To fill a vacant council seat, the Keizer City Council had a rich and diverse roster of applicants to chose from at a special session on Monday, Dec. 20.
After two ballots the council voted for Shaney Starr, an excellent choice by any measure.
Starr currently serves as executive director of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Marion County, where her work to serve and protect the county’s children has resulted in more volunteers for the organization.
Keizer’s newest councilor has a long history of working with organizations and agencies that assist those in our society whom need help.
Starr is good addition not only because she is smart, she is knowledgeable about the world in general and is intimately involved with the issues that challenge us locally everyday.
With a focus on diversity, inclusion and equity at the city these days, Starr can be leader on those issues right out of the gate.
She cares about children (obviously) but also civil rights and equality for all. As a former director of the Marion Polk County Medical Society and Medical Foundation of Marion & Polk Counties, she is no stranger to wellness issues, especially in a time of a global pandemic.
Despite her background and experience, Shaney Starr will not be a one-issue councilor. As a long-time Keizer resident, she understands what concerns residents and will add an important voice to future policy debates on the council.
We welcome the voice of Ms. Starr to the council.
In a town where our friends and neighbors serve on the city council, she would rather be called Shaney then councilor Starr.
Alright, welcome aboard Shaney, we expect great things from you.
—LAZ