What will I do if I am re-elected to serve two more years as Newport’s Mayor?
Continue to find ways to work with residents to get Newport’s gravel streets paved, especially residential streets.
Complete the process of establishing the Reverse 9-1-1 system with the Lincoln Communications agency (LINCOM).
Continue to advocate for the improvement of the city’s drinking water system, to approve the bond measure to fund a new water treatment facility and other important water system features.
Support the Oregon Coast Aquarium, OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon Coast Community College, and the South Beach Redevelopment Plan.
Support Newport’s Fire, and Police Departments.
Continue to advocate for the revitalization of Newport’s downtown (city center) area.
Support the Newport Chamber of Commerce and the annual Seafood and Wine event.
Support economic development in the city, including the work of the Port of Newport.
Work with the city’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments in improving the appearance and cleanliness of the city, and support the Chamber of Commerce’s program recognizing community beautification efforts.
Because I strongly support Newport’s beautification, I do not plan to use lawn signs during this campaign, as they visually blight the city every election season. And, because I believe that campaigns should be about the campaign platforms and qualifications of the candidates and not about money, I pledge to raise and spend no more than $2,000 on this campaign. I challenge my opponent to do the same.
I’d like to tell you about myself:
My family has owned my home in Agate Beach since 1930, and I have always treasured all the weekends and summertimes when I was able to be here. I’ve loved Newport since I was a child, and it is an honor to be able to serve the community that has been a part of my family throughout my life.
I’ve have lived in Newport full-time for the past twenty-one years. I’ve served the city not only as Mayor, but as a city councilor for three years, and as a member of the Newport Planning Commission for five years.
For seventeen years, I have served on the board of the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, which provides housing to low-income, disabled, and senior residents of Lincoln County. I am a former Lane County Assessor, and I’m a state-certified general property appraiser who owns my own business, Oregon Coast Appraisal Service. Because I have seen first-hand the horror of cancer, I have volunteered every year for the Lincoln County Relay for Life, the signature fund-raising event of the American Cancer Society, since the event began in Newport eleven years ago.
Because I believe in “service above self,” I’m a member of the Newport Rotary Club. I’m an ex-officio member of the board of directors of the Newport Chamber of Commerce. And I confess I am an avid rail transportation buff—I am currently president of the Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society in Toledo, and I co-own a “speeder” rail car.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Oregon State University, but don’t worry Duck fans and alumni; I cheer for Oregon for every game it plays—except during the Civil War game against OSU.
I am also a retired U.S. Navy Captain, the proud husband of Cathy Bain, and the father of three grown children, and a grandfather several times over. We are pleased to own two wonderful Schnauzers, and while I don’t have anything against cats, our dogs just won’t allow me to bring one in the house!
I look forward to meeting you in the coming campaign, and would be happy to listen to any thoughts you have about our city and where it’s headed. Please e-mail me, or contact me at 961-0600.
Warm Regards,
Bill
Mayor Bill Bain
