rooted in Ashland. I practiced law in Los Angeles as a labor/employment attorney for 23 years before moving to Ashland, and continued on a part time basis until I retired in December 2008. From 1992-19951 served on the 5-person management committee of my law firm, one of the largest in the world, with an annual budget in excess of $500 million. I received my law degree from UC Hastings in 1977, and my undergraduate degree in Human Biology from Stanford University in 1974. 1. What are the biggest Issues facing the City? From my vantage point, l consider these two issues to be of the highest importance: (a) We must move forward to secure the city's water supply and update its aging infrastructure. We must commit to the funding stream for the projects. We must realistically acknowledge and address the cost burden to our citizens and how it can be mitigated. We must pursue all feasible capital funding options. We must make any decisions that need to be made and get going. Barbara Christens3n, City Recorder November 12, 2012 Page 12 (b) We must preserve and build on the fiscal stability of the city. Due to careful management in the last five years and the efforts of our excellent city leadership, our city is in pretty good shape, but maintaining it requires continued vigilance and discipline. 2. 'What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat? I am proud to be a citizen of Ashland and feel deeply committed to preserving its unique and robust character. I have the skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution to the work of the council in the coming years. My knowledge of the city's budget and financial framework provides me with a good head start on the job. I can now commit the time needed to be well prepared on the ether issues facing the council. I would contribute my best efforts to achieving pragmatic outcomes. I have worked with the mayor and other council-members during the past six years, and I know I can work constructively and well with all of them. Since moving to Ashland in 2000, and particularly since retiring from the practice of law in 2008,1 have had opportunity to become deeply involved in service work. I am not approaching this as someone with a constituency, platform or political agenda. I want to devote my skills and experience to meaningful work that will help people and help our community. For these reasons, serving the city would be very rewarding to me at this stage of my life. 3. What community and city activities have you been involved in? I have served on the Citizens Budget Committee since 2005, for seven budget cycles. I was its chair for three of those years. I have been a member of the Ashland Rotary Club since 2001. 1 have served on its board of directors and as an officer of the club since 2006. My three year commitment to serve as secretary of the club will end on June 30, 2013. 1 have worked on many community projects through Rotary, including chairing the Grizzly Sports Program for six years. Under my leadership we raised over $100,000 for Ashland High School athletics and college scholarships. For two years I worked on the Aspire program at ,Ashland High School where 1 provided assistance on college applications to needy students. I have worked on international service projects including Mi Casa DIFerente, where we raised money to fund the construction of over 220 houses for impoverished families in Ashland's sister city, Guanajuato. I traveled to Guanajuato this spring with a delegation where I meet with families in the communities, as well as the regional governor, Guanajuato mayor and city council, and the DIF (social service agency) on behalf of the Ashland Rotary Club. I have been a board member of the Rogue Valley Symphony Association since 2007. 1 have held different board leadership roles. Currently I serve as the Treasurer of RVSA. Barbara Christens3n, City Recorder November 12, 2012 Page 13 1 am an amateur musician and helped found a nonprofit community orchestra called the Second Street Musicians. I am its Secretary/Treasurer . 4. What is the role of the city councilor? The city councilor works as part of the leadership team to allocate city resources for programs, services and activities. A councilor's decisions may impact the citizens' short term interests, but importantly he/she must work to maintain the city for the long term benefit of future generations. An effective city councilor needs to: * be aware of the needs of the community including all of its various constituencies and aspects * be extremely well prepared on all issues requiring decision by the council *maintain productive relationships with other members of the leadership team including staff *participate in collaborative decision-making *be flexible by nature *have the capacity and willingness to look at and evaluate all choices and options *have a sense of how to balance needs with resources *have good judgment *demonstrate courage in the face of controversy. On the political continuum, I consider myself to be a centrist. I am fiscally conservative and share the liberal social values common in Ashland. I don't believe that divisive politics produce the best outcomes. I think I have qualities well suited to the city's needs, and that will complement and enhance the current (and new) council's work. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Lynn K. Thompson November 14, 2012 ,~tv~ TO: ASHLAND CITY RECORDER NOI/ z~~ e j Zo O FROM: ERIC HEESACKER: 2360 Ranch Rd., Ashland, OR 97520 (562-455-7138 j 1? RE: COUNCILOR CHAPMAN'S VACANCY (POSITION 46) 1 - I am writing in regard to the currently vacant Council Position 46. As requested, I am writing this letter of interest and I'm submitting responses to the four questions posted here: http://w~~~v.ashland.or.us News.asp`2News1D=2674 I have an almost thirty year professional background in city/county/transportation planning and a master's degree in planning to backup that job experience. My experiences with Ashland volunteer boards began in January of 2008 on Ashland's Traffic & Safety Commission. In April of 2009, I was voted by committee members to Vice Chair, where I served for a year, then served another year as the Transportation Commission Chair from April 2010 to April 2011. In September of 2011, I made a move to the Planning Commission where I still proudly serve. While I very much enjoyed my work with transportation issues, and feeling quite at home with planning issues, I am still hoping to experience the greater responsibilities required of those on city council. Hence my interest in the vacancy, and this packet of responses/information. I believe that my educational/professional backgrounds as a planner helped me acquire the positions described above on two commissions here in town. I do not think it is much of a stretch to feel these experiences also make me a good fit for the council vacancy and associated liaison duties, as described on the city's website. I understand through conversation with those `in the know' that liaison duties are reassigned at the beginning of each calendar year, especially after a fall election. In all fairness to those making the choice to fill vacant Position #6, I feel it important to let you know that one week each month finds me traveling out of state. This week each month can vary as to which week it is, but my boss does like as much consistency as possible. The other three weeks each month have me working at home right here in Ashland, a circumstance that will allow me to have at least one daytime liaison duty if required. Please peruse the information I have included addressing the four points as noted in my first paragraph above. I believe that I would be a good match on Ashland's City Council for the next two years. I am a great team player, I am open to each/every new learning experience, I believe in consensus, and I have no personal agenda(s) whatsoever driving me to seek this vacancy. I would hope I can be seen as a fair representative of the entire town's interest groups; I feel that is important for an effective councilor. I desire to continue to serve the town, for the good of the town, as best I can. Sincerely, Eric Heesacker Eric Heesacker responses: BIGGEST ISSUES FACING THE CITY I'm hoping this is the only "trick" question here because in my humble opinion, the biggest issues facing the city can vary over time and can vary depending on who is being asked to respond. What was a big issue a few months ago - the Road Diet - is now a project that has been implemented, and appears to be accepted even by some who opposed the Diet in the first place. A year or two ago, the biggest issue seemed to be master planning of the Crowman Mill Site, while at some point before that, the NorthLight subdivision appeared to occupy center stage. The biggest issues today can possibly be considered what to do with the ongoing problem of Ashland's wastewater, hospital partnership, and how to address a vague future of stable potable water sources. To some people, the biggest issue might be the expansion of Mt.Ashland, or how to deal with the seeming burgeoning homeless `problem', or a perceived rising crime rate (Grubbs murder; homeless arsonists; guns at local hotels). Others might see BRAMMO's departure to Talent as the biggest issue-du-jour and others might see this council vacancy as the biggest issue. To keep my answer streamlined here, I'll pick what I think are some pretty important issues, today, and let others decide the merits of my decision to select: wastewater management, potable water source expansion, infrastructure maintenance/improvement, and the city's lack of affordable housing/living-wage paying jobs (leading to declining school enrollment, etc.). It is important that you understand that I realize the fact that my interpretation of the city's biggest issues may not match those of city council - a body which must speak with one voice. It then makes sense to reasonably conclude that the biggest issues facing the city should be identified/addressed through council consensus. PRIMARY MOTIVATION TO SEEK THE VACANCY: My primary motivation in seeking to fill this council vacancy goes back four decades to a time when my father was on a local planning commission. His presence on this commission planted a seed that led to a career in urban planning and a desire of my own to "give back" to a community that is helping me raise my children. It is my belief that my educational and professional background in urban planning have granted me the ability to reciprocate. I know the rules, I know the laws, I know the procedures and policies, and I'd like to share this experience in a fashion that helps others understand why/how municipalities operate. All that being said to provide a background regarding my desire, I have served on public bodies in the past (see below), and I have found this entire endeavor to be nothing short of enjoyable. I find myself rubbing elbows with like-minded people volunteering to better the community. It is very rewarding to me when I realize I have learned something new/useful. Even if it is a challenging situation with another person on the public body and we are not seeing eye-to-eye, eventually things always work out and I find I have learned something about interpersonal interactions and viewpoints I previously had not considered. Finally, I think it important to point out that my motivation to fill this vacancy does not spring from a personal agenda to facilitate, nor pet issues to push through the system. I am motivated to work with my cohorts to promote, always, what is best for the whole town. Eric Hcesacker responses: P.2 COMMUNITY AND CITY ACTIVITIES I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN: I was appointed to the city's Traffic & Safety Commission by Mayor Morrison in winter of 2008. At the time, I was employed by the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) serving as a planner/transportation planner with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (RVMPO) and felt this employment made me a good fit for commission work. This commission later merged with the Bike and Pedestrian Safety Committee to form today's Transportation Commission (TC). Having served with the TC for 18 months, my cohorts felt confident enough in me that I was voted in as vice chair where I served for a year (4/09 - 4/10), then served another year as chair of the TC (4/10 - 4/11). Being the chair was a very rewarding experience, especially since timing is everything and I was able to usher the Road Diet through its council approval processes. I am very proud of that project and the DRAFT TSP, and I've met many new friends/learned many new things along the way. I acquired knowledge and experience from supporters of my endeavors while sometimes learning even more from opposition. Listening to opposition gives one a much clearer perspective of the `big picture' and public service is all about the big picture, in my mind. In late summer of 2011, I was recruited to the Planning Commission where quorum issues had been surfacing month after month. Having been a planner, I jumped at this chance especially since my term as chair of the TC had come to an end and council had approved our recommended approval of the Road Diet. While I deeply respect the TC and its fine members, I decided to begin service on the Planning Commission. Planning, after all, is my background and what better place to contribute than on the Planning Commission where once again I serve with fine people who continue to expand my view of the city's big picture, contributing what I can along the way, while fulfilling my desire to be part of the process. ROLE OF CITY COUNCILOR: Differing from other city commissions/committees in many ways (much more responsibility for decision making at council level) the main difference between other volunteer boards and council is that with Council "the buck stops here". When a member of a public body, one's role is to study the materials, listen to debate, offer up solutions when/where warranted, attempt consensus, and vote for an outcome. While it is understandable that there are recusal issues and needs for abstentions (with stated reasons) here/there, ultimately it is a councilor's responsibility to vote on an issue in a manner that best suits the needs of the town. Votes for favorite special interest groups, an individual's ideology, and/or votes coming from an uninformed standpoint are inexcusable. Listening to all sides of an issue and voting for the good of the town are the biggest roles a councilor should be playing. It is entirely possible that I walk into a meeting knowing full well how I will vote on a certain issue. However, during discussion I always listen to what my intelligent/apt cohorts have to say. An open mind in these endeavors is critical, and I have realized this on more than one occasion as points made by an opposing view suddenly make sense in the face of the issue at hand. Something gets brought up that I had no idea even existed and it could make all the difference in the world on how I will vote. Shutting out an opposing viewpoint merely based on from where and/or who the view originates is a mistake where critical thinking; and an open mind are clearly traits of an effective councilor. An effective city councilor has the role of leadership for the public, staff, other commission volunteers and that effective councilor is also tasked with the duty of making the best decisions possible on behalf of the town. p mCF11 u~~ - Z, 4A 40oh NOV 1 4 2012 Thank you Mayor Stromberg and members of the city council, for considering my application to fill the vacancy in position six. I hope this application satisfies your needs of information, if it does not and you have further questions, please feel free to contact Me at info@haxton20l2.com or 541-690-7634. My apologies for not making this application more elegant and thorough, but I hope you understand, I am a very poor and a very busy person. What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? There are a few big issues facing the city, but perhaps the largest is Ashland's troubled economy. As we now enter into the 5th year of this massive global economic crisis many issues have yet to be dealt with. While the city can not solve all the problems associated with this crisis, it must do what it can to help our community prosper and keep our local economy strong. As the city looks towards maintaining its high level of services and infrastructure the city must also address the hardships being endured by many of its citizens. Ashland currently has a shrinking population and economy; both businesses and residents are leaving town. When an economic crisis takes effect one of the first industries to be afflicted is tourism. Indeed, all luxury services and industries are vulnerable to losses in revenues, however, the significant role those industries play in Ashland leave us in a particularly vulnerable position. The means by which I would deal with such issues involve, but are not limited to: lowering the cost of living in Ashland, mostly by investing in affordable housing and, maintaining the high quality of life that attracts residents, largely by investing in quality infrastructure and parks. What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat? I strongly believe in civic duty and I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. What community and city activities have you been involved in? I have been active in participating in many city council meetings as well as committee and commission meetings. I have contributed in at least a dozen Homelessness Steering Committee meetings. I have done and continue to do a lot of work with homeless residents of Ashland and issues surrounding poverty and homelessness. I've volunteered with many agencies, such as: The Jackson County Fuel Committee, Peace House, Oregon Action and Uncle Foods. I am one the directors of a non-profit organization called Options for Homeless Residents of Ashland. I, along with a few others are currently working towards providing shelter throughout the winter here in Ashland, via churches and faith groups. What is the role of the city councilor? To craft the city's budget and make important policy decisions regarding city matters. I find a city councilor also plays the role of a community leader, by setting the tone for discourse, being knowledgeable about city issues and operations, and by being an insightful, rational and forthcoming citizen. k (091 44 WWII Barbara Christensen From: Colin [colinswales@gmail.com] 0 Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 4:58 PM To: Barbara christensen N0k ~~t?sue Subject: Number Sixs D Barbara, Herewith my interest in being considered for appointment to seat #6 on Ashland City Council: What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? The biggest issue facing the City is the fact that ALL of the projected 2013 Council (apart from the Mayor) were elected following special interest PAC money being spent on their behalf to trash their opponents with misleading negativity. This has produced a Council overwhelmingly biased in favor of the business community and other special interests - to the ongoing detriment of the ordinary citizen. So the biggest issue is finding equitable ways to level the playing field so that all citizens voices can can be equally heard, and thereby participate in our democratic governance, to the betterment of everyone. see e.g. PAC outspends candidates in Ashland election 10127110 Tidings The biggest spender in the Ashland City Council races is apolitical action committee that is attempting to unseat Eric Navickas. The League of Ashland Voters has raised $5,918.30 and spent $5,550.15, according to a Tuesday check of state campaign spending records. The PAC is paying for ads that are critical of Navickas' voting record on the City Council. The PAC has endorsed Naviekas' opponent, Ashland Planning Commissioner Michael Morris, along with Southern Oregon university business professor Dennis Slattery, who is running against semi-retired attorney and judge pro tem Bruce Harrell. The League of Ashland Voters also has endorsed Councilman David Chapman, who is running for re-election unopposed. Navickas said the League of Ashland Voters is twisting the facts on his council votes. "It's been frustrating seeing them using distortions rather than facts,"Navickas said... The same wealthy individuals, developers and Realtors that contributed heavily to Mike Morris' (unsuccessful) campaign in 2004 (and the Rogue Valley Realtors PAC to Rich Rosenthal's in 2012) also were the main funders of the League of Ashland Voters PAC in 2008 & 2010 and also this year with Ashland Residents for a Great City Council PAC. Their success in buying Council seats for their preferred candidates has been unbroken (apart from the failure of the overspent 2004 Morris campaign.) see LAV PAC funding at at http://is.gd/ZsDiYO ARGCC PAC funding at http://is.gd/TMMhOO Mike Morris 2004 Campaign finances : htttp://ashland.or.us/Files/Michael_Morris.pdf Impact of Ashland PAC still debated (11119/12) The PAC, Ashland Residents for a Great City Council, endorsed incumbent Greg Lemhouse and newcomer Rich 1 Rosenthal, both of whom won. They also endorsed Jackie Agee, who is ahead of Councilor Carol Voisin by 13 votes What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat? To give a small voice to the ordinary, unrepresented citizens of Ashland What community and city activities have you been involved in? Planning Commission,Traffic Safety Commission (chair), Transportation Commission (chair), Jackson County Citizens' Library Advisory Committee, Numerous City Design Charrettes, Regular contributor to Council, Planning Commission, Historic Commission meetings etc. What is the role of the city councilor? To represent the voice of the people in policy-making and thereby to give clear direction to City Staff to enable them to implement those policies, all of course within the guiding framework of our Comprehensive Plan. Colin Swales 2 4 November 8, 2012 Ashland City Council 8 Y,•. 20 East Main Street W" Ashland, Oregon 97520 Honorable Councilmembers: For the past eight years I have developed a record of accomplishment in community service and leadership in both the private and public sectors. As a successful deaf and disabled Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender-Intersex-Queer identified (GLBTIQ), person, it would be an honor to serve the City of Ashland as the sixth Councilor. Throughout my career, my greatest achievements have been in my ability to manage complex aspects of community leadership in serving the public without reducing my dedication to an absolute standard of excellence. I have also excelled at representing and advocating for the broadly diverse stakeholder groups with which I identify. I have succeed at connecting between multiple-interest groups, given my increasingly responsible experience in the public sector. My leadership activities serving the public reflect my desire to bring a unique perspective to the City of Ashland. As my career experience has diversified, so have my varied leadership achievements. I plan to lase these and other skills to make an immediate contribution to the Council. I have worked as a civil servant for twelve years at every legislative level, starting, as a program coordinator for the State of New Mexico's Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, developing a state-wide network of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community connections. Using strong community outreach skills commensurate with an MBA in Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology, I successfully reached out to a community of over 10,000 members. This foundation led to increasing responsiblity in government that continues to this day. As a certified Contract Officer Representative at the US Environmental Protection Agency, I successfully analyzed and generated financial research documents for multi- billion dollar grant fund allocations. Furthermore, work at EPA's Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, DC involved effectively collaborating with leadership from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds within cross-functional units. This high-caliber experience reflects the diversity and breadth of my government service, which will be very useful in supporting the Council's citizen committee process. While living in Washington State for eight years prior to relocating to Ashland, I served on King County's Human Services Levy Oversight Board, citizen oversight board is comprised of residents of King County with a diverse, balanced representation of people from different groups, organizations, and experiences. The board's mission involved monitoring and reviewing the expenditure of the regional human services portion of levy proceeds in accordance with an adopted Service Improvement Plan, which guides the activities of the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy. The levy, first approved by voters in 2005, allocated approximately $13.3 million per year for six: years to implement housing and human services. This high-level responsibility included analyzing and executing financial solutions within a federal grant-funded budget. Creative problem solving successfully contributed to a comprehensive multi-million dollar department budget. This extensive financial management and leadership expertise would be useful in implementing strategic and funding policies established by the Council.. As a longtime community advocate, my work involved collaborating between lawmakers and citizens of the community. From procurement plans to program budget reviews to marketplace evaluation, my use of community service and public policy is well documented. Additionally, my unique identities and team-building skills successfully demonstrates my ability to connect with people of all stripes and backgrounds. The application material I have enclosed covers the responses gathered and assessed during my residence here in Ashland, illustrating the high-caliber skills offered. Perhaps, we could interview at your convenience to discuss my other potential contributions as a fellow Councilor. I hope that you will look favorably at the information I supplied and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you. Sincerely, Kevin Bernadt, MBA Kevin Bernadt's answers to the Council's questions 1.) What do you think are the biggest issues facing the City? Some of the bigger issues of the city have their roots in Ashland's unique geography: land use, water sustainability, even its being a north-south stopping point for those passing through the Rogue River Valley. This leads to issues the city has been facing for some time: how to promote sustainable land use? How to ensure clean and safe water use? How to restructure our roads and transport systems to address the merging of motorized and non-motorized transit. How to address the transients and other homeless that pass through the city daily? The concurrent issue of economic sustainability shadows the City at all levels of its decision-making process. With limited funds and resources, the City must make do with what it has available for a consistent revenue-generating stream to offset increasing expenses and responsibilities. While daunting, this can and will be done with the support of the City's astute and unique leadership. 2.) What is your primary motivation for seeking the vacant council seat? I speak for the underrepresented but significant portion of the population. As a recently- transplanted millennial and Generation X'er, the fresh energy of innovative ideas and extensive well-rounded government experience will be extremely helpful for the council. Specifically, I wish to provide diversity, bring a unique voice to the city as a GLBT Deaf and Disabled identified person. Bringing a fresh perspective to a city motivated to improve itself and build strong partnerships will be an immense benefit to the Council. Consider the some of values the council shares: Participatory government. I have been participating in government for many years, both as a volunteer and as a professional. Having worked at all levels of government, I am intimately familiar with the lawmaking process and responsive visionary leadership demanded by constituents. Being engaged and speaking up for the diversity of the public, I have sat on several citizen community boards, advocating for those whom we serve, especially regarding critical community decisions. This extensive expertise will be extremely useful in our lawmaking work together. Natural Environment. My graduate studies at the University of Washington's College of Forest Resources and subsequent work at the Environmental Protection Agency has professionally trained me for the broad range of environmental issues. I can bring 6 years of sustainable environmental professionalism to the Council's table. Responsible Land Use. Having recently through-hiked the 2,668 mile long Pacific Crest Trail this summer, I value more than ever the sustainable use of land, water, and energy. Supporting transit, bicycling, and walking in the City's land use plans is a major motivation for someone who has traveled all across the world in all imaginable means: from rickshaws to tuk-tuks to public transit, and even once by dogsled. Diversity. This is a keystone for my contribution to the Council. As an openly gay gentleman, I can bring more recognition and awareness to a broadly diverse community. The massive turnout at this past summer's gay pride parade and its subsequent economic boom can attest to the revenue generating capacity and political clout of the GLBTIQ community. Furthermore, my deafness and disabilities allows for open dialogue on the benefits of sign language and contributions that disabled persons can give to the community. Having lived in several other countries as well as being trained in the! challenges of institutional racism, I can speak for those who wish to have their unique needs and identities recognized. Economy. My MBA training taught me the values of small business economics, with special interest in leadership and encouraging the growth of a local-based economy. I am familiar with the government budgetary process, which will be extremely useful in the Council's fiscal and granting decisions. Like the council, I value an economy that creates wealth for all. Together, we can nurture homegrown business and connect local consumers to local products, supporting arts and culture, and especially connecting to Southern Oregon University, and supporting high quality public services. Distinctiveness. The pioneering efforts of having new blood on the council can bring the distinction of a diverse council that develops innovative approaches and to chart our own course together. Basic Needs. Being involved with human services for many years, I sincerely believe each person needs public safety, water, sanitation, adequate food, clothing, housing, transportation, and health care. While serving on the Regional Human Services Levy Oversight Board, I had a unique opportunity to collaborate with King County's Committee to End Homelessness through the Mobile Medical Program, that provides basic medical care to homeless individuals and families, neither charging any fees nor requiring medical insurance. The effort to end homelessness through outreach, prevention, permanent supportive housing, and employment was widely acclaimed and continues to serve the basic needs for an under-served community to this day. Community. I believe Ashland is a unique and special place with a special set of leaders that have contributed much to the city and can take initiative to expand more. It would be an honor to join that team and bring my expertise and skills the council needs in its sixth position. 3.) What community and city activities have you been involved in? My community activities span the breadth from human services to community outreach and education to health care advocacy to active participation in citizen committees. Even more uniquely, within a few short days of arriving in Ashland, I was already involved in the Lomakatsi Restoration Ecology project. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has benefited from my input as a deaf and disabled patron. I continue to seek and enhance opportunities to find solutions for the homeless through the Ashland Unroofed outreach activities, which discusses sustainable solutions for the homeless community between advocates, community leaders, and community members. These efforts build upon the foundations of my work on King County Regional Human Services Levy Oversight Board, I monitored and reviewed the expenditure of the regional human services levy proceeds in accordance with a Service Improvement Plan that guides the activities of the King County Veterans and Human Services Levy. Among many duties, I served on several committees: ending homelessness, strengthening families at risk, and resource management and evaluation. All of these will be extremely useful while serving on committees via the council governance processes. 4.) What is the role of the City Councilor? The City Councilor represents the people, acting as a liaison between the people and their communities. By leading the people in terms of community-level needs, the councilor makes decisions that balance the interests of the city with the needs and values of the people. Furthermore, I believe the Council can be embodied in one word: teamwork. Since all the councilors have unique perspectives and commonly shared values. I truly believe my role as Ashland City Councilor would be defined in terms of building successful relationships between each councilor team member. For example, Councilor Voisin would be able to benefit from a fellow spiritual practitioner who also likes to listen. Together, we would be able to promote our mutual values of diversity and compassion in addressing the much-needed issues of the homeless and transients. Like Councilor Slattery, I come from a family of teachers and have been a faculty member, myself. Together, we would be able to have honest intelligent discussions about critical issues facing the city, as well as our mutual passion in the travel industry. He might even be interested in hearing some of my learning lessons in Peruvian! Ethiopian, and Russian hotels. Councilor Silbiger and I would enjoy our mutual love of writing: the lessons he would have learned from his journalistic commentaries could be a brilliant guide for honing my travel writing skills. Together, we could pursue our mutual interests in business administration and leading the communtty to be the best it ever can be. It would be wonderful to "talk shop" with Councilor Morris in our common interests in land use and transportation issues. Having been trained at the University of Washington's College of Urban Planning (now College of the Environment) and studied land use under Seattle Public Utilities, I would be able to connect with a homegrown leader on issues near and dear to both. Together, we could lead the way forward with far- sighted sustainable infrastructure projects such as bioswales and greenways. Like Councilor Lemhouse, my effort to switch from civil servant and community leader into statesmanship is a huge career change. It would be an honor to follow his successful pathway in joining the Council as the problem-solving body it is. Together, we could review proposals and discuss ideas regarding sustainable technology. open space protection, and forest resiliency. My work with Cascadia Consulting Group, a Seattle- based environmental consulting group, would be of great interest for him in creating strong relationships with the city's partners for sustainable technology ventures. Like all the other Councilors, I truly believe we all are together as a team of the mind, spirit, and heart. Our mutual values and motivation are the glue that binds us all together as a cohesive six-member team that can transcend such degrading challenges that befall many established political bodies: partisanship, infighting that would lead to an inability to govern effectively. That is not why each of us desires to lead the City of Ashland. Indeed, with all our diverse perspectives brought together on the same table, we can be the best Council there is. Yes, together, we can do it! KEVIN BERNADT, MBA 391 Beach St, Ashland, Oregon 97520 KevinB78Agmail.com OBJECTIVE: To serve as Ashland's sixth City Councilor, which will provide opportunities for growth and challenges. SUMMARY A highly skilled and experienced professional who has achieved levels of excellence in many aspects of civil service and community action. Possess the creativity needed to achieve objectives and exceed goals. Have demonstrated the ability to lead and harness the strengths of team members through effective diverse communication, planning and cross-cultural competency. Lastly, have demonstrated the ability to bring resilience and innovation to solve seemingly insolvable problems. Seeking to join an organization that demands excellence and rewards achievement. EXPERIENCE United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, Seattle, WA, Specialist 9/06 to 9/08 . Certified Contract Officer Representative, with budgetary oversight . Developed, designed, and negotiated government contracts for vendors, including but not limited to local interpreter service agencies. . Screened and evaluated vendors for contract compliance. . Scheduled and secured budgets for various projects. . Processed vendor compliance criteria for the upper management communication accommodation in accordance with ADA and local state laws. . Oversaw financial processes in obligating and disbursing funds for vendor services provided . Configured contract invoicing and payment. Coordinated substitute needs when situations arose. . Pioneered policies and procedures for purchased and contracted services. . Oversaw two programs, supervising program operations employees. . Maintained program statistical records in accordance with requirements. . Verified certification of individuals and firms matching program requirements. . Devised rules and user-friendly procedures for standard operating protocols. . Participated on nation-wide topic discussions. Collaborated with internal committee members for accomplishing program functions, providing direction and support in activities. . Presented grant fund statistical analyses for executive administration approval and disbursement. K.Bernadt.SSP.DI, Sole Proprietorship, Small-Business, Seattle, WA, Owner 3/05 to 9/10 . Owned and operated WA state licensed sole proprietorship business . Developed and designed contracts with agencies in Seattle area . Processed and maintained business legal documents, financial records, customer accounts . Developed marketing relationship with target audiences, obtaining significant customer support Washington Vocational Services, Mountlake Terrace, WA, Job Developer, 11105 to 1/06 . Developed relationships with potential employers for deaf customers. . Conducted and presented market research and statistical analyses for customer employment opportunities . Successfully placed numerous customers with employees. University of Washington, Seattle, WA, Program Manager 11, 3/04 to 9/05 . Developed and established interdisciplinary research program strategies, policies, and literature. . Ensured program compliance with UW, federal and state regulations, including analyzing research and legal documents. . Set up electronic and hard copy files, tracking document flow. . Balanced multiple concurrent projects with creative solutions. . Followed through with high accountability for work products and services. . Supervised and led operations team of 11.5 employees . Oversaw and administered medium-sized program budget. . Developed and monitored spending plans. . Conducted payroll, purchasing, and financial bookkeeping expenditures. . Updated and maintained client participant databases. Developed and designed integrated database. . Oversaw screening, storage and retrieval of confidential electronic records. . Evaluated effectiveness of information/public relations/outreach activities and identified public information needs. . Designed effective marketing outreach strategies. . Recommended and executed methods for information dissemination. . Presented and publicized program and outreach projects to recruit participants from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and communication abilities. . Developed outreach website, printed materials, and public presentations. Highline Community College, Des Moines, WA, Instructor, 3/04 to 9/04 . Developed curriculum lesson plans, procedures, and projects using local resources. . Instructed persons of diverse ages and backgrounds in broad project and field base course topics. . Identified individual student section training needs and provided field work training programs and projects. 10,000 Years Institute, Bainbridge Island, WA, Assistant Administrator, 5/03 to 7/03 . Developed and compiled database information systems in Geographic Information Systems and MS Access. . Conducted business and marketing analyses for clients, office management and non-profit administrative responsibilities. . Prepared market assessment and review reports. . Gathered and analyzed information to develop recommendations to the institute directors to make decisions and establish standards for document production, forms generation, and automated forms systems. . Contracted with Hoh Indian Tribe for research study. . Mined data by gathering, manipulating and using records from multiple computer systems. New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, Santa Fe, NM, Program Coordinator 10/02 to 05/03 . Provided telecommunications outreach and community education to New Mexico State citizens. . Developed and established state-wide education outreach program policies and procedures. . Advised director and agency administrators regarding public interest and responses to proposed projects, issues, and policies. . Supported agency staff developing outreach strategies. . Provided program administration, marketing, and outreach support. . Designed and implemented effective educational outreach strategies. . Developed & maintained program databases. . Drafted, edited and disbursed public information material promoting the program mission and policies. . Designed and conducted effective educational outreach techniques for citizens, including one-on-one individualized training. . Organized and conducted town hall meetings, workshops, seminars and training sessions. . Evaluated effectiveness of program outreach activities and recommended appropriate changes. Cascadia Consulting Group, Seattle, Washington, Contract Employee, 4/02 to 10/03, 2006 . Coordinated community outreach program in King County. . Statistically analyzed and evaluated program efforts. . Determined target audience information needs for educational programs within each target community . Conducted program surveys to evaluate program effectiveness . Collected and analyzed research data. . Reviewed and proofed research survey documents for accuracy and detail. . Revised and edited research study documents. . Designed and implemented data quality control review of data sets. Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, WA, Substitute Instructor, 06/02 to 09/02 . Substitute taught standard core curriculum. National Technical Institute for Deaf, Rochester, NY, Visiting Faculty, 09/00 to 06/01 . Instructed, tutored, academically advised and mentored undergraduate deaf students . Conducted research collaboratively with other members of the academic community. . Fulfilled program, department and university service assignments as requested . Advocated for diversity and disability awareness to college faculty and staff. . Developed strategies for disability accommodation for students in the classroom. . Assisted students in transition from special education settings to college level vocational rehabilitation settings, . Built and enhanced relationships with school-age secondary schools and institutions. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, Event Manager, 9/97 to 06/00 . Responsible for planning, set up and execution of large, campus-wide event activities such as concerts, festivals, keynote speakers. . Responsible for contract negotiations, budgetary development, office management, bookkeeping, and supervision of staff and volunteers. Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, Program Coordinator, 9/97 to 06/00 September 1997 - June 2000 Rochester, New York . Assisted program manager in developing and generating presentation documents. Lead team workgroups on confidential human relations issues. . Supervised the selection, training and evaluation of outreach staff. . Coordinated office operations, involving program budgeting, bookkeeping, and accounting practices as needed for compliance with finance rules. King County Developmental Disabilities Division Advisory Board, Department of Community and Human Services, King County, WA, Board Member, 302 to Present . Represented the board at various functions and committee. Provided input as a self-advocate, disabled role model, and product of the DD, IDEA system ideals. Participated planning, development, and implementation of natural environment strategic plan for diagnosed disabled children ages 0-3 with all service provider contractors and vendors. Participated in strategic decision making and advocacy with WA State legislature. Committees: . Natural Environment Leadership Team . King County Interagency Coordinating Council . KCDD Planning/Housing/Employment Committees King County Regional Human Services Levy Oversight Board, Department of Community and Human Services, King County, WA, Board Member, 9/06 to Present . Participated in oversight board for Regional Human Services Levy funds. Reviewed and responded to funds procurement plans. Represented the board at various functions and committees. Provided input as a self- advocate, disabled role model and community representative. Participated planning, development, and implementation of strategic plan for procurement funds Committees: --Human. Services Fund --Homeless Housing Committee --Communications Committee Program Evaluation Committee --Joint Veterans Mental Health Committee University of Washington, Seattle, Washington Disabilities Outreach Information and Technology Program, Keynote Speaker, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 . Presented "How to Succeed as a Disabled Person in Higher Education" keynote speech to high school students, community college audience and higher-education advocates at the "Is There Life After High School Conference" DEGREES AND TRAINING Rochester Institute of Technology MBA in Management & Leadership (2001) BS in Biological Sciences (2000) BS in Applied Environmental Science & Technology (1998) People's Institute Northwest (2005) Training in Undoing Racism- University of Washington (2004) Certificate in Geographical Information Systems