Six Candidates Over Six Days Series: Day 6 – Tyson Butler, District 5 Challenger

By Rebecca Wallis

NEWBERG, OR – October 1 , 2024

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

My north star in this campaign and if elected is the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” I think I embody this value and was inspired to offer myself as a trusted official with the people’s business. I also really love policy work – what some would consider mundane is really crucial for our life together in this town. Governance matters to people’s everyday lives and I want to ensure we are listening well, acting boldly where we need to address our highest priorities and use our limited resources efficiently. I want our children or grandchildren to avoid bearing the responsibility of something we could have solved presently – that’s ultimately my driving force. It’s incredibly important to me that they have a uniquely wonderful place to grow up in. Local government that is responsive to the needs of the collective community (including our descendents – children and the yet-to-be-born) is crucial.

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

I think the most pressing issue for Newberg residents is the same for most other places and it comes down to economics – most people are just trying to get by. The city can help alleviate this by growing opportunities for all. I see this breaking down into two very big categories: incentivizing business growth to provide living wage jobs and advancing more affordable housing. 

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

We have the structures we need as a city (Newberg Downtown Coalition, Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, etc), but we need to use the levers of the city to amplify their reach and effectiveness. We need to invest in every economic development tool possible to attract development and business to our community. The work of the current city council to restructure the SDCs, expand the enterprise zone, and prepare for urban renewal, needs to be the priority of the next council. If the current council is truly invested in keeping the cost of living low in Newberg, we need to implement the structures and tools to be fully operational and effective in the next 5-10 years.

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

There is no silver bullet to affordable housing and Newberg is not alone in experiencing it. It’s really a national concern as the Joint Center for Housing Studies details and reports on. To overcome market forces of supply and demand, which is the root cause, Newberg can take steps towards incentivizing supply – especially that of the “middle housing” variety (townhouses, cottage courts, apartments, duplexes, etc.) to create more housing stock that can address the needs of cost-burdened residents. This is a systemic issue and one that requires a holistic strategy using all available tools in order to make progress on. There have been positive measures that have been enacted, but one model that could be a part of the strategy is leveraging community land trusts to build permanent affordable housing. I think this model is extremely effective with impacts over a long time-horizon. The city could spearhead and scale this model in partnership with nonprofits and the development community.

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 think representational government is the key here – having diverse voices making the decisions for a diverse city. There is so much common ground that gets lost in the division that we can all get behind. Let’s focus on those areas and then build out into areas that need more mutual understanding. We would do well to set aside many of the wedge issues that aren’t as pertinent to city council business. That said, when divisive issues arise, we need leadership who can communicate with grace, educate when necessary, and most importantly, listen with empathy. These traits will demonstrate how others ought to be treated and be an example for all residents to model.

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

Safety and livability are both things everyone can get behind and key to our quality of life! A high quality of life is the cornerstone of a place that is great to live in. When people love where they live, they’re inspired to make it even better. Our parks, streets, and public spaces and the safety we feel using them play a crucial role in our health and overall well-being. A community that meets its residents’ needs for safety and livability becomes a more attractive place to live, work, and do business. For instance, I want kids to safely cruise around on their bikes, to walk outside as a family and not feel threatened, and I know many residents share the same sentiment. Quality of life isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Our public safety department, social services, and mental healthcare providers all play a vital role in maintaining our sense of safety – thanks for the work that you do! 

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

Environmental sustainability is important because clean air, water, and soil are vital for everyone’s well-being. Most meaningful environmental initiatives are at the county, state, and federal level. The scope of the city’s mission is more narrow, but does have a role to play. Using the triple bottom line approach to development is key as we balance the interest of people, planet and prosperity – important for all zoning, planning and development decisions. I’m also interested in low-cost, low-tech solutions that can benefit residents and by extension, those “down stream.” I could imagine supporting: volunteer street tree planting, surface permeability options to decrease stormwater runoff, planting food-bearing plants and trees in parks and public spaces, and common-sense water conservation practices to reduce the burden on our supply. I think our descendents would thank us for our attention to this.

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

The council has improved a lot in this area and I applaud their efforts in providing more transparency in the materials they offer access to. I do think those on the council have a role to play as educators about how the city operates, sets fees, creates zoning, etc. and could do more to bring awareness to how the government works through their public meetings and online resources.

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

Transportation and public facilities are vital for our city to function effectively. It’s incumbent on the city to manage a well-maintained road system, and I would prioritize filling potholes, improving signage for traffic and pedestrian safety. Strategically, I think we should take into account pedestrian and bikeways into our overall transportation plan for enhanced walkability/bikeability. It’s important to me that my kids can cruise around on their bike safely like I did when I was young. Our parks, libraries, and other public facilities are a critical “third place” where residents can socialize and should be treated as a community priority. The public spaces and facilities in the overall Riverfront master plan will be an exciting undertaking to add another gem to Newberg and I would advocate for that development as quickly as feasible. 

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

First, I would advocate for the continued protection and restoration of historic buildings and landmarks. These landmarks are links to our past and can be repurposed for different uses so they can remain vibrant parts of our community. I would put heritage trees in this category as well. I would find value in creating a tree inventory/map of some of our important trees in Newberg so the community can enjoy them. Also, I would support Newberg’s myriad of cultural events and programs that celebrate our local history and traditions – they are great common ground to build new connections with neighbors. The overall look and feel to Newberg is important to residents and keeping the small town feel while growing and developing are a real balancing act. Put plainly, I would encourage smart development that respects our historical context, which would rely heavily on public comment.

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

As someone not directly involved in social services to the homeless or strategizing on solutions, I lean on experts. I am heavily invested in solving the primary cause of homelessness most experts identify: affordable housing. Development of middle housing can directly positively impact our homeless population in addition to the other challenges it solves. As far as addressing homelessness immediately, my disposition is that I will never punch down. So believe it’s our responsibility as a community to come around the most vulnerable and provide options and services. Abdicating this responsibility is not an option. Supporting and investing in organizations with relationships and competency within the homeless populations is the most effective way to meet their immediate needs.

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

I think the city should make every effort to work in tandem with local schools (public and private) to augment how we provide a livable place with access to parks, library activities and other amenities that are stimulating to a child’s upbringing. I think when the city stepped up to provide an SRO because of the budget problems at the district was a great example of how we can support local schools.

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

It’s extremely important for Newberg to be engaged at higher levels of governments in which we are organized and pursue our interests with persistence. I can imagine consistently writing letters to county and state officials expressing the interests of Newberg on certain strategic issues we face as well as building relationships with those elected officials and staff. I’m keenly interested in bringing in other sources of funding to this city and will make every effort to ascertain those funds where possible. Lastly, the state needs to limit their unfunded mandates and prioritize funding the Newberg bypass – I am eager to see how we can influence those two things in particular.

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

I think the current council has done well to ensure that the city’s budget is utilized well. It’s absolutely incumbent on city councilors to embrace the fiduciary responsibility to use public resources in the most efficient and effective manner. I very much dislike waste or mismanagement and we have very limited resources to work with so every expenditure needs to be “worth it.” Everything is a tradeoff with budgets vs. priorities, so I think balance is the key. We don’t want to fall off the edge of the saddle where we trim the budget down so far and can’t be responsive to the needs of the community. 

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

Great question! My “door” will always be open. I love talking with people and building bridges, so I would be energized by being accessible to the public. I will really emphasize listening to the full spectrum of resident perspectives found in Newberg (it’s boring to only talk with people you agree with). I will do my best to remain active within community groups and meet the people where they are at. In addition, I think the city could create more engagement with residents through outreach and volunteer opportunities to actually work together to advance the development of public projects.

Yamhill County News would like to thank Challenger Tyson Butler for providing answers to our questions.

This is our final day in the “Six Candidates Over Six Days” Series for the city of Newberg Candidates.

Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File