Six Candidates Over Six Days Series: Day 4 – Dr. Jeri Turgesen, District 3 Challenger

By Rebecca Wallis
NEWBERG, OR – September 29, 2024

Below are the 15 complex questions asked of District 3 challenger, Dr. Jeri Turgesen, on a variety of multi-layered subjects. Challenger Dr. Turgesen chose to answer 15 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?

Growing up in Yamhill County, I frequently spent time in Newberg attending the Old-Fashioned Festival, participating in various work-related events for my parents, and later getting my first ‘official’ job here in town. We officially became part of the community when my husband and I moved to Newberg in 2009, while I attended George Fox University. We have considered Newberg our home and have lived here continuously since then (with the exception of 2-year required training placement from 2011-2013). We returned to Newberg as quickly as possible in 2013 and have lived here since that time. Both my children were born in Newberg, attend Newberg schools, and my family is actively engaged and committed to serving and supporting this community in a variety of capacities.

My desire to join the Newberg City Council stems from my deep-rooted commitment to this community, and desire for a long-term vision of success for the city of Newberg. I am excited by the thought of having the opportunity to represent my neighborhood, foster civic engagement, and cultivate relationships throughout the city with our local government, community-based organizations, civic groups, and stakeholders to support developing a sense of community and engagement. I have a genuine interest and passion for public service. Having the opportunity to serve Newberg and work towards making a positive impact in my community through growth and development would be an incredible honor.

As an individual, I am driven by personal values of compassion and kindness. I believe in cultivating relationships and the value of caring for others. I value trustworthiness and transparency and am committed to bringing these values to my work as a member of the city council. These values have been highly informed by my own rural upbringing and background. Having the opportunity to serve Newberg and work towards making a positive impact in my community through a combination of my own rural background and values, and professional experiences in support of Newberg’s growth and development, would be an incredible honor.

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

Newberg is impacted by a significant number of concerns:

1. Livability
2. Housing affordability
3. Economic development
4. Safety

Please see responses to the below questions for policy plans to address the above considerations should I have the honor of being elected.

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

My priorities for economic development in Newberg focus on supporting small businesses, encouraging innovation, and fostering public-private partnerships. Our small businesses are vital to our local economy; working to reduce unnecessary regulations, improve access to city resources, and strengthen partnerships with organizations like the Newberg Downtown Coalition can help to expand and grow our local business economy. I also plan to encourage growth in sectors such as tourism, wine, and agriculture, while maintaining our emphasis on light industry. Public-private partnerships will help revitalize key areas and ensure that economic growth remains sustainable. It is essential to promote living wage jobs and balanced growth while preserving Newberg’s small-town charm.

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

Addressing housing affordability is both a national and a local issue, and a central need for Newberg. I will advocate for policies that expand affordable housing, diversify housing options, and preserve existing homes. Partnering with nonprofits, developers, and state agencies to create affordable housing, including mixed-income developments, is key. I support incentivizing developers through tax credits and streamlined permitting to include affordable units within new projects. Additionally, expanding middle-housing options like duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units will help meet the needs of diverse residents, including first-time homebuyers. Zoning reforms that allow higher-density developments in suitable areas can also increase housing access while maintaining Newberg’s character.

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

The divisiveness within our community has had a significant impact. It is the work of all leaders to promote unity and collaboration throughout our community. I will focus on fostering respectful dialogue and solution-oriented approaches. Acknowledging our community’s differences, I believe we must focus on shared goals and values that benefit all residents, such as safety, economic development, and affordability. By focusing on practical, community-wide issues, we can move beyond divisions. I hope to lead by example, bringing my own values of compassion and respect to the work of the city council and working collaboratively with other leaders. Creating spaces for open, respectful conversations creates space to hear diverse perspectives while finding common ground to advance our shared vision for a healthy, thriving community.

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

Livability is a crucial and key component to ensuring Newberg remains safe and livable for all residents. I will prioritize public safety, infrastructure improvements, and access to necessary services for those who are vulnerable, including addiction and mental health services. Ensuring all of Newberg’s residents feel safe and have a sense of belonging is foundational. I will advocate for ensuring our police and emergency services have the resource they need to emphasize de-escalation, crisis intervention, and community policing. Enhancing livability also involves improving infrastructure, such as roads and sidewalks, to ensure safe and accessible transportation and walkability for all residents. Additionally, partnering with local and regional organizations to ensure that Newberg residents have the necessary access to mental health and addiction services is an important component of addressing the wellbeing of our community. By ensuring that core tenets of safety, belonging, infrastructure, and wellbeing are addressed we can ensure that Newberg is safe and livable for all.

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

Environmental sustainability is an important component of a healthy and thriving community. Newberg needs to develop collaborative processes that will balance economic growth and responsible stewardship of our natural resources. I would partner with current organizations and programs to promote energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure into our long-term planning. I would advocate for waste reduction initiatives, including expanded recycling programs and composting. Additionally, I would support those policies that encourage water conservation and protect local water sources. Encouraging sustainable development practices that prioritize energy efficiency and responsible land use is crucial, along with engaging the community through civic leadership and participation in environmental efforts.

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

I highly value transparency, trustworthiness, and communication. These factors will be very important in my role as a member of city council and engaging with Newberg residents. I will advocate for expanded opportunities for community engagement, including town halls and forums where citizens can voice concerns in more informal settings. Enhancing digital communication, such as regular updates on social media or email, will also help keep residents informed and engaged. Part of transparency includes ensuring citizens are aware of progress or barriers to goals. Strategies such as creating a public scorecard to track progress on key city initiatives will allow citizens to see how the council is working to meet its goals. Additionally, I will focus on proactive outreach, including open ‘office hours’ and targeted engagement with underrepresented groups, ensuring that all voices are heard and residents feel they have space to voice their priorities for the community.

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

Addressing Newberg’s rapidly aging infrastructure, including roads, pipelines, and public facilities, is critical for maintaining safety and livability. My priority would be to repair roads, which are a major concern for residents due to potholes, uneven surfaces, and roads that have significant levels of disrepair. I also believe there is value in advocating for improving traffic management by addressing unsafe, high-traffic intersections and enhancing safety measures in residential areas. Expanding public transit options through Yamhill County Transit will create opportunities to help reduce congestion and support underserved individuals. All of this work must center around transparency so the public understands, can be kept informed, and readily access information about repair timelines and progress. Long-term, we need a proactive maintenance plan that balances sustainability with fiscal responsibility to prevent future disrepair.

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

Newberg has a rich and wonderful history; we must preserve this community charm while fostering intentional growth and expansion. Smart growth policies should be considered that promote mixed-use developments and walkable neighborhoods that are simultaneously able to integrate into existing communities without losing the city’s unique character. By prioritizing designs that reflect Newberg’s natural surroundings and cultural heritage—through architectural styles, materials, and public spaces—we can maintain the city’s charm. Expansion should be done thoughtfully, ensuring new developments and business developments respect the city’s heritage. Balancing responsible, sustainable growth will help to support ensuring that Newberg’s history remains at the forefront while creating opportunities for future generations.

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

Addressing homelessness in Newberg requires a balance of compassionate and practical approaches that center on collaboration, prevention, and accountability. First, increasing access to supportive services, such as mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and job training, will help individuals engage in necessary, stabilizing resources. We need to partner with local organizations and ensure these services are targeted to Newberg residents. Second, fostering collaboration with regional agencies will help share resources and expertise while ensuring Newberg is adequately served. Additionally, regular reviews of service outcomes, using objective data and feedback, can help to ensure that those programs serving the city are delivering results. Preventative measures, such as eviction prevention programs and support services, are also crucial to stopping homelessness before it starts. Finally, expanding affordable housing options and living-wage job opportunities is a long-term strategy that can address one of the root causes of homelessness.

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

The Newberg Dundee Public School District operates independently from the City Council, each with their own priorities and areas of emphasis. This designation and differentiation must be acknowledged and maintained. Simultaneously, the council can play a supportive role in creating a positive community for youth and families. The City Council should focus on fostering safe streets, affordable housing, and accessible community resources to benefit students and their families. Collaborative efforts, like supporting school resource officers (SROs) and addressing infrastructure needs for safe transportation to schools, are key examples of effective partnership.

Additionally, building strong relationships with district leaders can help align efforts when there are shared goals. I will also encourage the development of educational initiatives outside the classroom by working with businesses to consider the development of internships, hands-on learning opportunities, and career exploration programs to support CTE-based learning. These partnerships can help students develop critical skills while supporting the local workforce. While the council and school district operate independently, collaboration in areas of mutual interest can enhance the overall well-being of our community.

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

Advocating for Newberg’s interests at state and county levels is important to ensure our city receives the resources it needs for priority areas. I would prioritize relationship-building with local representatives and establish strong lines of communication. I would also work with the City Council to develop a clear advocacy plan, focusing on identifying Newberg’s unique challenges and opportunities through objective data. By seeking grant opportunities or other financial resources aligned with our community’s priorities, we can support the identification of additional necessary resources for growth. Community engagement is vital for this process; I will actively involve residents in advocacy efforts, ensuring their voices are heard and prioritized. Collaborating with local stakeholders, including business leaders and nonprofits, will help amplify Newberg’s collective voice in broader governmental discussions, ultimately securing the resources we need for a thriving community.

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

Fiscal responsibility is key to our community’s long-term sustainability. I would approach the budget and budgeting process with a transparent, collaborative, and strategic outlook. Transparency is crucial, ensuring that our community is informed about the budget process, key priorities, and the reasoning or rationale behind funding and budgeting decisions. Simultaneously, collaboration with all stakeholders including city staff, department heads, and community organizations will gather diverse, expert perspectives and ensure that budgeting addresses our community’s identified and most pressing areas of concern and need. Performance-based considerations should be incorporated into the budgeting process, allocating resources based on measurable, objective outcomes, and ensuring we are good stewards of our finances and that funds are used efficiently. Long-term planning is important to ensure effective considerations of multi-year forecasts and to plan for known, necessary expenditures in areas of infrastructure or necessary capital investments, preventing financial crises or budget shortages to the greatest extent possible that may harm constituents or negatively impact the city. Being intentional and reasonable with spending practices, searching for cost-saving opportunities, and ensuring we are actively pursuing all aspects of revenue through grants, partnerships, and regional programming are important to diversify our revenue and not depend on constituent fees alone to fund mandatory and essential services.

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

In the role of city council, I see myself as a representative of the voices of the community. Ensuring that all work of the council is Newberg-centered through the voice and input of the residents of Newberg is fundamental. I value communication and collaboration and would prioritize open communication and active engagement. Finding methods of communication including email, social media, phone calls, and meetings with members of the public will be meaningful ways for me to ensure I am hearing from all members and have the opportunity to keep residents informed of the decisions made by the city council. Being accessible through regular means and providing updates on the ways happening are similarly means for fostering trust, transparency, accountability, and a strong connection with the citizens of Newberg.

Yamhill County News would like to thank Dr. Jeri Turgesen for providing answers to our questions.

Tomorrow we will feature Councilor McBride’s answers, Incumbent from District 5, to our questions in their entirety.

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File