Editor’s note: Chalice Savage is running against incumbent Kenneth Roberts for the council’s at-large position. Jon Stinnett is running unopposed for the vacant Ward 2 council position and incumbent Greg Ervin is running for his previously held Ward 4 position. Not all candidates chose to respond, including Roberts and Ervin. The mayor is elected to a two-year term and councilors have four-year terms.
Savage (top left), Stinnett (top right), Ervin (bottom left) and Roberts (bottom right)
Q: What priorities would you bring with you to the council if elected and why?
Chalice Savage (At-large): There is virtually nothing on the rental market and very few homes being built. MUPTE (Multi-Unit Tax Exemption) helps the owner once the unit is built, but redefining the pricing for System Development Charges will help the developer start the build. There is a reason multi-unit housing has hardly happened since the ’80s. I also want to address the monthly water bill. I would like to see the monthly total left for the water treatment plant on every monthly bill so residents could see that amount going down, potentially including incentives if people wanted to pay extra to help it go down faster.
Jon Stinnett (Ward 2): I have pledged support for efforts with three main goals: Improved, productive engagement between City government and the citizenry, infrastructure improvements to help the City prepare for a prosperous future, and improve quality of life for ALL residents.
In such bewildering times, it can feel all too easy to succumb to despair and a sense of powerlessness, and the national narrative peddled by politics and sensationalist media often deepens these corrosive feelings. And yet, here in Cottage Grove, life goes on, and hope abounds. Here, on a local level, we have the power to help each other and lift each other up. We have the power to succeed and live beautiful, vibrant lives. As a City Councilor, I hope to be a productive, insightful and receptive representative of the people of Cottage Grove and a worthy steward of this community’s many gifts.
In the months and years to come, Cottage Grove can grow responsibly and sustainably (from both within and without) through investments in streets, internet connectivity, public spaces and sidewalks. It can also invest in cultural, career and other opportunities for all residents but especially youth, opportunities that can help those who wish to remain in the community and prosper here. The City Council can also be a leader in prioritizing the care of the natural resources that sustain and inspire us and draw numerous visitors here.
Q: How do you feel about the council’s actions to address economic impacts on local businesses caused by the pandemic? What would a “business friendly” council look like?
Savage: The council had done well; however, the community may not know that so communication could be improved. By addressing the housing crisis first, the local economy will be boosted, which will drive the need for more businesses.
Stinnett: The City set aside funds in its most recent budget to help offset the economic strain of pandemic lockdown protocol on local businesses. These funds were meant to match dollars that came to Cottage Grove for the same purpose from the state and federal levels. Apparently, the City has had difficulty finding applicants to receive these funds.
This is one of many instances that help illustrate the need for a more productive connection between the people and their government. It seems that many local businesses may have sought other options for assistance at this critical time and been unaware of the local option. At times like these, I believe that City government and the people MUST find a way to reconnect to ensure that help finds those that need it most.
I’ll try and help small businesses find and sustain success.
Q: Do you believe Cottage Grove has an issue with racism that needs to be addressed? How would you lead the council on this topic?
Savage: I believe in leading by example. I practice inclusion, I believe in equal rights and feel unity will happen despite differences when the residents feel valued and understood. Our nation is divided, and I believe that we can find peace by practicing kindness at the local level. I want to understand our differences. We have seen in times of crisis, such as the recent fires and even the snowstorm, that people look beyond differences and come together to help each other out.
Stinnett: The recent racial reckoning that’s gripped our nation has led me to seek a deeper understanding of American history, and it’s clear that systemic racism has shaped this country … for hundreds of years.
In seeking a positive, hopeful understanding of our country’s struggles with race, I prefer to believe that Americans have come a long way toward a more equitable society in a relatively short period. And yet, as events continue to teach us, we still have quite a long way to go. Every American deserves a reasonable opportunity to pursue success and happiness, and until we – who profess to believe unequivocally that “all men are created equal” – can more readily guarantee such opportunity for EVERYONE, we’ve got work to do.
As a community in a state that enshrined racism in its founding document, Cottage Grove is certainly not immune to issues surrounding racism. With this in mind, this community should work to understand the racism in its past and present so that it may work toward a more equitable future. A diversity of perspectives, ideas and strengths will be key to overcoming the challenges that lay before us.
Grovers pride themselves on their friendly, welcoming nature and the ability of people with a variety of backgrounds to come together to find common purpose and fulfillment. Should we not do all we can, then, to ensure that our welcome and our ability to live inspired lives together know no bounds?
As a first step, an official proclamation by the city council rejecting racism and pledging to work toward equal opportunities for all can further a productive local conversation about racism. Then, the City can work with community groups dedicated to equality and ending racism to pool efforts, share resources and foster progress.
Q: What is a big challenge facing Cottage Grove that is not often discussed and how might you help bring awareness to and overcome this challenge?
Savage: Residents are often creating an inaccurate narrative due to a lack of proactive communication. Communication is building relationships and creating an environment where residents feel heard and represented. I was taught at a young age to be of service to those around me, so it is in my nature to listen, then do my best to help. Once elected I would like to be a proactive communicator with the residents of Cottage Grove.
Stinnett: There are too few opportunities here for diversion/entertainment and upward mobility for young people. This leads to the departure of too many wonderful young people from our community. Those who choose to stay must often make sacrifices in career and other terms to do so. Others may be left with a sense of listlessness, boredom and despair that can lead to terrible outcomes such as drug and alcohol abuse and the problems these can engender.
While the City cannot singlehandedly solve this major issue, it can pursue opportunities to bring jobs and cultural enrichment to town, augment its public spaces and reach out to South Lane School District to educate youth about job opportunities in local government. A community without youth has no future. Raising young people who can stay and contribute to the future will strengthen the community for generations.
Q: When you hear about something that concerns you in the city, what steps would you take to see that this concern is resolved?
Savage: First, I would research to better understand. I would go to the appropriate department and ask questions. I believe original decisions are made in good faith with the information provided at the time so I would seek out new information to see if there is a better way of going forward. I would present my findings to the council.
Stinnett: The first step to addressing concerns is to ask questions and listen without judgment to the answers. Often, citizens have questions about the operations of their government that can be addressed by reaching out to the appropriate local official. When they reach out to representatives such as city council members with their concerns, it is vital that they feel heard and acknowledged and that their concerns have value. Then, the follow-through required to respond appropriately and seek solutions is vital.
Read more:
Creswell mayor race – click here
Creswell City Council race – click here
Cottage Grove mayor race – click here
Cottage Grove City Council race – click here
Springfield City Council race – click here
Chinese Astrology: The Candidate Series – Ivan DelSol
Chinese Astrology: The Candidate Series – Jeff Gowing
Candidate columns:
Chalice Savage – Cottage Grove City Council candidate
Shelly Clark – Creswell City Council candidate
Kori Rodley – Springfield City Council candidate
Ivan DelSol – Cottage Grove mayor candidate
Kevin Prociw – Creswell mayor candidate
