Six Candidates Over Six Days Series: Day 5 – Mike McBride, District 5 Incumbent

By Rebecca Wallis
NEWBERG, OR – September 30, 2024

Below are the 15 complex questions asked of Councilor McBride on a variety of multi-layered subjects. Councilor McBride 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? 

I have been involved in my local town’s affairs for over 30 years, including Chehalem Park & Rec and, more recently, 4 years on Newberg City Council. I want to help make common-sense decisions in the town where I was born. We are only a few years away from looking like Portland, so it is my pleasure to keep Newberg moving forward.

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

The biggest issue facing Newberg is the concern that we could go back to a majority of non-common sense thinker. When I was elected to the council I was the only common sense thinker there, and there was a lack of police support, an added construction tax was added that increased the home prices, a lack of help for the businesses during covid. There was no concern for the common sense goals that this current council has now. So if elected I will be putting Newberg first and will advocate for the majority good and not for the special interest of the few, yes I will always be a common since basic thinker and will make decisions based on the majority good of my born and raised town NEWBERG.

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

Newberg needs a plan and strategy to bring in land that can be zoned for light industrial use. It is very important to have good family jobs, or else we risk becoming just a bedroom community. I don’t want that, and that’s why we need to encourage sustainable development that creates local jobs.

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

It is crucial to keep development fees down, as these costs often get passed on to the homeowner. One solution is to incentivize the building of smaller homes—around 1,000 square feet or less—through reduced fees. These homes could serve as starter homes for young couples or as downsized options for retirees. Additionally, bringing in land zoned for light industrial use to create better-paying jobs will help promote affordable housing.

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 in encouraging everyone to speak up. We have a right to object if something goes against our values. The problem arises when people start attacking others for their beliefs. We should be able to agree to disagree and speak out without fear of being attacked. I will always promote that approach and encourage open dialogue.

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

I am a big supporter of the police and believe in law and order. There should be consequences for one’s actions, and I will always advocate for accountability in that regard to ensure that Newberg remains safe and secure for all its residents.

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

From a business standpoint, environmental projects must be economically feasible. I did vote for the city’s solar farm, but that was because we received a grant. Similarly, the city purchased an electric street sweeper, but a grant covered almost half the cost. I won’t support using taxpayer money on these initiatives unless they make financial sense. Solar and electric vehicles often result in costly repairs, so I believe private businesses should lead the way in adopting these technologies, like Fred Meyer did with their electric vehicle charging stations.

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

Being truthful is always the best policy. I believe Newberg has improved in recent years. The council is working on a newsletter that will go out with residents’ water bills and be available online. I think this is a big step forward, and I would continue down this path to keep improving communication with the community.

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

It is a given that we need to keep up with the repair and replacement of our current infrastructure and make sure to adhere to our current repair program that is in place. It is important to work with the state on repair of 219 and 99W as they are state Hwys. It is important to try to keep trucks from coming through Newberg or perhaps try to have a separate rout through town for truck traffic so the down town can be safer and thrive with more unique businesses., and great patronage.

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

Saving and preserving the heritage of Newberg is very important. The city should partner with a local non-profit that has the experience in getting grants for the owners of the older buildings to paint, and fix up the older buildings to preserve the look of our classic treasures. I believe there are state and Federal money as other places available.

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

I don’t believe we have a homeless problem; we have a drug problem. Decriminalizing hard drugs was a mistake. I don’t support giving people handouts that only fuel addiction. Instead, I believe in offering a hand-up, such as access to rehab or shelters that provide job training. I would also like to see quarterly reports from shelters and non-profits on how many people they help, their success rates in securing jobs, and whether they are truly addressing the root issues. Accountability is key.

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

It’s not the council’s role to dictate school policy, but we can work together on shared services, such as joint bids for vehicle repairs to get better rates, as well as fuel purchases. For example, the city already sells fuel to the school district at bulk rates, which helps both organizations save money.

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

I believe we should appoint one or two council people to make contact or to go to meetings on a quarterly basis to promote Newberg with our local county and state representative’s. Being involved is the key.

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

Having a balanced and sustainable budget is critical. In my first year on the council, I voted against the budget because the city was paying salaries out of reserves, which is unsustainable. Fortunately, with a new city manager and a majority of common-sense thinkers elected, we turned things around. This year’s budget expenses were 22% lower than the previous year, thanks to collaboration between the council and staff. That’s teamwork at its best, and I will continue working to spread the workload and hold down expenses.

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

I respond to all emails I receive as a city council member, and I am always open to anyone calling me at my office. I am available to listen and address any concerns from the community.

Yamhill County News would like to thank Councilor Mike McBride for providing answers to our questions.

Tomorrow we will feature Councilor McBride’s opponent, Tyson Butler’s answers to our questions in their entirety.

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File