Name: Michelle Erwin
Running For: City Councilor
How long resided in Jacksonville: 25 years
Occupation: Film Production-Marketing & Branding – Board Member: The Quester Community – Barista
Education: University of Life, Serial Entrepreneur
Government Experience: Taxpayer
We fell in love with Southern Oregon during a location scout for our independent film company. Our family moved here in 1999; our children attended Jacksonville Elementary; we built a beautiful life.
Our town is not just any town but a living museum on the National Historic Register. I have had the unique privilege of working at six of our five-star businesses in the heart of Jacksonville. This experience taught me what it takes to build a beautiful brand and the unique challenges our local businesses face.
Preservation with a Purpose: Our town’s history isn’t just about old buildings; it’s the story of us, etched in brick and mortar. I’m committed to preserving our heritage, not for nostalgia’s sake but because it’s the foundation of our identity. However, preservation doesn’t mean we embalm our town in amber. We’ll find innovative, sustainable ways to maintain our integrity while making our town livable for today’s citizens. One example of blending the past with the future is my work completing the Jacksonville Skate Park. It was challenging. Through communication and patience, the city council approved the project. If elected, I will seek grants to beautify the park.
Engagement Over Entitlement: It isn’t just about me serving you; it’s about working together. I am committed to engaging with every neighborhood and every community group to understand what preservation means to you and to ensure that your voices are part of the decisions that shape our town. Let’s make our town’s next chapter as compelling as its first, striking the perfect balance between remembering and moving forward without breaking the bank.
On a personal note, my beloved husband, Mike, passed away on November 1, 2021. The deep, loving friendships that we built over two decades buoyed me through my loss and grief. I’m forever grateful, Jacksonville!!