By James Day
The Silverton Chamber of Commerce is hosting an election forum on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Oregon Garden.
The noon luncheon event ($15 for chamber members and $20 for non-members) will take place at the education building, which is just across from the visitor center entry gate. Go to https://business.silvertonchamber.org/events/details/silverton-candidate-forum-20009 to register.
Invited to participate will be the candidates for City Council and mayor. Chamber officials will moderate the session, which also will include time for audience questions.
Council President Jason Freilinger is facing off against Morry Jones in the Nov. 8 contest to replace outgoing Mayor Kyle Palmer. The mayor’s term is two years.
All three incumbent councilors, Dana Smith, Jim Sears and Crystal Neideigh, chose not to seek re-election to a new 4-year term, but eight individuals have filed for the three seats. In alphabetical order, they are Maika Brusa, Eric Hammond, Gregg Harris, Chuck Hawley, Jayla Kuenzi, April Newton, Jenny Ohren and Marie Traeger.
If Freilinger is elected mayor his council seat, which is up in 2024, becomes vacant. The new council will select his successor.
Also on the Silverton ballot Nov. 8 is a renewal of a 5-year local option property tax levy that, if approved, would continue funding operations at the community pool at a rate of $275,000 per year.
Key election dates
Sept. 28: Silverton election forum
Oct 18: Last day to register to vote
Oct 19: Local ballots mailed
Nov 3: Last day for election officials to mail replacement ballots to voters
Nov 4: Voters needing a replacement ballot must pick one up at the county elections office
Nov 8: Election Day
