The World Link | Coos Bay, Oregon, USA
Meet the candidates
Elections homepage

Candidates of Coos Bay

Experience Economy, LNG, Hollering Place
Jeff McKeown
Age: 58
58 year resident
Running for: Mayor of Coos Bay
»Learn more 		10 years on Coos Bay City Council, two years as mayor Economy: Believes there are too many duplicated services in the area. Admits his attempts at collaboration with North Bend didn't pan out, but still wants to keep channels open. Wants to revisit historical design standards in Empire to make sure they aren't stifling growth. Supports the SCDC, though there needs to be more collaboration among agencies.
LNG: Thinks it's unfortunate the federal government has siting authority. Still, if the project is approved, it will be incumbent on local government to insist that local jobs are made available and safety standards are met. Would not say if he is for or against the project. "I need to focus on things I have control over."
Hollering Place: Supports the development of a master plan that incorporates residents' interests while considering commercial properties to attract potential developers. "The council should push this forward aggressively."
Other: N/A
I'm not afraid to speak my mind or take a position contrary to that of the rest of the council if I feel that is the right thing to do. There is a marked contrast between myself and Mayor McKeown and anyone that has observed my tenure on the council will probably appreciate this. John Muenchrath
Age: 44
38 year resident
Running for: Mayor of Coos Bay
»Learn more 		Four years on Coos Bay City Council Economy: Opposes the use of Urban Renewal funds to pay the South Coast Development Council. Thinks the area has a Messiah complex, holding out hope for one big business when there needs to be a greater effort to support locally owned businesses. Likes the city's virtual business incubator plan and encouraging residents to buy local
LNG: Against locating an LNG terminal here. Sees it as a potential eyesore and doesn't like the idea of using eminent domain for the natural gas pipeline project. Thinks the area would be better served with alternative energy sources. "As has too often been the case, we take whatever comes along, rather than having a vision for the area and working to create it."
Hollering Place: Hopes that public seeding of Urban Renewal funds will translate into sizable private investment producing a center of activity and business. "The preliminary plans look wonderful."
Other: Wants to offer residents an alternative in the race for mayor. He wants to bring more honesty, transparency and accountability to the council, so people feel free to share their ideas.
Public Servant is more than a title. You need to be a servant of the people who elected you. D. Stephen Pickering
Age: 61
6 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		Student senator in 1960s Economy: Needs to be greater collaboration among cities. Doesn't support new taxes unless mandated for something such as sewer system.
LNG: Leaning toward opposition. "I have seen the countryside dotted with refineries. It is not a view I or anyone else wants to see on the Oregon Coast anywhere."
Hollering Place: On record as supporting a mixed-use replica seaport village with public and commercial spaces. "Some parts of the current plan are great, but I don't understand the need to go outside the area for expertise and guidance. The public has told the city what they want for nine years. Listen to them."
Other: Wants to see change and serve as a full-time city councilor.
I feel there should be different age groups in public office. I believe the younger people need a voice on the Coos Bay city council as well. Daniel Baumann
Age: 39
13 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		Unkown Economy: Oppose any new tax; provide tax breaks to encourage development of a Home Depot or Costco.
LNG: I would say "no" to the proposed LNG terminal. I don't feel it would help this area, and there are no guarantees it would be safe.
Hollering Place: Use the site as a viewpoint, with information about the area and the marine life in the bay.
Other: N/A
David Engholm
Age: 43
18 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		Former president of the Egyptian Theatre Preservation Association Economy: Thinks the city should consider putting out tax incentives to attract companies to the business district.
LNG: Does not have enough information to comment on the project.
Hollering Place: Supports the project.
Other: He would like to offer new ideas. Has a good rapport with councilors and will work for consensus. Also would like to work with the Coos County Historical and Maritime Museum to develop a museum on the Coos Bay waterfront.
Gene Melton
Age: 69
56 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		Eastside City Council, Bay Area Transportation District board, Coos Bay Budget Committee, Coos Bay City Council, Coos County Urban Renewal Agency Economy: Need to ease or speed up permitting process for businesses and help people to grant programs. "There are too many roadblocks for businesses."
LNG: Still has an open mind on the project. "As a citizen, it would create jobs for the area. As a retired fire chief, I understand the danger or the lack of danger."
Hollering Place: Likes the process of gathering input from the public about what should go in on the city's site. Likes the proposed mixed-use idea, including the restoration of the dock.
Other: To stay involved with his hometown and its citizens while working to increase jobs and improve the area's livability.
I would like to help make it easier for people to move here and start a business and build a home and put their children into our schools. Howard Forte
Age: 51
12 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		Two years on Coos Bay Budget Committee Economy: Make it easier to work with the city to build a home and start a business. Improve customer service at City Hall. Thinks the SCDC has been effective. "We are on the map because of those guys."
LNG: Figures the issue is out of the city's hands. "My thoughts are, whatever the decision, we jump in and try to find a way to make peace."
Hollering Place: "It should be a place where families can go for a quick picnic, get a bite to eat, etc. It needs to be accessible and affordable for the users."
Other: Said he feels he has a mission to be involved in his community.
To help the area become economically stable, make it a destination point and assure quality of life in the process. Joanie Johnson
Age: 61
55 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		State of Oregon Ombudsman, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Economy: Need to have two-way traffic on Anderson and Commercial avenues to Fourth Street. Reduce charges to existing businesses. Create a shopping district.
LNG: The city has no control over the issue, but she supports it. "I'm fully ready to accept it, embrace it and look forward to the benefits it can bring to our area."
Hollering Place: She wants to see a viewpoint with a really nice building structure, a restaurant/hotel at the lower level, and a developed dock to accommodate Tall Ships.
Other:
My purpose for running is to help redirect priorities in the community and bring to the table a fresh look at how the city can better serve the citizens and the small business community. John Pundt
Age: 57
4 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		Nothing elected, though served as president of Concerned Citizens of Empire and Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Economy: The city's bureaucracy is cumbersome. Has mixed feelings about SCDC. "Philosophically it's a great concept, but it really hasn't developed into any strong assets."
LNG: Has no public opinion, though considers it a serious issue. "I think public opinion has brought attention to many serious issues that need careful consideration."
Hollering Place: Believes the project needs to get under way. "It's a centerpiece project in the Empire area that has garnered a lot of support." Was unhappy the council picked an out-of-town firm to produce a master plan, but is encouraged to see the progress. Thinks a wayside should be built and funded by the Urban Renewal Agency. The rest of the project should have significant public say.
Other: N/A
We need to try and get a big company in here whether it's LNG or manufacturing Jon Eck
Age: 51
51 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		4 years on the budget committee, 6 years on the City Council; currently serves as council president and chairman of Urban Renewal Agency Economy: Strongly supports the SCDC program, though it is simply one of many tools for the city to use in attracting new businesses. Also wants to continue the facade improvement program to get rid of blighted areas. Liked the idea of an option levy to pay for even more urban renewal projects, though wants to put it to voters first.
LNG: Hasn't made up his mind. Doesn't like eminent domain and thinks it's important to maintain the "livability" of the area while providing more family-wage jobs.
Hollering Place: Improvements should be driven by the Empire community through cooperation with the developers providing the lion's share of funding. Sees the desire for a light commercial mix that shows off the site's historical significance.
Other: Wants to help see through several projects the council started during his watch, such as construction of a new fire station. Also wants to make it easier for residents to work with the city's building and planning departments.
Thomas Kramer
Age: 72
6 1/2 year resident
Running For: Coos Bay council
»Learn more 		Unkown Economy: Doesn't think the city should be a member of SCDC. Instead, the city should contact businesses itself. "I don't see anything coming out of the investment.
LNG: Supports it. I think the good that would be created by having the LNG terminal outweighs the negatives.
Hollering Place: Wants the city to construct an overlook so people can see that progress is being made while plans are developed for the lower section
Other: Wants to make a difference in the community and offer a new perspective to what he perceives as a Good Ol' Boys network.
Elections homepage
Copyright © 2009 Southwestern Oregon Publishing Company. Contents of this web site labeled as being from the Associated Press (AP) are Copyright © 2009 Associated Press.
Reproduction or redistribution of content is expressly forbidden without the express written consent of theworldlink.com