Philip ‘Joe' Phippen

On Sept. 30, the Blue Mountain Eagle sent each candidate in a contested race in the November election a certified letter with identical instructions and questions to answer for free publication in this edition.

The candidates were informed of the deadline. Not all candidates responded.

The following are the answers received to these questions:

1. Please describe the office for which you are running and its importance. (50 words or less)

2. Why are you running for this office? (50 words or less)

3. What is your background, and what qualifications and experience would you bring to this office? (200 words or less)

4. What issues would you like to address, and how would you do so? (200 words or less)

Todd McKinley

1. I am running for the Office of Sheriff, the highest elected office in the county. This position is one of trust, truth, ethics, and law, and can steer the course of the people it represents by leading them forward, and being an example.

2. I am seeking this Office, after observing the sheer audacity of individuals that think they can dictate the course of Grant County, without the input of all. I love my country, my county and my rights. I cannot sit idly by and watch what we have accomplished be destroyed.

3. I have worked and volunteered in Emergency Services in Grant County for twenty seven years, with over fifteen years of that time spent employed with the Grant County Sheriff Office. I started my work with the Sheriff Office as a Reserve Deputy in April of 2000, and then was hired full time in April of 2001 as the School Resource Officer. I worked my way up through the ranks, serving as a Patrol Deputy, and then in 2008, I was promoted to Undersheriff. During my time with the Office, I have dealt with multiple significant events and cases. I have in excess of 1200 hours of documented law enforcement training and have obtained multiple hours of fire, hazmat and extrication training as well. That said I feel my upbringing here, the countless hours and miles spent on the back of a horse, raising cattle, hay, and dealing with forest permits, have given me a much deeper understanding of what Grant County is about, and the struggles it faces. My years working for O’Rorke Logging, and Prairie Wood Products gave me great insight into the timber industry. I have been truly blessed to live here and call this my home.

4. If given the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff, I would bring the focus back to the general duties of Sheriff, being the conservator of the peace of Grant County. I would seek out those who disrupt our peace, and see that they be brought to justice. I will defend Grant County, as I have, and continue to do so, against those who, by riot or otherwise, endanger the public peace or safety. I will work to communicate with other agencies, regardless of our differences, and keep our lines of communications open. I will mend some broken fences as I believe we as a County, have more than a few. This does not mean giving in to some other’s wishes, but working together for the common good. I see a drug issue in our County, and would like to see more effort put towards curbing this problem. I think that working closely with other agencies can help bring about change in this area. I want to bring pride back to residents, by making good, sound decisions, that are not a gray area, but concise, that will make us once again proud to call Grant County our home.

Incumbent Sheriff Glenn E. Palmer did not submit answers to the questions.

Richie Colbeth

1. I’m running for John Day City Council. Society must have a system of rules administered by a government hopefully of the people, by the people and for the people. Often there are differences of opinion or misunderstandings needing clarification between government and its’ citizens; that’s why city councils are important.

2. I’m running for city council not only for my ability, but for my availability. My wife and I love our restaurants and eat out a lot. Few people know who or where their city representatives are; well, I’m user friendly, if you see me come sit down and let’s chat.

3. I’m a retired Air Force NCO. I worked under pressure and got things done right the first time. Many John Day residents have some connection with the military. I dealt in benefits for dependents, survivors and veterans and I fought to see that eligible people got what they deserved. I was a Middle School PTA President, a school bus driver / trainer and labor union representative; I was on the John Day Budget Committee. After 9/11 I was a Security Screener at PDX; I quickly learned when to help frustrated passengers with their carry-on luggage and when to call for help. My wife, Sandy, is a Grant Union graduate. And because of my varied volunteer activities these past 10 years, I know many people in John Day and they know me. I’ve worked Jane’s Grant County Historical Museum, Hospice, Tobe & Gary’s Ranch & Rodeo Museum. I’ve got a radio program on KJDY Sunday mornings. I worked Tammy’s Chamber of Commerce and was on Veanne’s Senior Citizen Advisory Council. I’m a life member of the VFW and have worked closely with Commander Gregg Starr. I’m a paralegal and am cognizant of issues, rules, analysis and reaching conclusions in the discipline.

4. I have appeared twice before the Council: the Senior Center and County Court say the Pledge of Allegiance and a local pastor says a brief non-sectarian prayer before deliberations; I asked the council to resume doing this as they did at one time but they rejected both my requests. However if I could change anything, it would be the way decisions are reached. The mayors, Bob Quinton and Ron Ludbom, in both cases ran with the ball and the councilors pretty much just sat there. I would like to see the council run in a democratic format where each councilor weighs in with his or her opinion on the issues and majority rules. In case of a tie, only then would the mayor break the silence; actually, I think that’s the way it’s supposed to be done; I also think new business on the agenda should be addressed first and not stuck on the end an hour and a half after the meeting is started as mine was. But I am not running for City Council to address my issues, but to be there for any John Day citizen with their issues and to treat them with respect.

David Holland

1. This is a public office position that represents the Citizens of John Day. The City Councilor responsibility addresses the needs of the community to ensure that we meet our current and future economic, sustainability and livability needs and requirements.

2. As a resident of John Day, I’ve invested over 35 years of my life both as a citizen and past employee of the City of John Day. I would like to continue my efforts in maintaining and building this community as a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

3. As a past Public Works Director for the City of John Day, I have extensive knowledge of the current status and future requirements of our water and wastewater systems, road system and capital improvement projects. Over the course of my employment tenure with the City of John Day, I have worked closely with City management during the budget process on developing balanced budgets, city operations and services, improvements planning and assets management. I understand the role and procedures of the City Council as a governing body working with City management, and for many years I’ve attended City Council meetings working with the Council on building a sustainable community foundation and quality of life for the citizens of John Day.

4. Although I believe our base water, waste water, roads, and capital improvement systems are critically important for the community for a sustainable future and quality of life, I believe it is the responsibility of the City Council to address and prioritize all issues in front of the City and keep our community moving progressively and responsibly. With the experience I have with the City of John Day and its operations, I believe I could use those qualifications not only to listen and address all issues as they arise, but contribute to solutions that would be grounded in reason and fiscally sound. As a John Day City Council we need to ensure that we are meeting community needs while progressively planning to meet the present and future requirements for our future generations to enjoy economic growth, sustainability, and a great quality of life.

Candidate Chris B. Labhart did not submit answers to the questions.

Steve Schuette

1. I am running for re-election to the John Day City Council. The Council works with the City Manager in making decisions that affect the quality of life for city residents and the future growth and progress of the city.

2. The city faces ongoing issues with infrastructure such as street maintenance and an aging sewer system, all challenged by a limited budget. I would like the chance to continue working with the City Manager and Council to find innovative ways to problem solve and keep the city moving forward.

3. I have lived in John Day since 1985, and retired from a 29 year career with the Oregon State Police in 2003. In my career I dealt with difficult situations and people of many different opinions, learning to take all sides into consideration in order to make the best decisions. This approach has served me well during my three terms as a councilor. I have been elected as Council President for the last two terms, which includes conducting Council meetings when the Mayor is absent. I serve on both the Council Administrative and Safety Committee. I have a good understanding of the City budget, and how the process works. As a councilor for the past 11 + years, I understand that worthwhile projects can be a slow process with unforeseen problems to solve along the way. The recently completed fire hall is a good example.

4. The Council needs to be as prepared as possible to handle the logistics of possibly thousands of people coming to the John Day area for the solar eclipse in August of 2017. To ensure a positive outcome, we need to continue to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the County Court, other city governments in the County, civic organizations and law enforcement. The current sewer system and infrastructure is long past it’s projected lifespan. Rather than a continued piecemeal band-aid approach, I would like to continue to pursue the possibility of a modern, efficient hydroponic sewer plant system. I am proud of the grants obtained used to upgrade and install new sidewalks and streetlights. With additional grant money in hand, I look ahead to the completion of this project from 2nd St. to Grant Union High School. As a Council member I am committed to promoting our Industrial Park by exploring all available opportunities for new industry, including the feasibility of a fiber optic network for both the Industrial Park and the city of John Day. I would like the opportunity to continue working to make the city of John Day the best that it can be.

Don Willey

1. I am a running as a candidate for the John Day City Council. The city council is important because it exercises authority over the administrative affairs of the city, ie; carrying out city business, protecting the welfare of the city and its inhabitants, providing community leadership, etc.

2. Serving on the John Day City Council is how I can represent and serve the citizens of John Day. It’s a way I can give the citizens of John Day a voice at the city’s governing table.

3. I was born and raised in John Day and I’ve raise my four children here. My wife and I have been married 44 years. I graduated from Grant Union High School. I have lived and worked here all but three years of my life.

I have served as a John Day City Councilor for the last 8 years. I bring that experience to the council.

Another qualification, and I believe it to be of first importance, is that I am committed to, and love this city.

Some experiences that I believe qualify me for the position of city councilor: I have worked in saw mills, worked as a janitor, I’ve driven freight truck, worked as an auto mechanic, I worked 33 years as a manager of a local FM radio station.

My list isn’t complete, but its just to say I’m one of you. I’ve been where you’ve been. I can relate to you, the citizens of John Day.

4. There are many issues before the city council in addition to the day to day operations of the city.

Some of the more long term issues that are before the city are public safety, economic development, 9-1-1 emergency communications funding, capital and infrastructure improvements, and the continued development of the industrial park. One big issue looming over us is the need of a new wastewater treatment facility, which at some point the DEQ will require the city to build.

The city council does not work in a vacuum nor do individual councilors work outside the whole council. It takes creativity and team work, when it comes to addressing these issues. You the citizens of John Day, the whole city council and the city manager, must work together; it takes all of us to come up with any real solutions to these issues.

So how would I address these issues? I would encourage you to get involved, I would not be a “yes man” but a team player, bringing my ideas and yours to the conversation but ultimately relying on the whole council and city manager to address and resolve these issues as a team.

Russ Comer

1. I am running for a city council position for the city of Canyon City. I believe that city councilors play an important role in local government and are in a unique position to create position change in their community.

2. My interest in running for the position of city councilor stems from my strong sense of community and the belief that I can truly represent the needs of the citizens of Canyon City by continuing to build a strong and healthy community.

3. I have been a resident of Grant County for 24 years and resided in Canyon City for the past 21 years. I am the Executive Director of the Grant County Safe Communities Coalition and am a small business owner. I work to stay connected to our community by being an active community member; I am an appointed member of the Local Community Advisory Council to our county’s Coordinated Care Organization, a board member of Families First Parent Resource Center and a founding member of the Coalition of Certified Prevention Professionals. Through my years of working in the service and professional industries as well as my volunteerism, I have a deep understanding of our community’s needs.

4. If elected, I’d like to continue working towards fostering healthy relationships with neighboring towns and our county government. I’d also strive to develop an updated strategic plan for Canyon City. I believe it’s important for the City to have realistic and achievable goals that reflects the needs of the citizens and continues to move the City in a positive and prosperous direction.

Nathan Gordanier

1. I will be running for a position on the Canyon City, City Council. This position is important because it is an opportunity to build a bridge between the city and its’ residents.

2. I first considered running for this position because I have been asked by members of the community. I feel that I will be able to help increase community involvement and city policies.

3. Though I may lack political background, I have twelve years of management experience, in a variety of businesses. I am also a volunteer on the Canyon City Fire Department, and on the Grant County Search and Rescue. Over the last five years I have been a part of numerous community events. A few of these events include: 62 Days, Canyon City Challenge, and the Canyon City Haunted House. I plan on bringing the experience I have gained through business management into this position.

4. There are a few things I would like to address if I obtain this position. One is the recent lack of involvement of the city in community events. Another issue that I take seriously is that the Canyon City Park is not a tobacco free park. That is one thing I would like to work to change. Something I would also like to see is a Farmer’s Market in this community.

Judy Kerr (no photo submitted)

1. I am running for the position of Canyon City Council member. This position requires keeping current and aware of the needs and interests of Canyon City residents. As a 26-year resident of Canyon City, I understand the importance of representing and supporting citizens’ concerns to the best of my ability in Council meetings.

2. I am running for this position because I believe I can contribute support and information that may be beneficial to the City of Canyon City.

3. My most recent background and experience is centered in current appointments to the Canyon City Planning Commission; Canyon City Budget Committee; Grant County Road Advisory Board, and Grant County Wildlife Advisory Board. My career experience was predominantly clerical, Public Affairs secretary, branch lead secretary, civil engineering, road design, contract and document writing, and administering construction contracts while employed by several government agencies throughout the United States.

4. I would like to see the Canyon City Council involvement extend beyond city physical boundaries where County or other city activities could provide information and a wider scope of understanding of various community interests. Attending Grant County Court meetings has provided me with a wider view of situations affecting our rural communities. I would bring this knowledge to the City Council. Dependency on John Day for utility services would be better served by attending John Day city meetings to keep current on plans or proposals that affect Canyon City. Canyon City Council should use the opportunity to provide input on all matters that affect local communities and County government.

Francis Kocis

1. Position of Canyon City Council is important in making decisions/recommendations and communications to Canyon City residents about issues:

• involving water/sewer needs; financial/budget matters regarding city affairs.

• future development within city limits.

• uses involving museum, city park, and community hall.

• safety concerns regarding fire, lighting, and animals.

2. • To serve all city residents in working and communicating openly in making sound decisions for management of city operations.

• Provide a safe and equitable working environment for city employees.

• Utilize past years of experience as a City Council Member to work cooperatively with current Council Members, Mayor, and city employees.

3. My wife and I have owned property in Canyon City for the past 40 years and we have resided at our South Humbolt residence for 16+ years.

Prior to retiring in 2002, I enjoyed a wonderful career as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service in parks in Texas, Arkansas, Oregon, and Washington for 31 years. During those years I gained immeasurable experience in personnel matters, budgeting, serving the public and assisting visitors with their recreational needs while vacationing in the parks.

During my 16+ years residency in Canyon City, I was involved in the following community activities:

• served on Grant Union School District Budget Committee.

• volunteer/member for 8 years with the John Day/Canyon City Lions Club.

• served for 4 years on Canyon City Planning Commission.

• Board member for past 7 years with “Friends of Kam Wah Chung”.

• appointed/served as Canyon City Council Member in 2013 and 2014.

4. • Use past years experience on City Council and by working with current Council Members, the Mayor, and city employees continue to serve the needs of Canyon City residents; maintain integrity for sound fiscal management for City operations; and address future updates and needs for the City in water/sewer and street Public Works projects.

• Utilize the Canyon City Park for more community sponsored events such as the past “Summer Music in the Park” programs.

Rachelle Simmons

I am seeking reelection to the position of city councilor representing the Town of Canyon City. I believe that serving the people of Canyon City as a council member is important because it allows me the insight to inter-workings of our community and solving concerns of our citizens.

I am running for this position to continue helping with current issues in our city. My background and qualifications are in making decisions in budget planning, economic developments and ongoing infrastructure projects. I have served the residents of Canyon City working with three different mayors over multiple years. During that time we have completed grants for renovating the Community Center. I have also been a part of the decision making on bettering our water systems, playground equipment in the park, and many other improvements.

If given the opportunity, I look forward to continue working with our mayor, council members and residents of the community as well as partnering city governments.

Shilo Burton-Harper

1. As an individual who strives to give back to the community (Grant County in general) and be actively involved making our community the best it can be for its residents, and future residents, I am running for a position on the Mount Vernon City Council.

2. I’d like to be actively involved and engaged in the happenings of the community of which I live, and where I plan to raise my children. I want to be able to say, “This is how I helped…”, and “This is what you can do…”

3. My family and I moved into Mount Vernon in the spring of 2014. Being a city resident, I’d like nothing more than to have the opportunity to be involved in what goes on in our small town, and involved in making it a healthier, safer, wholesome, high-quality place to live for my children, current residents, and residents for the years to come.

Having been born and raised in Mount Vernon, just outside city limits, this is my hometown, and I have no doubt it will be where I live until the day I die. Keeping this town thriving, dynamic and full of life, clean and safe, functioning smoothly is a passion I have.

I have been, and am, actively engaged in numerous groups, organizations, and boards within Grant County, including the Mount Vernon Cinnabar Mountain Rendezvous, and the Cinnabar Mountain Playdays youth rodeo association in Mount Vernon. I’ve held the positions of President, Secretary, and Treasurer on these committees. To be a member of the city council would give me the chance to give back and make a difference, yet again, where it means the most to me.

4. In September, I was elected in to fill in a vacant position on the Mt. Vernon City Council. If elected again, I’d have the opportunity to continue working toward solutions with items the council is currently addressing. Additionally, I would provide my support to address any other issues that may arise, as well as bring forward proposals to benefit the community and its residents.

I would engage in the city’s finances, assist in finding and securing funds for updated city park playground equipment, address and mitigate issues with current “curb appeal” throughout the city, find and secure grants in general to further support the city’s need for an updated water/sewer system, infrastructure updates, propose ideas to create further revenue within the city, seek ways to make the city a safer and healthier place for people of all ages, and to be a voice for residents.

Mike Cearns Sr.

I am Mike Cearns Sr. I am running for city council in Mt. Vernon. I have served on the Budget Committee for 3 years and city council for 2 years in Mt. Vernon.

I have been married to Joyce for 37 years we have 2 children and 8 grandchildren that all live in Grant County. I am semi retired and work parttime for Dakom Logging. I am planning to continue to live in Mt. Vernon as Joyce and I own two homes there. I have also served on the Volunteer Fire Dept. for 30 yrs.

I am running for Council because I want to see Mt. Vernon to be a safe place to live and raise your children. I also would like to continue to work on sewer plant update and the city park update.

Being semi retired I can also assist with problems that happen with daily workings of the city of Mt. Vernon.

Eva Dougharity

1. City Council Position

I want to be a member of a great group of people working together with goals and projects to improve our city

2. As a city councilor I would like to keep Mt Vernon going forward in a positive direction.

3. Currently Interim Mayor, served on council since 2011,Budget Committee 3 years. Long time resident Mt Vernon for over 30 years

Been active in our community, Cinnabar Mt Rendezvous volunteer, numerous charity events

4. I would like to see projects through to completion

• Waste water project

• City Park Improvement plan

• Bringing back community pride to our city and homes through clean up projects. Updating city policies and procedures.

Candidates Drew Harmer and Justin A. May did not submit answers to the questions.

Daniel Morrow

1. The Mayor shall be a civic leader and chairman of the Council, presiding over the council members as they fulfill their responsibility and authority to assign Councilors/Mayor for the following responsibilities: Fire Department, City Buildings, Streets & Signs, Water, Sewer, City Parks, Grounds-Keeping, and City Transfer Station.

2. I wish to reclaim a sense of pride in this community through a spirit of teamwork with consideration to the individual opinions and personal rights of the citizens. Having grown up and enjoyed the positives of Long Creek, I want to give back to the community.

3. I have a lifetime awareness of life in Grant County. Stories of my great grandfather running a freight train into Canyon City and livelihood challenges were observed first hand as I grew up in Long Creek, graduating high school in 1963. Four years of military service, becoming a Vietnam Veteran, marriage and raising four children required relocation. During these years, I coached Little League and Babe Ruth teams, and had employment that involved oversite of fifty employees. Family responsibilities, employment and a metropolitan lifestyle; while providing an education in dealing with a diverse population, exemplified the desire to return to the rural Long Creek Community. Upon retirement in 2002my wife, Dianna, and I returned to Long Creek and built our home that we are able to share with our nine grandchildren, friends and neighbors. I have been an active participant in City Government, Long Creek Historical Society, and Allovars Community House.

4. A. Population Decrease: resulting in social and economic decline.

a. Focus on what we have to offer as opposed to what used to be. Seek individuals and agencies within the county and state that are in a position to assist with building a desirable community.

B. Inequality of Voting Privileges: resulting in individuals with economic investment in city having no representation.

b. Review charter and ordinance with view to amend voter limitations.

C. Limited Communication between City Government and Individual Citizens: resulting in non-inclusive, non-productive and sometimes adversarial outlooks.

c. Initiate more town hall type gatherings. Outreach by all city officials to citizenry on individual one on one basis. Provide clear and available charter/ordinance information utilizing internet/social media. Increase participation in city meetings. Establish an arbitration council to address potential issues.

D. City government operating on Reactive as opposed to Proactive basis: resulting in ‘putting fires out, instead of preventing them’.

d. Pursue education program for all elected/appointed officials. Encourage individual council members to exercise their duties/responsibilities as leaders. Provide opportunities for each councilman to be fully informed of any issues via pre-meeting agenda and information packet, and encourage individual council member expression.

Don Porter

I’ve been the mayor of Long Creek for over ten years and I’m running for reelection so that I can continue to serve this small community and keep doing all I can for its citizens.

Being mayor of a small town means I’m usually the first person townspeople call on when they need help. Whether it’s a water or sewer issue, an animal control problem, hazardous weather or some sort of safety concern, I work to assure our town runs smoothly. A lot of times that means dealing with regulatory agencies like DEQ, EPA and ODOT, and over the years I’ve built good relationships with all of them and a have solid understanding of their requirements.

The City of Long Creek is comprised of seven divisions – streets; parks; fire; buildings; sewer; water; and transfer station. While council members oversee each division, I have professional experience that allows me to provide them with the support they need. I did roadwork with ODOT for several years, and have been fire chief for quite some time with many hours of training. In college I worked in parks and recreation, and in the 1980s and 90s I was the water and sewer operator for Long Creek.

I care about what happens to Long Creek and the good people who live here. I want to keep doing all I can to attract new residents and new businesses, while continuing to support all the great things we already have going for us.

Our combined residential water, sewer and dump rates are just $60 per month, with many other small towns charging $90 or more. I will continue working to keep our utilities the lowest in the area. I’ll also keep working with the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s office on our smoke detector program, which has placed over 150 free smoke detectors in Long Creek homes. The goal is to have another 350 installed over the next 18 months.

I have deep roots in Long Creek and I’m just as deeply committed to its future.

Candidates Joseph Gibson and Brent M. Near did not submit answers to the questions.

Should Long Creek prohibit production, processing, wholesaling, dispensing and retailing of marijuana within city limits?

Prairie City City Council — vote for three

Philip “Joe” Phippen

1. I’m running for the position of city councilman for Prairie City. This position is very important because you have a hand in helping make Prairie City a better place to live by working with the mayor, fellow council members and the citizens.

2. I’m running for councilman to help the people of Prairie City. The community has its problems and I want to help solve them.

3. I received my social security card when I was twelve years old, working for the Island Ranch in Harney County. After four years in the navy, 1969-1973, I was a buckaroo for a few years. With a young family to support, I went to Alaska to work in the logging industry. In 1989, I became a devout Christian and still am to this day.

I was a co-owner for seven years of an adult foster care home. I learned the meaning of really caring and being devoted to the elderly. Prairie City has a lot of retired and needy folks; and I believe I can help them being on the city council. I was president for approximately one year of the Prairie City Senior Citizens and had direct contact with folks every week. Also, I am a member of the Prairie City budget committee, and a member of the Senior Citizens Advisory Board for Grant County.

4. Prairie City is a great city with a lot of community spirit, good schools and caring people. However; there are issues that need to be addressed. People want to know the status of the water and sewer projects. Also, there is a serious dog problem that needs to be dealth with. I would work with the mayor and council to be more informative to citizens. I am really proud of our museum, parks and our many community events.

If elected; I am looking foward to serving on the Prairie City’s council.

Candidates Georgia Patterson and Frank Primozic did not submit answers to the questions.

Candidates Mike Jaques, David Mosteit, Kathy Mosteit and Steve D. Smith did not submit answers to the questions.