By Brenna Wiegand 
Sherry Hoefel got a full dose on her final night on the Silverton City Council. The March 7 triple-header meeting went 5½ hours with the council assuming three different roles before the night was out: Silverton Tourism Promotion Committee, City Council and as the Silverton Urban Renewal Agency.
Such service, embodies Hoefel’s 10 years on the council and drew a rousing standing ovation at the well-attended meeting. Hoefel announced her resignation last month, saying she no longer has the time the council commitment requires.
“Sherry represents the best of local government service: She has always maintained an open mind as an elected official and worked diligently to educate herself on matters before casting a vote,” said Bryan Cosgrove, Silverton City Manager. “I can honestly say that, regardless of the issue before her, Sherry always voted her conscience and always did what she thought was in the best long-term interest of the city.”
All this in addition to a consuming career as Director of Compliance for Mitchell International, a consulting firm in the insurance claims arena.
“Sherry has been a rock of stability over the many years she has served,” said Ken Hector, 16-year Silverton mayor.
“In addition to great insight, she was the constant calm in an occasionally stormy sea. She also gave much of her additional time to serving on various committees, including on the Mid-Willamette Valley of Governments.”
“Sherry has always been quiet and thoughtful in her contributions to council business,” said Silverton Mayor Stu Rasmussen. “I have always appreciated her input; she is calm and level-headed.”
“Of all the fellow councilors I have disagreed with or have disagreed with me at times, Sherry has never let an issue become personal,” said fellow Councilor Kyle Palmer. “She has also been an outspoken advocate of improving Silverton’s sidewalks; many improvements we now have can be attributed to her passion in that area.”
Cosgrove said Hoefel’s dedication has manifested itself in every major project in the past decade including the new Silverton Senior Center; creation of The Oregon Garden; water and sewer upgrades; pool renovations and formation of the urban renewal district.
Local government is just one of Hoefel’s passions. Delving into her family’s genealogy, Hoefel recently discovered that her great-great-great grandparents came to Oregon in 1843 on the same wagon train as the Waldo family (of Waldo Hills).
Nothing can beat gardening after a day on the computer, she added.
Joyful cooking and entertaining was the impetus for Hoefel Haus Fine Confections. The caramels, sold at The Chocolate Box in Silverton, wineries and a few other spots, range from “the usual” to gourmet: vanilla caramel sprinkled with fleur de sel (a premium French sea salt), lavender and, coming soon, chocolate espresso.
“She has been an invaluable asset to both Silverton City Council and the City of Silverton and a strong advocate for Silverton,” Hector said. “She will definitely be missed.”
“While I will miss Sherry’s presence on the Council, I know that she will continue to be involved in the community she loves,” Cosgrove said. “Her service to Silverton has been marked by civility, compassion and commitment. I wish her and (her husband) Bill nothing but the best.”
