Month: August 2024

I believe compassion is critical for serving as City Councilor. Public service can be demanding and challenging. The pressure to deliver results, often in the face of limited resources and complex problems, can be overwhelming. Too often we can get caught up in policy, deadlines, external pressure and our personal agendas. However, amidst the chaos and the urgency, there is one essential element that can make all the difference: compassion.

Compassion is more than just empathy; it’s about understanding the experiences of others and taking action to alleviate their suffering. In public service, compassion is a cornerstone of effective leadership and service delivery. It helps to build trust, foster collaboration, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.

While it may seem counterintuitive, compassion is actually a key ingredient to productivity. When we are kind to ourselves and others, we create a more positive and supportive environment. This can lead to increased motivation, reduced stress, and improved focus.

Here are some strategies I will use as City Councilor and I encourage all our public employees practice:

1. Listen Actively:

• Give our full attention: When interacting with constituents, colleagues, or stakeholders, make eye contact, nod, and avoid distractions.
• Seek to understand: Try to see things from their perspective. Ask open-ended questions and listen carefully to their responses.
• Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their emotions, even if we don’t agree with their viewpoint.

2. Empathize with Others:

• Put ourselves in their shoes: Imagine what it might be like to be in their situation.
• Consider their needs and concerns: Think about what they might be going through and how we can help.
• Show compassion in our actions: Demonstrate that we care about their well-being.

3. Build Relationships:

• Connect on a personal level: Take the time to get to know people as individuals.
• Foster trust: Be honest, transparent, and reliable.
• Build a sense of community: Create a supportive and inclusive environment.

4. Be Patient and Understanding:

• Recognize that change takes time: Don’t expect immediate results.
• Be patient with ourselves and others: It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Maintain a positive attitude: Focus on the progress we’ve made, rather than the challenges we face.

5. Take Care of Ourselves:

• Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities within our organization that help us relax and recharge.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say “no” when we’re overextended.
• Seek support: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues about our experiences.

By incorporating compassion into our public service work, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Remember, compassion is not only a moral obligation but also a powerful tool for achieving positive outcomes.

In fact, we’ve gathered nearly double the amount needed, and people are still eager to add their names! We’re now just waiting for Clackamas County to validate everything, and we expect to have official confirmation by early next week.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped collect signatures and showed their support. Your continued involvement is crucial as we approach November 5th.

If you’re able to contribute to our campaign, your support would be greatly appreciated. Donations will help us cover the costs of yard signs and other materials to effectively communicate with the rest of our community and inform them about their voting options.

If you’d like a yard sign to show your support for change in Canby, please let us know by visiting our website and clicking on “Get Involved” in the menu.

Thank you once again for all your support!

Sincerely,
Paul Waterman

I often hear concerns about growth, fearing it will erode our community’s charm and tranquility. However, growth can be a catalyst for positive change, rather than a threat to the town’s identity. Growth is inevitable and proactively planning for growth and involving the community in the process makes it possible to harness the benefits while preserving what makes the town special.

Small towns often possess a unique charm that larger cities can’t replicate. A strong sense of community, slower pace of life, and stunning natural surroundings are just a few of the qualities that draw people in. However, for a small town to truly thrive, it needs a vibrant local business scene.  

Economic Growth and Job Creation
One of the most significant ways local businesses improve livability is by stimulating economic growth. When people open shops, restaurants, or service-based businesses, they create jobs. This not only reduces unemployment rates but also increases the overall income level of the community. With more money circulating within the town, residents have greater purchasing power, leading to improved quality of life.

Community Building and Sense of Place
Our local businesses are the heart and soul of Canby. They contribute to a strong sense of community by providing gathering places and fostering social interactions. A thriving downtown area with diverse shops and restaurants attracts people of all ages, creating a vibrant atmosphere. These businesses are the first to support local events, charities, and schools, strengthening the community fabric.  

Enhanced Amenities and Services
As our local businesses grow, they often expand their offerings to meet the needs of the community. This can lead to an increase in amenities and services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. A well-rounded selection of businesses makes a town more self-sufficient and convenient for residents.

Attracting New Residents and Visitors
A thriving local economy is essential for attracting new residents and visitors to Canby. People are drawn to places with a vibrant downtown, diverse businesses, and a strong sense of community. Canby is going to grow no matter what, let’s make it as attractive as possible. When Canby offers a high quality of life, it becomes more appealing to families, young professionals, and retirees.  

Preserving Small-Town Charm
By supporting local businesses, residents help preserve the unique character of their town. Chain stores and big-box retailers often homogenize communities, erasing the local flavor. When people choose to shop and dine locally, they are investing in the future of their town and helping to maintain its distinctive identity.  

Together, we can be instrumental in enhancing the livability of Canby. By creating jobs, building community, and providing essential amenities, these local businesses contribute to a higher quality of life for everyone. Supporting local businesses is not just about economic prosperity; it’s about shaping the future of the community and preserving its unique character.  

Canby residents invest significant resources in developing comprehensive plans to guide our city’s growth and development. From the state-mandated Comprehensive Plan to more specific strategies like the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Transit Master Plan, these documents represent our community’s vision for the future. The latest development of Canby’s Comprehensive plan is currently underway which also include Transportation Plan and Urban Growth Boundary. You can participate and review progress here.

Unfortunately, we often fall short of effectively implementing these plans. Valuable time and taxpayer dollars are wasted on projects that deviate from our established goals. By prioritizing the recommendations outlined in our existing plans, we can make more informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and deliver the results Canby residents deserve.

It’s crucial that we:

• Engage the community: Understand and incorporate residents’ priorities into our plans.
• Communicate effectively: Share plan details and progress openly with the public.
• Stay on course: Consistently measure our actions against plan objectives.
• Deliver results: Implement plans efficiently and transparently.

By following these principles, we can ensure that Canby’s investments in planning lead to tangible improvements for our community.

Some current plans are:

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Heritage and Landmark Commission

Economic Development

Canby Housing and Economic Development Opportunities Assessment

Transit Master Plan

You can view all documents that are currently available through the city website here.

I believe it is important to understand not only what those who are representing you say but also what is actually expected of them. Informed citizens cultivate a thriving, vibrant community. I am linking to the latest version of the Canby City Council Policies and Operating Guidelines.

This document is intended to educate the elected officials on the mechanism around which the governing body of the City of Canby addresses community issues, develops proactive and responsible public policy and attends to the affairs of the City. The same rules and procedures also apply to the Canby Urban Renewal Agency where applicable. With regard to Urban Renewal Agency, substitute Chair for Mayor and Commissioner for Councilor.

Visit my Voter Resources for more information.

Sincerely,
Paul Waterman

Your visit here to learn about why I am running for Canby City Councilor shows your are invested in your community. I will be posting more information here soon. I am currently in the process of getting signatures from registered voters living within Canby City Limits. You can find the sign sheet at the Book Nook in Canby at 200 NW 1st Ave.

Thank you again!

Paul Waterman