Boyd makes bid to return to the council

If city council candidate Brad Boyd has an agenda, it's focused on downtown Sisters.

As a business owner for 23 years and counting, former mayor Boyd said, "My business, which is my only source of income, is in downtown Sisters. My home is here, I want to see everyone do well. I need to see this downtown do well.

"It is about making the city vibrant; a vibrant downtown is key to attracting 'those jobs' (family wage jobs), along with an economic development zone, as well as a willingness to work with (interested businesses)," said Boyd. "To grow, the industrial park needs downtown Sisters to be vibrant and attractive."

Raised in Woodside, California, Boyd traveled north to graduate with a degree in economics from the University of Oregon. He and his wife at the time loved the Northwest - but not the wet weather - so they moved to Bend, where their two girls were born.

Boyd started Eurosports bicycle shop in Sisters in 1989 and moved his home to Sisters in 1995.

In 2004 Boyd was elected to the city council and served as mayor in 2007 and 2008. He ran for reelection in 2008 and fell short by less than 10 votes.

Speaking to the Cascade Avenue project Boyd said, "I support the project. We need the project, but we need to implement the project without decimating our downtown businesses."

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Boyd sees the approach to the project as an example of how the city needs to improve.

"The city needs to have an ongoing relationship with the merchants before there is an issue," said Boyd. "There is dysfunction on the city council now. I think it starts with city leadership. I think it starts with the mayor. More than once Lon has been contemptuous of other viewpoints, and he has been condescending of other councilors."

Boyd continued, "With five people you are going to have disagreements. You need to listen, form consensus and move the city forward. People need to be treated equally and equitably. You have to look to the long-term best interests of the city, so you have got to figure out a way to work together. Sometimes you respectfully disagree, but form consensus and move on. There is some real work that needs to be done at the city. There are some serious changes needed, and there is a whole cultural shift that needs to happen there."

When asked about the city manager dust-up earlier this year, Boyd said, "I have worked with (City Manager Eileen Stein) successfully for four years in the past, and I am hoping to work with her successfully in the future."

Moving to economic development, Boyd said, "The city is spending $10,000 per month on economic development through the Economic Development Director's salary, EDCO membership, and (room tax) to the chamber. I would like to see some clear reporting on what we are getting for that expenditure.

"It is not about the sectors; it is about the relationships, it is about the people. (The businesses) came to Sisters because the owner wanted to be here, because of the schools or the lifestyle."

Boyd continued, "We have been trying this economic development direction for four years. If it is not working, maybe it is time to try a different approach. I agree that we need (an economic development manager), but we need to give some clear direction."

As a strong supporter of the local option, Boyd said, "Sisters schools are integral to our vibrancy as a town. The city should be meeting with the school board on a regular basis. They should be saying 'Where can we help you?'"

Boyd said he has no particular ambition to return to his former position holding the gavel. In fact, he said, "If elected I would prefer not to be mayor."

The election is set for November 6. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed out on Friday, October 19.