Seeking his second political office within six months, Robert Husseman is campaigning for a seat on the Keizer City Council. He is unopposed in his race.
None of the candidates for mayor and three city council seats face opponents on the general election ballot.
Husseman says he is running because he wants to serve his community.
“I don’t want to sit on the sidelines in an observational role,” said Husseman. “I’ve speculated what kind of positive changes can made in the world. This is a test for me. I can serve with people I grew up with.”
Robert Husseman will be sworn into office in January if he wins the election. It is possible a write-in candidate could best him, but there is no known movement for an unannounced candidate.
As a city councilor Husseman wants to focus on the city’s general budget; Keizer’s housing and transportation.
While citing no major issues, Husseman said there is always room for improvement with the budget. “Are city departments using money to the best of their ability?” he asked. He wants to be sure the city effectively spends its money.
Regarding housing in Keizer, he wants to the city council to assist in development of housing that is affordable. He cites problems with availability of affordable housing.
He asks rhetorically, “How big does the city want to be?” He thinks discussions about expanding the Urban Growth Boundary are a little premature and any expansion would mean giving up valuable farm and forest land, he says.
How people move around Keizer is important to Husseman. “What mode do they use? Where are they are?” he asked. “Keizer is gaining additional scrutiny,” he added. “We should be proactive in integrating other transit systems into the city, such as Metro (Portland).
Husseman’s experience with the council is via television, he watches the meetings on Keizer TV. Without having been involved, he is hardpressed to pass judgment on the current council, noting there are cordial relations at city hall.
As a councilor Husseman wants to gather feedback from the community about the performance of the city and its departments.
Celebrating Keizer’s 40th birthday in 2023 is something he is looking forward to. “There appears to be great excitement for the birthday,” Husseman said. “The city is paving the way to create some changes that will have ramifications 40 or 100 years into the future.”
Husseman learned a lot about politics during his unsuccessful campaign in the May primary for a state house seat. “The biggest thing I learned is that people are willing to express their views.” Personally, he learned he can stretch himself. “I have a back bone I didn’t know about,” he said.
Born in Portland, Husseman has lived in Keizer since he was 6 years old. He currently lives in north Keizer and is a product of local schools—Clear Lake Elementary, Whiteaker Middle and McNary, class of 2006, where he was one of six valedicetorians. Husseman graduated from the University of Oregon in mathematics and business administration. He attained an MBA from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University in 2018.
He is not married and his family includes his parents, brother Trevor and sibling Casey. He is currently employed as a supply chain analyst for Nike, Inc.
“I am incredibly optimistic,” he said. ”There are more good days ahead in Keizer and Oregon.”