Nov. 5 General Election candidates: Hood River City Council

I’d like to serve as a voice for the people of Hood River to ensure that we evolve in the best possible ways, realizing our most livable potential for everyone in the community. I’ve been part of the Heights Urban Renewal project since 2019, and that’s been exciting and rewarding work. As the city grows and changes, I want to help address challenges and find solutions so we all can live our best lives here.

What are your qualifications for this position?

Serving on the Urban Renewal Advisory Committee for the past five years, I’ve been involved with various stakeholders in the community, as well as city staff and a design/engineering firm. I’ve been a Heights business owner for 14 years and served on the Hood River County Library Foundation Board for 13 years. I’m a single mom of two school age children, and we live in a rental home. I believe my curiosity about things in general, combined with critical and analytical thinking skills, can help me serve as an effective councilperson.

What are the top three issues facing the city?

Three important issues that Hood River faces are affordable housing, mindful growth/city planning, and equity for all community members. It’s so important that the people who work in Hood River, who make it a such a desirable place to live and visit, have the opportunity to reside here! City planning and transportation issues are vital as well — it should be easy and safe for citizens of all ages to get around on foot, by bike, or in a vehicle.

What is an innovation you would recommend the city try?

To meet the challenges of housing here, money is always a major issue, both for the community and for individuals, and I don’t have any magic bullets. However, I’d like to help research and explore in detail the various ways that other communities across the U.S. successfully meet their working-class affordable housing challenges. With hard work, our city leaders have achieved some successes, but I just personally know too many good people who contribute to and work in this community, who struggle so hard with finding affordable, quality housing for their families, some of them even making the hard choice to leave the area.

Finish this statement: In five years, my vision for the City of Hood River is …

To be a highly livable city where all members of the community have an opportunity to reside and thrive.

Curt Ivy

Why are you running?

I believe it’s important to give back to your community, and that’s my inspiration for running for city council. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face and the need to foster an environment where they can thrive. Also, my background as a social worker has deepened my commitment to advocating for marginalized populations. By harnessing our community’s diverse talents and fostering collaboration, I am running to be a voice for all our citizens.

What are your qualifications for this position?

My professional journey highlights my commitment to diverse populations and community engagement. As an entrepreneur, having started and run two successful businesses, I’ve managed all aspects of operations and built strong, lasting relationships. As President of my HOA, I oversee community governance, conflict resolution, and financial oversight. Previously, my career was in social work, being a middle school Social Worker and then a Public Housing Program Coordinator, all of which further deepened my understanding of community needs. Combined, these experiences have equipped me to effectively advocate for the folks of Hood River.

What are the top three issues facing the city?

I believe housing affordability, sustainable development, and tourism management are some of the top issues facing our city. Housing prices have surged, making it challenging for residents to find affordable options. Sustainable development is important to balance economic growth with social well-being and environmental protection, ensuring that progress benefits both current and future generations. Additionally, the influx of tourists can strain local infrastructure and services, creating tensions between residents and visitors. Addressing these issues requires a balanced approach that supports growth while preserving our community’s unique character and environment.

What is an innovation you would recommend the city try?

I believe bicycle infrastructure enhancements are an innovation the city should explore. This would promote eco-friendly transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and lean towards improving public health. This can be done through expanding bike lanes, creating additional safe routes, and possibly establishing bike-sharing programs. By doing so, we would encourage more residents and visitors to truly experience our beautiful city. This not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions but also boosts local businesses by increasing foot traffic. Additionally, improved cycling infrastructure fosters a sense of community, encourages outdoor activity, and enhances the overall quality of life for our city.

Finish this statement: In five years, my vision for the City of Hood River is …

In five years, my vision for our city is not to be completely different than where we are now, but for us to be even more vibrant — and thrive as a sustainable community that balances growth with environmental stewardship. I envision additional affordable housing options, enhanced public spaces, and a strong local economy that supports small businesses. I would love for our city to lean into renewable energy initiatives, helping ensure future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of the Gorge. Together, we can create a city that prioritizes inclusivity, innovation, and quality of life for everyone.

Anna C. Cavaleri

Why are you running?

I am running for a position on Hood River’s City Council because I love our community and I value and want to model civic engagement. If I take a turn in serving our community, hopefully others will be inspired to do the same. I recognize that there are many complex issues that the city is managing (affordable housing, sustainable growth, public safety including safe bike and pedestrian routes and public transport, land use and development code review, to name just a few). Progress and success require persistent communication, collaboration and compromise. 

What are your qualifications for this position?

I am a partner in a local law practice. My job is issue spotting and problem solving, which oftentimes involves listening, seeking key details, and creative thinking. I love the variety of challenges that I encounter, the opportunity to help people and to continue to learn. I have served on the Boards of our Parks & Rec District Board (July 2017-present), Columbia Center for the Arts (December 2018 to October 2021) and Hood River Valley Residents Committee (now Thrive, 2016-2017). I worked with our port’s general counsel, Jerry Jaques (January 2020 to December 2023). I have met many community members, heard their concerns and ideas, and participated in advocating for positive change that has and will shape our community, such as the Parks & Rec District’s purchase of the Blackman/Skakel properties which will someday be developed into an amazing community park.

What are the top three issues facing the city?

Housing: not just affordable housing but also attainable housing — housing that teachers, firefighters, postal workers, and restaurant staff can afford to live in;

Sustainable Growth: helping businesses find and afford to employ local residents, and help local residents be able to afford to live and work in our community; and

Transportation Safety/Efficiency: safer bike and pedestrian transportation routes, vehicle parking and traffic efficiencies, and support for our public transport.

What is an innovation you would recommend the city try?

Fostering collaborative relationships with the County, School District, Parks & Rec, the Library District, and the Port to find efficiencies that benefit all of our constituents — for example, exploring the idea of consolidating resources or seeing if addressing the city’s need for a larger police station could also overlap with the county’s need for a new courthouse.

Finish this statement: In 5 years, my vision for the City of Hood River is …

A vibrant, safe and engaged community where locals feel as supported and welcome as our visitors; where civic engagement is encouraged and courtesy is commonplace … oh, and a roller skating rink would be amazing too!

Gladys Rivera

Incumbent

Why are you running?

I’m committed to continue serving as a city council member because I believe in the power of community-driven leadership to foster inclusive and equitable change. I was born and raised in Hood River, and have a unique perspective and deep understanding of the diverse needs of our community. My dedication to public service and my professional experience in health equity drive me to continue advocating for disadvantaged groups and ensuring that our local government is responsive to all residents.

What are your qualifications for this position?

My experience in healthcare has honed my skills in developing and implementing comprehensive programs aimed at addressing health disparities. I collaborated to successfully coordinate a COVID-19 vaccine distribution program, achieving the highest vaccination rate in Oregon, particularly in BIPOC communities. Additionally, I have extensive experience in managing budgets, grants, contracts, and have led initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in community health outcomes.

My leadership on the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council Board, Regional Solutions, and the Mid Columbia Energy Council, further equip me to contribute effectively to the City Council.

What are the top three issues facing the city?

We need affordable housing! Specifically, more land to build deed restricted housing. There are additional needs for infrastructure improvements, and better ways to engage our diverse community members.

What is an innovation you would recommend the city to try?

The creation of a community health and resource hub that combines access to healthcare, social services, educational opportunities, and work force development (cluster style tiny homes) in one central, accessible location.

The hub would feature bilingual services, culturally sensitive care, and digital resources to assist with healthcare enrollment, job training, housing support, and more. By partnering with local organizations, schools, and businesses, this hub would provide wraparound services that address social determinants of health such as housing, education, and economic stability, fostering long-term community resilience and equity.

In five years, my vision for the City of Hood River is…

With Westside Urban Renewal, I see inclusive neighborhoods that prioritize affordable housing, green spaces, and walkability.

Investments in clean energy, that support economic growth. Community health and resource hubs provide healthcare, job training, and social services.

Hood River remains a community that celebrates its diversity, fosters innovation, and balances development with environmental stewardship, making it a place where everyone feels they belong.