Five Keizer residents have stepped up to volunteer on Keizer City Council committees in response to a city-issued call.
Three applied for the Planning Commission and two for the Public Arts Commission and they were appointed by the Keizer City Council on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Matt Lawyer, a senior policy analyst for Marion County, has been chair of the Planning Commission for nearly six years and was construction captain for the Big Toy Playground in 2016.
“I love this work and I think that long-term continuity and organizational memory are important to preserve the city we have built,” he wrote on his volunteer application.
Larry Scruggs will volunteer on the Planning Commission. He holds a doctorate in urban studies and has developed a campus master plan for the University of Portland.
“We all have a responsibility to work for the betterment of our community,” Scruggs wrote on his application. “I want to do my part.”
Jeremy Grenz has volunteered since 2019 and will serve a new three-year term. A project manager for a Multi/Tech Engineering in Salem, Grenz said he wants to share his expertise with the committee.
“I work in the land development industry and would like to share my knowledge and experiences to assist in the difficult decisions facing Keizer in the coming years,” he wrote on his application.
Jesus Escobar, who works in childcare at the YMCA and school district, joined the arts commission to apply his creativity. He took multiple design courses in college and has drawn for 15 years, he said in his application.
“From the Keizer Arts Association to the Salem Public Library, I have proven to help connect people through my artwork. I want to help others do the same as well,” his application read. His term expires in 2028.
Cassidy Kerner, a senior at McNary High School, will serve as youth liaison for the Public Arts Commission. On her application, she mentioned her experience making posters and decorating walls for McNary assemblies.
Last year, she volunteered to read to kids at Cummings Elementary School and decorated her car for McNary’s ‘trunk-or-treat’ Halloween event.
“I hope to make the community feel closer through art and the many colors that create art,” her application reads. Kerner’s term expires next year.
The Public Arts Commission stewards artwork and murals within the city. It meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the council chambers and has six members. Two positions are still open.
The commission is currently wrapping gas utility boxes with murals. It also reviewed and edited the new Keizer welcome sign for the junction of Broadway Street, Stark Street, and River Road.
The Planning Commission helps the city make decisions regarding land use and population growth. The commission, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., has seven members and an open youth liaison seat.
News tip? Contact reporter Riley Ellis: [email protected]
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