Editor’s note: This Q&A was updated on 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 to include answers submitted by candidate Christina Allen.
CRESWELL — Residents will vote in November for a new mayor and three councilors. The choices for the two-year mayoral term are councilor Nick Smith or past council president and 2020 mayoral candidate Kevin Prociw. For the four-year city council seats, residents will select three of the four candidates, including Mark Kremer and Joan Morris. Council candidate Christina Allen was appointed and later removed from the council in December 2023 because of a potential conflict of interest – Allen’s relative worked at City Hall – which was discovered by the council shortly after her appointment. Incumbent Clark Kent was appointed to that position after Allen was removed.
What is Creswell’s most significant need, and how do you plan to fill it?
Mayoral candidates
KEVIN PROCIW: Addressing our wastewater management issues in Creswell is a significant priority due to the environmental mandates we face, which our current system struggles to meet. The potential for a regional solution with Lane County underscores the scale of the challenge, affecting not just compliance but also the health and economic future of our town. Resolving this issue is essential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Creswell and helps us in our efforts to provide additional housing options. These discussions are in progress. Should the project move forward, we will need someone to continue championing the cause and represent Creswell’s stake in the project. Funding the plan and updating rates will be crucial conversations for the upcoming council.
NICK SMITH: Safety and livability. Enforce laws already on the books.
City Council candidates
CLARK KENT: We must upgrade our sewer system to allow new business and residential hookups and encourage economic growth. It is currently close to capacity, and in addition to that issue, we are required by the Oregon DEQ to upgrade the system. The City is already working on this issue, and I will vote for the best plan.
MARK KREMER: There are many needs, depending on who you ask, but collectively, I believe we can improve on each of those needs.
JOAN MORRIS declined to participate in the Q&A.
CHRISTINA ALLEN: Creswell’s most significant need is the homeless, and how I plan to fill it is by being a liaison between both the homeless and the City. I would also like an opportunity to form a housing community.
What do you think the majority of Creswell citizens would rate the functionality and efficiency of their city government on a scale from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest)? Why do you believe this, and what would you do to improve the rating?
PROCIW: Four. This reflects our community’s recognition of the city’s efforts within our resource constraints. However, there’s always room for enhancement. My approach would involve advocating for process improvement, focusing on streamlining operations, and reducing waste. By adopting these practices, we can enhance our ability to meet needs, making our government not just functional but exemplary in efficiency, ultimately aiming to push that rating closer to a 5.
SMITH: Three-and-a-half. I would listen to the people and enforce the people’s will.
KENT: Two. I think our citizens have a healthy skepticism of government. They are concerned about the capacity for corruption and mismanagement from elected officials, whether local or national. I wholeheartedly recommend downloading City Council meeting packets from the City of Creswell website and watching the YouTube streams of our meetings to see first-hand how we examine and discuss City business. Citizens are also invited to speak at the podium at the monthly City Council meetings, and we have up to 10 three-minute slots for anyone who wishes to speak. I encourage citizens to get involved this way, and I pledge to represent them with transparency and accountability.
KREMER: Three-and-a-half. I believe we are doing a lot right. Concerned residents care a lot about this city and want the best. I believe in following through on issues and listening to our neighbors.
ALLEN: Three-and-half. The city is getting frustrated about the increase of the population and I feel that by me getting elected would increase the scale because I would then have more pull with the housing authorities and non-profit organizations.
Recall from recent memory a decision made by the city council that you would have handled differently if you were in office. If you were in office, recall a situation wherein the council met a resolution on a complex matter and explain your role in that process.
PROCIW: When the discussion on our overnight camping ordinance was tabled in March, it effectively closed the door to meaningful dialogue about its effectiveness. This perceived inaction by the council led local citizens to take matters into their own hands, introducing the Conestoga huts as a response. I believe tabling such critical issues often compels community members to seek unconventional solutions, potentially leading to further division or controversy. My approach would advocate for ongoing, focused dialogue to ensure we find timely, effective solutions that align with the community’s needs and values, avoiding the necessity for citizens to act independently.
An example of a complex issue while I was in office was the equity discussion in 2020. Recognizing the polarizing nature of the resolution we were voting on, I voted to table the discussion. The resolution wasn’t what I expected, and I didn’t feel we had enough public input. Aside from that, the fact that it was so polarizing told me it wasn’t a good fit for Creswell. I believe that those supporting the resolution had good intent and kind hearts which made that a difficult decision.
SMITH: I was in office during the Transportation Utility Fee (TUF) discussions and ultimate approval of the ordinance implementing the fee. I was in favor of putting the decision to the voters of Creswell, not creating an ordinance voted on by the mayor and councilors.
KENT: At a council work session, we were considering the recommendation of the Creswell Planning Committee to amend the Creswell Butte Protection Area, which determined the heights of buildings in that area. We needed further clarity on why certain suggestions were being made, so members of the planning committee attended our council meeting to discuss the various reasons for the change. I was among the council members who asked clarifying questions and suggested a discussion on a couple of options.
In the end, I found that two members of the panning commission made compelling arguments for changing the heights in three specific areas, allowing for residential and commercial construction while still preserving the open-space view and character of the Creswell Butte. I was impressed by the excellent work done by the planning commission to propose this and the duty exercised by the city council to examine it and make certain that it would be a positive move for everyone affected. We approved the resolution.
KREMER did not provide a response to this question.
ALLEN: The decision that city council made about not having our bikes allowed in front of our conestogas. I strongly disagree with this. They are not toys that just get left in the yard, but a means of transportation.
What are three things you think the City is doing well if Creswell is doing well, and why? Conversely, where can it be improved in three spots, and how?
PROCIW: Doing Well: 1) RAIN (business incubator) supports Creswell’s businesses with essential tools, significantly impacting our economic health despite limited resources. 2) Public safety is cost-effectively managed with Lane County, keeping crime low while maximizing taxpayer value. 3) Civic engagement has improved with enhanced communication, quicker information sharing, and transparent YouTube meetings.
Needs Improvement: 1) Recreation for teens and seniors needs boosting; a potential recreational district could help but has hurdles. 2) Community dialogue should be more direct, with opportunities for one-on-one discussions beyond council meetings. 3) Volunteerism faces recruitment issues: Better outreach and recognition could enhance community engagement.
SMITH: Doing well: 1) Public Works is operating well. 2) Parks and facilities are above average. 3) Our communities’ involvement with our youth and youth programs is excellent. Areas of improvement: 1) Community outreach: Explore more avenues for engaging citizens. 2) dwindling small businesses: Investigate the underlying reasons for the decline in small businesses. 3) Efficient use of funds: Evaluate current spending and make recommendations, if needed.
KENT: Doing well: 1) Putting on delightful special events for our community (such as Movies in the Park and Romeo’s Fall Festival). 2) Maintaining our excellent partnership with the Lane County Sheriff’s Department to keep our citizens safe and secure. 3) Frequently securing grants to help cover the costs of various projects.
Needs improvement: 1) We need to provide more activities for our youth, perhaps in partnership with other local groups or intergovernmental agencies. 2) Our growth – economically and residentially – will be stalled until we get our wastewater system upgraded, ideally using existing infrastructure in partnership with the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission. 3) The rate at which our citizens’ utility bills grow needs to slow, especially for our citizens on a fixed income. I’m hopeful that economic and residential growth will take considerable pressure off our existing tax base.
KREMER: Going well: 1) Safety is going very well; of course, it can always be improved. 2) The Fourth of July parade has become a staple of Creswell and continues to impress. 3) The maintenance department upkeep of the City has been a positive spot; they do a great job and complete jobs/tasks in a timely manner. Needs improvement: 1) City code should be enforced with greater intention. 2) Water bill rates continue to rise very quickly; how can we look at reducing the rate of increase? 3) Safety at intersections, look at better ways to get drivers to stop at intersections for people to cross safely.
ALLEN: Doing well: 1) Creswell police do their job with feeling on all levels of people, as well as follows the book. The Creswell police are the best cops I’ve ever had experience meeting/dealing with their fair, but just. #2) Maintaining of the roads. They’re always on the ball when it comes to fixing gutters and making sure the lines are painted to where we can see them. #3) The parks. The administration is always doing such a great job with keeping the parts clean for our children as well as the parents. Garden Lake Park looks amazing, with a barbecue pit even. They even have a splash park for kids.
Needs improvement: 1) crosswalks and lights, especially on Oregon Ave. and Front St. #2) Being more diligent in interfacing with housing authorities and non-profit housing organizations. #3) More enforcement on speed limits, especially on 1st and C, as well as on 2nd & D streets. Especially late at night. People are NOT following the stop signs. I plan on having traffic-calming devices put in on all residential roads. People are speeding all the time and your children are playing in those streets.
What are the top priorities you plan to accomplish during your tenure, and how will they benefit the community?
PROCIW: A key priority for me is enhancing our emergency preparedness posture. The winter storm early this year taught us valuable lessons about our response capabilities. I plan to focus on providing the City and residents with essential strategies and resources to better prepare for future emergencies. Reviving the Emergency Preparedness Fair, last held in 2018, will be crucial. By making this a regular event, we’ll not only educate but also actively involve our community in preparedness efforts, ensuring Creswell is not just reactive but proactive in facing any future challenges.
Another significant priority for Creswell, given the substantial concerns expressed by citizens, is addressing road safety, particularly the issue of speeding. I will advocate for a combination of modern traffic management technologies and proven traditional methods to reduce speeding, tailored to suit our community’s unique needs. By championing these initiatives, we can collaboratively work towards safer streets, enhancing both the safety and quality of life for all Creswellians.
SMITH: Return rule of law, encourage small business growth, and continue to be a voice for the people. The benefits to the community speak for themselves.
KENT: The previously listed wastewater issues are my top priorities, as they contribute to bottlenecks in economic development and housing construction. If elected I will – at the mayor’s indulgence – continue to serve on the Safety Committee and continue to work in partnership with Safe Routes to School and National Night Out. I will ensure that our deputies have the tools they need to enforce the law so that criminals face consequences for illegal acts. I will continue to promote community safety through awareness of safe practices and by building positive relationships between neighbors and community members.
KREMER: Safety is a top priority. We want Creswell to continue to get safer, and safety in all aspects is the start. Homelessness is everywhere, and we need to be able to respond to it accordingly. … Water rates and how can we minimize the cost and analyzing the current system data to reduce future costs for our residents.
ALLEN: This town obviously needs a liaison for the homeless. They don’t understand exactly what to do or what it is you want. I am the only one speaking to the homeless on the behalf of the city, so who better to elect for our city’s homeless situation than me? Let’s not just say we care, show we care!
