Lindsey runs for city council seat

Virginia Lindsey has thrown her hat into the ring for a shot at a city council seat in the November 2 election.

Six people have officially declared their candidacy. Lindsey, David Asson (profiled in the September 1 Nugget), Sharlene Weed, Wendy Holzman, Jerry Bogart and Jacki Shepardson are each seeking one of the three open seats this fall.

Lindsey, 72, has lived in Sisters for five years, moving here with husband Fred after retiring from a long career in purchasing with several electronics firms around the U.S.

"Fred and I had been coming to the Metolius River to fish since 1985 and, when it came time to retire, we knew we loved it here and decided to make it our home," said Lindsey.

Originally from Milan, Indiana, Lindsey grew up in a musical family. Her father was a musician, taking the family to Florida during the winters to play with various bands. Virginia initially followed in his footsteps, attending Butler University in Indianapolis for two years as a music education student.

"I ran out of money and had to leave the university," said Lindsey.

Making it through difficult times and working hard are lessons Lindsey learned early in life.

"When I was very young we were pretty poor, so I empathize with people going through tough times these days," she said.

Virginia joined the Navy in 1959 and scored so well on electronics-related tests that she earned an Electronics Technician certificate after completing the required training. She realized then that music education was not her real passion; electronics was the path for her post-military career.

"Oh yes, I'm a real 'techie' and so is my husband Fred; that's how we met," said Lindsey.

Following her Navy service, Lindsey spent more than 40 years working for various high-tech electronics companies. She worked hard and progressed from purchasing agent to director of materials with companies like General Dynamics to Digital Systems.

Knowing that her electronics experience might not be enough in a competitive job market, Lindsey went back to college in the mid-'80s, earning an AA degree in Business Administration and Management from Saddleback College in California.

Lindsey believes these experiences will serve her well as a Sisters City Councilor.

"Most of my working life involved negotiating contracts with companies and vendors all over the U.S. Negotiation is not an easy thing to learn, but it's very effective. I believe the present council needs more of that, less squabbling over petty issues," said Lindsey.

When asked what qualifies her to be a Sisters City Councilor, Lindsey pointed to her political involvement since moving to Sisters five years ago:

"I served on the city's budget committee for three years (2007-2009) and I've been pretty active politically in this community, writing letters, and addressing the council when I felt it was necessary."

Virginia also points to her financial expertise and attention to detail.

"I believe that attention to detail and lack of planning could be better with the council now. Frankly, I'd like for both of us (David Asson and I) to be on the council; I think we complement each other well," added Lindsey.

Lindsey believes that Sisters' major challenge right now is attracting and retaining employers that can offer year-round family-wage jobs for Sisters Country residents.

"I'm a firm believer that we need industry and manufacturing here. The industrial revolution is what brought this country the wealth we've enjoyed. The advantage with manufacturing is that an employee has the opportunity to move up within the company, just like I did in my career," said Lindsey.

"There's such a variance of opinion about what would make Sisters better. Sharlene (Weed) has stated that she believes Sisters needs to concentrate on the 'downtown core' in Sisters. The downtown core is retail - gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants; no jobs in the winter, low-paying jobs in the summer. We need to have a base of employment where people can work year-round," said Lindsey.

Lindsey is pleased the city has taken the first steps in trying to attract new companies.

"The words 'economic development' are not bad. Some people believe it means taking away the heart of Sisters," she said. "I don't believe that at all. I'm all for EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon) because they've been very successful in other towns."

Addressing the current search for a part-time economic development manager for Sisters, Lindsey said, "We've finally taken the first step getting EDCO involved with finding someone who has experience and success finding and placing companies. SBART (Sisters Business Attraction & Retention Team) has been trying very hard as well. We need professionals that don't do anything else but go after businesses. The main-street businesses of Sisters are doing what they're supposed to do - attracting people as they drive through town. But we need more; we need to balance tourism with industry and manufacturing companies."

Lindsey joined the Citizens for Sisters PAC (Political Action Committee) this past July.

Citizens for Sisters was formed during the 2008 campaign and raised more than $11,000 to support the slate of Lon Kellstrom, Jerry Bogart, and Pat Thompson. All three were elected. (See related story, "Council candidates forego campaign funding," The Nugget, September 1, page 1.)

This past July the Citizens for Sisters PAC was reactivated, this time backing the candidacy of Jerry Bogart, David Asson, and Virginia Lindsey. Asson has since left the PAC, preferring to run his own campaign.

Lindsey explained her involvement in the PAC.

"I don't have the money myself to spend on a campaign, and they were willing to assist me in collecting money so I can get the word out about my candidacy," she said. "I found that the PAC has the same interests and goals that I have, and I respect them all. 'Developers' is also not a bad word, these are the people who take risks, build buildings and have to find someone to fill it, they keep people on their payroll even when times are tough."

Emphasizing her independence, Lindsey said, "I've never been for sale. Having been a director of purchasing for very large companies, and offered European cruises - which I turned down of course - I made it very clear to the PAC organizers that my vote cannot be purchased."