From the mayor’s desk:

I spent last weekend in northern California at a yearly “family” reunion. This was not a biological family, but rather a family of friends, fondly named the “logical family.” Like many families it has been three years since we gathered. It was a wonderful time to have great conversations and meet new people. I do hope that you can create opportunities to reconnect with important people in your lives. It takes some effort to stay in touch with those you love.
Are you concerned about how our downtown looks and presents to travelers? There are numerous opportunities to do something about it instead of just complaining. Our downtown needs your help, and you can determine how much you can give. Main Steet Cave Junction is looking for another board member who has time for a meeting once a month and the willingness to follow through and get things done. MSCJ also has some funding and there are some exciting opportunities that could use your help. These projects include the Oak-to-Art Transformation project, new banners for downtown light poles, decorating electrical boxes, and planning a fall Harvest Festival. Please contact me or anyone else on the board if you have any time or questions.
This week I am leaving for the Oregon Mayors Association Summer Conference for four days in Newport. This is not just a pleasure excursion. There is a full agenda that includes opportunities to meet other mayors and exchange ideas, discuss issues that affect our cities, sessions on upcoming legislation in Oregon that affects cities, the digital world and social media savvy, and successful mayor relationships.
I take my duties as mayor seriously and I want to learn as much possible from other mayors. In addition to the conference, I am on the Oregon Mayors Association Board of Directors, and we have a board meeting during the conference. I also serve on the OMA Homelessness Taskforce. It has been interesting and enlightening to discuss the issues other cities are experiencing with houselessness and livability challenges. It doesn’t seem to matter the size of the city. Everyone is experiencing and frustrated with the challenges of housing and homelessness.
With a full calendar of events all the way through Sunday and then travel home on Monday, I will not have time to write my letter for next week. Instead, I plan to come back with more ideas, information, and enthusiasm that I can integrate into my term.