HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 02 Mayor Vacancy Process
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 10/19/2020
Meeting Type: Work Session/Reg. Mtg
Staff Contact/Dept.: Mary Bridget Smith/CAO
Staff Phone No: 541-744-4061
Estimated Time: 30 Minutes/20 Minutes
S P R I N G F I E L D
C I T Y C O U N C I L
Council Goals: Mandate
ITEM TITLE: MAYOR VACANCY PROCESS
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Work Session: Discuss the process for deliberating, nominating and voting on the
Interim Mayor Appointment and term.
Regular Session: Deliberate, nominate, appoint and administer the oath of office
for the appointed Interim Mayor of Springfield.
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
Mayor Lundberg resigned August 15, 2020 and the Council is obligated to appoint
an Interim Mayor consistent with the Springfield Charter.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Council Briefing Memorandum
Attachment 2: Christine Lundberg Resignation Letter
Attachment 3: Responses to Questions – Councilor Stoehr
Attachment 4: Responses to Questions – Councilor Pishioneri
Attachment 5: Response to Questions – Councilor Moore
Attachment 6: Response to Questions – Councilor VanGordon
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The Council has decided to appoint an Interim Mayor from among interested sitting
Councilors. Those Councilors have submitted written answers to questions for the
Council’s consideration.
The appointment must occur by a majority vote. The vacancy has created an
unusual situation in that the current term will end and a new term will start in
January of 2021. The Council could decide to appoint an Interim Mayor for the
current term and then when making their appointment for the next term, it could
decide to appoint the same or a different person for the next term. Any Council
vacancy created by the Interim Mayor appointment must be filled consistent with
the Springfield Charter, which is the same as the Mayor vacancy.
For the purposes of tonight’s discussion, the Council is being asked to discuss the
procedural aspects in the work session and deliberate in the regular session.
M E M O R A N D U M City of Springfield
Date: 10/19/2020
To: Nancy Newton, City Manager COUNCIL
From: Mary Bridget Smith, City Attorney BRIEFING
Subject: Mayor Vacancy Process MEMORANDUM
ISSUE: Mayor Lundberg resigned August 15, 2020 and the Council is obligated to appoint an
Interim Mayor consistent with the Springfield Charter.
COUNCIL GOALS/
MANDATE:
Council Goals: Mandate
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this memo is to provide the procedural aspects of appointing
an Interim Mayor.
1. Council Direction Summary. The Council has been discussing the process for filling the
vacancy created when Christine Lundberg submitted her resignation. They decided by
consensus to appoint an Interim Mayor from among current council members and their
deliberation would incorporate interested candidate’s answers to four written questions. The
questions were similar to a set used by a previous Council when Mayor Leiken was elected
County Commissioner.
2. Charter and Procedure Requirements. The Charter requires a majority of the Council to
appoint an interim Mayor Process. This means that the Council must vote to appoint a regular
session and the Interim Mayor must receive at least 4 out the 6 possible votes.
3. Term. This vacancy has created an unusual situation in that the current term will end and a
new term will start in January 2021. The Council could make a decision to appoint someone for
the current term and then when making their appointment for the new term in January, they have
the option to appoint the same or a different person. If there is a gap in the time from when the
current term ends in January and the Council appoints an Interim Mayor for the new term, the
Council President will assume the duties of Mayor. Note that consistent with Charter
requirements, the Council is due to appoint the next Council President at the January 4, 2021
regular session meeting.
4. Voting. The successful candidate must receive a majority of the votes (4 out 6). If the vote
is tied, the Council keeps voting until they reach a majority. Voting on a nomination is
somewhat different from voting to approve a motion. The following sets out the process for
voting.
Hold a vote for each Councilor who submitted answers to the written questions to the
City Manager’s Office. The order of voting can be done by the following options:
o Option 1: Council nominates candidates and vote occurs in the order
nominations are received. Nominations do not need a ‘second’.
o Option 2: Vote in order the written responses were submitted to the City
Manager’s Office.
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 2
MEMORANDUM 10/19/2020 Page 2
If no one candidate receives a majority in the first round, Council can narrow the
candidates with the following options:
o Option 1: Drop candidate with least votes and revote
o Option 2: Instant run off of the two nominees who receive the most votes
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Determine term, deliberate and appoint an Interim Mayor by
majority vote.
Attachment 1, Page 2 of 2
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, OREGON Office of the Mayor
225 FIFTH STREET
SPRINGFIELD, OR 97477
541.726.3700
www.springfield-or.gov
August 15, 2020
Springfield City Council & City of Springfield,
I am writing today to announce that I am stepping down as mayor of Springfield, Oregon effective
immediately.
I make this decision with a heavy heart. The role of mayor has been an enormous honor. Springfield is
such a wonderful community. I have always felt blessed to serve as your mayor.
Currently, I need to take some time for myself and my family. I have complete confidence that the city
council will make the best decisions on behalf of the residents of Springfield and continue Springfield’s
reputation for practical, pragmatic and common sense approaches to the overwhelming issues we are
facing.
Thank you for allowing me to serve.
Blessing to all,
Christine Lundberg
Attachment 2, Page 1 of 1
This form must be submitted to the City Manager’s Office
by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020
Submissions via email may be sent to aripka@springfield-or.gov
Name:
1. How do you see the Mayors role in addressing current challenges and supporting council
priorities?
2. Why do you want to be Mayor?
3. What strengths do you bring to the position?
4. What makes you the most qualified candidate?
Attachment 3, Page 1 of 1
This form must be submitted to the City Manager’s Office
by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020
Submissions via email may be sent to aripka@springfield-or.gov
Name:
1. How do you see the Mayors role in addressing current challenges and supporting council
priorities?
2. Why do you want to be Mayor?
3. What strengths do you bring to the position?
4. What makes you the most qualified candidate?
Attachment 4, Page 1 of 1
I see the role of our Mayor as one that is the guiding force keeping our elected officials focused on our council goals.
Affordable housing, economic development,transportation systems, core services, and most importantly in these
challenging times, a safe and healthy environment where ALL of our residents feel safe and welcomed. A safe and
healthy environment cannot be exclusive. We must be, without exception, inclusive. This is not the case today, we
must work hard to get there. I realize needed changes will not be easy nor popular for some. Communication is key if
we have any chance at all. I will advocate for immediate dialog that is not empty, but creates change. I recognize our
entire city and our people have been heavily impacted by the covid19 pandemic. That is the only path in order to be
healthy community. The people of Springfield are very strong and resilient. But, we all must remain focused in
getting to "the other side" of all of these issues. I am confident we will, one way or the other.
I want Springfield to continue to be a city of choices. A city that grows, where residents can live a safe and healthy
lifestyle. We have seen unrest in our community never seen before. We are off balance, it hurts and it needs to end.
To deny that we are not would be sticking our head in the sand. We need action now, we need to let our residents see
action, something that is tangible. With so much at stake, I believe that continuity of leadership and vision is
absolutely critical. I know I possess the skills to help guide us back to stability for everyone. It has been a privilege to
serve as a City Councilor (with a brief exception) since 2004. Springfield has seen tremendous growth and increased
vibrancy especially our downtown area. It is the result of vision, team building and hard work moving towards actual
results that can be seen and experienced. I plan to continue that progress where everyone benefits by providing
seamless continuity and continue the drive in that direction.
I have and will always seek out what the public truly wants. I am a person that does not look for ways to or attempt to
"self profit" through policy decisions or rule changes. I always listen to what our residents want. After all, is that not
the job of every elected official? I take that charge very seriously. In every single policy decision I have been part of,
I ask what has been the public input? How will this affect others? I am able to utilize the expertise of staff and their
recommendations and apply a balance of what the community needs. I am truly goal focused and I am not afraid of
challenges or to set obtainable goals. There are times when some may disagree with where I stand on some matters.
However, they know I have in my heart what is best for Springfield. I am involved on many boards, committees and
commissions. Tourism industry, environmental protection air/water quality, economic development downtown
Glenwood, wildfire economic recovery, public safety, and local/regional transportation systems development.
I have been described as being a very pragmatic, caring, detail orientated decision-maker. I know how to listen,
regardless whether or not it is one citizen or a group of citizens, and I always try to make them feel heard. I am willing
to acknowledge that what I hear may not be enjoyable, but it is more important for that person or group of people to
be heard rather than ignored. I work well with others by, maintaining relationships with the business community,
families, schools, Springfield's diverse population, and other elected officials working towards combined strategies we
all care about. I have extensive experience dealing with a myriad of Springfield's issues. Past, present and future. I
helped Springfield develop and execute a fiscal plan on how to navigate our way through the massive economic crash
of 2008. The pandemic economic crash is very similar and my experience will play a major role to recovery. It's all
about having the ability to see the big picture.
Joe Pishioneri
Sheri Moore
1.How do you see the Mayor’s role in addressing current challenges and supporting council
priorities?
COVID19: Continue to support and communicate state guidelines for a safe community. Look
for ways to promote and support business and our unemployed citizens. Be creative in ways to
help our unhoused community through the winter. Join with TEAM Springfield members to
promote JOY through healthy activities for our citizens as we go into winter.
PROTESTS: Form a citizen/police review board that would provide a place for citizen
complaints to be heard, to review current police policies and practices, and to make
recommendations for innovative ways to deal with policing issues. As a city deal with social
injustice.
HOUSING: Review transitional housing models that work and engage nonprofits and citizens
in housing solutions.
COMMUNICATION: Establish neighborhood groups based on Wards with councilors as
liaisons to promote citizen participation. A place for citizens to engage, to hear about their city
at work and to bring problems and possible solutions to the council. Establish a community
that listens to one another and feels heard by government.
CITY CHARTER: We have heard recently about the limitations of our city charter in responding
to the current selection process for a Mayor. Therefore, I would advocate for a citizen and staff
committee to review our city charter on this and other issues and bring forth revisions to be
voted upon by the community.
2. Why do you want to be Mayor?
We have so much potential as a city. I would offer leadership that would engage citizen
participation. I have a vision for what Springfield can be. A community that is working together
to benefit everyone.
Attachment 5, Page 1 of 2
3. What strengths do you bring to the position?
I have ten years of experience serving the community and working with an amazing city staff
and employees. I know of Springfields strengths and weaknesses.
I own a small business which has been impacted by Covid19. I own property and served on
the Planning Commission prior to being on the City Council. I have an appreciation for the
complexity of Oregon’s Land Use laws and impacts on development.
I am the adoptive mother of a child of color. I know that racial inequity exists in our community.
I support the Diversity and Equity committee of our employees and the First Friday,
Communities of Color events. I also support Downtown Languages and SAFER, Springfield
Alliance for Equity and Respect. For many years the HATE FREE ZONE sign has been at my
front door. I want all of Springfield to become a HATE FREE ZONE.
4. What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I have a Master’s Degree in education and taught for over 20 years. That gave me years of
experience in conflict resolution. i ask questions. I am a problem solver. I would be a
collaborative mayor that would work with the council and keep them informed. Because my
seat will be filled by the winning candidate on Nov. 3, the council would not need to appoint
another councilor. I would not run for mayor in the next election as an incumbent.
I am a person of faith which requires me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Attachment 5, Page 2 of 2
This form must be submitted to the City Manager’s Office
by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2020
Submissions via email may be sent to aripka@springfield-or.gov
Name: Sean VanGordon
I ask that my application be considered for serving the 2 year portion of former Mayor Lunberg’s term
starting in January 2021.
1.How do you see the Mayor's role in addressing current challenges and supporting council
priorities?
Springfield is at a crossroads. We face the most numerous and complex challenges since the turn of the
century. The council must address; structural reform, multiple crises stemming from 2020, and our vision
for the community.
The mayor and council have a working partnership. Together, they represent and serve the public’s
interest as a collective body. A good council and mayor rely on trust and candid communication to
respond to community needs.
In 2021, we will have new councilors, and we will need to go through a goal setting process. We need to
build a council-mayor relationship that empowers councilors to achieve their goals. As a council
leadership team, we need to be clearer about laying out an agenda schedule that allows issues to move
forward. The council should keep a plan to post meetings on-line even when we return to chambers. And,
we need to find more ways to communicate with engaged citizens.
The City of Springfield and the community of Springfield face numerous overlapping challenges;
COVID-19, lost homes, lost businesses, and job insecurity. It is important to not just express our
sympathy and compassion for people impacted - we must act.
As mayor and council, we cannot lose sight of the COVID crisis including disparate impacts on
communities of color. Our community's willingness to take precautions to reduce risk is the critical work
that supports the opening of our schools and our businesses. We are all exhausted by the toll that COVID
has taken, and we must carry on until this crisis passes.
Economic recovery is critical. Springfield has always had an open for business culture and attitude. As
mayor, I would act as a strong voice for regional economic growth, and for business support in a
challenging business environment.
Attachment 6, Page 1 of 3
Police issues will remain a significant conversation the next several years. As mayor, I would pursue the
Blue Ribbon Commission on equity that former Mayor Lundberg advocated for. I would support work
sessions around police policy to ensure that council, police, and the community were engaged. We need to
be more transparent with work the police are doing including publishing policies like use of body cameras
online.
As a community, we can’t continue to live our lives in the crises that 2020 has brought to us. We need to
address them, and move forward. Prior to the pandemic, we had goals and a vision for the city. While we
continue to work through challenges of 2020, the Council needs to make time to discuss it’s vision for the
community. It is important that we don’t lose sight of our mission/vision project, Glenwood, Economic
Development, downtown, our art scene, housing, and more.
2.Why do you want to be Mayor?
The reality is, this isn’t about me. It is about what type of community that we want 50 years from now.
Our children will grow up in a world that is chaotic and global. Their future is going to be pressured by
everything from automation to globalization to changing job markets. I want our children to choose to live
here, and raise their families here. Springfield has to be competitive, forward thinking and we need to
show why our community is distinct.
Creating distinction will take work and engagement from all of us. As mayor, I want to spend time on the
projects that will create the foundation for the next fifty years. To me, it includes things like high speed
fiber, an urban forestry program, partnerships around career and technical education, and an early learning
partnership with the library.
3.What strengths do you bring to the position?
Leadership, experience, and perspective are all strengths that I can bring to the office of Mayor.
As a leader, my strengths are flexibility, trust, accessibility, and communication. Throughout 2020, we
have all learned a hard lesson in the importance of flexibility. Flexibility allows me to work through
issues with people, and help people find the win-win in a situation. Across the community, I am
considered accessible to all sides of a political spectrum regardless of whether you agree with me. I have
made myself available to people in the community by providing my direct number, meeting for coffee,
one off phone calls, facebook messenger and meetings. I believe in the value of relationships.
Communication is key to building trust in the community. I love talking about Springfield, and take great
pride in explaining where we are going.
I bring a combination of 20 years of private and public leadership experience to the table. In the private
sector, I lead the Industrial Engineering Group for UnitedHealthCare, and work with new technologies. I
lead a team of 43 people from diverse locations like India and Ireland. As a city councilor, I have
relationships with many elected officials and business owners in the community. I have also served on a
majority of the boards and commissions that the City participates in.
Attachment 6, Page 2 of 3
I believe in our community being successful. I am committed to my goals, and willing to be adaptable in
achieving them. I recognize in a community of 60,000 there will be different perspectives and different
ways to move forward.
4.What makes you the most qualified candidate?
I believe that I bring several unique qualifications to the candidate pool that are worth considering. I have
a wide base of support across the city, and I am considered accessible by a variety of groups even when
we don’t agree politically. I am proud of that distinction, and it would be critical to being successful as
Mayor. Our responsibility to the voters is to work towards the platform that Mayor Lundberg ran on in her
last campaign. I am excited about the direction Springfield is going, and look forward to bringing my own
leadership and communication style to the role. I am a forward thinking leader, and will adopt changes
that modernize how the council/mayor work with the public.
Attachment 6, Page 3 of 3