My View – September 2020

Congratulations to Mayor Paul Becker, who just received the Oregon Mayor’s Association “Leadership Award” for a medium-sized city. Dating back to 1993, the award recognizes the invaluable contributions made by mayors throughout Oregon and is presented at the annual OMA Summer Conference. This year, Mayor Becker was recognized for his considerable involvement in community affairs, facilitating productive relationships between the city and staff, and helping all Oregon mayors reach their full potential as community leaders.

As Mayor Becker stated in his August column, he’s retiring after 12 years on the council (2 as a City Councilor and 10 as Mayor) and is not seeking re-election. Mayor Paul has made a tremendous impact and leaves a lasting legacy, most notably his vision for and the transformation of the Courthouse into city offices and a public gathering space.

To provide a taste of what it’s been like working alongside the mayor, I consulted the best sources—our current City Councilors and City Administrator, all of whom offer the following evidence of this most-deserving honor.

For starters, I couldn’t think of a more qualified person than Councilor Jim Lewis, who’s served on council for 32 years, 14 as mayor. He notes, “The OMA award affirms our local opinion…Paul has been a steady hand on the tiller of our small ship of state and it reflects well on our town that enjoys statewide awareness of our unique history and strong vein of volunteerism.” Jim reminds us that, “Paul took the gavel during a heated time and worked quickly and effectively to build consensus on so many matters.” That list includes the successful negotiations with the Motorcycle Riders Association for land swaps enabling the creation of the Forest Park, the removal of the old Jacksonville dam, conversion of the Courthouse and its transition to New City Hall, crafting agreements for the use, operation, and maintenance of the Art Presence Art Center and Historic Jacksonville, Inc. for operation of the Beekman House and Beekman Bank, completion of the Samson House into a new Community Center, stabilization of fire and police funding, improvements to our water system, upgrades of our roads, receipt of grant awards for fire department equipment and a $1.34M grant for fire house seismic upgrades, cemetery improvements, creation of the ever-popular monthly Movie Night at Old City Hall, the annual July 4th Picnic and the partnership with the Farmers’ Market.

In the November City Council election, current Councilor Donna Bowen is running for mayor and will likely fill those shoes. She’s worked with Paul through various posts on HARC, Budget Committee, and as a City Councilor, and says, “I can testify that this leadership award is well deserved. Mayor Becker consistently listens carefully, asks the right questions, does his own research, and acts promptly on all issues…I will always be grateful for the lessons I learned working with him.”

City Councilor Criss Garcia points to Mayor Becker’s ability to unite parties with differing points of view and notes, “Paul stepped into service at a very difficult time and quickly worked to build trust with the council and staff.” Garcia added that, “as mayor, Paul built a bridge between two generations and restored faith in local government…he leaves Jacksonville a better place.”

When it comes to staff, City Administrator Jeff Alvis has worked side-by-side with the mayor for nearly a decade. Jeff commented, “The mayor genuinely cares for Jacksonville and the staff here. He came in almost every day with a big smile, said hello to everyone before our morning briefing…and always told a story or two.” In addition to helping lead the successful fight against the 2018 meals tax, Alvis says Mayor Becker’s accomplishments and legacy include, “his strong belief and support of the Courthouse and creating our City offices here…he and I were always on the same page on this. Bottom line: he did what’s best for Jacksonville and I will miss working with him.”

Councilor Steve Casaleggio has also enjoyed a long working relationship with the mayor. “Mayor Paul’s unfailing good humor fostered a collegial spirit among the Councilors, encouraged respectful discourse and I credit him for the thoughtful harmony that has characterized this Council.” Sharing a common goal of preserving the Courthouse also united the two as did their desire to complete other city projects. Steve reflected, “When Paul needed some help with his inspired July 4th celebration…the Boosters could hardly refuse as he was equally supportive of our Booster projects like the Home and History Tour, the installation of the New City Hall Path Through Time granite pavers, improvements at the Britt Gardens along with many, many more community-minded projects.”

Councilor Mike McClain describes the mayor as a gentle, kind, honest and compassionate man. “When the opportunity came to serve on the City Council and fill a vacant seat two years ago, a major reason I applied for the post was the opportunity to serve with Mayor Paul.”

Like others, Councilor Ken Gregg offers, “Paul brought a calm and competent demeanor to his first meeting of the Jacksonville City Council ten years ago. Given his reliable and consistent approach to the duties of the position, it’s no surprise that he’s continued presiding over meetings in the same manner ever since and has earned our sincere admiration.” Speaking to Mayor Becker’s legacy, Ken adds, “I immediately joined the Mayor in his unwavering support for refurbishing the historic Jackson County Courthouse and making it the new home for the City offices…it was his enthusiasm for the project that made it all possible.”

On behalf of a grateful city, congratulations Mr. Mayor on this well-deserved honor and for leaving a lasting legacy for Our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!