Time to file: Who will throw a hat in to the political ring?

By Brenna Wiegand

The Nov. 2 General Election seems far off, but filing deadlines are fast approaching for those wishing to run for city office in Mount Angel, Scotts Mills and Silverton.

Scotts Mills
Three Scotts Mills City Council spots and the mayor’s position are open.

As of July 21, City Clerk Amie Kennison had received no applications, but all incumbents had expressed their intent. Those whose terms are expiring are Mayor Ron Bielenberg and councilors Paul Vanderwal, Arnold Koch and Tim Kauffman. Midterm members are Richard Bielenberg and Paul Brakeman. One midterm vacancy will be appointed.

Scotts Mills has been able to accomplish much recently despite limited resources, in large part due to strong community participation. There’s a new entrance sign and a water mill with a covered bridge to be used for events.

Future efforts will focus on the City Park Beautification Project. The city also hopes to find means for road maintenance and installation of sidewalks. “Sidewalks are extremely limited and would be a welcome addition,” Kennison said.

Mount Angel
At press time no applications had come in for the three seats on the Mount Angel City Council and that of mayor.

Terms are expiring for Ray Eder, Mike Donohue and Teresa Kintz; those remaining in office are Darren Beyer, Kelly Grassman and Andy Ott. Mayor Rick Schiedler has said he intends to seek reelection.

Since the city administrator position was filled by Susan Muir, the city is better equipped to tackle funding of improvements to its streets and aging infrastructure, Schiedler said.

Mount Angel has improved communication with its citizens, he added. There’s an up-to-date city website; a Communication Committee and a citywide newsletter.

The city has also purchased a more efficient and much quieter street sweeper.

“In the last budget we set aside almost $20,000 for sidewalk improvements,” Schiedler added, “and we’re going after grants for road and sidewalk improvements.”

Silverton
Mayor Stu Rasmussen is seeking reelection. As of July 21 his sole challenger was Kyle Palmer. Terms are expiring for councilors Bill Cummins, Denny Stoll and Randall Thomas. By press time, only Cummins had submitted his intent to run again.

Both mayoral candidates have specific ideas for Silverton.

Rasmussen desires to “Keep Silverton Silverton.”

“As far as I am concerned, anything done to our classic downtown should only involve restoring it to its historical configuration.” He also says more needs to be done to assure public safety in regard to the earthen dam at Silverton Reservoir.

Palmer would like to see something done with the city’s parkland.

“The people want more, but if we can’t maintain it we shouldn’t build it.” The best way to funding livability improvements is to bring in more industry, Palmer said, adding there are signs of progress.

“A new medical clinic is coming to downtown,” he said, “and we’re working with Redman/Champion Homes.”