By MARY ANN ALBRIGHT
Gazette-Times reporter | Posted: Thursday, October 12, 2006 12:00 am
After three terms in office, Corvallis Mayor Helen Berg is ready to hand off the gavel. Eager to pick up where she leaves off are City Councilors Charlie Tomlinson and Rob Gandara.
The job of mayor pays a monthly stipend of $100, and the non-partisan position involves a lot more than cutting ribbons, making appearances and reading proclamations. The mayor also appoints people to serve on committees and advisory boards, where most policy and budget decisions start, and sets priorities and presides over City Council meetings.
Tomlinson previously ran for mayor in 2002, and lost by 42 votes. Gandara is new to the mayoral race.
Gandara's answer when asked why he's thrown his hat in the ring is simple: "I love Corvallis."
Gandara is especially committed to diversity, and making sure people from a variety of backgrounds, interests and viewpoints get involved and are represented in local government.
"If you're going to have good things happen, then you've got to have all the ideas on the table," he said.
Whoever is elected mayor will appoint members to a downtown commission, help move forward a city charter amendment on diversity (assuming it's passed) and support the Economic Vitality Partnership as it executes its strategic plan, Gandara said. He'd like to be that person.
As mayor, his primary focuses would be equality, downtown vitalization and economic development.
"I want to make sure everyone is protected, treated well and represented in government. I want all voices in Corvallis to be heard," he said.
He supports the creation of an urban renewal district to finance improvements to the downtown area. He hopes for a collaboration between the city and private partners to reopen the Whiteside Theatre.
He would like the city to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship more. As Hewlett-Packard scales back on jobs, Corvallis needs to find more local sources of employment, Gandara said.
Tomlinson plans to use the Corvallis 2020 Vision Plan as his guide if elected as mayor.
"It's the North Star when it comes to where we're headed in the future," he said. "My candidacy is all about moving this vision forward during my mayoral term."
The plan focuses on seven areas, notes Tomlinson:
• A vibrant downtown with a beautiful waterfront park, shopping, restaurants and a variety of housing opportunities
• Cultural and recreational activities, including the arts and Corvallis Parks and Recreation
• Economic vitality with diverse, environmentally-friendly businesses
• Education and human services that promote lifelong learning and wellness
• Governing and civic involvement, including collaboration with neighboring counties
• Protecting the environment and preserving natural resources while continuing to grow economically
• Creating diverse, mixed-use neighborhoods
As for why he's running for mayor, Tomlinson said he'd like to make a great place even better.
"I happen to think Corvallis is a wonderful community. I enjoy working with people and helping them succeed in what they want to do," he said.
Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Nov. 7. Whoever is elected mayor will begin his term Jan. 1.
Mary Ann Albright can be reached at maryann.albright@lee.net or 758-9518.
CHARLIE TOMLINSON
Age: 59
Occupation: Co-owner of White Oak Partnership, a bed and breakfast consulting group, and former owner of Harrison House Bed & Breakfast
Education: Alma College (bachelor of science in mathematics), University of Hartford (master of business in finance), Hartford Seminary
Family: Wife, Maria; daughter, Amy; sons, Matthew and Geoffrey, both students at Oregon State University; grandchildren, Benjamin, Nathan and Lauren
Religion: Protestant (member of First Presbyterian Church)
Hobbies: Reading, music, collecting steamship memorabilia, spending time with grandkids
Political party: Democrat
Political experience: City Councilor for Ward 4 (1999 to 2002, 2005 to present), current City Council president (also in 2001 to 2002), past City Council vice president (1999 to 2000)
Mayoral appointments: Open Space Advisory Commission, Library Advisory Commission, Corvallis Neighborhood Housing Services Board, da Vinci Days Board, Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership
Groups served/serving on: Corvallis Youth Symphony Foundation Board, Corvallis Tourism Board, First Alternative Co-op Board, Corvallis Neighborhood Housing Services Board, Greater Corvallis Rotary Club, OSU Library Advisory Council (chairman)
Campaign finances: $7,889 raised as of Sept. 21. Mostly contributions of $50 and $100. Larger contributions from local Realtor Pete Sekermestrovich, Hayes & Associates, Wright Consulting and Commercial Associates
Contact information: 758-4090, ward4@council.ci.corvallis.or.us, charlie@charlie4mayor.com
Web site: www.charlie4mayor.com, www.corvallisward4.org
ROB GANDARA
Age: 43
Occupation: Owner of Pipe Makers Union, a bagpipe-making company, and former Hewlett-Packard Co. engineer
Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (bachelor of science in electrical engineering and computer science) and Georgia Institute of Technology (master of science in electrical engineering with a certificate in computer-integrated manufacturing systems)
Family: Sisters, Monica and Veronica; parents, Mary Frances and J. Robert
Religion: Catholic (attends St. Mary's Catholic Church)
Hobbies: Playing music (director and bagpipe player in the group Ordinance), socializing, public service
Political party: Democrat
Political experience: City Councilor for Ward 5 (2001 to present), past City Council president (2003 to 2004)
Mayoral appointments: Economic Vitality Partnership, Human Services Committee, Urban Services Committee, Downtown Strategic Planning Committee, Downtown Parking Commission, Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Committee on Arts, Library and Park Services
Groups served/serving on: Benton Furniture Share, Opera Theater Corvallis, Mid-Valley Bicycle Club, Community Alliance for Diversity, Corvallis Sister Cities Association Board of Directors, Ordinance
Campaign finances: $1,080 raised as of Sept. 21. Mostly contributions of $50 and $100. Larger contributions through Citizens for a Progressive Corvallis from Rich Carone
Contact information: 829-3016, rob_gandara@alum.MIT.edu, rob.gandara@gmail.com
Web site: www.rob4mayor.com, www.carbony.com