By Alice Norris, Mayor
“ Notice that the most interesting and successful people are always talking about what they are for, rather than what they are against." -- Michael Nolan
Please extend a warm welcome to Daphne Wuest, the newest addition to your city commission! After interviewing two well-qualified candidates, the commission selected Daphne to fill Bob Bailey’s vacant seat. She has served on our Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission, and was active in the McLoughlin Neighborhood Association. In her application letter she wrote, “My record of civic involvement, along with extensive communication training in conflict resolution, workplace mediation, and small group dynamics will be a great asset in this job position.”
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Bob Bailey has been a positive force on your city commission for over three years and a very important player on the team that has begun to kick-start Oregon City’s economic engine. His ability to listen, to be a voice of reason during complex discussions, to ask good questions, plus his extensive land use experience -- are all traits that made him an effective city commissioner. And he made us laugh!
In 2003, he conceived and wrote our only official Annual Report, a detailed look at the goals and accomplishments of our city. Because of his experience on our Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and on the Planning Commission, Bob’s contribution to our Comprehensive Plan update was invaluable. He was the driver behind our adoption of goals to improve the accountability and financial health of the City.
Many will remember Bob as a great emcee at our Concerts in the Parks summer series for the past two years. He promoted strong neighborhoods and attended many regional and community meetings to advocate for transportation funding and economic development.
We recognized his leadership by electing him Commission President in January and he stepped in very capably as our alternate at the influential MPAC (Metro Policy Advisory Council) table. His articulate presentations and wise counsel made him a respected member of the region and helped open doors for Oregon City to new opportunities.
Oregon City has had many excellent and dedicated volunteers and city commissioners throughout its 162 year history. Bob Bailey takes his place beside them. Thank you, Bob, for leaving this place a little bit better than you found it!