Meet the candidates: Don Grant

My name is Don Grant, and I am running for City Council. Many of you know me, but for those that don’t, I look forward to meeting you.

I moved to Lane County in 1985 and worked in a sawmill, just as many residents of Oakridge did until 1990 when the last sawmill closed. In 1988, I became an entrepreneur, started my own business as a general contractor and continue to manage a profitable business.

In 2013, I met my wife, Irene Petrie (who was blessed to have lived here since 1981), and I began spending a great deal of my time here in this beautiful community of Oakridge, Oregon, where I now call my home. I became a full-time resident five years ago, and plan to retire here.

Presently, my areas of volunteer work include volunteering as a Planning Commissioner, and I also sit on the Board of the Uptown Business Revitalization Association (UBRA), as I have for the past four years.

Most Important Issue

The most pressing issue standing before Oakridge is balancing the budget. We must make funds available for Critical City Services—Fire, Policy, and Ambulance, making certain there are funds available for unexpected expenditures. I am no stranger to hard work. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dig in!

Role of a Councilor

As I see it, the role of a councilor is to listen to the entire community, not just to friends, family, and neighbors, then make a decision that is good for the community as a whole. I am a forward thinker. Looking ahead five to ten years toward the future needs, while addressing the present, I advocate for reviewing and amending the present building code, in an effort to make Oakridge more attractive for development of new and affordable housing.

Due to the increase in crime, I believe we should revitalize the Neighborhood Watch Program and install signs as needed. Most long-term residents do not realize the program even exists here in Oakridge.

I thank you for your consideration