Madras, Ore. – Newly elected Mayor Jennifer Townsend is preparing to assume office this winter, and she has already set a clear agenda for the city’s next administration. In an interview with KTVZ, Townsend highlighted three core priorities: addressing the growing homelessness problem, completing critical staffing gaps across city departments, and appointing a new police chief.
Homelessness as a gateway issue
Townsend described Madras as a key transit point for travelers heading to larger hubs such as Portland or the surrounding agricultural towns. “Madras is the gateway to central Oregon. If you’re going to Portland, you’re coming from here. If you’re going to Biggs or any of those places, you’re passing through,” she said. “We want people to stop, enjoy our downtown, shop, get coffee, and feel safe—not just rush through because they’re worried about their safety.”
She stressed that a visible homeless population detracts from the town’s reputation and threatens the safety and quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Townsend plans to work with local service providers, faith‑based groups, and regional agencies to develop a coordinated response that includes emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long‑term solutions.
Staffing the city government
Having served seven years on the Madras City Council, Townsend is intimately familiar with the inner workings of municipal operations. She noted that several key positions have been vacant for months, hampering the city’s ability to deliver services efficiently. “We need to fill those gaps quickly so that every department can function at full capacity,” she explained. Townsend intends to launch a targeted recruitment drive, offering competitive wages and emphasizing the importance of public service to attract qualified candidates.
Selecting a new police chief
Public safety is another cornerstone of Townsend’s agenda. The city is currently operating without a permanent police chief, a situation that has raised concerns among business owners and families. Townsend pledged to conduct a thorough, merit‑based search for a leader who will uphold law and order while fostering community trust. She emphasized the need for a chief who respects constitutional rights, supports families, and works collaboratively with local churches and civic groups.
Reviewing the town charter
Townsend also plans to examine Madras’s charter, which has not been revised since the 1980s. She believes a modernized charter can streamline decision‑making, clarify the roles of elected officials, and better reflect the values of today’s families and faith‑centered community. The review will involve public input sessions to ensure that any changes align with the wishes of residents.
While Townsend’s agenda is ambitious, she expressed confidence that the collaborative spirit of Madras’s citizens, churches, and businesses will help the city move forward. “We have a great downtown, a strong sense of community, and a shared desire to make Madras a place where families can thrive,” she said. “Together, we’ll address these challenges and build a brighter future for everyone who calls Madras home.”
Townsend’s term officially begins in January 2025, and she has already begun assembling a transition team to hit the ground running on these priorities.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
