By PAUL SCOTT/for The Herald — After a contentious budget committee meeting on the 2023-24 Oakridge city budget early in the week, fireworks were expected in the regular city council meeting Thursday night. But the sparse crowd would be disappointed if that were the expectation.
Oakridge citizens should watch this City Council and City Administrator James Cleavenger at work. We are blessed with leadership that has it all. The local knowledge of our city is extensive and the willingness to serve is common to every Council member.
Mayor Cutchen at the helm
Mayor Cutchen has proven administrative skills. His leadership role in our nation’s military defense shouts competence and leadership. Those protective instincts, combined with decision making under pressure, are hard to duplicate. The challenges of Oakridge governance seem only to invigorate our mayor, not intimidate him.
Every member of the city council brings positives to the table. Why wouldn’t they – WE elected them. Example: The depth of knowledge/experience exhibited by councilor’s Tarman and Kinyon on the ‘process’ of how things work in city is often stunning in detail and valuable to add clarity.
Our Council works for us
Only my limited experience makes it hard to evaluate the strength of every member, (but I will). Oakridge should be proud of its council.
Public Works receives award for drinking water quality
Best Moment of the night: Our Public Works team has received a rating of ‘Outstanding Performance from the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Services. Oakridge Public Works and it’s supervisor Rick Zylstra, are sentinels for public safety. Accepting the award were Robert Chrisman and Floyd Jackson.
For full minutes of the City Council meeting, go to the Oakridge City website: https://www.ci.oakridge.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/ Minutes are generally posted within five days to confirm accuracy.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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