Open Letter ~ Fred Kirby Files for Coos Bay City Council

Message to mailing list and certain media

Dear Friends:
I filed for Coos Bay City Council today.  A candidates declaration is attached.  It appears that the people will finally have a ballot with a choice.  Each mayor and council candidate should be thanked.

With kindest regards,
Fred

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29 August 2016 
 
Dear friends: 
 
With encouragement from many, I filed as a candidate for a position as Coos Bay City Council today.  I considered a run for mayor; but, with many controversial matters unfinished I found myself to be less prepared than two of the candidates who are asking for your vote. 
 
Voters deserve a choice at election time and finally many have stepped forward for consideration.  When I ran for mayor 12 years ago at the encouragement of local business people, being new to the area, with no yard signs, without name recognition, with minimal effort, I got 40%+ of the vote.  I appreciate that was a vote against the other person - a person running again.  I’m hands on with zero patience.  As mayor, I could envision a clash with the current city manager. 
 
In reply to your questions about my priorities, I could be like other candidates and say infrastructure; a meaningless answer.  Permit me share some specific thoughts. 
 
Prior to the election: 

• To get the right person elected mayor. 

• It’s time for a different face 
• With three or four candidates (one may drop out and run for council) - should be interesting 
• A leader who will be respected by the team 
• A person with time to be mayor 
• A leader able to make cost conscious decisions 
• A person with an open mind 
• A person who listens more than speaks 
• A person capable of leading when there is a Cascadia Subduction catastrophic event 

• To do all possible to assure that the next council is immediately functioning as a team. 

• Assure that there is an understanding of all positions taken by the current council on controversial matters while in executive session such as Wastewater, LNG, SCCF, CEP, taxes, personnel matters, etc. 
• I have requested that the mayor conduct a meeting for the benefit of all candidates to assure an understanding of current council / city positions on controversial matters 
• I have requested that the city finance director conduct a meeting with all candidates to discuss all budgets 
• I have asked the mayor to share with candidates a summary of the last city manager annual review 

• Make no promises that can’t be kept.   
• Place no ugly yard signs in your neighborhood. 

• If 14 years helping people across the county does not give me name recognition – yard signs won’t help. 

 
Some priorities, if elected: 

• Endorse a strong leader as the council president 
• Do all possible to keep The World paper and other local print and electronic media viable 

• One person who filed as a mayor candidate apparently plans to close The World paper  
• A means to keep people informed and educated in a timely manner. 

• Do all possible to assure a more transparent council / city manager 
• Lead the council to a visit of Urban Renewal plans and budget 
• Work to assure that city manager completes the wastewater matter on time and under budget. 

• Bi weekly, in depth reporting by city manager of progress and hazards to progress 

• Contrary to what is being reported, I believe that the city is already behind schedule 
• This one is paramount! 

• Encourage greater council meeting participation by the public 
• Work to give people greater opportunity to speak before the council. 

• Five minutes not three 

• Assure that council is not doing job that city manager is being paid $200,000+ to do. 
• Request an immediate in depth report to the people by the city manager regarding the deteriorating sewer system. 

• City manager explain to the people the city plans to repair / replace and exorbitant sewer fees 

• Request an immediate presentation by the city manager of other infrastructure improvements required and where funds will come from 
• Request that the city manager explain in depth why four cents  / gallon tax is required; identify the city written plan of how monies collected will be allocated, assure that funds are allocated fairly and to all parts of the city including Eastside and Empire. 
• Understand why there is budget for the Hollering Place (1.5 million) and Egyptian Theatre 
• Work with concerned citizens to find a remedy to the homeless camps within the city 
• Assure that the city has the most effective Water Board and other agency reps 
• Working with the city manager, assure that the city has the most effective and responsive department heads 
• Public Safety 

• Do staff have 100% support 
• What is needed 
• Is city really prepared for an earthquake / tsunami 

• Only three ambulances in city; one fire truck in Empire 
• Is staff cross trained in the event of an emergency 
• Who is deputy city manager 

• Assure greater Coos Bay / North Bend collaboration on matters of mutual interest 

• The city is partially funding SCDC.  Request an immediate presentation by SCDC of 14 years creating jobs; of accomplishments that have benefitted all citizens. 
• Be assured that there is existing law being enforced to clean up eye sore properties.  Do whatever is required to create new law re crap (refrigerators, sofas, tires) on lawns with “free” signs 

• A statement to prospective employers that we have no pride in our community 

 
And last, I will request that the city manager publish and keep current a list of after - hours / weekend department heads (other than police and fire) for citizens to contact if an emergency situation.   
 
With Kindest Regards, 
Fred 

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