Gazette-Times reporter

Seven candidates are vying for six positions on the Philomath City Council in the Nov. 4 general election.

Current councilor Ken Schaudt is unopposed in his bid to become Mayor Chris Nusbaum’s successor, so he will be leaving the council.

The other five members of the council — Angie Baca, Matthew Bierek, Jerry Jackson Sr., Charla Koeppe and Scott Klain — all are seeking re-election to their current positions.

The other two candidates on the ballot, John Booker Jr. and Rocky Sloan, are hoping to be elected to their first terms as a Philomath City Council member.

Philomath voters also will decide an annexation request regarding a 15.5-acre property on the east end of town, which has a proposed zoning as an industrial park.

The land is owned by Michael Moore, and is inside the urban growth boundary at the east end of town, on the north side of Highway 20/34 across from Neabeck Hill.

“If past precedent is any indicator, I think it will pass pretty handily since it’s an industrial piece of property,” said City Manager Randy Kugler. “Voters see that as a way to bring in job growth.”

Here are brief profiles of the council candidates. For more on the candidates, go to this Web site: www.gazettetimes.com/news/elections

Angie Baca

Occupation: Bookkeeper/office manager for Marys Peak True Value

Political Experience: Two terms on the Philomath City Council

Community Service: Longtime Philomath Fire & Rescue volunteer

“One of the top issues is economic growth for our downtown and with our support of the Philomath Downtown Association we are seeing progress.”

Matthew Bierek

Occupation: Controller, 4S Inc., dba Mega Tech of Oregon

Political Experience: Two terms on the Philomath City Council

Community Service: Director and treasurer of Philomath Scout Lodge, Boy Scouts of America Troop 161

“Over the last four years our city has demonstrated clearly that we have excellent fiscal and administrative management and the direction provided by the current council is in the best interest of the community as a whole.”

John Booker Jr.

Occupation: Crew member, management team member, Sara Foods

Political Experience: Benton County Food Service Advisory Committee for three years

Booker wants to “Preserve Philomath’s environmental and social livability by encouraging and bringing in green jobs and industry which pay a living wage, and encouraging local businesses to use environmentally sustainable solutions for both current and future problems.”

Jerry Jackson Sr.

Occupation: Manager of Free Lance Investigations & Process Serving, Polk County contract code enforcement officer

Political Experience: One term as city council member

Community Service: Knights of Columbus, youth sports coach, former Cub Scout leader

Jackson supported system development charges. “The current taxpayer should not and will not be burdened by growth. I support the pay-as-we-go approach to the city budget.”

Scott Klain

Occupation: Active manager and owner of Scotco Trucking

Political Experience: Appointed to the City Council this year; former Philomath Budget Committee member

“The top issue facing the city of Philomath is how to keep employment going and business strong in a shrinking economy. The recent road change through our town has made it even more challenging.”

Charla Koeppe

Occupation: Office manager, licensed tax consultant

Political experience: Two terms as a Philomath City Council member

Community Service: Fundraising for Philomath schools activities, assisted with Philomath National Night Out, Philomath elementary bike rodeo and Philomath Football Club

The lifelong Philomath resident said keeping the city financially strong and fiscally responsible in the current economic situation was important. “I believe we also need to strive toward making our streets safe for our foot traffic as well as for our vehicular traffic.”

Rocky Sloan

Occupation: Inside journeyman electrician

Political Experience: None

Community Service: Has helped with Philomath Scout Lodge, youth soccer teams, CARDV, Habitat for Humanity and with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”

“I work hard for my paycheck. I also believe that everyone else does, as well. That’s why it’s called a job, not playtime. For that reason, I have a very low tolerance for people taking advantage of tax dollars.”