Name: Jerome E. “Jerry” Pendzick
How long resided in Jacksonville: 6 years
Why are you running for City Council and, if elected, what do you hope to achieve?
I believe that Jacksonville is a unique community that provides an excellent quality of life for all residents. I am committed to maintaining this quality of life and enhancing it at every opportunity. I hope to build a citizen-council consensus for the improvement of our community. A wise person once said “all politics is local”. This truism should guide all our efforts on the City Council.
What city committee and/or commission posts or other volunteer service work have you done to prepare for this office? What were your contributions and successes and how have they prepared you for this office?
At present, I have worked for six years as a volunteer at The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Medford. My work there was in the Thrift Store, and currently in the Urban Rest Stop, where we provide showers and laundry facilities for homeless residents of the valley. I have taught several classes at the Jacksonville Community Center and I have worked with the JCC summer day camp program for Jacksonville children. I am a furniture craftsman and a member of the Siskiyou Woodcraft Guild. I am a member of the Siskiyou Mountain Club. SMC volunteers maintain wilderness trails for U.S. Forest Service.
What are the current strengths and/or weaknesses of the current City Council and how would you improve the existing council?
The current City Council has afforded all Jacksonville residents the opportunity to attend meetings and provide input to Council decisions. I want to enhance this approach and provide more information to the public on issues such as fire prevention, taxes and budget policy, and any decisions on growth of city services. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the residents of this fine city.