City Council Candidate: Jeremy Salvage, Ward 3

Lebanon Local asked each City Council candidate running on the November ballot the same questions and received response via email or phone call.

Years in Lebanon: Lifetime

Education: Associates of Applied Science – Chemeketa Community College – Paramedic (2002)

Professional Background/Work Experience: Fabricator – South Fork Industrial (1999-2003), Firefighter/Paramedic – Salem Fire Department (2003-2019), Fire Captain – Salem Fire Department (2019-2022)

Political Experience/Affiliations: Lebanon Planning Commission (2009 to 2022), Lebanon Planning Commission Chair (2018 to 2022)

Other Community Involvement: Volunteer Firefighter – Lebanon Fire District (1999 to 2002), Middle School Basketball Coach – East Linn Christian Academy (2005 to 2008)

Family: Married to Amanda with three school-age kids

 

Why do you want to serve on City Council?

As a lifelong resident of Lebanon, I am invested in this community and want to help guide the decisions that are shaping the future of our town.  I want the best for my family and for our community and believe that I have represented the cares and concerns of all our residents in my 2 years as ward 3 councilor.  I look forward to helping guide Lebanon through the next 4 years.

 

Please describe your view of the proper role of government and how your philosophy of government would impact how you carry out your responsibilities in leading the city.

I believe the government is here to serve the people, not the other way around.  The local government’s number one role is to provide a safe community so I put a high value on public safety.  Other basic functions that the city is responsible for are providing functional, safe streets and clean drinking water.  Both public safety and infrastructure costs continue to rise and maintaining these services in a fiscally responsible manner is my top priority.  I am a taxpayer and will always put an emphasis on being responsible with the tax dollars that we receive from our community members.

 

What are the three most important issues/challenges you believe Lebanon should address in the next four years? How would you address these?

Lebanon is facing large budget shortfalls in the coming years, and this needs to be addressed immediately.  I will continue to look for areas we can reduce spending but we are approaching a point where any more cuts will reduce services.  Therefore we have to find ways to increase funding in ways that don’t significantly affect the taxpayers.  A small city services fee is a possibility that is under consideration.  A local levy is another option.  The next important issue is achieving and maintaining full staffing of the police department.  Public safety and reduction of property crimes is absolutely necessary to make our city more livable.  A third issue that is important is to continue to help our small businesses by helping to promote our town, increase tourism and maintaining our pro-business model when it comes to policies, regulations and permitting.

 

What goals do you hope to achieve while serving on the council?

(Answered in previous question)

 

The city is facing some financial challenges right now as the budget foresees a multimillion dollar deficit in the coming years. What do you believe would be the best course for fixing this problem?

(Answered in previous question)

 

A lot of city government revolves around funding – budgets and taxation. In general, how do you view the city’s performance in these areas? If you would change it, how would you do so?

Lebanon’s City Council and Administrators have worked hard to make the city as fiscally efficient as possible.  Last year, council cut 9 positions in an effort to help the upcoming budget shortfall.  We continue to “do more with less” and are one of, if not the most streamlined local government in the area.  I am still looking for ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs while still delivering the high level of service the city has provided in the past.

 

The city, like many others, faces challenges related to homelessness. What policies do you propose to address this issue, keeping in mind both compassion for those in need and the interests of residents and businesses?

Last year, city council passed new restrictions on camping that enable law enforcement to prevent people from camping on the sidewalk, in the park or next to streets and businesses. Police can direct them to a safe and appropriate sleeping area.  I believe diligent and continued enforcement of these rules will help keep our streets and parks safe for everyone in our community, and discourage the homeless from taking over areas that are not appropriate for sleeping and camping.

 

Why should voters consider electing you? How would you make a difference on the City Council?

I believe in a government that works for the people and does it in a fiscally responsible manner.  I have demonstrated this in the past two years as Ward 3 city councilor and will continue to work towards making Lebanon a safe, friendly and livable town that we can all be proud of.