Six candidates are running in the Nov. 4 election to fill seats on the Silverton City Council.
Filing for the three positions are Ronald J. Butcher, an insurance agent since 1981; Deborah “Deb” Harroun, who works in sales and membership at The Oregon Garden; Sherry Hoefel, director at Ingenix; Kyle Palmer, veterinary practice manager at Silver Creek Animal Clinic; Judy Schmidt, director of volunteer services at Silverton Hospital; and R. Walker Yeates, owner of “I’ve Got Rocks in My Head,” a downtown retail store.
The three council positions become open in January at the end of the terms of Stu Rasmussen who is running for mayor; and Palmer and Hoefel, who are seeking re-election.
Hoefel’s experience includes previous council service as well as time on the Silverton Planning Commission. Palmer has served as councilor since 2004.
Other community leadership experience was listed by Yeates, who has served on the Marion County Strategic Visions Committee.
To touch upon the six candidates’ concepts of Silverton governance and goals for the future, each was given the same three questions and asked to respond briefly, with a maximum of 300 words in total.
The candidates’ responses are in their own words.
SILVERTON ADMINISTRATION
What do you see as working well in Silverton governance?
Ron Butcher
One area of Silverton’s governance I see as working well is that members of our community can approach our city’s officials with their concerns and know that what they have to say has a bearing in how our officials will approach the issues facing our community. Another area is that there are current individuals within our city’s governance that currently operate with the goal of fiscal responsibility in mind, and I would relish the opportunity to work with them and continue this area of local governance.
Deb Harroun
Weekly Merchants’ Meetings have provided me with insight into key members of our governance. Stacey Palmer, Ken Hector, Bryan Cosgrove and Chief Rick Lewis are involved and clearly demonstrate commitment. 
However, I do see the need to encourage more local involvement to work more closely with decision makers. For example, a committee that would include our youth to assist with the decision-making processes that affect them by encouraging their input and ownership. Ownership encourages pride within their community
Sherry Hoefel
The City Council functions as a team. While there are diverse ideas, we listen to each other and respect each others’ opinions. The Council involves citizens in decision making by listening to their comments and actively seeking citizen involvement in committees.
Kyle Palmer
Despite recent public comments otherwise, City Council, at this time, is made up of several dedicated individuals that offer very different perspectives on issues. Although we often disagree on certain points, it is a respectful process in which we reach decisions.
We have an outstanding city staff that provides us with the necessary information and is willing to support whatever decisions we make as a whole. We are guided by community surveys and goal-setting processes and continue to make progress on the issues that Silverton feels strongly about. As such, we have seen improvements in our parks system, increased cooperation with Silver Falls School District, expanded pool services, voter annexation and more traffic-control systems.
Judy Schmidt
I think there is quite a bit working well in Silverton governance. The council is a group of bright, community-minded individuals who have diverse opinions regarding current community issues. From what I have seen, they think as individuals while working collaboratively for the good of the community. Our council format provides opportunity for public input and the City Website is a wealth of information for those with access. The council has taken action to deal with some of the growth issues by implementing the annexation requirements and continue to approach infrastructure needs with proper analysis and planning. 
I believe they are working to be fiscally responsible while still bringing the community into the 21st century.
Walker Yeates
The various divisions that serve the requirements of the city, such as public works and fire department, are well run.
REASON FOR RUNNING
What issues or challenges to the city have led to your desire to run for this office?
Ron Butcher
One challenge I saw that led to my desire to run for office was the opportunity to work with, and find a way to bridge the concerns of our current residential community with the concerns of the building industry in allowing for responsible growth. This, in turn, will increase our tax base to allow for future spending on the needs of our community such as good roads, increased public maintenance and future economic development.
Deb Harroun
In my personal life, I have learned that through issues and challenges come personal growth. I choose to be part of positive resolutions rather than being part of the problem.
Sherry Hoefel
I want to continue the work in improving our infrastructure, especially sidewalk connectivity. I would also like to take an active role in implementing our parks master plan. This will take time and money, but I also believe with grant funding and citizen involvement we may be able to accomplish some of the plan in the near future.
Kyle Palmer
Many of the same issues that led me to run four years ago are still in play – reducing residential growth, addressing traffic concerns, improving opportunities for our area youth and maintaining Silverton’s livability. I’m happy to say that we have taken important steps in all of those areas, but feel that there is still work to be done.
Judy Schmidt
I have been very active in leadership roles in Silverton and have enjoyed working with the local chamber and the council. I believe that we need to strive for a diverse council and electing a woman is a positive move. I am concerned with Silverton’s infrastructure in light of all the building that has taken place and am challenged to better understand the issues and be part of the solution.
I have supported the development of a skate park for our youth and would like to learn how or when that can be accomplished. I believe in preserving the beauty and charm of our downtown core and feel we need to be proactive in achieving that.
Walker Yeates
The issue that ignited my run for city council is the parking downtown. A visitor to downtown Silverton has a problem parking because of the employees taking up parking spots that should be open for visitors during business hours. This affects my business as well as every merchant downtown. I would like to explore other options than what we now have.
ON SILVERTON’S ECONOMY
What can city officials do to develop a stronger local economy?
Ron Butcher
We, as city officials, can welcome industry to our town to replace lost jobs and employment opportunities. Industry that is eco-friendly to our community environment and “green” in its operating manner should be welcomed to our community. This replacement of employment opportunities will, in turn, allow for more local spending in our city’s economic development.
Deb Harroun
City officials could work with local merchants to encourage business hours to accommodate residents who work elsewhere but live here. This would enable them to shop locally and support their community.
Business owners in the historic downtown shopping areas that have not utilized their store fronts, or have left the store front vacant for an extended period of time, should be charged a monthly fee until such time the shop is active and attracting new business. The fee that is paid to be used to build up the SACA food bank or other worthy services offered within Silverton.
Sherry Hoefel
Continue to participate in business organizations seeking to improve the downtown and economic growth. Search for grants, etc., that may assist desired businesses in choosing Silverton. Work with prospective businesses so that they understand all of the City’s requirements, so there are no surprises.
Kyle Palmer
Continue to encourage recruitment of new businesses, aid in maintaining current businesses and promote local shopping. We currently accomplish this through a relationship with the Silverton Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the majority of funds raised through the recent Transient Occupancy Tax will be used to market Silverton as a visitors’ destination.
Judy Schmidt
City officials need to support the existing businesses by shopping local. They need to participate and promote activities that are designed by the business community and our local chamber to market and grow local business. In addition, city officials need to be involved in service and civic organizations which can provide invaluable information regarding the needs and wants of the community. Officials can assist in bringing appropriate new business to the table and do their homework to make sure it is a good fit. Officials need to meet businesses half way and work to support their success.
Walker Yeates
The main way to help develop a stronger local economy is to make the process of completing the requirements of licensing and code fulfillment as clear and compact as possible. The addition of requirements as the process goes along, without very good reason, is a failure of the city to effectively communicate.
