OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Marketing Manager, Loescher Incorporated

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Chemeketa Community College

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Airport Advisory Commission – Appointed by Mayor Mike Swaim

Running for Salem City Council was a tough decision, proceeded by much thought. I decided to run for election from Ward 3, because the future of Salem is important to me and I wanted to play a part in the discussions that will create policy and form our City’s future.

I have gained knowledge and experience of the different facets of our City, how they function, and whom they affect by serving various organizations. As a student of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce program, Leadership Salem I have learned the importance of being a volunteer. I have served on the Capital Area Sunrise Rotary club, Boys & Girls Club, and the Classrooms for Kids Committee to name only a few. Mayor Mike Swaim appointed me to the Airport Advisory Commission for the City of Salem in January of 1999, and I currently serve the City in this capacity.

With this experience and knowledge I will work with the citizens to carry out a vision for Salem; to create a healthy environment, a robust economy, and safe neighborhoods with affordable housing. To accomplish this the council needs to be proactive in these areas. Looking ahead and preparing for the needs we can see in the streets, utilities and public safety is the best way to give taxpayers the greatest value for their money.

I understand growth is a complicated issue in Salem. My stance is that we need some rate of moderate growth for our economy to function, which will demand some serious planning. Having enough of the right available land will allow us to properly plan for growth, and by preserving prime farmland we will assure it will be an asset to the community.

-Matthew Minahan