Six Candidates Over Six Days Series: Day 2 – Britta Mansfield, District 1 Challenger

By Rebecca Wallis
NEWBERG, OR – September 27, 2024

Below are the 15 complex questions asked of District 1 challenger, Britta Mansfield, on a variety of multi-layered subjects. Challenger Mansfield chose to answer 10 of the 15 questions.  Our editorial team did not throw softballs. We threw hardballs. Our complex questions are relevant, provocative, and essential to understanding the person who is running for city council.  All answers provided by this candidate have been printed in their entirety, without editing, exactly as provided.

1.      Why are you running for Newberg City Council, and what inspired you to get involved in local politics?

I’m running for Newberg City Council so I can use my strong leadership skills to serve my community. I’ve always been interested in local politics and have worked closely with various nonprofits in Newberg over the last decade. My time with these organizations showed me how important it is to be involved at the local level. I believe local electeds can have a huge impact on the lives of residents and want to serve my fellow residents well.

2.      What do you see as the most pressing issue facing Newberg today, and how do you plan to address it if elected?

Newberg faces many issues (as do all cities) but what most interests me is managing growth while maintaining livability. Hundreds of homes have been built in Newberg recently and more are planned for the coming years. I want to ensure that in the midst of growth Newebrg does not lose its core characteristics. Our infrastructure needs to be updated to serve current and future residents well. Our economy needs to be supported so people have a place to work. Ultimately, I want to make sure Newberg is prepared for the future while not losing sight of the past that made it what it is today.

3.      What are your key priorities for economic development in Newberg? How will you support small businesses and economic growth?

My key priority is making sure the City does not stand in the way of business growth. New businesses should not be burdened by excessive fees and existing businesses should be able to easily expand. The City has done some important work recently to examine and restructure SDCs and I’m appreciative of their efforts. I’d like to examine other city fees and permitting processes to make sure our processes are as smooth as possible.

4.      Housing affordability is a growing concern across Oregon. What policies would you advocate for to improve housing options in Newberg? 

No response given.

5.      Newberg has faced divisive issues regarding education and community values. How would you promote unity and collaboration among diverse groups  within the city? 

I believe that listening is a key to clear communication and collaboration. I think that if people had the opportunity both to listen and be heard in person it would go a long way towards building unity. Part of this is encouraging people to be involved, attend meetings, serve on committees, and ask questions. As a leader I want to exemplify the behavior I want to see. I work to listen as intently as possible and listen with the intent to really hear other perspectives. We all also need to be willing to work together and compromise. Compromise shouldn’t mean that nobody gets what they want but should mean that a better solution was discovered through collaboration.

6.      How do you plan to ensure that Newberg remains a safe and livable community for all residents?

I see three big areas that contribute to livability: safety, infrastructure, and the economy. I will continue to support our amazing police and fire departments to ensure they can continue keeping our community safe. I will thoughtfully engage in infrastructure planning so our existing systems are maintained and updated and that our infrastructure grows with our community. I look forward to supporting the local economy by ensuring the city is not a stumbling block for business growth.

7.      Environmental sustainability is increasingly important. What initiatives would you propose to support sustainability and environmental protection in Newberg?

No response given.

8.      How will you improve transparency and communication between the City Council and the citizens of Newberg?

No response given.

9.      What is your stance on local infrastructure, including transportation and public facilities? How would you prioritize improvements in this area?

I think it’s essential to responsibly maintain local infrastructure. Roads and water systems in particular are essential for livability. I want to make sure maintenance and expansion are planned for properly so things don’t fall into disrepair.

10.   Newberg has a rich history and culture. How would you preserve the city’s heritage while also fostering growth and modernization?

My career is based in heritage work and making sure communities are aware of their history. I’ve worked with various nonprofits to make sure history is preserved and easily accessible to the public. I think the City’s role in preserving history and culture can include partnering with nonprofits on specific projects like the Newberg Area Historical Society’s downtown signage project, supporting the work of the Historic Preservation Commission, and taking our past and present into account when making policy decisions.

11.   What strategies do you have for addressing homelessness in the community?

No response given.

12.   What role do you think the City Council should play in supporting local schools and educational initiatives?

No response given.

13.   How would you work with state and county officials to ensure Newberg’s interests are represented at the higher levels of government?

I will work to build strong, positive relationships with representatives at higher levels of government. Councilors should be able to advocate for their community’s needs at all levels and this starts with building good relationships with officials especially at the local, county, and state level. I’ve already had very positive conversations with our current county commissioners and look forward to working with them to make sure Newberg’s needs are met.

14.   What is your approach to handling the city’s budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility?

Responsibility and transparency are essential when it comes to managing a city budget. I think the city has qualified staff in the financial department and engaged residents on its budget committee so I look forward to supporting them. I also want to make sure I have a deep understanding of how the budget works and ensure that needs are properly prioritized. I want to have a clear understanding of current and future city projects and how their prioritization is reflected in the budget. I also want to make sure this information is accessible and understandable for the community. The budget can be found on the City’s website but I’d love to make it even easier to find and offer the community a simple explanation of how it’s developed.

15.   If elected, how will you stay connected to your constituents and ensure their voices are heard on important issues?

Staying connected to constituents is an important part of being a Councilor. I’m always happy to connect with constituents one on one and try to be at as many community events as possible, people are always welcome to say hello and share their thoughts with me. I’m happy to answer emails and encourage people to attend council meetings and offer public comment. I think it could also be fun to continue hosting meet and greets even after campaign season. I really want to learn more about what is important to Newberg residents and ensure their voice is being heard on council.

Yamhill County News would like to thank Britta Mansfield for providing answers to our questions.

Tomorrow we will feature Councilor Cloyd’s answers, from District 3, to our questions in their entirety.

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File