Name: Ryan Hess
How long resided in Jacksonville: 2 years

Why are you running for City Council and, if elected, what do you hope to achieve?

I am running for City Council for my love of Jacksonville and public service. I am a native southern Oregonian and proud of calling the Rogue Valley home. I have been very active as a Jacksonville resident, serving on the Budget Committee, volunteering as a tour guide for Historic Jacksonville Inc. and am a proud Jacksonville Booster!

 

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?

My occupation is an Administrator in the Senior Living industry. My job is to listen to people and help make their lives, or the lives of their loved ones, better.  Having served in this capacity I have gained substantial experience communicating and interacting with diverse individuals and groups.  One cannot succeed in this industry without being dependable and adaptable; but also must be a team player. I have loved and thrived within my chosen occupation because of my strong work ethic and ability to listen to people and their concerns. This will serve me well on the Jacksonville City Council.

My occupation also stresses community relations and this has led me to serve in other various capacities.  As a previous resident of Rogue River I served on their city council and was elected mayor. My familiarity with serving on councils is invaluable. As a long-time former Chamber of Commerce board member and Rotarian I have gotten involved in many local and worldwide charitable efforts.

 

What are the current strengths and/or weaknesses of the current City Council and how would you improve the existing council?

Like many of you, I was saddened at the loss of Councilor Jim Lewis.  I served proudly with Jim on the Rogue Valley Council of Governments and learned much from Jim and the other RVCOG members.

I believe we have a strong council as currently constructed as well as a strong city staff. I am entering this race with no agenda, but an open mind and heart for Jacksonville. My hope as a councilor is to keep Jacksonville running smoothly, with dignity, class and fiscal responsibility.