The Lake Oswego City Council held a special meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to interview four final candidates for a vacant council seat and to select an appointee to serve until January 1, 2026. The council interviewed Jeff Goodman, Suzanne Miles, Jackie Manns, and Larry Lindstrom, then deliberated and voted to appoint Jackie Manns effective immediately. Process Overview Deputy City Manager Madison Theeson outlined the format: each candidate would answer four pre‑approved questions, with up to 30 minutes per interview, including time for council follow‑up and candidate questions. The council was asked to delay deliberation until all four interviews were completed. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call (Mayor Buck, Councillors Wendlin, Verdict, Corrigan, Afkin). Candidate Interviews - Jeff Goodman – Background: economist, past council member, budget committee, South Shore Fire Station Task Force. Proposed several initiatives for his six‑month term: monthly reporting on the fire station budget, a public comment follow‑up agenda item, education on Tryon Creek sewer plant costs, a water injection well feasibility study, exploring housing‑requirement trades with other cities, addressing the ashwood borer, library funding, and improving capital program tracking. He identified “Strengthening public trust” (goal 5) as his preferred initiative and emphasized his ability to contribute from day one. - Suzanne Miles – Background: former federal prosecutor and chief of the criminal appellate division, spent time teaching at Berkeley Law; moved to Lake Oswego three years ago. She stated her primary role would be to help the council advance its 2026 goals without a political agenda. She expressed interest in the library planning and tree regulation rewriting, citing her background in administrative and appellate law. She acknowledged she is the “underdog” and has been studying council materials, meeting with community members, and watching meetings to prepare. She asked how a short‑term appointee typically integrates. - Jackie Manns – Background: 32‑year resident, former council member (eight years), budget committee, neighborhood association leadership. She listed presence, engagement, and encouraging civic participation as her primary goals. She highlighted interest in the wastewater treatment plant, the Foothills Plan, and financial sustainability. She noted that six months is brief and would focus on advancing projects that can be completed. She stated she does not intend to run for the remainder of the seat. Her preparation includes prior council service and recent study of city materials. - Larry Lindstrom – Background: six‑year resident, U.S. Army Special Operations veteran, 20 years in building industry with executive operations experience. He said his primary role would be to assist in advancing 2026 goals and maintaining momentum. He resonated most with the goal of strengthening public trust through infrastructure investment and fiscal stewardship. He described preparation by consulting family, elected officials, and local residents, and studying Lake Oswego demographics and history. Council Deliberation Councilors shared their thoughts before the vote. Councillor Verdict thanked all candidates, noted the short term makes experience critical, praised Jeff Goodman’s contributions but feared losing him from the Foothills Task Force, and leaned toward Jackie Manns because of her experience, readiness, and emphasis on civility and collaboration. Councillor Corrigan agreed that the time frame favors someone who has “sat in the chair”; despite Jeff Goodman’s strong record, he also leaned toward Jackie Manns due to her “soft skills” and the upcoming city manager search. Councillor Afkin scored candidates on their applications and answers: he noted Suzanne Miles came highly recommended and “sold herself well,” but the short term favored experienced candidates; Larry Lindstrom was qualified but lacked council experience; Jeff Goodman proposed many items for a short session; Jackie Manns “nailed every question” and demonstrated readiness. He leaned toward Jackie Manns. Councillor Windless recused himself from voting between close friends but praised all candidates; he noted the need for experience in hiring a city manager and attorney, and supported the consensus for Jackie Manns, while encouraging Suzanne Miles and Larry Lindstrom to run in the future. Mayor Buck thanked all candidates for their dedication and noted the community’s “secret sauce” of high‑caliber volunteerism. Key Outcomes - Motion: Councillor Verdict moved to appoint Jackie Manns to the vacant council seat; Councillor Corrigan seconded. - Vote: The motion passed unanimously (all councilors present voted aye; no opposition noted). - Next Steps: Jackie Manns will be sworn in on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and will serve until January 1, 2026. The council expressed gratitude to all candidates and encouraged continued community involvement.
