Oak Harbor City Councilman Shane Hoffmire posted this on his Facebook page and website on Oct. 5, 2023.
In a moment of personal reflection, I took some time reviewing my decided-upon council priorities from the last year. I am proud to announce that all my five top goals have either been achieved or are in the final stages of completion. Because my priorities and goals are directly linked to conservations and needs of the community, I thought it valuable to let you know what we have accomplished and where we are going with me in leadership.
1) Employee Morale: In the past, staff members have expressed concern about low morale amongst those who support the City Council. I have made it my mission to ensure that the Council is never the cause of low morale and continue to work towards improving this daily. We have built a great team and have some of the best staff I’ve ever seen and want them to feel that profound appreciation.
2) Public Safety: One of my initial campaign promises was to work towards improving public safety, principally doing whatever possible to ensure the Fire Station Bond and Levy was passed. In November 2022, Oak Harbor graciously voted to approve the construction of a second Fire Station and utilize funds to provide appropriate staffing levels. I am excited to see our second station officially opening in 2025.
3) Critical Infrastructure:
a. West Whidbey Ave: The primarily grant-funded project is coming along nicely. We are in the process of, and near completing, the reconstruction of West Whidbey Avenue and the replacement of below grade critical infrastructure. While many behind the scenes hours have been put into this project, I would be remiss if I did not mention the dedication of our expert staff and local contractors to make this achievable.
b. NE 7th Ave: Decades in the making, the rebuilding of NE 7th Avenue will finally begin in the upcoming spring. Grant-funded, this total reconstruction will be a beautiful addition to our community and ensure some of our most impacted youth has safe passageway to their educations.
4) Modernized Development Code: The development code and permitting in Oak Harbor has historically been convolved and difficult to follow. I have been actively working with my fellow Council colleagues to both update and modernize these codes and streamline the permitting process. Our goal has been to make the process more user friendly and we are making great strides.
5) Intentional Economic Development: While the abovementioned successes have generated economic development, the Council has gone further yet by creating an Economic Development Coordinator position. Hired in January, we are seeing impressive improvements and are looking forward to where this position takes our new hire.
While I know my dedication and demonstrated commitment to the office and to Oak Harbor has generated much of the success we are seeing, I realize that a great portion of this accomplishment comes directly from my constituents talking to me (and to us as a Council at large) and none of this would be possible without you. Please continue to have these conversations and continue to believe that I am working for you in order to make Oak Harbor’s government effective in Building a Better Tomorrow.
On the Ballot in 2023
| CITY OF OAK HARBOR |
|---|
| City Councilmember, Position 1 Tara Hizon, the incumbent |
| City Councilmember, Position 2 Andy Plumlee Chris Wiegenstein Incumbent Beth Munns did not file for re-election. |
| City Councilmember, Position 3 Eric Marshall, the incumbent |
| City Councilmember, Position 4 John Chaszar Barbara Armes Chris Wiegenstein, the incumbent, was appointed to this position after Filing Week closed. He had chosen to file for Position 2. |
| Mayor Ronnie Wright Shane Hoffmire Incumbent Bob Severns did not file for re-election. |
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