Q&A: Considering run for Forest Grove City Council in 2010

Q: Are you considering a run for Forest Grove's city council in 2010?

A: Yes! I think it's time to for a change at City Hall. We've had the same leadership for 16 years. Whether you supported that leadership or you were a critic, it's time to consider a change-turning the page and have a new start. It's healthy for any community.

I think I would bring a fresh and unique perspective that the council has been lacking. We need leadership with new energy and new ideas about how to move Forest Grove forward, not only toward economic recovery and expansion but someone with a plan to sustain the quality of life that we enjoy here.

Q: Why do you want to be on the council? And what would be your focus if you were to be elected?

A: The city council is buried in vision details, goals, strategies and action plans. These planning and visioning exercises and the documents that come out of them are good but can end up burying the city in plans. There is little chance of changing what we want to change without leadership that can simplify and execute a sensible plan. My desire is to tighten up the to do list and execute a strategy for how we get from here to where we want to be.

1. Make tourism the centerpiece of our economic recovery and development and execute a doable plan to make Forest Grove a vital wine-tourism destination. We must not wait for outside companies to move to town and rescue our local economy! They aren't coming anytime soon.

2. Commit to increased investment in public safety and staying ahead of gang activity. Crime must not take a hold of Forest Grove!

3. See a Boys & Girls Club built for our kids, reliable funding for a Senior Center, and increased city support of local homeless and food programs for those that are struggling just to survive. Our most vulnerable citizens should always be a priority!

4. Seek term limits for Forest Grove City Council seats. This will help the council stay focused and be compelled to develop new leaders in our community. Commit to total transparency in local government and improved electronic communication with the people of Forest Grove. We must respect our residents at every turn.

5. Get Forest Grove front and center in public forums. Forest Grove needs to effectively market itself to be competitive!

Q: Why not consider a run for Mayor rather than a council seat?

A: Great question! Essentially the mayor is equivalent to a city councilor except for one big difference. The mayor has a bully pulpit that the councilors do not. To get the changes I think Forest Grove needs and deserves, a dialogue needs to happen with residents. As mayor I'd have a much easier time having that conversation and advocating for the city to take a new direction. Likewise, the mayor of Forest Grove garners increased access to regional and statewide conversations as well as the media's attention. It is something to consider.

I know I want Forest Grove's mayor to be an impressive representative of our city and be a salesperson for everything that is great about Forest Grove.

Q: What would be your top priority sitting on the council?
A: Without question, local economic development!
Q: The city council has been working on that for years. What would you do differently?
A: Succinctly put: fine tune a plan what will bring us economic prosperity while retaining what I call our "Mayberry Factor."
Tourism, not trains. Grapes, not growth.

That's how I put it.

Oregon Wine Tourism holds the solution for Forest Grove.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to seize the moment and take ownership of what happens to Forest Grove and to take advantage of this city's God-given assets.

LOCATION. NATURAL BEAUTY.AGRICULTURE.

This equation equals opportunity like few other towns have!

I don't know why but the city's leaders have for years been practically ignoring the most valuable things Forest Grove has going for it. In fact in some cases they have actually made decisions to undue, or at least undermine, our greatest assets while pursuing dead-end goals. Confusing!

Forest Grove is an absolutely clear tourist destination for the multi-million dollar wine-tourism trade and we've done almost nothing to claim it, brand it and leverage that to our benefit.

I can see no clearer Gateway to Oregon Wine Country than Forest Grove, Oregon.

We have close proximity to Portland where most tourists originate, we have the quaintest little town in all of the metropolitan area, and we are surrounded by breathtaking beauty and quality wineries and more. It is a no-brainer.

Forest Grove is the ultimate GATEWAY TO OREGON'S WINE COUNTRY.

Here are the numbers to consider*:

The Oregon Wine industry is $1.4 Billion industry.

There are nearly 400 commercial wineries in the state.

$92.2 million in wine related tourism spending in Oregon a year

(Not including wine purchased at wineries) $60.5 million from out of state.

49% of visitors are from out-of-state

70% of wine visitors spend the night. Just 30% are day-trippers.

Over a 500,000 visitors (with a party of 3 people) spend the night on an Oregon wine trip every year. 2.46 adults average spending: $240 for overnight rips and $110 day trips

1.48 million visitors to Oregon Wineries a year


* according to the Economic Impact of the Wine and wine Grape Industries commissioned by the Oregon Wine Center in 2006.

Ever been to California's Napa Valley? They get it. We should too.

The Alison Inn & Spa in Newberg, is a sure sign that the window of opportunity is here. The Willamette Valley Vineyard's Wine Center in Newberg, a facility designed to promote everything from sustainable agricultural practices to the premium pinot noirs of the region opened in November 2009, is another big indicator that opportunity is here.

But it won't always be. There is no time to waste.

Forest Grove's leadership has wasted precious time playing around with the idea of being a tourist destination for years. But they have continued to dabble in high tech business recruitment and playing the land-grab game for more neighborhoods at the same time. It's a mistake in my opinion.

We can't do it all. And by trying we have ended up doing little.

Tourists, not trains. Grapes, not growth. This should be our motto.


Q: But how would we move ahead with this idea?

A: First we have to decide and claim it and then focus on branding Forest Grove as the ultimate place to start a visitor's Oregon wine tour. But we need the facilities and the services to service the tourists. These goals are entwined. You can't have one without the other.

Wine tourism is a nearly $100 million annual business. Forest Grove must act quickly to get a big piece of that pie before someone else does it.

Forest Grove must build a downtown "crown jewel" that becomes the center of our community. That's my proposal.

A hotel with attractive rooms and amenities, a fine-dining restaurant and convention rooms, retail shops and public inside and outside gathering places will jump start our local economy and get us on a new and prosperous path.

The Oregon Wine Pavilion and Hotel!
The crown jewel of Forest Grove, Oregon.

But I strongly believe that this building can and will change Forest Grove for the better---forever. It can bring tourist dollars to the community, new investment, new jobs, more vitality and culture while maintaining the high-quality lifestyle important to most all of us. It's a win-win.

Q: Why would we need such a facility?

A: We want tourists? Wine tourists? We'll get them.

We want a more vital downtown? It will happen.

We want more small businesses to open up in downtown? They'll follow.

We want a public gathering place? Inside? Outside? We could have both.

We want Forest Grove to have a focal point? This provides one.

We want conferences to come to town? Yes.

We want new retail space options? Yes.

We want jobs for kids? Done.

We want more options for our own weddings and parties? Sure.

We want fine dining down the road? Finally, it can be here.

We want medium and large sized businesses to locate here? They'll be more tempted than ever with a vibrant core to Forest Grove. Right now if executives come to visit Forest Grove we don't have high-end hotel to put them up at, nor a place to wine and dine them --- both prerequisites in the big-business dance.

The retail development that we all want for our town isn't going to occur on its own. It needs to be encouraged. The lack of retail development after years of wishing for it --- even during boom economic times --- must be proof of that.

Retail will not develop in downtown Forest Grove until there are increased numbers of people in downtown Forest Grove. And local residents will not flock to downtown Forest Grove until there is more to see and do in downtown. More restaurants, more retailers, more art, and more entertainment. This building will end the catch-22 that we've been in for years.

Remember the movie Field of Dreams? Build it and they will come!

And the silver lining? The cherry on top of the cake? We can do this without chewing up farmland and building more homes. We can be proactive in creating our own economic security and stop waiting for some multi-national company to come to town and save us, that is, until they shut the doors and move operations overseas. We can be in charge of this.

Q: But this sounds expensive...

A: Yes. It will be very expensive, but worth it. If Forest Grove can brand itself in this way, have tunnel vision about our future, and the right leadership behind the whole plan I believe that developers will be interested in pursuing this project.
Will this plan likely need to have incentives for developers to come to Forest Grove and build our "crown jewel?" Yes.

Will we need to negotiate like we've never negotiated before with all the parties who might have a hand in this to find win-wins for everyone? Yes.

It won't be easy. But it is necessary. And doable.

Like many projects of this scale in small and medium (and even big) cities, this will likely need to be a public/private endeavor. There are pros and cons to that, I know. But this is no baseball stadium or high-rise Pearl apartment building I'm talking about. This is a new beating heart at this city's center. If there was ever a public/private partnership to consider, even for skeptics, this is it.

And this is why...

Without this bold action I don't see anything changing. I see a wonderful small town being slowly taken over by local politicians who are convinced that just a little more farmland under cement will make the difference, despite past evidence to the contrary.

I see a wonderful small town being slowly taken over by developers who have nothing vested here except to make a lot of money that they take out of our local economy.

I see a wonderful small town being slowly eroded as the populace becomes more cynical by watching the town transform from a quintessential Mayberry to a sprawling extension of Hillsboro with disproportionate amounts of poverty and crime and huge debts from infrastructure investment that lead to little return for the city. And I see a city government still patiently waiting to grab the next high tech company to come to Oregon. And I see other companies shutting their doors as they send jobs overseas,.all while we just shake our heads and wonder what to do.

Remember how quaint and beautiful Gresham, looking out at Mt. Hood, used to be? They can never get it back. Never!

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to seize the moment and take ownership of what happens to Forest Grove and to take advantage of this city's God-given assets:

LOCATION. BEUATY. WINE.

Q: Can this be done during these tough economic times?

A: I don't know. What I know is that these things take time and the economy won't be bad forever. My thinking is to take time to get clear, get focused and make a plan and start acting on it. If the times we are in keep progress from happening, so be it. At least we would have tried. At least we'd have some work done so we'll be ready when things change for the better.

What I know is that what the city has been doing is not working to bring economic prosperity to this community. It didn't even work during boom times!

Q: Talk about growth...

A: I don't get it.

The city's own citizens crafted a vision plan for the city in 2007. Hundreds of citizens! And it is clear this town want to be: Green, Sustainable and Environmentally-friendly. But it goes beyond that. This town wants to be a leader in this area. It's in black and white.

To that end the city says it wants to focus on increasing density and getting light rail to extend to Forest Grove. Fine. Sounds Green. But at the same time, city officials are asking for increased Urban Reserves with an eye on an expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary.

These ideas are counter to one another!

We cannot be a Green leader while we watch our farmland being paved over in lieu of more houses and industrial building sites. Can we? I can't think of a more anti-Green activity than paving over some of the highest quality farmland in all of North America. And beyond that, we'd be paving over the one thing that in the end is core --- vital even --- to our long term economic viability.

My take is that the city government is tasked with bringing the communities vision to life. I'm not sure why the council won't act boldly and say: "Yes, we are going to be the Greenest city in the state. That's what the people want and that is what we are committed to doing. And do it.

Q: Don't you want MAX to come here? The Economic Development Commission's marketing plan has that as a goal.

A: It is "cool" and sounds Green and good. But it is mistake. There just isn't the density in Forest Grove to support the kind of ridership that we'd need to justify the big expense to taxpayers. We are just too far out and too spread out, headed to jobs, shopping and recreation all over the place. The intention of a MAX-type system is to move great numbers of people from one densely populated location to another densely populated location where they are going to need to and want to go. That is the only scenario that makes this kind of transportation cost effective.

That scenario just doesn't exist here. The train cars would be empty. And that would be a travesty for us, the region and the environment.

My problems with the MAX campaign and City Hall's support of it go beyond that though. The city's leadership has been wanting this for years and years. They've spent considerable time and resources trying get it too. But the people of Forest Grove haven't seemed to feel it is important. I don't see any evidence that people are wanting, able, or willing to utilize MAX service in a way that would make the effort --- financially or otherwise --- worth it.

I've done the research. It would take me well over 2 hours to get from my house in central Forest Grove to my job in Portland. I love public transportation and mass transit as much as the next guy, but that isn't workable for me or anyone else. It just isn't.

Lastly, a MAX line coming to Forest Grove will mean two new things --- bad things. Increased crime and increased poverty. I could prove it here but all I will need to do is to ask you to look at Gresham and Hillsboro. Case closed.

Is that what we want for Forest Grove?

MAX? No! Commuter railroad? No!

Increased Tri-Met service and executive bus service to points East (like Intel, downtown Portland and PDX)? Yes!

Let's look into ideas that make sense.
Q: You recently were asked point blank by the Mayor if you'd support 500+ acres being purchased for housing stock. You simply said "no." Where will new homes be built when we run out of room?
A: As I've already stated, paving over farmland --- excellent farm land --- is not Green. And very few of us want that to happen anyway, whether we see ourselves as Greenies or not. That said, if the population explosion that everyone is talking about happens and we are in need of more homes we need to look at space within the urban growth boundary.
First, we must start to increase density in this area by building multi-unit dwellings on open lots if we want to sustain the look and feel of Forest Grove, keep our quality of life and frankly, keep our assets which are based on our relative isolation in the midst of farmland.

Once the farmland is compromised around Forest Grove and the town resembles a suburb, it will be over --- forever. We'll be the end of the road for metropolitan sprawl. And all of the reasons to live, visit, work and play in our area will be gone. If that would happen you'll see moderate and high income families move out to and low income families move in. Schools will suffer. City coffers will dry up. Crime will increase.
Look at most any other large metropolitan area, find "Forest Grove" on the map and the writing is on the wall.

Second, we have loads of home-lined streets in Forest Grove ready for rehabilitation or gentrification in some cases. This has to happen or eventually we will have severely run down neighborhoods, if not out-right slums.

Refusing to build new neighborhoods on farmland will help keep our existing neighborhoods rehabbed and vibrant, will help move along the goal of density, and will help homeowners' plummeting housing values rebound. Taxpayers' nest egg will have a chance to recover.

Q: But if Forest Grove's home supply doesn't stay ahead of demand what will low-income families do?

A: To be clear, I'm not suggesting the displacement of low-income families out of Forest Grove. I think affordable housing and subsidized housing is a separate issue and must be addressed in every community. Forest Grove is no exception. But we mustn't make growth and environmental policy based solely on retaining affordable housing. It will lead us down the wrong road.

Q: Are you saying zero net gain in housing stock?

A: Once all of the vacant lots within the urban growth boundary are built to capacity with density in mind, our established neighborhoods are rehabbed and thriving, we have affordable housing units in sufficient numbers, and tourists from far and near are flocking to downtown Forest Grove, then we might talk about increased housing stock. Until then, just the mention of buying farmland for this purpose sends us down the wrong path --- a dead-end path.

I support a low-no growth plan and have no desire for an increased Urban Growth Boundary during my lifetime. One million coming to the metro area? Who says? And who is deciding that we have to turn ourselves inside out to accommodate these new 1 million residents. Population growth doesn't automatically result in economic health. So why are we basing our growth policy based on population growth and giving newcomers --- unseen and unknown newcomers I might add --- a host of housing options. It doesn't make sense to me.

Q: What about our kids?

A: Well there is so much to do for our kids but what is near and dear to my heart is the building of Forest Grove's own Boys & Girls Club. I can't think of a more prudent, effective and proactive thing we could do to help out kids reach their full potential than have a club of our own. And beyond that, it is so obvious to me that if we are committed to public safety and to hedging gang activity we must invest in our children today. It will be cheaper to keep gangs and increased crime from our streets than it will be to try to overcome it and clean it up. Look at Hillsboro, Gresham and other communities in our area. We must act now --- boldly.

Q: And seniors?

A: Well, it is difficult for me to understand how a community of this size with such a large population of seniors, with so many senior-serving businesses that we don't have our own city-funded Senior Center. Other communities of our size do.

I realize funding is difficult but there must be a way that we can create a thriving senior facility that services these valued citizens. I'd seek partnerships with for profit businesses who serve seniors in our area to commit to making certain all seniors no matter their income --- have access to services, recreation and tender daycare.

We must continue delivering meals to seniors and making sure they have the essentials --- and then some --- of daily life. No senior in Forest Grove should be going hungry or without heat. No senior should be sitting at home rather than going to the doctor when they need to. And ideally no senior would be lonely.

All of this takes effort. It doesn't all have to take big money. I see City Hall as a place that should connect those that have and are willing to share with those that are in need. That's different than just throwing money at problems. It's a culture of caring. I'd like to work to build on that culture that we enjoy in Forest Grove.

City Hall should set an example.

Q: And you mentioned the homeless...

A: How and why would we work so hard to make Forest Grove such a haven for families and retirees and young professionals and students and ignore the people living under trees and in their cars? I don't understand that in Portland and I can't wrap my head around it in Forest Grove. Those who struggle in our community need support and local government should be leading the way. Some are opposed to intervention because of their belief that folks are choosing to be on the streets. Nonsense! The average age of a homeless citizen in our county is 12-years-old. How can we as a city not be fully engaged in solving this problem? Some in the faith community have stepped up and provided leadership here which has been incredibly important. But I'd like to see the city become more vested in this issue. Nobody should be living on the streets of Forest Grove.

Q: What about city services? What do you think?
A: This city has amazing city services and a great group of people providing them to us all. There are exceptions but I have seen amazing people serving the citizens of Forest Grove in all departments. Amazing! Not all cities can say that.
Q: Any criticisms?

A: One that comes to mind... I don't know why Forest Grove touts its cheap electricity. I guess I can see doing that to attract businesses with huge power needs but to put that message out to the public like the city does makes no sense to me. This encourages over consumption for one thing. We should be promoting under consumption. If you tell me a burger is $1 instead of the normal $2, I just might eat two. It's human nature. I need to learn more about the intention of this marketing message.

I also worry about the discussions about obtaining the ownership and control over the dam at Hagg Lake. I see the allure of such a change but it is clear to me that with control and ownership comes great responsibility --- and liability. I believe in these times that the City of Forest Grove is living too close to the edge to be taking such risks. I'm hoping the ownership and control stays with the U.S. Federal Government and that we figure out how to make that work for our community.
Q: What qualifies you to be on the council?
A: Several things.

I am a former small business owner and entrepreneur. Few people who have gone down that road do it successfully without become skilled leaders. I started a small publishing company from scratch, worked really hard and then sold it for a substantial profit. This experience probably is akin to the highest quality leadership training anyone could have. From initial concept, to research and planning, execution and eventual success --- starting a business has you doing it all. I have many skills I can bring to the council but this small business start-up and the leadership skills I honed while doing it, is the most significant thing in my past that prepares me for the job as the mayor of Forest Grove.
Secondly, I have a background as a professional communicator. Today I make my living as a marketing director for an extremely successful healthcare organization and am part of an active management leadership team. If there has ever been a time when the city's leadership needed people who understand marketing, communication, and small business it is now.
I believe one of the most important assets the new leadership of the Forest Grove City Council must have is the ability to market the city and sell this city and all it has to offer. Today's local leaders must be able to command attention and respect and be great communicators to best represent the needs and desires of their cities to regional and state leaders and the public-at-large, in a fresh and unique way.
Q: Do you have any governmental experience --- locally or regionally?
A: The Washington County Board of Commissioners appointed me to the Washington County Public Safety Coordinating Council. I am still a member today. And the Forest Grove City Council nominated me to the City of Forest Grove Budget Committee for a 3-year term. I'm also a candidate to sit on the Washington County Commission on Children & Families and I follow their work closely. If time permits, and they'd want my leadership, I'd be thrilled to join this commission. They do important work for our children and families in Forest Grove.
Q: What do you mean by fresh or unique?
A: As a Forest Grove resident who is not a long time member of the council, I automatically have a fresh perspective. As someone who re-located to Forest Grove, I have a fresh perspective. And with that fresh perspective comes opportunity for new ideas and solutions.
People who have been here for decades --- perhaps their entire lives --- can't see what I see. People who sit on the planning commission and on the city council for years can't see what I see.
I believe I'd be the only start-up-entrepreneur on the council. I'd be the only professional marketer as well. We need retired teachers, retired public safety officers, military personnel, retired environmental experts and insurance salespeople involved on the council. They have all made positive contributions. But I think the city would benefit by having a mid-career corporate businessman with a mortgage and two kids.
In many ways the council has been homogenous for years with an extremely high proportion of retirees. It's pretty common for a small town like Forest Grove. But I think there is great value in diversifying the council in any way possible. I think most residents would agree. The trick is to get more people with differing backgrounds, world views, and opinions to get in the game. I'd like to see more Latinos, blue-collar workers, artists, young parents, nurses, social workers, corporate employees and small business owners be on the council in coming years. Diversity in this community is our strength and the council would be better for it.
Q: What else would you like voters to know about you?
A: I'm just stepping forward with some skills and a set of ideas and saying to people "Hey, take a look. Consider my ideas and my skills."
In the end, I mostly want people to have choice. I want voters to be able to turn the page on 16 years of basically the same leadership in Forest Grove, if they want to. If they want more of the same, that's okay too.
I'd be honored to be elected to the city council of my favorite city. But I will be happy and engaged in life in Forest Grove no matter the outcome of the election. I have a lot of interests and aspirations, goals, responsibilities and dreams beyond being on the council.
I love this town. I moved here because I fell in love with this place. I want to give back and help change some things so that Forest Grove can survive and always retain its charm and specialness. That's all.
My hope is that when my kids come back to Forest Grove to visit their dear old dad a few decades from now that they'll recognize their hometown. Maybe they'll even consider moving back here after they've spread their wings and seen the world.
That's what motivates me to be involved.

Fostercare system badly needs improvement

I was interviewed by an OPB producer who was setting up a show about compensation changes for Oregon fosterparents.  It quickly became apparent to me that I was way more guest than she had in mind.
She encouraged me to join in the conversation on line over the weekend and then to tune in on Monday morning, which I did.

The show --- Think Out Loud --- had multiple guests on and, unless I'm forgetting someone, none could articulate why compensating fosterparents fairly (if not generously) is so important to the well-being of our kids. One foster mom, who I actually met years ago, was grasping for her point claiming that the foster kids leave the water running so she needs more money. Oh brother!  The girls need tampons.  Oh brother!

And then on to the comments on line:  http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/foster-care-finances/

One out of touch DHS worker got my blood boiling.  And then the foster parents --- many who seem very smart and "get it" --- went off on-line. Take a look.

This system is b-r-o-k-e-n and nobody seems to be able to figure it out.  We've been having the same discussion for the last 10 years (when I was involved in fosterparenting and in foster parent recruitment) and yet no meaningful change.

This is discouraging.  It is out-RAGE-ous.

I have theories about just about everything in our society but this willingness --- by the social service deparments across the country, the public, by state legislatures, by Governors and Presidents of the United States, and so many others --- to let our children be part of such a broken fostercare system is beyond me.

It leaves me paralyzed and sad.  And then the anger comes.

I must figure something out.  I must do something...

Defeat is okay

I didn't win tonight. Tom Belusko, local businessman in Forest Grove, got the nod to fill the open seat on Forest Grove's City Council.  Since the beginning, I thought to myself, if I can't win, Belusko should. And he did.
I honestly felt happy for him. Odd for a competitive guy like me.

http://www.fgnewstimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=125540608947636800


I did okay.  Some said I hit a "home run."  I don't know. It was a first. It was intimidating to sit before the council and try to sell myself and my ideas.  It was definitely a break through for me....definitely operating out of my "comfort zone."

That said...

I think I'm going to pursue a campaign in 2010. Not sure when I'll launch or for what. But I have some special friends who are encouraging me.

The city is political. Of course it is. Why would the establishment reward a newcomer --- an outsider --- who seemingly just appeared on the scene?  I knew in my heart of hearts that the council's votes would reflect local insiders.  What pleased me though is that a a young guy, with kids and a mortage, is going to sit on the council.  The average age before Tom Belusko takes his seat, is about  62 years old. 
He'll lower that average a bit. And Forest Grove will be better for it.

The guy is smart and brings a bit of charisma and energy to an otherwise tame group of councilors.

I'm excited to see what happens...with him...with the council...and in the future.

I'm not out of the game just yet.

It feels good...I have to tell you...to be a good loser.

JK

Build it and they will come?

First things first.. 
I'm trying to build a base of support for a Forest Grove Boys & Girls Club on-line at FaceBook.
Check out "Jonathan Kipp for Forest Grove" and become a fan.

Read my guest editorial in the News Times here.

As a first step I'm recruiting my own personal friends and asking them to recruit friends.
If you are on FaceBook please stop by this page and join in.
If you are not a part of FaceBook please email me (jonathan@jonathankipp.com) and join the movement.

As is obvious, a group of supporters who believe in the idea is just a first step.  We have a long way to go to walk through the process and to, most importantly, raise the money to open Forest Grove Boy & Girls Club. But I can't think of a better way to kick off this exciting project.

JK