Editor’s note: Deborah Richards is a write-in candidate running in a contested race for Precinct 1 city councilor in the Nov. 5 Greenfield general election.
Address: 431 Green River Road
Occupation (past/present): Archivist
Political experience: My political experience covers over 25 years of working for social justice. I have volunteered for candidates on the local to national level and for human rights issues. I also worked as a legislative aide for a state representative and state senator of the Oregon Legislature.
How long have you lived in Greenfield? 13 years
What qualities would you bring to the City Council? I’m a hard worker and an excellent listener. I bring critical thinking, along with the self-awareness to know that I do not know everything. I have the humility to ask questions when I need to and willingness and ability to learn. I love Greenfield and care deeply about the people of this community and all of their diverse needs. I will do my best to make decisions with compassion and integrity.
Are you up to date on your property taxes? Have you ever been delinquent on your payments? Yes; no.
What subcommittee(s) would you be interested in serving on and why? I would be interested in serving on Economic Development. I want to be part of continuing the work that the committee has done this year to look at how we can help small businesses, while also thinking creatively about bringing in new revenue. That may be through changing zoning, or working with the mayor’s office to simplify the licensing process. I am also interested in Community Relations and Education. First, I think it’s very important to have a subcommittee that meets monthly with a representative from the schools, so that we are all informed about what is happening in our education system. I also want to bring back the traveling community meetings that CRE had under Councilor Mass. It’s important to bring our meetings to the community so that there can be broader participation in our political process.
Dissatisfied voters petitioned to put the library and safe city ordinance on the ballot. What does that say about the confidence voters have in the City Council to make decisions on their behalf? The City Council votes on many motions and resolutions every year. The fact that only two very contentious issues — out of many — have been brought to the ballot by a citizen’s referendum petition does not negate the confidence I have in the City Council. These were big issues and it does not surprise me that citizens want a say in them. This is how the democratic process works.
The city charter is expected to undergo revisions next year. What changes should be made, if any? As far as charter changes go, I know some of the language is a bit confusing and needs to be clarified. I am interested in looking at the power balance between the mayor and City Council and seeing how we might distribute responsibilities differently. I would also like an increase in the amount of time the citizens have to review our budget and to make precinct meetings a part of the budgeting process.