Bend Mayor Candidates Emerge: Clinton v Barram

In an indication that Bend's City Council is swinging back to a more progressive style of governance, we have a choice between two fine individuals for the largely ceremonial though influential Mayor's seat in January. -RGD

Each of us, Jim Clinton and Jodie Barram, is seeking to become the next Mayor and would like to explain how the selection process works. In nearly all cities, the voters elect the Mayor, but in Bend the City Council chooses the Mayor.

The City of Bend Charter provides that after every general election Councilors select one Councilor to be Mayor and another to be Mayor Pro Tem. This happens at the first Council meeting in January of the new term. While we both favor allowing the voters to decide whether or not they want to directly elect the Mayor, the law now specifies that four or more Councilor votes make that decision.

Does that leave you, as Bend citizens, out of the process? Sort of. But just as with all Council decisions, you can contact your current City Councilors and Councilors-elect to voice your opinion.

We encourage you to do so.

As we seek the two leadership positions, we are also offering to work closely as a team and are committed to an open process that will assist Councilors in determining which of us fills which position.

We know that the primary responsibility of the Council is to provide clear policy direction and that developing policies benefiting all residents requires careful collaboration, a willingness to listen, and a deep understanding of all sides of every issue. Councilors must faithfully represent their constituents by enacting policies and laws that are in the best interests of the City and its residents.

The Mayor and Pro Tem positions are important beyond their functions in chairing Council meetings. The Mayor and Pro Tem work with other Councilors and the City Manager to set meeting agendas.

Promoting an effective Council, working collaboratively with the City staff, and providing effective oversight of City operations are crucial additional duties. As a side note, these positions don't get paid any more than the other Councilors. We all make $200/month.

We are convinced this team-leadership approach is needed as we face major issues in the next few years:

? Planning and constructing needed sewer, water, and road projects

? Ensuring high levels of public safety

? Revitalizing and diversifying our economy

? Planning for and managing growth

Of the current City Councilors, our combined experience brings you, the resident, the best of two distinct and complementary styles. We will lead by making sure that every Councilor's perspective is included in every decision, and that everyone who wishes to participate is heard and respected. We will promote the success of the Council and not take personal credit for the actions of colleagues.

We will also accept accountability for our mistakes. We will not compromise on our commitment to transparent and open local government.

Over the next month, we hope you will make your voice heard. You can directly contact the Councilors who will make these decisions.

Jodie Barram jbarram@ci.bend.or.us

Jim Clinton jclinton@ci.bend.or.us

Mark Capell mcapell@ci.bend.or.us

Scott Ramsey sramsey@ci.bend.or.us

Sally Russell srussell@ci.bend.or.us

Doug Knight knightandcompany@bendcable.com

Victor Chudowsky vic@bendbroadband.com

Together, in service to Bend, we know we will best represent you in the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem positions. We invite you to influence the outcome.

-Jodie Barram and Jim Clinton, Bend City Councilors

Source: http://www.occupybendor.org/news.php?1458

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