Meet the Candidate: Runyon runs unopposed for TD Council Position 5

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 22, 2024 - City Councilor Rod Runyon is running unopposed in his bid for The Dalles City Council Position 5 seat.

Runyon has been on City Council for six years and has decades of local government experience, and he is quite clear on his positions in regard to investing into local infrastructure, most notably The Dalles Potable Water system.

Incumbent

Rod Runyon, The Dalles City Council, Position 5

CCCNews: Tell us about yourself and why you want to continue to serve on the Council.

Community involvement and volunteerism has been my mantra for quite awhile. In government I have served as a City Planning Commissioner and elected positions have included 8 years for the Port of The Dalles, 8 years as a Wasco County Commissioner and currently nearly 6 years on The Dalles City Council. Over the years I have served as Chair of many community and regional organizations. Mid Columbia Housing, Community Action, NORCOR, Q-Life Internet Connectivity, Local Public Safety Coordinating Council among a long list of others. I truly believe that there is “no politics in a pothole.” I’m known for researching both sides of the issue and asking questions that I believe those in the audience would like to have asked but have not felt they could do so. Bottom line, representing all citizens as best I can and understanding the rules that make it hard to go one way or the other at times. Respecting other points of view is very important. You might learn something! There are several City projects that I would like to see to completion or move them further along the path. A downtown plaza,…the cities long term water infrastructure needs….and close to my heart the possibility of a beneficial space relocation of the Veterans Museum that is currently located in City Hall. Although not a Veteran, I currently serve on two National Veterans organizations, several local groups and at one time a National Veterans and Military Affairs committee in Washington D. C. My Father was a WWII Officer and my brother an Officer during the Vietnam era. I do what I can to honor all who have served.

CCCNews: What are your thoughts on extending the urban renewal spending limit by another $6 million. Agree with it, disagree with it? Why?

Yes. There are a few promised projects still on the drawing board. While I may not have agreed with all past projects, there have been many good ones that have contributed to the growth of our community. Overall, I give the utmost credit to those who have served over the years to help build a better City.

CCCNews: What do you believe is the best strategy for funding and replacing our aging potable water system? Estimates put the cost as high as $263 million. And how much Google gap funds should be used in financing these upgrades? Should Google be required to pay for some of the improvements since their 2 new data plants require almost doubling the city's potable water capacity?

Several questions that run together. The City Council is in the middle of our Water Master Plan. The needs are extensive and expensive. In my view the Google funds are going to play a major role and the costs will be substantial. In my opinion, one possibility is using those current and future funds to back a finance bond to get moving forward for all citizen needs. The payments received, some or all, can be dedicated to payments on that financing. The Crow Creek Dam is just one of the big items and needs rebuilding regardless of any big business. I would point out that Google has signed over their own well to the City that is reported to satisfy much of the need and to my knowledge they are also partnering on related infrastructure projects..

CCCNews: What is your stance on removing the automatic payment of 2 percent Transient Lodging Tax to Northern Wasco County Parks and Recreation? Do you agree or disagree and why?

Transparency. I have no doubt that the City will continue the requested support in a different manner and this change gives Parks and Rec an additional path to request more for special projects. As an example the Chamber receives funds and is required to come before the Council with regular reports and to also submit to the City Budget Committee made up largely of citizens. The issue of Kramer fields deterioration and ultimate return to County stewardship drove a coalition of citizen requests to ask for more financial transparency and ultimately I believe this will be good for all. We love our parks. As a former Coach and Board member of organizations that utilized and continue to support our parks I will be interested in hearing all requests. The added transparency will be good for all.

CCCNews: What are the three biggest problems facing the City of The Dalles in the next 4 years? What are your ideas to remedy them?

Crow Creek Dam and related infrastructure noted and described in #3. Improving dilapidated streets in a number of our older residential areas. A positive plan to improve or build our local school buildings which has a direct effect on bringing business and professionals to our community. It’s always about money but an idea from another region demonstrates at the base we need to bring the many citizen groups together in a positive coalition to move forward. Filling our storefronts and continually improving our downtown theme and look.

CCCNews: Free for all - plug your best asset - what do you bring to the table that makes you the right person to lead our city for the next four years?

Experience and an open mind. I grew up in The Dalles. Raised my family here and have operated several businesses through the years. During those same years hopefully I’ve demonstrated a willingness to give a substantial portion of my life to service. We all must play a part. My career in Financial Management along with leadership roles have all been contributing factors in helping to oversee our public assets and goal planning. There is more to be done.