TD Council Election: Richardson, Runyon in; Long out... so far
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., July 29, 2024 — Incumbents Dan Richardson and Rod Runyon are running unopposed - so far - in their bid to be elected to another term on The Dalles City Council.
Those wanting to run for office have until Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. to file their candidacy.
Voters will elect councilors in the General Election on Nov. 5, 2024.
Darcy Long
And Darcy Long who has served multiple terms has chosen not to run.
“I'm instituting a voluntary term limit. Lol,” she said in an email.
No one has yet to file for her seat, according to The city’s general election information.
Richardson and Runyon said they want four more years to follow through on projects already in play.
Dan Richardson
“My no-nonsense, middle-of-the-road approach is a good addition to the mix of views on the council,” Richardson said in an email. “Our community has its challenges — and its opportunities: Things like stewarding the Google funds, of course, and the need to upgrade our aging water system infrastructure, incentivize housing production without losing our small-town feel, and support our local businesses.”
“I hope to help navigate these challenges and come through them with a stronger, more prosperous community. I’m committed to listening to a wide range of views, building up our staff, and doing the work to be even more effective in a second term on council.”
Richardson was first elected to City Council in 2020 during the general election.
City Councilor Rod Runyon
Runyon, who said he filed for his seat this morning, listed several projects that are keeping him in public office after 22 years of service.
He wants the Federal Street Plaza completed and to continue to push for downtown upgrades through the Columbia Gateway Urban Renewal District.
In addition, he said the city needs to keep a sharp eye on Crow Creek reservoir, which provides a vast portion of the city’s potable water, and it needs dam maintenance. Runyon is also optimistic about Q-Life’s push to provide affordable internet access to people in The Dalles and Wasco County.
Rendering of Federal Street Plaza at its intersection with Second Street.
The Recent addition of the Northern Wasco County PUD as a member agency to Q-Life bodes well for upgrades in the near future, he said, noting there are some big plans in the works that he is not yet able to talk about.
For additional information about city council seats, contact City Elections Official Amie Ell at amell@ci.the-dalles.or.us or call (541) 296-5481 ext. 1119 to schedule an appointment
Support Local News
Available to everyone. Funded by readers.
