Keizer residents gathered on Oct. 21 for a candidate forum hosted by the Northwest Keizer Neighborhood Association. Mayoral candidate and incumbent Cathy Clark joined council hopefuls Colleen Bush (Position 6), Tammy Kunz (Position 4) and Chelsea Alionar (Position 4) to share their visions for sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility.
Growth within existing boundaries
When asked how the city should foster sustainable growth, Clark emphasized using the land already within Keizer’s limits. “Our plan is to make it easier as a city to be responsive to property owners, businesses and neighborhoods on what can be done with what we have here,” she said. “Repurpose and grow that, and make it sustainable within the spaces we have.”
Kunz echoed the sentiment, urging the council to focus on available parcels before expanding the urban growth boundary. Alionar added that attracting shoppers back to Keizer could be achieved through community spaces such as a farmers market or designated food‑truck areas. “We don’t really have anything like that in Keizer, so everybody just leaves and spends their money elsewhere,” she noted.
Fiscal priorities and tax revenue
All three council candidates agreed that the city must increase tax revenue while preserving quality of life. Bush highlighted her involvement in the River Cherry Overlay District, which aims to redevelop properties for housing while updating aesthetics and land‑use options. She stressed the need for “smart” investments that do not burden working families.
Alionar warned against adding new costs for residents. She called resolving the Keizer Event Center budget deficit a top priority and opposed a proposed pavilion at Keizer Rapids Park, preferring to maintain existing parks and provide affordable services. Kunz supported that stance, saying the city must “be doing a little bit better” with the event‑center finances.
Clark focused on transparent spending, noting that the city now posts its budget online and holds virtual budget meetings. “We need to make sure city money is invested properly to maintain services,” she said.
Public safety collaboration
Addressing concerns about crime, Clark acknowledged challenges such as Interstate 5‑related offenses, drug activity, retail theft and human trafficking. She praised the Keizer Police Department’s partnership with local businesses and residents, emphasizing rapid response to serious incidents while minimizing disruption to neighborhoods.
License‑plate reader system
When asked whether the city should allow federal law‑enforcement access to Keizer’s closed license‑plate reader system without a signed request, all candidates responded no. Clark explained that the system, developed with Marion County and the city of Salem, helps locate “vehicles of interest” but the data is neither stored nor shared beyond its immediate purpose.
Looking ahead
The forum gave voters a clear view of each candidate’s priorities: responsible land use, prudent budgeting, transparent governance and a collaborative approach to public safety. With Election Day on Nov. 3, Keizer residents now have the information they need to make an informed choice at the polls.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
