Get to know your TD candidates... and vote
There is much to think about prior to casting votes for The Dalles City Council.
The Dalles is, no doubt, in a growth spurt with an historic low in housing. Google’s first tax abatement is set to expire, bringing millions into government coffers during the next few years.
How is that money going to be spent?
Downtown revitalization, a Mill Creek Greenway, kickstarting the economy after the coronavirus, how to reach out to those most vulnerable in our community - they are all considerations for the next several years.
So who will guide this effort. Who do you want driving ideas and setting agendas and putting money in the priorities that you hold dear?
Here at Columbia Community Connection, we always come back to the quote: A rising tide lifts all boats. How do we ALL get to a better place?
It starts with voting. And learning about who you are voting for. The Nov. 3 general election races for The Dalles City Council and Mayor have a multitude of candidates from which to choose. Each position is contested. And they are all nonpartisan positions. We have candidate profiles on our website. And we encourage you to learn about your candidates in several ways, such as The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum on Oct. 13. So, register by Oct. 13. Make your voice heard this election. Ballots are set to be mailed out to you by Oct. 20
-Tom Peterson
Here’s a little appetizer - a primer on the structure of our The Dalles City government:
The term of office of the five Councilors in office when this Charter is adopted shall continue for the term of office for which each was elected. At the 2020 biennial election, the Councilor at Large position will become Position #5, and this position and Council Positions #2 and #4 will be elected at large to four-year terms, and the Mayor will be elected at large to a two-year term. At the 2022 biennial election, Council Positions #1 and #3, and the position of Mayor will be elected at large to four-year terms.
The City Council’s five voting members and the Mayor set the direction for the City, establishing policies and laws. Specific voter-approved powers for the Council are contained in the City Charter, while Council's own administrative and operational policies are adopted by the ordinance or resolution.
City Council is charged with the appointment of the City Manager, City Attorney, and Municipal Judge. They adopt the annual budget and perform all other actions necessary to guide the government.
