Marlene Parsons has thrown her hat in the ring for Position #1 on the Keizer City Council in the November election.
Parsons previously served on the council from 2013 to 2021.
She said she wants to return to the council to find solutions that benefit all residents, ensuring that Keizer remains a welcoming and thriving community. But, she believes there has been a loss of trust and disconnection from the community and businesses.
Parsons thinks that Keizer is a safe community, but wants to hear from any citizen that doesn’t feel the same. “I plan to meet with (Keizer Police) Chief (Andrew) Copeland to discuss his concerns and priorities and determine how I can support him in those,” she said.
Aside from a safe community, Parsons wants to support local existing and potential new businesses. She wants to see a food truck court somewhere in Keizer with the possibility of music and other activities.
A military veteran, Parsons is committed to completing a veteran’s memorial in Keizer over the next four years.
One of the most pressing issues for Parsons is rebuilding trust and confidence with the Keizer Chamber of Commerce and supporting what the Chamber tries to achieve for businesses and the community.
As for the future of Keizer she is in favor of an expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary to the north of the city boundary.
Regarding finding new sources of revenue to fund city operations Parsons is willing to look and review all options including a voter-approved five-year operating levy.
On the street level, the council candidate thinks the proposed Neighborhood Traffic Management plan is too complicated and it needs to take into account Keizer’s current population and perhaps it should be incorporated into the City of Keizer Strategic Plan.
Parsons thinks the proposed Strategic Plan is not ready for adoption as it currently stands.
“There are some items I agree with and some I don’t, but I’m not sure this is the direction of the current city council,” she said. “Shouldn’t the city agree on a final draft that they can adopt and endorse before taking it to the people?”
Citing her eight years on the city council Parsons noted that a vote for her is a vote for experience.
Parsons is married to Bob, also a veteran. They have five daughters and five grandchildren.
Contact Publisher Lyndon Zaitz:
[email protected] or 503-390-1051
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