REDMOND, OR -- One candidate for Redmond’s City Council is an incumbent running his first campaign. Dr. Jon Bullock is the Director of Redmond Proficiency Academy, one of the state's largest charter schools. He was appointed to Council last November to complete Anne Graham’s term, following her resignation.
Bullock says he’s proud of what he’s accomplished in less than a year, "When I was appointed to City Council, the city was in the midst of a discussion about how to fund officers. We went into the budget process and what I was able to do is ask staff, as well as the budget committee, what their assumptions were relative to the funding and the expenditures. And, in that process, engage folks in a discussion that allowed us to add four additional officers through the budget process." He's pleased they were able to find that funding without imposing a new fee or tax.
He says the biggest issues now facing the city are all connected to the area’s rapid growth. "We need to look at the possibility of mass transit; we’ve got to find ways to move people around. We’ve got to look at housing and, while we’ve got to focus on affordable housing, we have to focus on an entire range of housing that is attractive, so Redmond can remain the best place in Oregon for people to live, to work, to raise a family and to retire."
Bullock is one of four candidates running for three open seats, along with fellow Councilor Jay Patrick, former Sherwood Mayor Krisanna Clark-Endicott and political newcomer Josefina Riggs. They're all expected to take part in a debate, Thursday afternoon, along with Mayor George Endicott and his challenger, Ed Fitch. For Dr. Bullock, this whole process is unique. "I’ve told people that campaigning has been equal parts invigorating and terrifying, and also terrifying and enlightening," he tells KBND News, "I enjoy listening to people, I enjoy talking to people; I’ve made my career out of talking and listening and trying to solve problems. But, campaigning is spending a lot of time and some of your own money to apply for a volunteer position." Thursday's candidate forum starts at 1 p.m. at Geno’s Italian Grill on North Highway 97 in Redmond. For more on the candidates, visit our Elections 2018 page.
