OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Lake Oswego City Council Special Meeting – May 28, 2026: Candidate Interviews and Appointment

City CouncilThursday, May 28, 2026
BodyLake Oswego, Oregon
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, May 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:31

Good afternoon, everyone.

0:32

This Thursday, May 28th, 2026 meeting of the Lake Osego City Council is now called to order.

0:38

Miss Hawkins, will you please call the roll?

0:40

Yes, Mayor Buck.

0:42

Here.

0:42

Councillors Wendlin.

0:44

Verdict.

0:44

Here.

0:45

Corrigan.

0:45

Here.

0:46

Afkin.

0:48

Thank you.

0:49

Thank you very much.

0:49

Now everyone will you please stand, remove your hats and join us in the pledge.

0:54

I pledge allegiance to the play of the United States of America.

0:58

And who's a republic for which it stands?

1:08

All right.

1:09

Thanks, everyone.

1:10

Well, this is a special meeting today.

1:12

We are here to interview the four uh final candidates uh we have for the vacant city council uh position.

1:20

We'll ask the deputy uh city manager Madison Theseon to come forward and uh give us an overview of the process we are going to conduct today.

1:30

Good afternoon.

1:33

Good afternoon, Mayor City Council.

1:35

Thank you for having me.

1:37

I am just gonna intro this and then that way we can dive right into interviews.

1:41

As a reminder, um, we are here today to conduct the interviews for this council vacancy seat.

1:46

Uh, we had initially received 12 eligible applications, which were there, then narrowed down to the top four candidates who are being joined with us today for interviews.

1:56

The candidate ultimately selected today will serve a term lasting until January 1.

2:01

So they will be with us for the next six months.

2:04

Um, give or take uh for for the rest of the year.

2:07

What to expect?

2:08

So in front of you, you will find an interview packet.

2:11

Um in that packet, there is an interview schedule.

2:14

So with the time stamps that we are trying to keep on track, along with a a interview sheet.

2:21

Um, so interview questions.

2:22

You are free to take notes.

2:24

Um, we'll be following along with those four pre-approved questions.

2:28

One thing to note, you're welcome to ask any follow-up questions of the candidates, and then we also are gonna offer them the opportunity to ask any questions of you all during that time.

2:38

We have 15 minutes between each interview to allow time for transitions.

2:42

We are gonna keep track of time to make sure that we're we're um respecting not only the council times, but the candidates' time and making sure that everyone has the fair amount of time for their interviews.

2:53

Uh, an additional two housekeeping items.

2:56

Please hold all discussions and deliberations about the candidates until the end, once all four interviews have taken place.

3:04

Um, and then lastly, please remember that all written notes on your papers is a part of the public record.

3:10

And so uh please just we'll collect those at the end, but just a reminder that anything that happens at the dais is a part of the public record.

3:17

If anyone has questions, this would be a great time before we bring in our first candidate.

3:23

Everyone said, No, thank you very much for the overview.

3:26

We appreciate it.

3:27

I will be your showrunner, so I'm gonna go grab the first one beyond time, and then we'll keep it flowing as much as possible.

3:33

And then if you need any breaks, we've also scheduled in that 15-minute buffer as well.

3:37

Okay, that's great.

3:38

So we have Mr.

3:39

Goodman first.

3:40

Yes.

3:40

All right.

3:41

Let's bring them on in.

3:42

Thank you.

3:42

Thanks, Madison.

3:44

Okay.

3:45

And Councilor Corrigan is going to uh be our question reader today.

3:51

Thank you, Councillor Corrigan.

3:57

Each question kind of differently, you know.

4:00

Begin by introducing yourself.

4:12

And I guess so we're asking at the end uh an additional question.

4:15

Do you have any questions for us?

4:17

I guess so.

4:18

That's what she said.

4:19

They can ask questions.

4:23

Oh, okay.

4:26

Okay, I'll get them going.

4:27

We'll let them know that there's time at the end for questions if they don't go over.

4:38

I should actually get my stompwatch.

6:10

Hi, Jeff.

6:12

Good afternoon.

6:13

Great to see you.

6:14

We appreciate you being here.

6:16

Thanks for taking part in this process.

6:18

Thank you for applying.

6:21

Thank you.

6:22

Taking the time to go through everything.

6:24

It's good to see you.

6:25

So we are counselor.

6:28

The format here is Councilor Corey.

6:29

We have four questions, which uh you're aware of.

6:32

And uh Council Corrigan is going to read the questions.

6:35

After Council Corrigan reads the first question, I'm gonna start my timer here.

6:39

We have up to 30 minutes for your interview, but we don't have to use the whole time.

6:44

Um, but we can.

6:45

Uh if uh after the fourth question, if you have questions uh for us, and if and if there's still time, then you then you may ask us questions as well.

6:54

Sound good.

6:56

Thank you.

6:57

Okay, all right, Councilor Corrigan.

6:59

Please begin by introducing yourself.

7:02

Tell us about yourself and your background.

7:07

My name is Jeff Goodman, and thank you for this opportunity to be interviewed.

7:11

I'll start with philosophy and then a little bit of my background.

7:16

Uh first and foremost, as you all of you have done, you lead with integrity.

7:21

That's the first responsibility of any elected official and foremost to acknowledge facts, however uncomfortable those facts might be.

8:35

But to my background.

8:45

I remember when Mountain Park was being built.

8:50

My education and work, a BA in economics, an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, worked at Heister for several years, startup electronics company, subsidiaries of Northwest Natural Gas, and a private investor for the last 30 plus years.

9:15

Excuse me.

9:16

This will come as a surprise to all of you.

9:18

Service on the Lake Oswego budget committee.

9:21

Past service on the Lake Oswego City Council, a joint a task force looking at jitney service around the lake several years ago, chair of Northwest Pilot Project in the past, which is housing for the poor and elderly in downtown Portland, president of the Portland chapter of the Financial Executives International, a member of the recently completed South Shore Fire Station Task Force.

9:45

Thank you all for your support.

9:49

Member of the Legacy Hospitals Foundations, members of the uh participant of the Clackham's County Economic Development Commission, and just recently completed 18 months of service on the subcommittee for finance and revenue on single payer universal health care in Oregon.

10:07

My current present activities on a volunteer basis include serving on the Clackamas Free Clinic, where I serve as their treasurer and have for a number of years, the Board of Mary's Woods, the Board of Seniors About Generational Equity, the Board of Oregon Swimming, the Oswego Heritage Council, and the Wyoming Falls Landings Heritage Council.

10:31

City engagement has included, as you know, since I've texted you oftentimes about various issues or spoken with you, continued engagement with the city since I last served on the city council.

10:43

I also have continue to watch and talk with people at the C4, C4 Metro Subcommittee, JPACT, Metro, Council meetings here, the Oregon Investment Council, which we met yesterday, and the PERS Board.

11:00

And currently, thank you again for the opportunity to serve on the Foothills Task Force.

11:05

So the question might be asked do I have time to serve on the City Council with what I'm doing?

11:11

The answer is most assuredly, yes.

11:14

I am retired.

11:16

My time is my own.

11:17

I have actually more free time now than I did when I was serving on City Council before.

11:22

So I have the time to provide the service for the six months that I hope to be serving.

11:26

Having said that, I will close the opening comment with the first question to say whichever one of the four of us that is selected will do a good job for the city.

11:35

That is not an issue.

11:41

Given that this is a six-month appointment, what do you see as your primary role during this time?

11:49

Number one, joining a well-functioning team.

11:54

Number two, continued engagement in the community, whether it is the farmers market, summer concerts, calling public works when I see a light out at night if I'm driving around or seeing a pothole.

12:07

Number three, bringing ideas for consideration by the council and the community.

12:13

These would include, but would not be limited to, example, number one, with the fire station.

12:19

We have a budget of 20.6 million.

12:22

A budget is a public trust document.

12:25

I would hope that beginning in the month of July, the beginning of the fiscal next fiscal year, that on a monthly basis, the council will receive five numbers with respect to the South Shore Fire Station.

12:37

Number one, the budget, which is 20.6 million dollars.

12:41

Number two, the dollars that have been spent to date.

12:44

Number three, that percentage of dollars spent to date divided by the total budget.

12:49

Number four, the estimated dollars to complete the project, and number five, the percent uh anticipate the percentage of project that is done on a design, engineering, and construction basis.

13:02

The community trusts us, but we need to do everything we can to build on that trust, and providing those five numbers once a month will do that.

13:10

We don't need to have what has happened with the Abernathy Bridge.

13:14

We don't need to have what is happening with the Interstate Bridge.

13:18

Number two, I'd suggest modifying the agenda for each of the council meetings, where after public comment, there is a new line entry that says public comment follow-up.

13:29

A number of the questions that are addressed or brought up during public comment sometimes need to have some answers.

13:35

They can be brought up at the following council meeting, where the city manager can respond and say, here are the answers to those questions that have been brought up.

13:42

That lets the public know that you're listening and you're responding as opposed to just listening to the comments.

13:48

Number three, education to the public about the upcoming costs of the Tryon Creek sewer plant.

13:54

It is the biggest project the city's undertaken on its own.

13:58

It will double, more than double the amount of debt that the city has in total.

14:03

We want to start educating the public, building on what has already been done about that, to explain what that's going to mean with respect to sewer rates and the total utility bill that we have.

14:13

Number four, I'm concerned that with climate change and late summer into September, when water flows may be restricted on the Clackamas River for any number of reasons that we might have to draw on the yellow tigered water storage field that we have that we came with came with that partnership.

14:31

There was a discussion several years ago about adding on an additional injection with Charles Well to be able to meet the needs in case we don't have enough water coming in from the Clackamas River.

14:42

I can very easily envision a situation where because of low water flow that restrictions of pulling on water could happen.

14:51

The cost of an additional injection withdrawal well to make sure that we can meet the needs combined for Lake Oswego and Tiger, I think is an important small insurance step.

15:00

The estimated cost of one of those injection withdrawal wells is about a million dollars to be shared between the two cities.

15:06

Number five, we have the housing requirements in our city that have been for lack of a better word imposed on us by the state.

15:16

That's true of every city around the state.

15:19

I think there are opportunities within the metro area to do trades.

15:23

Say, for example, my numbers are wrong, please go with this concept.

15:28

If Lake Oswego is required over the next 20 years to do 250 units of housing each year, and let's say Sherwood is also required to also do 250 units of housing per year.

15:39

And the City Council and the residents of Sherwood say, no, we'd rather take 350 units.

15:45

Sherwood and Lake Oswego come to an agreement.

15:49

We give up 100, Sherwood takes 100.

15:52

The net stays the same, so the statewide requirements are met, and particularly in the metro area.

15:57

This will require some changes in state law, but I think it's an idea that is worth pursuing.

16:03

Next on the list would be the Ashwood Borough.

16:06

It's been discovered next door in our neighboring city.

16:09

That more than likely than not means it's been here already for a couple of years.

16:13

It's going to be better to address it now than to wait 10 or 15 years when it's taken down more trees.

16:19

Address the question now.

16:21

Library funding, I think the financial question is pretty straightforward.

16:25

There's going to be four elements of it: a bond issue, urban renewal district, the sale of the existing library, and put partially drawing on one of the two endowment funds that the city has to help pay for the capital cost.

16:39

With respect to the Kincaid intern, it would be wonderful if they could once again produce the quality of life indicators and or the total cost of living in Lake Oswego as compares to other cities.

16:52

Elements of that information are already available.

16:57

I'm a firm believer that residents of any city will accept high taxes and fees for high service.

17:04

They'll accept low taxes and fees for low service.

17:07

What they don't like is high taxes and fees for low service.

17:11

And sadly, that is what you have now in Portland.

17:14

We don't have that here.

17:15

We have high service, and our fees are on the high end, but you get high service here.

17:21

I think I'll give one more item and then I'll stop with other questions.

17:25

As you look at the capital improvement program with respect on the utility side, we're doing pretty well over the last several years in maintaining the amount of dollars that we're spending on surface water funded versus unfunded.

17:38

On the water and the wastewater, we're losing ground as a percent of funded versus unfunded.

17:45

Try to see that area.

17:46

Again, you have to find the right balance between increasing fees and providing service.

17:50

But it's nice to know, at least on surface water, we've been holding the line on our ratio between funded and unfunded over the last 10-15 years, we're losing ground in water and wastewater.

18:02

Well, I have other ideas, but I'll think I've probably overwhelmed you with those so far.

18:10

After reviewing the City Council goals, what is one initiative that resonates most with you?

18:16

What active role will you play to advance that initiative?

18:21

The question reminds me of who's your favorite child.

18:25

Uh because you have eight goals and subsets in each of them.

18:29

The council's already dropped some of them as you did in your annual goal setting session.

18:34

But within that framework, my favorite goal was number five.

18:38

Uh the initiative with strengthening public trust in the city through continuous improvement, outstanding customer service, infrastructure investments, and fiscal stewardship.

18:49

I've said this on many occasions, you cannot have a first-rate quality of life without a first-rate infrastructure.

18:55

It's just a given.

18:57

So, number five would be the one I would want to focus on.

19:00

But again, it's eight goals, and you're working on all those at various times during the course of the year.

19:10

How have you prepared to take on the role of a city counselor?

19:17

I believe I bring a well-rounded experience in business, government, and nonprofit worlds, a temperament that in difficult situations can ease tensions, even though some of my jokes are very considered, you know, not very good, but I find them funny.

19:34

But as we work towards solutions while acknowledging that there are such no such things as solutions, there are only trade-offs.

19:41

I'm a problem solver, a consensus builder.

19:45

I try and be a good listener, compassionate, and understand complex financial models and how to effectively work within the council style of government.

19:54

And I'm very passionate about helping my community be a better place for everyone.

20:00

But let me give some examples of how I've put that those words into action.

20:04

We're all familiar with the five-party agreement with respect to the future of Stafford.

20:11

The Metro government, the Clackamas County, Twileton, Lake Oswego, and West Lynn.

20:18

I was one of the leads on putting that agreement together.

20:22

When it was approved, and it took a lot of work, and there was a lot of it was subject to just the timing.

20:33

Think about that for a moment.

20:34

31-0 on all the electeds from the five governments approving something unanimously with something as difficult as Stafford is.

20:44

And I was pleased to have been a lead in helping make that happen.

20:48

And as a part of that, after it was approved by each of the government bodies, I went back to each of the other four government bodies and thanked them for their support.

20:58

To me, that's completing the circle, acknowledging the work that was done.

21:02

Two other examples.

21:08

Approved again unanimously at the budget committee and unanimously at the council level for something that was expensive but also came in virtually on budget.

21:19

The other one is with respect to the rebuilding of the police and city hall.

21:25

There were legitimate issues and differences of opinion with respect to using urban renewal financing to help pay for this building.

21:34

You had to acknowledge those concerns.

21:51

It resulted in a 7-0 vote to approve the funding for this building.

21:59

Each side had to give something.

22:16

To me, the 4-3 vote or is a starting point.

22:23

So I think I bring a depth and breadth of service that has rarely been matched.

22:31

I think I've demonstrated to bring me up to speed on a number of the issues that you'll be facing so I can be a positive contributing member from day one of service on the council.

22:45

Thank you very much.

22:46

Do you have any questions?

22:49

I one question.

22:50

I I was could ask to to all of you, what is your favorite child among the council goals?

23:12

I want to know if um we get the tie and the suit, or do we go back to the sweaters?

23:23

My answer to that is uh let's have a conversation.

23:26

And if the council collectively says Jeff goes sweaters or Jeff goes suit, I'm willing to go with that.

23:32

Although sweaters and be a six-zero vote, or can that sweaters in the summer might be a stretch, but if that's the way you want to go, I'll support it.

23:46

Okay.

23:47

Well, um, thank you very much for again for taking the time uh for providing us with such uh thoughtful and thorough answers.

23:55

Um we will conduct the other you're the first interview, as you know, the other three, and then and then we will deliberate.

24:01

Thank you.

24:02

Good seeing you.

24:02

Thank you.

24:18

Good job.

24:30

I guess they can ask questions.

24:32

We don't have to.

24:37

That's how we're gonna need it all the time if every single one of us has to go through inside question.

24:42

Is the next uh is Jackie Mans area?

24:45

Oh, okay.

24:46

Well, then why don't we take a recess?

24:52

We back in order.

24:57

Are we uh we are gonna we're gonna switch up the uh order?

25:02

We ended with uh Jeff early, so and um Jackie was next on the schedule, but she is not here yet.

25:10

Uh Suzanne is here, so we're gonna interview Suzanne now.

25:12

But Lisa May.

25:13

It's four o'clock for her.

25:15

That's why she didn't come.

25:17

No, we're early, yeah.

25:17

She's on the school.

25:18

Yeah, we are finished early.

25:19

Yeah.

25:20

Ahead of schedule.

25:21

Way ahead of schedule.

25:23

Call Larry.

25:25

Yeah, tell Larry.

25:27

Better that's yeah.

25:32

Seriously, someone should call Larry.

25:36

Okay.

25:37

It's two hours.

25:38

Yeah.

25:49

Are we gonna call Larry?

26:30

Hi, Suzanne.

26:31

It's good to see you.

26:32

It's good to see you too.

26:33

Thanks for being here.

26:34

Of course.

26:35

We appreciate you participating in this process.

26:38

Thank you for applying.

26:39

Um, and thank you for making the time to be here today.

26:42

Uh we'll quote quickly, we'll have uh 30 minutes uh for the the four questions that we're going to ask Council Corgan is going to ask uh the the questions.

26:52

Um and then if there's time left at the end, if you have any questions uh for us, um, and and you we don't we do not need to use the entire uh 30 minutes as you see we are uh ahead of schedule and we appreciate you being here early.

27:04

This is great.

27:05

Absolutely.

27:06

Is this oh it seems like it's on yes as a red light.

27:09

Okay, good.

27:10

Okay.

27:10

Thank you.

27:11

Council Corrigan.

27:12

Please begin by introducing yourself.

27:14

Tell us about yourself and your background.

27:16

All right.

27:16

So my name is Suzanne Miles.

27:19

Um I am obviously a resident here in Lake Oswego.

27:22

My family and I moved here.

27:24

We've been longtime Portland residents, but we moved over to Lake Oswego just about three years ago.

27:29

I've got two fifth graders um who are in Forest Hills Elementary.

27:34

I spent all of today and most much of this last week over there teaching the fifth graders about government.

27:42

Um so I feel like I've been on my feet a bit today.

27:46

I think you thankfully are a much more polite audience than what I have had this week.

27:53

But they're lovely and they did a great job, and it was such a nice opportunity to really be in the school a little bit and see how the girls' day-to-day goes.

28:01

So I was grateful for that.

28:02

Um I am a career federal prosecutor.

28:05

So I up until just recently, I left my position.

28:09

I was the chief um of the criminal appellate division at the U.S.

28:14

attorney's office here.

28:15

I uh started my career and moved up to Portland because I worked for Judge Graber on the Ninth Circuit right after law school, and then immediately got a job at the U.S.

28:23

attorney's office.

28:25

And I was with Judge Graper for two years.

28:27

I fell in love with the city.

28:29

Um I had always intended to move back to the East Coast.

28:31

That's what I was planning on doing, and just couldn't leave.

28:34

Um, and so I was very grateful for the chance to get into the U.S.

28:39

attorney's office.

28:40

I had um aspirations of being a criminal attorney, but I ended up being lucky enough to get hired into the civil division first, which gave me um I think a lot of skills that I hope will be useful here.

28:55

Specifically, I did a lot of work with the Administrative Procedures Act, and I was a regulation writer with the EPA before I went to law school.

29:02

So it fit in very well.

29:05

I spent a lot of time reviewing regulations, both for the Bureau of Prisons, but also for the FARS service and BLM and a number of other agencies and doing pretty high-level litigation at the federal, both at the district court level, but also at the appellate level doing that.

29:22

Um I took one break from the department uh to have both of my girls.

29:27

Luckily, they came all at once, and it was very efficient.

29:32

Um, and when I say I took a break, I I left the department and I went over and I taught at Berkeley Law School for four years, which was just an amazing experience.

29:40

Um teaching the law that I had been practicing gave me such a great opportunity to learn the law so much more deeply.

29:49

I think you really don't learn anything well until you have to teach it.

29:54

Um then when the girls were about two, I really wanted to raise them here.

30:01

California has a lot for it going for it, but we moved down for my husband's work, and I really just wanted to move back home.

30:07

So we came back up here, and I rejoined the department, did criminal law at that point back up here, and that's where I have been until about February, and I decided that it was time for me to take a break from the federal government as well.

30:26

So for I'm on a forced sabbatical that I promised my girls that I would take until at least the fall, but I've been starting up a couple of other projects.

30:37

Really, my devotion right now is turning my attention from the federal system to the local system.

30:45

And I just think that it's really at this point in time.

30:50

I think, and this is a really long-winded explanation for who I am, so I'm sorry about that.

30:56

I think that the flexibility, the resilience of our government is being tested very seriously right now in the federal system.

31:05

But one of the benchmarks of what makes our government so good is federalism in general.

31:11

And I think that the answer to what is gonna make our future work is right here.

31:16

It's here.

31:17

It's our state, it's our local governments.

31:19

This is how my children are gonna learn how to be good citizens by being citizens of this city and being good neighbors, and that I would really like to contribute to.

31:30

So that's me in a nutshell, a large nutshell.

31:36

Given that this is a six-month appointment, what do you see as your primary goal during this time?

31:42

So I think my primary goal is to just help this council work through the initiatives and the goals that it has for the year of 2026.

31:52

Um I think with an empty seat here, obviously that's not ideal.

31:58

And I just my goal is to roll up my sleeves to learn from you and to be here to support the work that you're doing.

32:06

I know you have a lot of important things coming up through this summer.

32:11

Um hiring for the city manager, hiring for the city attorney, uh, the new library, um, some the tree removal and and regulation issues, all of those things have timelines that really I think need a lot of hard work over the next six months, and I would like to be able to use my skills to contribute to that.

32:31

I don't have a political agenda.

32:34

Um, I really just want to contribute to the operation of our local government.

32:43

After reviewing the city council goals, what is one initiative that resonates most with you?

32:49

And what active role will you play to advance that initiative?

32:54

So can I cheat and say that there's a couple?

32:59

Um, I think two that really stand out to me are um the work that's being done in terms of getting the library planning up and off the ground.

33:09

I watched the city council meeting that you had, I guess it was a few weeks ago now, um, and I took a look at the library plan, and just that's still in its kind of nation stage, and obviously so much work has already been put into it, but there's so much work still left to be done.

33:26

Um, and it seems like that is an issue that you're really gonna have to address in these next couple of months.

33:32

It's something obviously that I mean, my kids, I know there were some comments during that meeting that some people don't know why we have a library.

33:40

I know why we have a library.

33:41

I mean, my kids, I have one kid who begs me every weekend to get on our bikes and ride down to the library.

33:48

Um, and I resist because it's uphill.

33:51

I swear it's uphill both ways.

33:53

But nonetheless, I mean, she I have one of the things that made us so happy about being in Lake Oswego is that it's a community where I let my girls in fourth grade walk from Forest Hills Elementary down to the library and stay and read until I could come and pick them up after work.

34:11

Um I think it's such an amazing element of our community, and it's an exciting time to try to reimagine what that's gonna look like.

34:20

So I would love to be involved in that.

34:22

I think more nuts and bolts.

34:25

Um I I think I can contribute to the tree regulation rewriting.

34:31

I mean, I my background in an administrative law, my background in appellate law in particular is um really well suited for the challenges that are coming there.

34:42

I've I looked into it a little bit again.

34:44

I I watched your meeting, the most recent one on it.

34:46

Um I read the draft report, I looked at the state housing regulations, I took a look at the current municipal code.

35:00

Um of the things that makes appellate lawyers different from other lawyers is that our job is really um to take a problem when it's already pretty well formed, and then learn about it really quickly.

35:14

Lean on experts, whether that's the trial lawyer, whether it's our expert witnesses, whether it's the victims, whether it's the officers, whoever it is is gonna know more than me about any given case.

35:26

Um but my job is to integrate all of that information, process through it, and try to come up with a workable solution to it, and then be able to communicate that to a court, um, to decision makers who also end up knowing a lot more about things than me in terms of just the law.

35:44

So I think I bring a couple of things to that particular problem.

35:50

One of them is being able to look forward.

35:53

Um of the skills that I really brought in with a pallet law is instead of being after the fact, I embedded myself in every single trial that was happening at the federal court.

36:05

And I did that because I was able to take a look at the evidence and figure out what the problems were gonna be, right?

36:11

So uh looking ahead and taking a look at regulatory law and figuring out what the potential litigation is gonna be.

36:18

I think that's something I can offer.

36:21

Um, and hopefully that will be helpful.

36:23

So I think these two areas are probably ones that I would I would love to, you know, do my best to dig in and hopefully bring some value add.

36:35

How have you prepared to take on the role of a city counselor?

36:39

Um, I've been really studying.

36:40

I know I'm the underdog.

36:42

I know that there's folks that are coming in that have been on the council before.

36:45

My background is not in local government.

36:47

My background is not in the legislative branch.

36:49

My my background is in the judicial branch and the executive branch.

36:53

I understand that.

36:54

Um I've been studying really hard.

36:56

And so, like I said, I've been watching city council meetings to get a good understanding of what you do and how you do it.

37:04

Um, I read some of the, you know, first I I don't mean to oversell.

37:09

I certainly have not read or studied nearly as much as I need to.

37:14

Um, but I have gone back to some of the draft reports on issues that seem like they're really bubbling up for this summer.

37:21

Um I've gone to the, you know, the initial and the primary resources, looking at regulations, looking at at statutes.

37:29

With regard to the, for example, the foothill plan.

37:32

I went through and read the um foothill development plan, what looked at the story map, which was amazing, by the way.

37:39

I don't think I've ever really seen that um kind of programming before.

37:43

I read summaries for some of the interest groups meetings, like the Oswego Point residents, um, to get a sense of what the issues were and where people are coming from.

37:53

I've met with a couple of folks that I know.

37:55

For example, um Linda O'Neill was our real estate agent, and she is an amazing uh font of knowledge with regard to Lake Ostwico.

38:05

We knew that when we moved here, and so she was kind enough to have coffee and just give me a sense, especially from the housing issues that are coming up of just what the the history has been, how some of the middle price housing has sold, um, what the developments are that are in play, and that was a really helpful conversation.

38:22

Um I reached out to my neighbor, Neela Gupta, who's on the school board to get a sense of how um what the issues are from the school board's perspective.

38:32

So I am doing my best to educate myself, and I I um I hope that I can bring that to you.

38:43

Suzanne, thank you so much.

38:44

Uh in the in the time remaining, do you have any questions for us?

38:48

Um I I would love to know what you think would be um the most useful skills that can come with somebody who's gonna be sitting here just for the next six months.

38:59

How does that has this happened before?

39:01

And how does it work to have somebody who's coming in for a short time?

39:05

Actually, I don't know if it's happened for such a short period of time.

39:08

Not that I can remember.

39:10

The last person we appointed was here for a couple couple years, I feel like.

39:15

Right.

39:18

So different uh so we're in kind of uh a unique situation here with it being uh an abbreviated period of time, uh, and then of course, then then with the seat being filled.

39:29

That the last appointment was in the final two years of of the vacant uh of that seat's term.

39:36

Uh so they just filled out the rest of the term.

39:39

We haven't had this situation where then the seat will be up for election, so we're kind of cognizant of that as well.

39:44

Um, looking for someone to fill the seat, and then we have uh so much going on as a city with large projects and um you know recruitment for the city manager um as well, uh all taking place.

39:56

So I think we're all looking for a good partner with us on that, Council Afghan.

40:02

You asked a very good question.

40:05

Do you have time to stay and hear the deliberation?

40:10

I think you will get your answer then.

40:12

Okay.

40:15

No, I just wanted to ask.

40:19

You interested in uh this hit.

40:23

I don't know the outcome, but if it's positive, it would be great.

40:29

If it's not, would you consider some time running for office?

40:35

I um I have not given a lot of thought to the idea of running for office.

40:41

I mean, it's certainly something, like I said, I'm looking for the best way to give back to the local community.

40:47

Um, and running for office is is one option.

40:50

The more natural fit for me, obviously would be running for a judicial bench, um, but I don't see that in the next few years either.

40:58

Um my biggest project that I have coming up is I'm working to start, and I don't know, did I say this?

41:04

I'm working to start a prosecution clinic um in conjunction with Clackamas County, DA's office, and Lewis and Clark.

41:10

That's not gonna get up and running at least until um maybe the spring semester of 2027, but much more likely it would be the fall of of 2027.

41:20

Um, and so that's that's kind of the push that I'm looking for in terms of this next phase of my career is getting back a little bit more into academia, but um, in conjunction with more of a practical skills development, and we have a lot of fantastic defense clinics um in our legal community here in the Portland area.

41:40

Uh, we haven't really had any prosecution clinics, and I think um that I believe that there's nothing more dangerous for a criminal defendant than a bad prosecutor.

41:52

So I think teaching prosecutors early on how to do their jobs well, how to be good learners instead of just knowers, um, because I just don't think lawyers are knowers.

42:04

I think we're learners, how to have the ability to say I don't know in very critical situations, but then also to be starting the ethical conversations that you need to have as a prosecutor from day one.

42:17

Um I think that's really where I want to dedicate um my efforts in the next few years, maybe not politics, but certainly if there's a way, uh I mean, I I don't think that those two things are exclusive, and serving on the city council is something that I could balance in both instances.

42:36

Right.

42:36

Yeah.

42:37

Great, interesting.

42:40

Any any other questions?

42:42

I don't I don't think I have any other questions.

42:45

Thank you for your time.

42:46

I don't want to take a look at it.

42:46

Thank you.

42:47

No, we really appreciate your thoughtful response to the questions and again your participation in this process and wanting to be involved with the city in this way.

42:53

It means a lot to all of us.

42:55

Thank you.

42:55

Thank you, sir.

42:56

I appreciate it.

42:56

Thank you.

43:01

Madison.

43:06

Is she here?

43:08

Oh, oh, you're gonna find okay.

43:10

Well, we'll take a we'll recess while we wait.

43:26

Okay, we are we are back in order.

43:29

And we're here with our uh next candidate, Jackie Manns.

43:32

Jackie, it's great to see you.

43:34

Very good to see you, Mayor, Counselors, as always.

43:37

Thank you for being here today.

43:39

Well, uh it's an honor to be here in front of you today.

43:42

It's also a little weird, but I will I'll get over it.

43:47

Okay.

43:48

We will give a little a rundown of what the uh the program here um the interview uh counselor Corrigan is going to ask the four questions.

43:59

All right, one at a time, and we have a total of of 30 minutes, but we don't have to use the whole 30 minutes, that's just you know what we have.

44:07

And then at the end of the four questions, if if you have questions for us, that's that's great.

44:14

Excellent.

44:15

Okay, okay.

44:16

So we're gonna are you ready to get going?

44:18

Yep.

44:18

Okay, Councilor Corrigan.

44:20

Please begin by introducing yourself.

44:22

Tell us about yourself and your background.

44:26

My name is Jackie Edmonds Manns.

44:29

I started using my maiden name, which is part of my legal name again.

44:35

So um, that's one little change that I've been through.

44:40

You all know me as Jackie Manns.

44:42

Uh I've lived in like us, we go now 30 two years, and pretty much in the same house for 30 plus years.

44:54

Just put gutters in.

44:56

Yay.

45:00

As far as my volunteerism in Lake Oswego, I really started my journey in the school district, as many folks did, especially during that time.

45:10

It was the logical place.

45:12

I had children in school.

45:32

I know that's not everybody's favorite thing, but I found it fascinating, and I loved the combination of people turning from children into young adults, and just the way their minds work.

45:48

So that was super great.

45:51

As my kids got older, I moved to more neighborhood related things and joined the Hall and Ann Neighborhood Association, which was kind of rebooted at the time and was a part of that.

46:08

It had been dormant for a number of years.

46:11

Debbie Freepons, Craig, and other folks in the neighborhood brought it back to life.

46:17

And I said, sure, I'll help out.

46:20

I was president, and if any of you have been a neighborhood association chair, you know you can become president for life, and no one will argue with you.

46:30

But fortunately, people stepped up and continued the work along the way.

46:37

I uh then joined the budget committee.

46:41

And uh that was fascinating.

46:44

I had never done a deep dive into city budgeting, which is slightly different, but the same as corporate budgeting or my own budgeting.

46:56

So I thoroughly enjoyed that.

46:59

And as I go through these answers, I'll talk a little bit more about my interest in that.

47:06

Uh I was on the Oregon Tourism Commission as a commissioner for a number of years, and uh that was probably the best volunteer gig apart from serving on council, which is quasi volunteer that I've had.

47:24

Um tourism has changed radically.

47:26

Thoughts around tourism have changed radically, but uh it was a fabulous, fabulous group of people to work with at a time when Oregon was blossoming.

47:39

Maybe some areas felt they were blossoming a little bit too much.

47:45

Um keep the fishing hole quiet, sort of thing.

47:50

After that, somebody said, Jackie, why don't you just run for council?

47:56

You've done everything else, why don't you do that?

47:59

So I did, and it was joyous.

48:02

I was part of that slate along with Mayor Buck, who was in a counselor, and we um uh got a lot done.

48:14

It was a good time to join the city.

48:17

A lot was going on, a lot was changing.

48:21

I I looked back at some of the things that we did and go, boy, how do we get that done in four years?

48:26

That's that just seems impossible by today's standards.

48:31

Ran again.

48:34

One by what was it, uh Counselor Boop?

48:39

14 or 17 o'clock.

48:43

It would it was a tight race.

48:45

It was a very, very tight race, and you would have been equally as qualified to step into that at that point in time.

48:56

I'm glad you're up here today.

48:59

And um, that brings me up to today.

49:02

I left council in December of 2023, and um so my experience is new, and going through the list, and I again I'll get into this, going into the list of things that uh are on the goals.

49:17

I see many things, or at least a number of things that have perkled up over the years.

49:24

So I will close with that because I don't have much more to say on it.

49:32

Given that this is a six-month appointment, what do you see as your primary role during this time?

49:41

Number one and number two are to be present and engaged.

49:46

Um, this is very important to me to show up to be in touch with the citizens.

49:56

If someone has uh a question, I have always given out my number for better or worse.

50:04

I've had many, many interesting conversations over the years, but I feel that's my job.

50:12

My job is to serve the citizens, not only from a policy and what would you say, a business standpoint, but also to make sure that I'm listening and hearing what they have to say.

50:39

If we can moving business forward in order to serve our citizens, and I think this council has always, up to this very moment done an excellent job of that.

51:27

It just seems so important for me.

51:30

And that it's a two for because that shows the public that we're professionals, we're adults.

51:36

We are growing up, we are here to do the people's business.

51:42

So that part, again, in that six-month period that we're talking about, which is like a drop of water in the bucket, as you all well know, is fine.

51:54

Um again, I already brought it up, meet with uh members of the public and encourage people to run for office.

52:04

I find that super important.

52:07

If somebody shows any interest whatsoever, I will have coffee with them and try to convince them of the joy, and it is a joy of this service.

52:21

Most of the time it's a joy, I know.

52:24

Some of the late night meetings and so on.

52:27

And uh that will wrap up that answer.

52:33

After reviewing the city council goals, what is one initiative that resonates most with you?

52:39

What active role will you play to advance that initiative?

52:45

I felt like a kid in a candy store because there was a selection of many things that I found interesting over the year.

52:55

Um the wastewater treatment plant.

52:59

I've always had ever since the uh Lake Oswego Tigered Water Partnership, I've had an interest in our water, how we receive our water, what we do with our water.

53:12

Um I was saddened a bit that uh the go-round when I was on council didn't happen.

53:22

But be that as it may, that's something that I find very, very interesting.

53:29

And it also Dove Hills or Dove Tales with the Foothills Plan, which is important, and I know it's moving forward.

53:43

Uh ensuring long-term financial sustainability with budget review, the a deep dive into the budget, which opened up questions for me as far as um, I always felt we did a very, very good job of whatever budgeting we were doing.

54:04

Our audits have always been stellar.

54:07

I was on the audit committee, of course, I was for a number of years.

54:11

Um I think with Councillor Wendlin, we served on Audit Committee.

54:16

So I found that interesting.

54:21

But most importantly, and I I really want to make a point of this, again, six months is not a long time.

54:31

And I would work with the counselors if selected on projects that they think that they could get through the door.

54:43

In other words, either move it forward or decide, you know what, this is going to be a long-term goal.

54:49

This is not something that we can achieve during our term or at the end of our term, or something that I would like to see happen as a legacy thing.

55:00

Uh it's it's super hard to get anything done, as I've said, and I repeat myself here again.

55:12

For even four years, eight years trying to get things done is often not enough time to physically manifest the policy or the thing that you want to do.

55:25

So I will um leave that at that.

55:34

How have you prepared to take on the role of a city councilor?

55:38

Well, first and foremost, by being a city councilor and truly understanding the time commitment that's involved, the hours sitting behind the dias, the requirements of the job, and I do look at it as a job.

55:55

Yes, it's a volunteer job, but it is a job.

55:59

So uh that is number one.

56:02

I've watched a lot of videos over the past month, many, many YouTube videos of the council.

56:12

Um read the budget.

56:15

I said that to a friend the other day.

56:17

I just read the Lake House Weagle budget thing.

56:19

They looked at me like that bat, huh?

56:22

I'm like, yeah.

56:24

But I do have an interest in in that financial aspect.

56:28

So I um I feel fully prepared to step in, which I think is important.

56:36

I don't want to put myself out there as someone who is 100% up to speed and ready to go because you cannot be in this job, which is why it is so important to be collaborative with your colleagues because they will have read things, heard things, talk to someone about things that maybe you haven't caught wind of in whatever it is that you've read from staff.

57:10

So I think that part of the job is extraordinarily important, and that goes along with the preparation.

57:18

And there you have it.

57:22

Anyone have uh questions for me?

57:24

Well, do you have questions for us?

57:28

I'm sorry, I I'm used to being on that.

57:30

Those are those are our questions.

57:33

When now we're talking about this coming out of the gate and starting June second, correct?

57:41

I think it is, or June 3rd.

57:45

Second.

57:45

Well, June seconds.

57:47

June second.

57:48

You have a lot on that agenda.

57:53

I'm ready, okay.

57:55

I truly am.

57:57

Um again, it would be an honor and a privilege.

58:01

I do not intend to run um for the remainder of the seat.

58:07

I will say that.

58:08

So if that is a consideration of this council, I totally respect that of the council and the decisions that you make.

58:18

But um this six months, I think would be critical, and I honestly feel like I would be sort of a turnkey person to step in and get the job done.

58:31

Thank you, Jackie.

58:32

We really appreciate you uh uh stepping forward in this way uh for your thoughtful answers today for taking the time to do that.

58:38

Well, thank you.

58:39

It's as I say it's um it's an honor to be on this side talking to all of you.

58:46

Thank you so much.

58:55

Madison is checking it for us.

1:00:12

We'll take a recess.

1:00:28

Okay, we are back in order.

1:00:32

Larry Larry, welcome.

1:00:34

Larry Lindstrom is uh uh final candidate.

1:00:37

Uh Larry, we appreciate you coming down early.

1:00:39

We are ahead of schedule.

1:00:41

So thank you for being flexible, and we are glad that you are here.

1:00:45

We have a uh up to a half an hour uh together.

1:00:48

We don't need to use all the time, as you see.

1:00:50

We that's why we're ahead of schedule.

1:00:52

Um, counselor Corrigan is going to be asking the four questions uh today, and then if there's time at the end, if you have any questions for us, that is great.

1:01:01

Absolutely.

1:01:02

Okay.

1:01:02

Thank you, Mayor.

1:01:03

Thank you, sir.

1:01:04

Councilor Corgan.

1:01:05

Please begin by introducing yourself.

1:01:08

Tell us about yourself and your background.

1:01:11

Well, good afternoon, Mayor and Counselors.

1:01:14

Thanks for having me.

1:01:15

Happy to be here.

1:01:16

My name is Larry Lindstrom.

1:01:18

I currently reside in Mountain Park community, and I am a six-year resident of Lake Oswego.

1:01:23

I was born in the best Kaiser building, most commonly known as the Adidas headquarters in North Portland.

1:01:29

And for most of my life, the Pacific Northwest has been my home.

1:01:33

My partner and I have been together for nearly 20 years, and we are blessed to have a child who is thriving Lake Oswego High School.

1:01:41

After high school, I served in the within U.S.

1:01:43

Army Special Operations during peacetime upon returning home.

1:01:48

I began my career in the building trades, completed an apprenticeship and quickly advanced into leadership roles.

1:01:55

Today I bring 20 years of building industry experience, including 10 years of executive operations.

1:02:01

My work focuses on focuses on strategic planning, budgeting, execution, and execution across diverse teams, along with cultivating new and maintaining existing relationships.

1:03:18

And today, once again, I'm raising my hand, volunteering to help our city and this council fill this vacancy.

1:03:30

Given that this is a six-month appointment, what do you see as your primary role during this time?

1:03:37

My primary role would be to assist in advancing 2026 goals and initiatives with a focus on maintaining momentum, execute and executing ongoing work.

1:04:23

After reviewing the council goals, the initiative that resonates the most with me is strengthening public trust through continuous improvement, outstanding customer service, infrastructure investment, and fiscal stewardship.

1:04:46

A key part of that is ensuring infrastructure is planned and scaled to match long-term growth.

1:04:51

Investments such as water treatment capacity and other core systems need to be aligned with projected demand to avoid costly and reactive solutions later on.

1:05:01

The active role I would take is supportive is to support thoughtful forward-looking decision making that prioritizes both service delivery and financial responsibility.

1:05:25

This including this includes advocating for clear communication, efficient processes, and transparent use of resources.

1:06:00

How have you prepared to take on the role of a city counselor?

1:06:05

I like this question.

1:06:06

Thank you, counselor.

1:06:08

Well, first and foremost, I've been transparent with my family, the executive team, and mentors, uh discussing the commitment and responsibilities this position requires and ensuring my professional life can remain flexible to accommodate the workload as a sitting counselor without sacrificing quality.

1:06:25

Also, I've consulted with elected officials from other jurisdictions to better understand their experiences, as well as spoken with current and past commissioners and residents in Lake Oswico to gain local perspective.

1:06:37

I continue to educate myself on demographic information, analytics, neighborhood designations, and history of Lake Oswego.

1:06:45

I've also taken the time to reflect on the level of commitment this role requires, and I'm confident that I'm prepared to serve.

1:07:04

Packets will be read.

1:07:05

I will stay informed and collaborate with council and staff and remain engaged with our community.

1:07:12

In closing, I would like to thank you, Mayor, and counselors for your time and consideration to fill this vacancy.

1:07:19

Great.

1:07:20

Thank you, Larry.

1:07:21

Do you have any questions for us?

1:07:23

I don't have any questions at this time, Mayor.

1:07:25

Okay.

1:07:25

Well, we really appreciate you taking the time for your willingness to step forward and fill this role and for your time in this process.

1:07:33

Thank you very much.

1:07:33

It means a lot to us.

1:07:34

Yeah, absolutely.

1:07:35

Thanks for your service on the DRC as well.

1:07:38

Okay.

1:07:38

Thank you.

1:07:39

We're gonna go ahead and uh take a recess, allow ourselves to uh collect our thoughts and uh review our notes, and then we'll come back uh for discussion.

1:07:51

Okay, we're back in order.

1:07:52

Thanks, everyone, for your patience.

1:07:54

Okay, so we are now gonna move to council uh deliberation and decision.

1:07:58

Just want to again thank all four of these candidates for the time they put into this process.

1:08:05

All the folks who really applied for this vacancy are tremendous people, great members of our community, and it means a lot, I know to all of us that they would step forward and want to be a part of our of our exceptional council team here at the city.

1:08:19

Um and you know, it's something putting yourself out there.

1:08:24

Um, as we all know, uh seeking this appointment, running for election uh is is a big deal, and it takes a lot of sacrifice.

1:08:32

Um, and so we just appreciate that all these folks are willing uh to do that.

1:08:36

So, what I'd like to do is just kind of go around if you everyone um kind of share your uh thoughts and um and then we'll um um and then we'll uh take a vote.

1:08:48

So why don't we start with council verdict.

1:08:56

So, first I want to thank everyone who applied um for this position because it was really actually kind of fun to read through the applications and learn more about some of our uh community members who are interested in and getting them involved and as the mayor said, putting themselves out there to to help with the city and especial, especially the four of you who rose to the top.

1:09:19

And this is four amazing people, and this is not an easy decision.

1:09:26

And I just want to thank all of you for coming forward for everything that you've already done for our community, and I know we'll continue to do for our community.

1:09:36

Um, so this is you know, I really want to say this is not an easy decision.

1:09:40

Some of you have been doing more in Lake Espigo than others.

1:09:44

So I I definitely like Suzanne, I want to see you more.

1:09:49

Um I just can't thank you all enough.

1:09:54

Um, but I have a you know, just kind of going over like okay of this.

1:10:01

We couldn't go wrong with any of you first.

1:10:03

I would I'd really like to say that.

1:10:05

Um but there's a few things.

1:10:08

It's like I know I I think having someone come in who really knows this role and has been there, done that is really important.

1:10:17

It's such um, it took me and I think a lot of my colleagues six to nine months just to get your feet under you in this role, no matter how much homework we have done.

1:10:29

It it takes a while, and I've heard other counselors say that it's it actually took them almost two years to fully get comfortable um in this position.

1:10:40

Um, so that understanding, I think because of what's on our plate, it is really become a big factor for me.

1:10:48

So having you know the experience of of um Jeff and Jackie, that kind of gives both of you a little bit of an edge.

1:10:56

Um then it's like how did where do you go from there?

1:11:00

Because again, it was already like how do you make those cuts.

1:11:03

And you know, and I would just say, Jeff, we can't lose you from foothills.

1:11:11

We need you.

1:11:14

You that project to me is so important.

1:11:16

Important, it's like your role in the fire station.

1:11:18

It's like it's just like I I'm like, I just I can't that would I I just think that project needs you so much.

1:11:28

And um, so that just kind of that's where I'd say for me, it's I I'm leaning towards Jackie because again, she brings all the experience.

1:11:37

She has helped um in some ways, some of these goals are carryover from when she was on council, as actually Jeff as well.

1:11:45

Um, but she's up on what we're doing.

1:11:48

I don't think there's a learning curve going on there.

1:11:51

She's gonna be able to jump right in and and move forward and and just take it.

1:11:56

And I also really appreciated um her bringing up the importance of um civility, of support, of collaboration, of really being out there in the community, being available for the community to come, you know, citizens to come to her and share their um thoughts, and then also knowing that each one of us on council, we have different sources of information.

1:12:24

So the importance of really listening to not only our citizens but each other of what are we all hearing um on the streets, what are we hearing, and being able to bring that back.

1:12:35

So um very difficult decision, but I I lean towards Jackie.

1:12:42

Thank you, Councilor Verdick.

1:12:43

Counselor Corgan.

1:12:45

Well, um my logic follows much the same lines as counselor verdict's.

1:12:52

It's just such a short time.

1:12:54

It's only in the month of August, we we don't really have a full month.

1:12:59

It's really maybe five months.

1:13:02

Um given that I too also delighted in meeting the meeting our our new people.

1:13:10

You're fantastic, and I hope to see a whole lot more of you.

1:13:14

But I think that given the short time frame, we would be wise to default to someone who's who's sat in the chair.

1:13:20

And then you're with you're with a very difficult decision of two very capable, competent people who have contributed years to our community.

1:13:27

Um so I guess the way I'm gonna say this is I hope we never dislodge Jeff Goodman.

1:13:36

He has been such a benefit to our community.

1:13:40

Um I think I too am leaning to Jackie because of the um I wouldn't, I'm gonna call it soft skills, the collaboration, the um that that that it's it's sort of those those sort of skills right now.

1:13:57

We're in this time of transition, we're gonna be hiring a new city manager.

1:14:01

So if I had to flip coin, I flipped to Jackie.

1:14:05

Um it's a really difficult decision, but I have a lot of hope for the future meeting these people.

1:14:11

Oh, you got you guys are fabulous.

1:14:13

So, anyway, I think I guess that's where I'm going.

1:14:15

Okay, thank you, Counselor Corgan.

1:14:16

Counselor.

1:14:18

Oh, you oh, okay.

1:14:19

Okay.

1:14:20

Council.

1:14:22

No, that would change the process, no problem.

1:14:25

I'm I'm ready to go.

1:14:27

It made it easier, actually.

1:14:30

Uh I I don't know if we're deliberating here or we're doing it there, but uh I'm gonna look both ways.

1:14:38

Uh you know what counselor Verdick and Counselor Corrigan said about stepping out there.

1:14:46

Thank everyone, all qualified people.

1:14:49

So I won't repeat all of that.

1:14:51

My process was very black and white.

1:14:54

I went based on the applications, and based on what I heard on the questions and answers.

1:15:03

So Jackie, we're going by first names.

1:15:08

Jackie and Jeff and uh Larry, you guys didn't get any points because I know you guys and I know how you operate.

1:15:18

It was basically your applications and your answers.

1:15:25

Uh Ms.

1:15:28

Miles, I don't know if we know in each other enough to call you by your first name, but I'm going to do that anyways.

1:15:38

Uh you have come highly recommended by public through so many emails recommending you.

1:15:45

And uh you're you may not, you may be an underdog, as you said, but you know how to sell yourself, and you know what areas to talk to us about your capabilities, and that was uh impressive.

1:16:03

You are the underdog, and the way I had my process thinking, I scored everyone based on their questions from one to five.

1:16:15

You were very close to the rest of the team.

1:16:20

So it wasn't that you couldn't get the job, but because of the reasons that the other two counselors said, you will be coming in and you're gonna read everything and know everything about it.

1:16:32

But I don't know if you know how the rest of the city works and how it ties into the decisions we make.

1:16:40

So because of that reason, uh you were the underdog.

1:16:47

Having said that, as counselor verdict, want to see you.

1:16:52

Want to see you in the community, in the commissions, in the boards, in uh areas that uh you are interested in, uh, especially the library planning.

1:17:05

Uh, if that's your passion, you will be an asset.

1:17:09

So thank you.

1:17:12

Uh because of this the duration is so short.

1:17:17

Again, I'm repeating what you already heard because that makes sense to me.

1:17:22

Uh Larry, you're an awesome candidate, but uh the other two candidates know how it works, and they can step in and pick it up and run with what we're doing.

1:17:37

It's not that you're not a qualified candidate, and I'm being very direct and open with all of you.

1:17:43

So uh I love working with you, especially at the DRC, but I had to go with somebody who steps in and uh uh does the job because it's a short duration.

1:18:01

As counselor uh verdict said, she's a fast learner, six to nine months.

1:18:06

It took me a little longer to get to get this job uh figured out.

1:18:12

So that came to Jeff and Jackie.

1:18:17

You two got the highest score.

1:18:21

Uh Jeff when on number uh two question, you came up with so many items that was very lofty for the next six months, especially if we have uh one month without the uh city council meeting.

1:18:41

So that was a little uh surprising to me that you have so much you're gonna put on the table while we only have six more uh sessions.

1:18:56

Jackie, you nailed it on every question as I was looking at how what would I want to hear?

1:19:06

Uh again, these are based on the questions that you answered and your application.

1:19:11

It I tried to remove myself from what I know about you.

1:19:17

I especially love the the uh the last question you answer.

1:19:24

How have you prepared yourself for the city council?

1:19:27

You said I was a counselor for eight years, but I sat down and watched so many videos and read so much stuff to catch up.

1:19:37

So if you're the successful candidate, you're ready to step in.

1:19:41

And again, I didn't consider all the stuff that I know about you being in the community and so on and so forth, but I'm leaning toward Jackie.

1:19:54

Okay.

1:19:55

Thank you.

1:19:55

Thank you, Counselor Afgan.

1:19:57

Counselor Group.

1:20:00

So like the principal, what if I eliminated Jackie and then Jeff because first Jackie is my friend.

1:20:11

It's unfair for me to vote for her.

1:20:14

It's I would take a close thing.

1:20:17

I think there is no one among us who is more competent than Jackie even now or ever.

1:20:25

But what I was very impressed today is uh Susan Miles.

1:20:31

I like I received people telling us to talk about to recruit her, and I was saying, oh, they're in for but I saw an attorney like someone who is very respected in the legal community in Krackamas and in Oregon.

1:20:49

They won't recommend someone if they know he wasn't good.

1:20:54

So that was the first one I say, wow, because the community they can write because it's their friend, but when it comes to some people on the bench writing about someone, it means that and I was saying, whoa, this is Syria.

1:21:09

But when I heard her, and I write a lot, I will cite you.

1:21:15

You said because I'm um also in academia, I've been not in academia in the last two, three years.

1:21:24

I have been not teaching, but I still write when you say you learn only something well until you teach it.

1:21:33

I don't know where you get it from, but I will write it somewhere and cite Susan Miles.

1:21:39

And I will say the date, it's like May 28th, 20, you know, like on it's amazing what you said.

1:21:48

And I that only sold me on you, honestly.

1:21:53

Like, I mean, you I don't know, I know Jackie is gonna be the one sitting here in June.

1:22:00

But I I know that it's already clear, like we are six, three are voting for Jackie.

1:22:07

If I vote for you, there's only two left for someone, that's it.

1:22:12

It's it no, no, we are realistic here, like let's be realistic.

1:22:16

That's the thing, that's a fact.

1:22:18

But Susan, you are amazing.

1:22:22

I mean, if you don't, and that was the question I ask you.

1:22:26

I think you should run for next November, and I would I will be endorsing you.

1:22:33

I would campaign for you if you run.

1:22:36

Yep.

1:22:36

No, honestly, 100%.

1:22:39

The other reason for Larry, I said DRC, we cannot, you cannot lose Jeff.

1:22:46

We cannot lose a DRC chair.

1:22:48

I mean, right?

1:22:50

We are gonna have to go again on the things, and we are like the city has many job position to fill, like city manager, city attorney, uh, you know, like city councilor and a DRC chair.

1:23:08

I mean, because we are gonna have, I'm pretty sure there's someone who will come, but you're doing a wonderful job there.

1:23:15

View in view of your background, you are an amazing person.

1:23:20

This is you are exactly what we need in like a development.

1:23:24

You said it.

1:23:24

I have here, I took great note on your yeah, when you say like building in public service, the US Army, and you live in Mountain Park, which is uh the best place in Lake Oswego.

1:23:43

Yeah, it is.

1:23:45

That's where I live.

1:23:47

You know, yeah.

1:23:48

So four months ago.

1:23:49

Yeah, okay.

1:23:51

So yeah, I'm definitely before.

1:23:54

Yeah, but no, it's uh yeah.

1:23:58

So yeah, I you know, I that's my thought on this thing, you know.

1:24:05

Thank you all, all four of you, and the other folks, but also I cannot finish.

1:24:12

That's why I wanted to I can't like this because I miss my brother, Aaron.

1:24:20

That we uh yeah, that's yeah.

1:24:21

I I think for the rest of the legislation, I'm gonna be like this in support of my brother, you know, every single day.

1:24:31

But you thank you, Aaron, for everything you yeah, yeah, no call.

1:24:36

And I yeah, I will come with Gene and you know, yeah.

1:24:39

And get some tattoos.

1:24:40

Yes.

1:24:41

Grow some hair, yes.

1:24:42

Okay, thank you.

1:24:43

Thank you, Councillor Windless.

1:24:46

Uh I think one of the great things about this council is that we somehow come up aligned in different ways, and um, even how we get to different ways.

1:24:55

Um, sometimes it's by different methods.

1:25:00

Um I agree with my colleagues.

1:25:01

Um I think uh I have to tell you that there's advantages of uh putting selecting each one of you.

1:25:11

Um and I think uh they've explained some of my thoughts as well.

1:25:19

Um I there's two things that I have learned in being on council.

1:25:28

Um and that's uh we're this session in the next six months we're putting in a in a fairly um important position of selecting the city manager and then a possibility of the city attorney and um and I think while anyone can be on a hiring committee, um these two positions are such that you need to know the inner workings of the whole city in order to um uh know how to make the right choice.

1:25:58

Um and so from that standpoint, I think it's important to go with depth of experience between Jeff and Jackie.

1:26:05

Umzan, I very impressed with you.

1:26:10

I'm so glad we met you.

1:26:12

Um and I encourage I I encourage you to step forward on uh serving other ways as well.

1:26:23

Um I think in many ways, if it wasn't for the six month time frame, um you would be a similar person to replace Aaron that brings a um which I think is important, um, and Lurie would do the same thing, but you have younger kids in the community, which um gives us a different perspective.

1:26:49

Um and I think that voice needs to be heard, and I think you're one of your strengths too um in hiring a city attorney would be um that interviewees couldn't blow us over with BS like attorneys do usually.

1:27:02

Um you could cut through the uh sorry sorry Erica.

1:27:06

No, no, I'm just kidding.

1:27:09

I'm just not all of you.

1:27:10

No, no, no.

1:27:12

I think through the interviewing process you could disseminate um skill um sets, but um uh and Larry, I you know I've worked with you on the DRC and and you're a valuable person.

1:27:25

I think you need to be um uh still thinking about running for city council because I think you'd be fabulous um honest uh on it.

1:27:34

Um so I it's really picking between Jeff and Jackie, and it obviously I can go either way.

1:27:40

Um Jeff's a friend, Jackie's a friend.

1:27:43

Um I you know it's like it is choosing which child.

1:27:47

Love you both.

1:27:48

Um you've done wonderful things.

1:27:50

Um Jeff tends to be a little bit probably more aligned with Aaron, um, I would say from decision making.

1:27:58

Um and so from that standpoint, it would be nice to have that voice.

1:28:01

Um Jackie is uh middle of the road and and pretty close.

1:28:06

Um, and so I um I'm kind of toss up, but sounds like the um general consensus is is we're moving towards Jackie, and so um I'm I'm a consensus builder, as you know.

1:28:20

Um, so uh Jeff, I'll campaign for you.

1:28:24

You know that um when and if you decide to run in the future.

1:28:28

So um so anyway, uh, but I want to say that we just went through the recruiting process for the uh commissions, um boards and commissions, and talent continues to come in as a group of dedicated volunteers that are citizens of this community.

1:28:52

Um and as the four of you, you've you that are uh applying, you're all engaged, and I will say it's the secret sauce of Lake Oswego that makes us the best community in the world is because we have people that care and they they step forward and they give their time and treasure and their talent.

1:29:10

And what's really fun about Lake Us We go and being in a community that is um high performing and high expectation is that we're getting really high talent level of uh volunteerism um and dedication, and and that's something that uh um I don't know how that really worked, but it's been that way in Lake As we go forever and ever, and it's just our secret sauce.

1:29:36

And I just want to thank you all for stepping forward.

1:29:39

Um like uh Counselor Verdict said, reading through all the applications, I have confidence um that the next council and the future councils are going to be wonderful um uh as we move forward because we've got talent in the city to keep us um uh on the right track.

1:30:00

So um anyway, thank you for all um applying and thank you for sticking around and thanks for listening to our gibberish.

1:30:08

Um, but we really appreciate you guys um a lot.

1:30:12

So thanks, Counselor Winland.

1:30:14

Yes.

1:30:14

Um Councilor Wynn said, I mean, you you all of you are the kind of folks that um we want involved in our community, and you all are, you know, on task force, on advisory boards in schools as neighborhood leaders.

1:30:26

Um you really are the kind of folks that make Lake House We go an exceptional um community, uh exceptional place to live, exceptional place to be.

1:30:34

Um, and you give your time, your energy, and your talents, not just to maintaining but improving uh life for every uh resident.

1:30:41

And that really is the dilemma here is that we have such a short appointment, and many of you, this is the nature of things are already so involved, and this is why that's why, of course, you're here.

1:30:51

Always willing to step forward, um, always willing to go above and beyond to give extra to sacrifice your time uh for others, and um we really uh really appreciate your willingness to do that.

1:31:02

And it does mean a lot that all four of you would be willing to sit uh with us up here.

1:31:06

Um, but um no matter the outcome of today, it seems like we are or are going to be working with all of you in the years to come, and that is a great thing.

1:31:15

Uh, we need more of all of you in in the community, and uh we are fortunate in in LO.

1:31:21

I think the reason why our community has um moved forward the way it has is uh because our community continues to put forth um great folks who can serve in a collaborative way on the council, all of you included, and we get stuff done in a fun way, and and any one of you would be a great additional member um to this team.

1:31:40

So again, thank you for um being willing to step forward in this way.

1:31:43

It's a big deal, and um just sincerely really really means a lot to me.

1:31:47

I appreciate it.

1:31:48

Um, would someone like to make a motion to appoint a candidate to the vacant uh position to serve until January 1st, 2026?

1:31:55

I move to appoint Jackie Manns to the vacant position.

1:31:59

Second.

1:32:00

All right.

1:32:00

Motion is made by Councilor Verdick and seconded by uh Counselor Corgan.

1:32:04

Colleagues, again, thank you all for your your thoughtful comments today.

1:32:07

Is there any uh further discussion?

1:32:09

Right.

1:32:09

All those in favor say aye.

1:32:11

Aye.

1:32:12

Any opposed?

1:32:13

All right, counselor Alec Mans, congratulations.

1:32:17

Looking forward to swearing you in on Tuesday.

1:32:20

Larry, Jeff, Suzanne, thank you all very much.

1:32:22

Looking forward to continuing work to all of you.

1:32:27

We are we are adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters████████████████████████████████32%
Procedural█████████████████████████25%
Community Engagement████████████████████20%
Public Engagement████████8%
Affordable Housing████4%
Library Management████4%
Water And Wastewater Management███3%
Fiscal Sustainability██2%
Engineering And Infrastructure1%
Summary of Proceedings

Lake Oswego City Council Special Meeting – May 28, 2026

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.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone. This Thursday, May 28th, 2026 meeting of the Lake Osego City Council is now called to order. Miss Hawkins, will you please call the roll? Yes, Mayor Buck. Here. Councillors Wendlin. Verdict. Here. Corrigan. Here. Afkin. Thank you. Thank you very much. Now everyone will you please stand, remove your hats and join us in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the play of the United States of America. And who's a republic for which it stands? All right. Thanks, everyone. Well, this is a special meeting today. We are here to interview the four uh final candidates uh we have for the vacant city council uh position. We'll ask the deputy uh city manager Madison Theseon to come forward and uh give us an overview of the process we are going to conduct today. Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Mayor City Council. Thank you for having me. I am just gonna intro this and then that way we can dive right into interviews. As a reminder, um, we are here today to conduct the interviews for this council vacancy seat. Uh, we had initially received 12 eligible applications, which were there, then narrowed down to the top four candidates who are being joined with us today for interviews. The candidate ultimately selected today will serve a term lasting until January 1. So they will be with us for the next six months. Um, give or take uh for for the rest of the year. What to expect? So in front of you, you will find an interview packet. Um in that packet, there is an interview schedule. So with the time stamps that we are trying to keep on track, along with a a interview sheet. Um, so interview questions. You are free to take notes. Um, we'll be following along with those four pre-approved questions. One thing to note, you're welcome to ask any follow-up questions of the candidates, and then we also are gonna offer them the opportunity to ask any questions of you all during that time. We have 15 minutes between each interview to allow time for transitions. We are gonna keep track of time to make sure that we're we're um respecting not only the council times, but the candidates' time and making sure that everyone has the fair amount of time for their interviews. Uh, an additional two housekeeping items. Please hold all discussions and deliberations about the candidates until the end, once all four interviews have taken place. Um, and then lastly, please remember that all written notes on your papers is a part of the public record. And so uh please just we'll collect those at the end, but just a reminder that anything that happens at the dais is a part of the public record. If anyone has questions, this would be a great time before we bring in our first candidate. Everyone said, No, thank you very much for the overview. We appreciate it. I will be your showrunner, so I'm gonna go grab the first one beyond time, and then we'll keep it flowing as much as possible. And then if you need any breaks, we've also scheduled in that 15-minute buffer as well. Okay, that's great.

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