2014 Jacksonville City Council Candidates Q & A – Question #5

Brad Bennington
Candidate

BRAD BENNINGTON: Southern Oregon has seemingly become a destination for folks who are retiring and Jacksonville is first on the list for a lot of those folks. It really isn’t a question of if our city is going to grow; it’s just how we are going to do it. How can we manage growth in a way that makes sense and keeps that Oregon small town feel that we all find so appealing? The good news is that we live in a county that is forward thinking and it is possible to accommodate growth in our city in a way that we can well manage. The other news is that it’s going to take people that understand the planning laws and codes, how they work and are applied to get it done the right way. In this particular situation I believe that someone like me, who has a great deal of both policy and practical experience in Planning and Development, would be very useful on the City Council. In this field, perhaps more than any other, there is no substitute for experience and I would suggest that you would want the most experienced person you could find to fill this position. I would also suggest that I would be that person and would be honored to have your vote. Thank you for allowing me to share my views with you. None of us is as smart as all of us, so let’s work together.”

Kenneth Gregg
Candidate

KEN GREGG: I recommend the city continue doing what it has been doing to date by increasing housing units through infill, while preventing overcrowding and preserving open space. We live in a walkable city, and this great Jacksonville asset contributes to its sense of community. It is vital that we keep this in mind as we grow.
The city should also take steps to expand its urban growth boundary. The first place to consider is the north sector between Hwy 238 and Old Stage Road. But that expansion should not be just for residential units. It should include light industry and low-impact manufacturing such as cottage industries. This sector is flat and easily buildable and has the feeling of still being part of Jacksonville.
Growth can be a boon to a community when it is managed in a balanced way. We can do that by constantly focusing on the question of who we are and who we want to become—or not become.

Jim Lewis
Incumbent

JIM LEWIS: Our buildable land inventory is shrinking and will continue to do so. We have granted fifty-four building permits so far this year. State land use law requires that cities and counties apportion projected growth among themselves. This is achieved through urban growth boundary agreement between entities. Another mechanism for adding additional growth is through adjustment to zoning densities. The City went through extensive study of prospective urban growth boundary expansions in the prior decade. Probable growth sites on our periphery were identified, analyzed and prioritized in an open lengthy process. That work and its recommendations should serve well as the basis and direction when the urban growth boundary requires expansion. Adjusting densities for in-fill through zoning amendments would be much more challenging and inequitable and should only be employed as a last resort.

Ted Trujillo
Candidate

TED TRUJILLO: This is a topic, that if elected, I will embrace and work hard to move the bar for both sides of argument. We have to grow. There isn’t any way around this truth and the boundaries will inherently need to be expanded to accommodate this. To remain stagnate is not an option for Jacksonville. My position is of a multi-generational focus, with a highlight on families and all of the fantastic outdoor activities we have access to. This would need to be accessible to everyone in the community without exclusivity or prerequisite. I would really like to see Jacksonville be a leader in planning for the future, as it pertains to communities faced with boundary challenges and a changing demographic. Why not lead the way to the future, rather than have it fall in our laps. My intent would be to promote a larger single development with a community pool, tennis courts, and green park space with community gardens to accommodate families that may not have the space. My feelings on growth, location and boundary expansion lead me to the NE section of the city. I wouldn’t mind swimming at the Jacksonville Community pool, you?

Clara Wendt
Candidate

CLARA WENDT: In preparing a City plan for additional housing units, the City must consider the impact of an increased population on its existing water and sewer capabilities, the impact of increased traffic on its current roads, and the increased demand for police and fire personnel and equipment to service additional emergency calls. Also, with UGB expansion, the State requires that, beyond single-family residential, the City also plan for commercial, industrial, multi-family housing, and low-income housing. Thus, the City must consider the impact of competition from outlying businesses to the existing downtown commercial district. The City must also consider the impact of industrial uses on the fragile surrounding environment. To protect the City from unsurmountable impacts resulting from major developments, I prefer a development philosophy of “one dwelling at a time, one business at a time” as need requires.