James Rose:

The purpose of the City Council is to lead citizens to define and successfully achieve a better future for all our neighbors, businesses and our city. The best way to gather knowledge and learn from others is to listen as much as possible to anyone and everyone who wants to be heard. I am completely dedicated to my role as Mayor – if elected – and will be spending as much time as humanly possible to listen to citizens and work tirelessly to set and achieve realistic goals throughout my term in office.

I believe the ideal councilor is a person who is committed to independently making decisions based on their own “homework” and life experiences while always being cognizant of the needs of all of the citizens of North Bend. The ideal councilor is a person who constantly reaches out to people to listen and learn and effectively advocates for their belief and those of their constituents. Finally, the ideal councilor is a person who is willing to make the tough choices and take decisive action while accepting the consequences of those actions.

Jessica Engelke:

The ideal City Councilor or Mayor is a person who can relate to all generations and has insight into the pulse of what is happening in the community. I will work to understand what people want now and moving into the future. I have a passion for the City of North Bend and will work diligently to see it succeed. I committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of the citizens of
North Bend. The ideal council member and Mayor is a person who communicates with people and is an active listener. I have a positive connection with community members and am on a variety of boards that benefit the community. My service to North Bend began as a high student when I was North Bend July Jubilee Princess in 1990. North Bend has given my family so much. I want to be able to give back.
The minimum requirements of the city council members are to attend the work sessions and the city Council meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. To move items forward, other Council Meetings may need to take place. We should expect more of our elected officials, and elect a mayor and councilors that are involved with committees and other community organizations that they are passionate about that can positively impact the city, not just people that want to sit on the sidelines and throw stones.

Eric Gleason:

My vision of the ideal city council person would someone who understands where this city has been, and while respecting the rich past, also understanding that we are no longer able to dwell on what North Bend used to be. To understand that the time spent ensuring the longevity of its citizens will be worth the long hours fighting to make the right decisions for its people. To be willing to commit the “free-time” you once had to show true leadership and dedication to the North bend you know is possible.

Jonathan Vinyard:

My vision of what it means to be a member of the City Council is, as a city council member, it is my duty to fulfill my obligations to the residents of North Bend by always keeping the citizens in mind. It means holding others accountable at all times to create an environment of open thinking. It means putting the welfare of our city before my own. It means there is a commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort. It means pledging to do what is right, legally and morally. I will do or say nothing that deceives any of the residents in North Bend.

I expect the time commitment to be equivalent to that of a full-time job.
A City Councilperson looks like a normal citizen of North Bend. A person who wants what is best for the community moving forward. It looks an awful lot like a loyal, respectful, courageous person with integrity.

Pat Goll:

The ideal person would look exactly like me. I have previously sat on the North Bend City Council for 4 years. I stand by my commitment to want to better North bend. I was a North Bend Fire Department volunteer for 19 years. What I want you to know is when I was voted off city council is when the $30.00 public fee was being voted on. Four to three in favor of it was the vote. If I was still on the council I would have been the 4th not in favor and it would have failed 4 to 3!

Ron Kutch:

A. Councilors need to be actively engaged. Showing up, not just at City Hall meetings and the North Bend Jubilee parade, but going out and talking to the citizens. Telling the story. Getting input. Rubbing elbows, rolling up our sleeves and sweating with the public if needed and making decisions that are best for the majority. But it begins with active involvement.

B. I expect, realistically, 10 hours a week with bursts to 20. This should not be a position that involves showing up at 4 meetings a month. There should be ample prep time put in prior to meetings, but also ample elbow-rubbing time.

C. What does the ideal city council-person look like? Well, I would put a picture of myself here, but I want to give the other candidates a fair shot…..HA! Seriously – a Councilor should be engaged, approachable, thoughtful, not quick to make judgements, fair, possessing broad shoulders and thick skin, and above all else, have a heart for public service.

Susanna Noordhoff:

It is a lot of work to serve as an elected official. I have experience at this, and my goal has been to build on the good ideas and weigh pros and cons before making a decision.
I expect that the workload is shared as equitably as possible. The time commitment would likely be 20 hours per month. The ideal councilor looks approachable, and of course, good grooming as that person represents the City, both on the job and off.

Timm Slater:

The councilor is a servant leader, an advocate and selfless worker. The ideal councilor looks like all of us. What you do need is for them to do is to be concerned for their neighbor and come prepared to discuss the issue of that are on the agenda. They need to be willing listeners and doers. Additionally, issues or opportunities they have seen or had brought to them by citizens they should bring forward in discussion. For me personally, I come prepared and also seek out the “informed sources” to enable me to make the best decision I can, for the 10,000 people that share the city as their home with me.

Time wise, I put in the hours necessary to have my best understanding. For example, in my last couple years as Mayor, while working for Weyerhaeuser about 50 hours weekly, I would put in about 40 hours per month on city meetings and other related activities. I enjoy working in this arena, because you can have strong person to person contacts anywhere in town and you can truly make an immediate difference for you neighbors.