It’s going to take more than the current economic hard times to dampen Mayor-elect Stu Rasmussen’s enthusiasm to help lead Silverton residents further toward a vibrant and livable community.
Rasmussen, who is currently a city councilor and served as mayor for two terms from 1988-1992, becomes mayor in January, replacing Ken Hector, who has served for 16 years.
Rasmussen is ready to take a close look at the condition of the dam at the Silverton Reservoir, enhance the connections between the police department and residents, examine the town’s traffic situation and stabilize Silverton’s population growth.
“Government works slowly, but in two years I hope to have adjusted the general direction of the city to mirror what the voters told us in this election – concentrate more on the livability and economic issues and less growth,” Rasmussen said. “Population growth was a significant issue and now we have a temporary respite – due to the national economic situation – to take a new look at how our community will grow.”
Rasmussen, who was born and raised in Silverton, lists some of his priorities:
• Take an unbiased look at the condition of the dam at the Silverton Reservoir to determine scientifically whether or not it is safe. If problems are discovered, resolve them in a cost-effective manner.
• Improve public safety by enhancing the connections between the Silverton Police Department and residents – such as by restoring the Neighborhood Watch Program and promoting officer “ride along” opportunities and expanding the police reserve program.
• Look at sewer and water service, streets and roadways and Silverton’s traffic situation.
• Take advantage of the slowdown due to the national economic situation to take a new look at how the community of Silverton will grow.
• Propose an amendment to the city charter so that all residential annexations of more than two acres be put to a vote of the people.
Rasmussen likens the job of mayor to being a chairman of the board for the city of Silverton with the council is its board of directors.
“The mayor alone has exceedingly limited power as it requires the agreement of a majority of the council to actually enact an ordinance or resolution,” Rasmussen said. “The city council and mayor set the policies of the city and the city manager and staff carry out the policies of the council. Realistically, I can set the tone for the city only with the support and consent of the entire community. I think I heard what the community wants in the election and I am counting on continuous feedback from them during my term in office,” he said.
Rasmussen, who has created a great deal of media attention as the nation’s first openly transgender mayor, expects the media moving on to other interests after the first meeting in January and says he’s looking forward to things settling down so he get to work on community issues.
Molly Ainsley, owner of Rolling Hills Bakery, is also looking forward to Rasmussen’s opportunity to lead the city.
“Stu is a very astute business man and a good mentor,” Ainsley said. “He is open and supportive and has given me pointers and feedback since I first opened my business. He’s smart, he has good judgment, he’s been mayor before and he knows what is going on. I’m looking forward to the next two years.”
Although Rasmussen says the Silverton Area Chamber of Commerce has its own agenda, he looks forward to working with it on issues of mutual interest such as ways to make the Silverton business community more active and profitable. He also plans to continue the tradition of the Mayor’s Ball with expanded community support.
As a former mayor, council member, library board member and small business owner and manager, he brings a unique set of skills to the mayor’s position.
“I’m a good listener and a relatively bright guy,” Rasmussen said. “My background in computer programming makes me more logical than emotional when making decisions and I think that’s a good thing. Also, though I’m social liberal, I describe myself as a fiscal conservative and I abhor spending unnecessary money whether for my own business or for the city. The awful screeching sound you may hear when I’m in budget meetings is each and every one of the nickels we spend screaming as I squeeze them. ”
Though most of Rasmussen’s time is taken up by community and civic duties, his electronics business and operating his theater, it doesn’t take all of his time.
“Once or twice a month, my longtime girlfriend Victoria and I love to go thrift stores and second handing in Portland, we hit the Portland Expo looking for the antiques and mechanical oddities we collect. I also haunt eBay looking for additions to my handcuff collection,” Rasmussen said. “Other than that, I love puttering around in my shop, having dinner with friends and spending time with a good book.
“My hope for the next two years is to present Silverton to the world just as it is – a warm and caring community with opportunities for all,” he said. “And, paraphrasing the late Gov. Tom McCall, I ask the world to please come for a visit but don’t stay.”
