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I care deeply about Corvallis—our downtown, our neighborhoods, our local businesses, Oregon State University, and most importantly, the people who choose to call this community home.

I don’t consider myself particularly political, and I don’t look at Measure 2-159 through a political lens. To me, this is about something much simpler: Are we giving the people we elect the best structure possible to make thoughtful, responsible decisions for Corvallis?

I believe we can—and must—do better. Not by pointing fingers, but by giving the people willing to serve our community a better system for doing the work.

Our City Council is asked to make increasingly complicated decisions about housing, public safety, infrastructure, transportation, land use, economic vitality, and our City’s financial future.

These decisions can affect Corvallis for decades, yet our councilors currently serve just two-year terms.

Four-year terms provide more time to learn, build relationships, tackle difficult issues, follow through on important work, and ultimately be accountable for the results.

Staggered elections provide continuity, ensuring experienced councilors remain as new members join. Six wards maintain the geographic representation Corvallis values while creating a more focused governing body. And reasonable term limits value experience while still making room for new people, new energy, and new ideas.

What I appreciate about this measure is its balance. It isn’t about one candidate, one City Council, one election, or one political viewpoint. The structure we choose today will serve Corvallis regardless of who holds office tomorrow.

I’ve always believed strong communities don’t happen by accident. They happen when people care, participate, invest in their community, listen to one another, and make responsible decisions with the long term in mind.

Corvallis is worth that kind of thinking.

I believe Measure 2-159 is a thoughtful, balanced, and responsible step toward better local government.

Please join me in voting YES on Measure 2-159.

Lee Eckroth

(This information furnished by Lee Eckroth)

Learning from the past

In 1971, Corvallis was just over half its current size, with 9 Councilors - 3 elected at large and 6 elected by ward, and all served 6-year terms. Frustrated by a number of issues, a group of citizens proposed amendments within a few months that removed the at-large positions and reduced the term length to 2 years. That hasty Charter change, passed with 23% voter turnout, has been in place ever since.

Even then, some community members worried that:

• 2-year terms were worse than 6-year terms (too short to adequately understand how the city operates)
• Inexperienced council members could lead to a loss of control over city policy

Learning from others, utilizing best practices

Was the 1971 change a good one? Opinions may differ.

What is clear is that, unlike the hasty process of 1971, Measure 2-159 is the result of thoughtful study of best practices and the structures of similar and diverse cities. Building on the 2019 Ad Hoc Charter Committee and culminating with the 2025-26 Charter Review Task Force has resulted in the well-supported proposals of Measure 2-159:

1. 4-year Council terms with time to learn, collaborate, lead, and deliver results.
2. Staggered elections (3 Council seats selected every 2 years) to ensure that experienced Councilors remain in office as new members take office.
3. Three-consecutive-term limits to balance experience with renewal. The limit is consecutive, not a permanent limit.
4. 6 wards to enable a more focused Council that represents the issues facing both their ward and the city.
5. No other changes.

A modernized Council

These changes strengthen our governing structure to address our current and future challenges. Adopting a practical, proven approach, this Measure preserves ward representation and a citywide-elected mayor, with no change to the mayor’s voting role.

MODERNIZE THE CHARTER, STRENGTHEN CORVALLIS

(This information furnished by Tony Cadena, Corvallis Councilor and Council President)