I have known Steve Lawrence nearly my entire life and have found him to be dedicated and driven in whatever endeavor he pursues and a man of high moral character and ethics. I also know that he has the utmost respect and concern for our city.. Over the last four years, we have seen some great improvements in our city’s condition.
Of course, he is not entirely responsible for these changes, but government is a top-down system and so, I believe, a lot of the credit should be given to him along with our city council.
We have seen a major shift in the street improvement and maintenance system, water and sewer rates have stopped their steady rise and economic growth has improved considerably. Along with our county commissioners, a very lucrative deal was worked out with Google for how the calculation of fees to the city and county would be paid.
Susan Harris said it was time to “get out from under this oppression” by this administration. The definition of oppression is cruel or unjust treatment or control. I know she is upset that her friend was not given another extension on his application to develop the “Granada Block” project, but this cannot be laid at the feet of the mayor. He was unable to meet the requests of the Urban Renewal board.
In my opinion, this is a case of “sour grapes” or a “vendetta” to unseat or blame the mayor. She implies that Steve is the dictator and urban renewal and city council are all just his lackeys and do whatever he says. I don’t think the members of either group would appreciate that characterization.
Leadership is a great burden, not to be taken lightly. As a combat veteran from the Vietnam War, Steve was a first lieutenant and led his men in very difficult circumstances.
Not that leading a community is a direct comparison, but his experiences have informed his decision-making and show an ability to lead.
As I pointed out to him when he decided to run for mayor, he would not be able to make everybody happy, but that is just what comes with leadership. I believe that he has demonstrated his ability to lead this community and deserves another two-year term to continue the work that has begun under his leadership.
Please, join me in voting for Stephen E. Lawrence for mayor of The Dalles. “Keep Positive Change.”
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