From the November 2016 issue of Jacksonville Review:
As a six year veteran of Jacksonville’s City Council, I have seen us become a council set on finding solutions, not creating division. It is not because we all share the same perspectives, it’s more than that. I attribute much of that success to Mayor Paul Becker’s flexibility, respect for others and their opinions, as well as his management/leadership style. I would venture to guess that is the reason he garners such a high level of respect and support from those that he works with week in and week out at council as well as with staff. That is why I support his re-election as Mayor. He is a leader who has always shown truthfulness and objectivity for doing what’s best for all of Jacksonville.
David Jesser, President, Jacksonville City Council
In a political season such as this, it’s refreshing to have a candidate that’s as easy to support as Paul Becker. During the time I’ve served on our City Council I’ve noticed the fair and respectful way that Paul treats everyone, whether they agree with him or not. I like that. Paul also has a great relationship with our city staff, gets along well with our business community and does a great job of being available to the community. I like that too. Restoring our Courthouse, fixing our dam situation, improving our civic activities and more prove that Paul’s leadership has worked well for us. Please help me re elect Paul as Mayor and let’s see what he can do with another four years.
Brad Bennington, Jacksonville City Councilor
Paul Becker is truly a Renaissance man with strong business, people and process skills. His rare talents are combined with a keen mind and humorous wit that makes him a true pleasure to work with. Over the last four years that I have been a Jacksonville City Councilor and as a Planning Commissioner before that, Paul has repeatedly demonstrated that he has the required skills, commitment and experience to do the difficult job of mayor successfully.
Criss Garcia, Jacksonville City Councilor
When I moved to Jacksonville and began attending the City Council meetings, I was immediately struck by the ability of Mayor Paul Becker to direct the meetings in a calm, orderly and professional manner. It was also clear that he had a thorough understanding of the agenda items for each meeting, a respect for all the councilors, and was comfortable sharing his knowledge and experience to help the council see the issues before them from a broad point of view. It was his demeanor and actions that inspired me to run for a seat on the council and that continue to inspire me to bring my best to public service.
Over the last two years as a councilor, I have come to respect Mayor Becker as a competent, sincere and trustworthy individual. Not only does he work well with the council, administration, commissions, committees and citizens but also with Jackson county mayors, county commissioners and state representatives for the benefit of Jacksonville and the Rogue Valley as a whole.
I urge you to re-elect Paul Becker so he can continue to bring his leadership to projects that will serve the town’s needs for years to come.
Ken Gregg, Jacksonville City Councilor
I have been a Jacksonville city councilor for twenty-eight years, including fourteen years as mayor. I have served with five other mayors, including Mayor Paul Becker. I urge the re-election of Mayor Becker for a number of reasons, starting with the major accomplishments of the past four years: the agreement reached with the Motorcycle Riders’ Association that secured Forest Park and provided $680,000 in revenue; restoring the old court house and moving city administration there under budget and ahead of schedule; the removal of the aged dam in our watershed at a fraction of the estimated cost; and development of draft code revisions and city charter amendments. I also support Mayor Becker for the way he serves our town. He is accessible every day at the city offices. He is a respectful listener; he is responsive; he follows through. I have never served with a better mayor, and I hope our voters will provide him another term to help us face our future.
Jim Lewis, Jacksonville City Councilor & Former Mayor
As a citizen of Jacksonville, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Britt Music and Arts Festival, I enthusiastically endorse Mayor Paul Becker’s reelection. As a non-profit organization committed to bringing world-class performing artists to Jacksonville, it is critical to Britt that the tens of thousands of music lovers who travel here each summer have an exceptional experience while visiting our grounds. Over the past four years we’ve upgraded Britt’s facilities, including the construction of a beautiful performance garden, new concessions building, new bathrooms, and an ADA accessible parking lot and pathways. Simply stated, these incredible improvements would not have been possible without Mayor Becker’s optimistic leadership and support.
Mayor Becker shares Britt’s vision of Jacksonville as a vibrant home for the arts. He understands that a healthy and growing Britt enhances our city’s economy and improves our citizens’ quality of life. In my opinion he is the only choice in the race for Mayor of Jacksonville. Please join me in voting to retain Paul Becker as Mayor.
Mike Burrill Jr., Chairman, Board of Directors, Britt Music and Arts Festival
Jacksonville Resident
Although I do not live in your beautiful community (I wish I did), as CEO of Britt Music and Arts Festival, I do work closely with Mayor Paul Becker and the City Council. Often, I have witnessed his high level of commitment first hand. His enthusiasm for this community, coupled with his practical analysis of complex issues and overall civics experience, make him the clear choice.
Along with local business owners, he appreciates that the center of Jacksonville’s summer economy is directly linked to Britt. Over the past four years, he has supported our efforts to improve the Hill because he understands that there is great value in enhancing and beautifying our venue, an integral part of our community. He recognizes that anything Britt does to invest in and enhance the festival grounds and attract a wider audience, has a direct and positive impact on the City of Jacksonville.
Britt and Jacksonville in large part are thriving today because of Mayor Becker’s optimism and visionary leadership. Please join me in supporting the continued prosperity of our community by voting for Paul Becker.
Donna Briggs, President and CEO, Britt Music and Arts Festival
I enthusiastically support the re-election of Paul Becker as Mayor of Jacksonville. His responsive leadership has been distinguished by a number of notable accomplishments including the seismic retrofit and restoration of the historic Court House for use as the City Hall and the revision of Jacksonville’s City Charter and Municipal Code. Paul has the integrity, expertise and experience necessary to oversee future issues facing the City such as funding for police and fire services, managing the effects of urban growth and completion of the Senior Center. I urge you to vote for Mayor Becker.
Sally Melgard Melville, Jacksonville
From a comfortable seat in Old City Hall’s third row, I’ve been an audience regular at City Council meetings over these last many years. It is a special privilege to observe the orderly discussion of Agenda items: the questioning and the exchange of views as Council seeks to give direction on all matters concerning the City. Our incumbent Mayor, Paul Becker, presides over meetings and gives his full attention to the measured flow of business as the Councilors move toward reaching consensus. Since a majority vote is not always a consensus, I might say, “arriving at the best possible solutions to our City’s issues.”
Cheerful yet carefully observant of the formal rules of order, our Mayor creates a positive and respectful atmosphere that makes it possible to have thoughtful and lively deliberations. Issues facing the Council are complex, views differ and yet the Councilors likewise observe the tone one would use with a trusted friend as they exchange ideas. The Mayor’s leadership style has no doubt been honed over decades of work experience as he aptly oversees the give-and-take of intense discussion. Now he says he’d like to serve as Mayor for four more years. He most certainly will have my vote in November. Vote early and in the best interest of Jacksonville’s continued successful governance.
Linda Kestner, Citizen Volunteer
As a Park Ranger and member of the Forest Park Volunteers for the last ten years, I have received strong support for the Forest Park from Mayor Paul Becker. The city’s approval of the development of the Forest Park was a difficult task for city officials. All through the process, Mayor Becker demonstrated his firm leadership making sure all aspects were thoroughly vetted. This process led to a land exchange with the Motorcycle Riders Association that gave the city ownership of a key parcel at the entrance to the park, and a payment of $680,000 to the city. These funds were a key to paying off city debt for purchase of the police station property, initiating work on the courthouse, and completing the closure of the Jacksonville dam. Please support Paul Becker for Mayor.
Tony Hess
Having worked closely with Mayor Becker on the Citizens’ Advisory Board for many years, we are impressed with his dedication to improving the quality of life for the residents of Jacksonville and his ability to accomplish projects that help bring people together. Our family loves living here and is grateful for Mayor Becker’s leadership. We strongly encourage everyone to re-elect the mayor this year!
Dave & Janice Mills
Mayor Becker has brought pride and success back to JACKSONVILLE. We are moving in the right direction under his leadership. We no longer have an empty courthouse, motorcycle problems in City-owned forest land and projects are completed without fuss and furor. I wholeheartedly back his re-election.
Stan Lyon
We are happy to support Mayor Becker for another term. We have seen nice progress from him and the council over the past several years and look forward to the achievement of what he outlined in your article.
Thanks, Peggy & Mac Peffley
We’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Jacksonville’s wonderful mayor, the Honorable Paul Becker. Paul is a man who has served our town out of love and honor for our unique history and status in the modern world, and he considers every resident of Jacksonville his friend. He is always available to hear the thoughts and ideas coming from folks on the street and he serves with honesty, integrity and transparency. We support Paul Becker as Jacksonville’s mayor and we hope you will too. Re-elect Mayor Paul Becker on Nov. 8th!
Bob and Meri Haworth
I wish to show my support for our outstanding Mayor, Paul Becker.
He understands the importance of volunteers in our small city. Volunteer groups are welcomed for their support for many projects. The city, under his direction, has helped the Jacksonville Garden Club with its projects, like Peter Britt Gardens and the club’s town sales. Most of all, Mayor Becker saved our historic Courthouse for a public purpose and a symbol of our special city.
Susan Casaleggio, Jacksonville resident
Council meetings are not at the top of everyone’s Tuesday night activities, but I have attended most of them during Mayor Becker’s tenure. I have also attended community and Oregon state venues when he has represented Jacksonville. I have closely observed City government in action and I am delighted he is running for Mayor again.
Mayor Becker has a sincere investment in the daily efficiency of our City government. He respects the process, the employees, the Council, and is considerate of the needs of each person who lives here. With his cheerful, knowledgable, and thoughtful guidance, Jacksonville has a revived forest park and park system and a reservoir that is no longer a hazard. There is a revised City Charter being presented and updated City codes. We have fine and productive City employees who guard our investment and keep us safe. There is serious planning for the future using previous vision statements, current citizen input, and sound principles of economic reality and responsibility. The Old Courthouse stands healthy and proud again under Mayor Becker’s stewardship.
Mayor Becker is available in his office, on the street, and by email. He is responsive, enthusiastic and genuine in his interest and respect for this historical town and its future. The Council and City departments function smoothly under his leadership. The next few years present challenges for which he is prepared and he ready to hear you. Vote to re-elect Paul Becker.
Gayle Y. Lewis, Jacksonville
I was the proud owner of Sterling Creek Antiques in Jacksonville for three years. When an issue regarding use of sandwich boards suddenly became front page news, Mayor Becker actually walked to my store and asked me what had happened. I’ll never forget the day he walked in and introduced himself. He got the facts and then stood up for the merchants by calling for a moratorium until the code could be re-written in such a way that it was pro-business. He cared. He made sure I knew I could attend the next meeting regarding the issue. He followed up in person. To top it off he came to the store’s Open House during all of this, demonstrating another show of support for small business in Jacksonville. I encourage you to vote for Mayor Becker. He cares. He gets it! He’s just right for Jacksonville.
Joelle Graves