By Rebecca Wallis
Lafayette, OR – September 26, 2024
Tom Reed, a candidate for Lafayette City Council, has issued a formal response to a recent press release from Mayor Hilary Malcomson, in which she refuted statements Reed made in the Yamhill County Voter’s Pamphlet. In his response, Reed acknowledges the need for clarification regarding his original statement but emphasizes his financial expertise and commitment to addressing the city’s fiscal challenges.
Reed, a retired financial manager with over 30 years of experience, including roles at Deloitte and Avery, has been a resident of Lafayette for 10 years. His background includes a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Cleveland State University. Throughout his career, Reed has served in various financial analysis and management roles, which he believes equip him to provide much-needed financial oversight for the city.
In his pamphlet, Reed described how he helped identify the city’s water rate issues during the summer of 2023, a situation that caused significant confusion and frustration among residents. “The new bills were three times what the existing water bills had been,” Reed explained. “The residents reacted, appropriately, with fear and anger. There were large meetings at the fire station to address the issue, and I was quite vocal toward the city council.”
Reed recounted how he studied the water rate error, met with Mayor Malcomson, and provided her with what he believed to be corrected information. In his initial voter pamphlet statement, he implied that his solution was adopted by the council. However, Mayor Malcomson’s press release contested that claim, stating that a proposal by Councilor Gilgan, not Reed, was ultimately implemented.
In his response to the mayor, Reed clarified: “I stand corrected. The city screwed up the water rates and issued the bills. I figured out how it was wrong and why and advised you. You agreed. It’s not my plan, it’s the plan.”
He explained further that regardless of whether the solution was a 20% rate increase or a $20 surcharge, the outcome would have been the same in terms of covering the city’s water system expenses. “Once the expenses of the water system are agreed upon, however the bills are done, they have to equal the amount of the expenses. So it’s six of one or a half dozen of the other.”
Reed also addressed the mayor’s decision to issue an official press release in response to his pamphlet statement. “The posting of an official announcement was really over the top,” he said. “Not something I would have done.”
Despite the discrepancy, Reed emphasized that his expertise in financial management is what the city needs to avoid future fiscal missteps. He highlighted that his experience, including his time as HOA president and his roles in financial analysis and management, would be valuable in ensuring the city’s finances are well-managed. “I believe I can use my financial management experience and skills to help improve the management of the city and reduce the taxes and costs to the minimal level,” Reed said.
In a recent phone conversation with Reed, he indicated he was really passionate at the city council meeting and could have communicated with less emotions and a more calm demeanor. The voter pamplet statement was not written with an intention of misleading the voters. It was miscommunication. He looks forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor when elected and under less tense circumstances.
As the November election approaches, Reed hopes voters will consider his extensive financial background and his dedication to improving the city’s fiscal health. “I will be a full-time city councilor and am excited to improve the financial performance of the city,” he added.
Reed’s experience and his response to the water rate issue highlight the importance of financial oversight in city governance—a key message of his campaign.
Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File
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