This is the third in a series of statements solicited by the Gazette-Times from candidates for City Council this election.

In Corvallis, positions representing four wards are contested this year: Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 5 and Ward 6.

All council terms expire at the same time, opening the possibility for a new council every other year. Council positions are unpaid.

Over the next two years, the council is likely to take up downtown renewal, the city's sustainability plan and continued refinements to the city budgeting process.

The candidate statements have been edited for space requirements and only those wards with contested elections will appear in print. All candidates' statements for all wards are available unedited online.

Mike Beilstein

Age: 57

Occupation: Research chemist at Oregon State University, 1978-2007. Currently unemployed.

Family: son, Michael J. Beilstein

Education: M.A., Home Economics, Oregon State University.; B.A., Biochemistry, Oregon State University.

Political experience: Corvallis City Council, 1999-2000, 2007-2008

Community service: Corvallis Branch NAACP, secretary 1997-2008; Pacific Green Party Chapter of Linn and Benton Counties, steering committee, 2003-2008; Community Alliance for Diversity, board 1999-2001, 2007-2008; Pastoral Counseling Center, board 1997-2008, vice president 2008; First Presbyterian Church Missions Committee, 2007-2008; Mid Valley Health Care Advocates, chair 2000-2003, treasurer 2003-2008; Jobs with Justice, Living Wage Campaign, co-chair 1997-2000; OSU Faculty and Staff for Peace, founding member, 1992

* What's the top issue facing the city?

Sustainability issues, particularly related to energy/transportation, are the main problems the city will face over coming years. Petroleum prices will fluctuate, but always trend higher. Personal automobile transportation is becoming less feasible. More citizens will choose public transit, bicycling and walking.

* Why would you be the best person for the job?

Councilors rely on public input to direct the work of city staff in meeting the aspirations of citizens. Everyone is heard and all opinions are valued in the process. Understanding this role makes me sympathetic, responsive and responsible councilor.

* How would you foster economic development?

"More jobs" in itself is not a benefit to the community. We can help low-income residents improve their lives through entrepreneurship and education. Rising fuel costs will favor local production and consumption. The city can foster local food marketing mechanisms, such as the farmers markets.

Rob Gandara

Age: 45

Occupation: entrepreneur, small business owner

Education: B.S. Electrical Engineering, MIT; M.S. Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech

Political experience: president of Corvallis City Council, two of the six years served on council

Community service: Downtown Corvallis Association, Opera Theater Corvallis

* What's the top issue facing the city?

Maintaining our quality of life in a changing world and looking for opportunities to lead the world in sustainable lifestyle.

* Why would you be the best person for the job?

I have a record of getting things done in Corvallis, from the Rental Housing Code to Natural Features Inventory.

* How would you foster economic development?

Continue development of our downtown and find opportunities for our government to investment in infrastructure that would make doing business in Corvallis easy.