Economic vitality means putting people first

I first ran for city council eight years ago because I worried that the Sisters we know and love was at risk. ODOT's "couplet" policy threatened to destroy our downtown. As mayor, I worked with a broad array of citizens to adopt an alternate transportation plan, preserving the integrity of our downtown. I also learned what it takes to be a successful city councilor. Things like listening respectfully to all views, creating true consensus, and providing clear leadership to city staff.

After four years on the outside, I am again worried that Sisters is at risk for numerous reasons. City council leadership is focused only on a "pro-business" strategy of using taxpayer dollars to attract industrial investors to business parks. I welcome investors. However, investors don't come to Sisters to reap taxpayer dollars, they come here because of all the things that make our town special - and our citizens know this.

We need to promote economic vitality, which in Sisters means putting people first. Every day, folks in Sisters come into my store and talk to me about their concerns and dreams for our town. As I listen, they tell me that they want to see a downtown full of visitors and shoppers and new residents moving to Sisters to live, enjoy our schools and to bring their businesses. What brings people here as visitors, and eventually as residents and business owners, are our city's assets - stellar outdoor recreation, outstanding schools, charming 1880s-themed downtown and all the activities.

Combining my past government experience of what works, as well as more than 20 years of owning and managing a successful business in Sisters that caters to residents and visitors, and listening to our citizens, I understand our energies need to focus on strengthening assets that makes us special - and being more than only "pro-business." We need to be "pro-community." Without this vibrancy, Sisters could become a hollowed-out town - bypassed by visitors and unattractive to investors and residents.

Sisters' current "incentive zone" does not include downtown, which is unfair.

I'll change the borders of our zone to include both downtown and business parks.

I've had multiple people talk to me who wanted to bring a business to Sisters; however, due to extra parking requirements, it prices them out of the market.

I'll change this.

Let's identify and recruit businesses that are a good fit for Sisters and utilize existing inventory of vacant buildings.

This is an ideal task for a defined and monitored economic vitality director - someone who should report directly to the chamber.

The city needs to collaborate with the chamber more and support our schools - which draw people to live and invest here.

I want a government that works together, invites a dialogue with these and other partners, listens to needs, and responds to concerns. 

I'll set goals for city administration: City regulations will be administered quickly, fairly and openly. City discussions and debates will welcome public involvement. City resources will be used wisely. Four years ago I left the city with financial reserves (our "city savings account") of $7.6 million. Now they stand at only $4.4 million. 

As a businessman I care about business in Sisters. More important, I care about our town's economic vitality. As a longtime Sisters resident and merchant, I know how to strengthen our assets. I care about Sisters because that's where my business and my home are. I've shown I can bring the community together to tackle our common problems. I've demonstrated I can lead Sisters in an open and respectful way and protect its financial resources. It's time for a change in city government, and I hope to be part of that change.

I ask that you vote for me, Brad Boyd, for city council. Thank you.