Mayor's report: The Dalles has unique identity to market

We are surrounded by vast wheat fields and endless cherry trees. The Columbia River holds power for cheap electricity, water for irrigation, huge salmon, steelhead, bass, sturgeon and even walleye. People boat, ski, sailboard, and parasail on its deep water.

Add to that the many ways residents and visitors have learned to bike on trails, roads and streets.

The good weather comes early and stays late. It draws people from the Willamette Valley who wish to escape the rain.

Many hours could be devoted to coming up with a slogan or a motto or a marketing brand.

I’m not sure we need to look for a magic name or brand.

If we concentrate on all the good things The Dalles has to offer, the very unique, historical name that we have will say it all.

“Have you been to The Dalles lately?” people will ask. “What a beautiful town.” Others will say, “Have you seen how they’ve restored downtown?” and “Did you know the Historic Columbia River Highway is being rebuilt from Troutdale to The Dalles and you are going to be able to drive, hike or bike the entire way?

“Have you been to the Discovery Center or the Fort Dalles Museum? There are other museums and beautiful, historical murals all over town.”

On Jan. 12, The Dalles City Council will swear in two new members. Russ Brown and Taner Elliott ran because they want The Dalles to be the best it can be.

What I have described above will be the goal of the next two years and beyond. The city council will formulate its goals in January and February and construct a budget for fiscal year 2015-16. Its time to make things happen.

Urban Renewal needs to identify projects that can happen now, that will finish within a prescribed time and can return money so other projects can be undertaken.

City council needs to make roads its number one priority and address seriously the issues of utility rates, development and housing. We need to bring new businesses downtown and to the Port.

We need to connect even stronger to the tour boat industry and cycling world to create signature events that signal The Dalles is open for business and welcomes the world. And, we need to concentrate as a community on our school system and rally around the effort to reenergize learning and activities for our children.

To make The Dalles a “Community for Everyone,” we need more public involvement in these efforts. Find a board you can serve on. Volunteer in a new way. Sign up to serve on a city or county committee. Join a service club if you are not already a member.

At the very least, find out what’s happening. Both the city and county web sites have information on projects and plans. Meeting minutes are not only available but you can listen to actual recordings and if you miss the mayor’s report in the Chronicle or want to read past reports, they are posted to the city web site.

If you would like to contact me, my number is 503-807-0724 and my email is SeLawrence1963@yahoo.com.