Category: Press
League of Oregon Cities Board Reappointment
West Linn City Council President Thomas Frank was re-elected to the League of Oregon Cities Board of Directors Sept. 26 during the 90th annual conference in Bend. The League of Oregon Cities is an organization that represents the state’s 242 incorporated cities. It works, along with its volunteer members, to help improve how local government…
Fighting for our West Linn neighbors
As President of the West Linn City Council, I understand it’s agonizing to watch our streets torn apart for infrastructure. For the past two weeks I’ve been walking door-to-door talking with residents of Robinwood, the most significantly affected by the delayed construction and the LOT project. Although frustrated, most residents agreed that it’s time to…
West Linn is a Great Place to Live
Chances are, you live in West Linn because it is family-oriented, has friendly and involved citizens, and we have low crime and great schools. Those exact sentiments are reflected in our recent community survey results. Every two years the city conducts a statistically valid survey to gauge how we are doing. This year’s survey was…
Arch bridge planning is truly a public process
Over the course of 2014, the city has been working on a plan to revitalize and showcase the area near the arch bridge and the Willamette Falls. Currently a landscape of parking lots, oddly angled street corners and masked views of the river, we now have a chance to have a new vision and revitalize…
Keep West Linn Strong
As we enter election season, there are many decisions that we will have to make. Our city has the opportunity to keep the strong forward momentum of this council moving forward for the foreseeable future. I am pleased that two of our councilors, Jody Carson and Mike Jones, have decided to run again for their…
Behind Oregon City’s Hidden Tax on West Linn Residents
The city of Oregon City wants to charge the Tri City Service District (of which West Linn is a partner) and South Fork Water Board (of which West Linn is a co-owner) a tax hidden in the form of a franchise fee. I would like to describe why the West Linn City Council is opposing…
City needs ‘economic SWAT team’
Published in the West Linn Tidings and Oregonian: On June 2, the West Linn City Council approved the regulatory streamlining project. This project lays the groundwork for solid economic development in West Linn. There are several significant changes in this project that will help grow businesses in the city. West Linn is a vibrant community…
Preserve nature area, but follow due process
Published in the West Linn Tidings and Oregonian: There is a gem in West Linn – the White Oak Savanna. The 14-acre park boasts a stand of rare white oaks and at the top of its slope, a stunning view of the Willamette River and the Willamette Narrows. As you walk the nature trail, the…
Let’s Focus on the Positive in 2014
Published in the West Linn Tidings and Oregonian: 2013 was a very productive year for West LInn – ranging from breaking ground on the new police station, to celebrating our West Linn Centennial. To be effective as a leader, one needs to work effectively on a team. I am proud to be part of a…
Arch bridge planning gets underway
Published in the West Linn Tiding and Oregonian: I was very pleased when Oregon Metro granted the city of West Linn $220,000 for Oregon City-West Linn Arch Bridge area master planning efforts. At the Monday, Sept. 9, city council meeting, Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette presented Mayor John Kovash and the West Linn City Council with…
