Author: Admin

You got to see how the campaigning went now you can follow what goes into being a City Councilor.

December 3rd, 2024 The certified results were provided to the Mayor and City Council.

Lunch/coffee meetings with current city councilors to get to know each other.

Meeting with SSW Consulting in preparation for the City Council Goal Setting Retreat on January 31st/February 1st.

Next week I have City Councilor Orientation

I have agreed to attend the Free Elected Essentials Workshop by the League of Oregon Cities. The LOC’s Elected Essentials program provides newly elected officials, experienced elected officials, and city staff with free training on the basics of municipal governance in Oregon. This will take place beginning of February.

Details are here. https://www.orcities.org/training-events/loc-training-events-calendar/details/elected-essentials

I will keep you up to date as we go! Take care and may you and your families have a wonderful holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Paul Waterman

Much of what makes Canby special is rooted in the people and local businesses that bring life to our town’s bustling streets and open landscapes. From the family-owned coffee shops to the local hardware store, Canby’s businesses are the foundation of our community. Supporting them is essential, not only for their success but for the vitality and future of Canby itself.

Driving Canby’s Local Economy

When you choose to shop at locally-owned businesses, you contribute directly to the town’s economic well-being. Spending money at a local café, bookstore, or farm stand keeps a larger portion of those dollars circulating within the community. This “local multiplier effect” means that local business revenue stays here, creating jobs, supporting other local vendors, and fostering economic growth in Canby.

Local businesses create more jobs for residents, helping reduce the need to commute to larger cities. They also inspire entrepreneurship, empowering Canby locals to start their own businesses, which further diversifies and strengthens the town’s economy. When you support Canby’s businesses, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re investing in the community’s future.

Preserving Canby’s Identity and Heritage

Canby’s local businesses help define the town’s distinct personality and charm. Unlike chain stores, which look and feel the same no matter where you are, Canby’s small businesses reflect the unique culture and values of our community. The cozy coffee shops, family-owned diners, and local farm markets embody the spirit of Canby and offer a more personal, authentic experience.

Many of these businesses are located in historic buildings or participate in traditional town events, preserving the character of Canby. Supporting them helps maintain the town’s heritage, making Canby a more appealing and welcoming place for both residents and visitors.

Creating a Strong Sense of Community

In Canby, local businesses are more than just places to shop; they’re places to connect. These businesses foster a close-knit community by providing welcoming spaces where friends and neighbors can meet. The local bakery or café isn’t just about pastries or coffee; it’s a social hub where you run into familiar faces and feel a part of something bigger.

Local business owners and employees often know you by name, adding a personal touch that builds trust and friendships. This atmosphere of warmth and connection enhances the quality of life in Canby, creating a supportive community that everyone can enjoy.

Supporting Environmental Sustainability in Canby

Choosing to shop locally in Canby is also an environmentally conscious choice. Local businesses often source their products from nearby suppliers, which means fewer transportation miles and a smaller carbon footprint. Canby’s small-town layout makes it easy to walk or bike to local shops, reducing the need for long car trips and minimizing fuel usage.

This commitment to local sustainability helps protect the natural beauty of Canby and the surrounding areas. When you choose local, you contribute to a greener future for Canby, helping preserve the landscape that makes our town such a beautiful place to live.

Encouraging Civic Engagement and Community Involvement

Canby’s business owners are invested in the town’s success, frequently involved in community affairs and local initiatives. From sponsoring youth sports teams to participating in town events like Canby’s Annual Independence Day Celebration, local businesses are actively engaged in enhancing the town. Their involvement reflects a commitment to Canby’s well-being and quality of life.

Supporting Canby’s businesses allows these owners to continue giving back, which strengthens our community and encourages civic engagement. When you rally behind your local shops and services, you support a culture of community involvement that benefits everyone.

Navigating Challenges with Community Support

Despite their importance, Canby’s local businesses face challenges from larger retail chains and the convenience of online shopping. These pressures can threaten the survival of small businesses in Canby, impacting the unique character of our town.

By choosing to shop, dine, and do business locally, you can help ensure that our town’s businesses can thrive. Even small actions, like leaving positive reviews, participating in local events, or simply spreading the word, can make a big difference in helping local businesses succeed.

A Future of Prosperity for Canby

Supporting Canby’s local businesses is an investment in the town’s future. The benefits of a strong local economy, a close-knit community, and a sustainable environment all stem from a commitment to our local businesses. As Canby evolves and grows, supporting our businesses is more important than ever to preserve the qualities that make our town special. They are essential to maintaining the town’s character, supporting the local economy, and fostering a connected community. As residents, every purchase we make locally is a vote for Canby’s prosperity, culture, and community spirit.

So, the next time you’re deciding where to shop or dine, consider choosing local. By supporting Canby’s businesses, you’re playing an active role in preserving our town’s legacy and ensuring its vibrant future.

I will be at Zoar Lutheran Church in Canby for a City Council Meet and Greet. It is Friday October 25th at 6pm.

190 SW 3rd Ave, Canby, OR 97013

I watched the latest City Council Special Meeting with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and once again, there was talk about the Parks Master Plan that we have—but aren’t using. Dozens of questions were raised about projects, funding, grants, and research. People were looking at each other like, “Can we do this? Can we do that? Who’s going to take charge? How do we get money for that?” There was lots of discussion about future projects, but no one seems to know who will manage all these new parks. Who?

The City of Canby is growing, and we need a properly funded Parks & Recreation Department that can not only manage our current parks but also plan for the future. Yet, I’m watching meetings where there’s no accountability, no expertise, and no one in charge.

The creation of the Wait Park Master Plan was mentioned, with emphasis on how big the project is and how much community involvement will be required. The reason it’s being delayed? Because it’s too much work.

Our Parks Master Plan is only two years old, but it’s being discussed like it’s already outdated. The previous one was 20 years old! Why isn’t the 2022 Parks Master Plan being used now as the foundation for our city’s growth? Why did we even pay for it if it’s just going to be ignored, other than to check a box and say, “At least it’s no longer 20 years old”?

If we don’t address this, we’ll continue to face “emergencies” like what happened with Maple Street Park. We updated it to attract activities like softball tournaments, but then acted surprised when there wasn’t enough parking. Now the neighborhood streets are congested, creating traffic safety issues, and we’re scrambling to find parking solutions.

Maybe an experienced Parks Administrator would have anticipated this? Let’s slow down and set Canby up for success in the future—not more failures and wasted money.

You can watch the meeting here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOhtFAuAjjI

Meet Paul Waterman at B’s. I will be available for some Q and A. I look forward to getting to know you and share how I will serve our community!

Saturday October 19th

Time: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

B’s Bake Shoppe
113 NW 2nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013

I have seen efforts over the last few years for improving communication with our citizens but we certainly have a long way to go. Canby is growing and not all citizens know where to get the latest information and the local watering hole. These are ways the city can improve its communication efforts in the 21st century.

Effective communication is crucial for a city to maintain trust, transparency, and a strong relationship with its citizens. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Digital Platforms

• City Website: A well-designed and informative website can serve as a central hub for city news, services, and events. This works only if the information is up to date.
• Social Media: Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allows for real-time updates and two-way communication. Unlike retail or other social media strategies, city information on social media should be posted often as people tend to go directly to this resource for information, not just wait for it to show up in feeds.
• Mobile App: A city-specific app can provide personalized information, alerts, and access to services. I don’t think Canby is ready for this.
• Email Newsletters: Regular newsletters can keep residents informed about current projects, events, and important announcements. Curating the content and formatting newsletters does take a training and time but is worth it if the right format is found.

Public Meetings and Events

• Town Halls: These meetings offer a direct platform for citizens to ask questions, voice concerns, and provide feedback.
• Community Forums: More focused forums can address specific topics or neighborhoods. Canby has improved in creating these event but still needs improvement in advertising the events to all citizens.
• Public Hearings: These are required for certain decisions or projects and provide an opportunity for public input. These tend to happen when something goes wrong instead of a part of planning. A recent case would be the Dog Park issue.

Printed Materials

• City Newsletters: Physical newsletters can reach a wider audience, especially those who may not have regular internet access. This would be an improvement, event if quarterly or Bi Annual.
• Flyers and Brochures: These can be distributed at public events, libraries, and community centers. While this is done occasionally, they are not kept up to date. They seem to be one off efforts instead of part of an ongoing plan.

Community Outreach

• Neighborhood Meetings: Regular meetings can foster a sense of community and provide a platform for local concerns.
• Door-to-Door Outreach: Staff can visit homes to distribute information and gather feedback.
• Partnerships with Community Organizations: Collaborating with local groups can help reach specific demographics.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

• Translation Services: Ensure that information is available in multiple languages to serve diverse populations. 
• Accessibility Features: Consider the needs of individuals with disabilities by providing accessible formats (e.g., large print, audio) and accommodations.

Feedback Mechanisms: Make it easy for citizens to provide feedback, including anonymous options. This is certainly a pain point for our citizens and for me is a critical issue. Too often the city gets second hand information and interpretations instead of direct feedback from the community.

https://www.canbyoregon.gov/publicworks/page/canby-parks

The link to our 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.

In 2022 the City of Canby finalized its COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN that the citizens of Canby paid for.

There is a lot of information and great suggestions. The number one priority in the plan states that the best way to implement these suggestions is to have an official Parks and Recreation Department with a professional Parks Administrator. Did you know the City of Canby does not have an Official Parks and Recreation Department? This is how we can efficiently manage and grow our parks and recreation facilities and programs.

The listing of goals starts on page 111 of the plan.

Goal #1: Create a financially resilient organizational structure to deliver parks and recreation programs and services that positions the city for growth.

1.1.a Hire a professional parks and recreation administrator.

Since 2022 the city is still ‘winging it’ as it goes. Where is the effort, discussion, planning to implement Goal #1 in the Master Plan we paid for and adopted?

On the city website you will also find studies and recommendations about a community recreation center from 2009. The current sports complex/community center discussion is not a new idea. If we were doing analysis and recommendations 15 years ago, do we think this subject is still relevant today?

Once again, someone saw a Peddle Park in Sandy Oregon and now the city is discussing whether to push off the Wait Park Renovation for a park not included in our current plans. Another example of shiny objects distracting us from our goals.

We need to stick to our plans. If not, why waste the money creating them?

Imagine if we had a Professional Parks and Recreation Administrator to help with that? Hmm, see Goal #1.

I wish there were more things for kids to do! How many times have we heard this? All kinds of ideas are presented when this question comes up. We should have an arcade! Bring back the bowling alley! Community Recreation Building!

Did you know we are working on a solution right now?

I support the Sports Complex project for the city of Canby. For as long as I can remember, we have lamented about the lack of things for our youth to do in Canby. Also, my children have played baseball and soccer in Canby. I remember the condition of the fields, and how there was even a little bit of embarrassment when trying to hold tournaments. Canby would be passed over by regional tournaments due to the condition of our fields and lack of facilities. 

I do firmly believe there is a need for indoor recreation facilities as well as outdoor. Considering the NW climate, it would not make sense to exclude this. The rain season is much longer than the dry season.

Recreational facilities play a crucial role in the development and well-being of young people in small towns. Here are some reasons why they’re essential:

• Physical Health: These facilities provide safe and accessible spaces for youth to engage in physical activities. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, improves cardiovascular health, and promotes overall physical fitness.
• Mental Health: Engaging in recreational activities can have a positive impact on mental health. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and can boost self-esteem.
• Social Development: Recreational facilities offer opportunities for youth to interact with peers, develop friendships, and learn important social skills like teamwork, cooperation, and leadership.
• Community Engagement: These facilities can serve as hubs for community gatherings and events, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among residents.
• Crime Prevention: Recreational facilities can help to deter crime by providing positive alternatives for youth to spend their time.
• Educational Opportunities: Many recreational facilities offer educational programs, such as art classes, music lessons, and science experiments, which can supplement formal education and foster a love of learning.
• Economic Benefits: Recreational facilities can attract visitors to small towns, boosting local economies through tourism and spending.

Many of these reasons apply to adults too! Adult baseball, soccer and basketball leagues would be so much fun as well! We can continue to improve the livability of Canby.

Let’s make sure we find a solution that is fiscally responsible not only initially but in the total cost of ownership over the years, take into account traffic impact now and in the future, accessibility and flexibility. We can do this if we hold to our values but also keep an open mind and think outside the box.

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