Coos Bay council seats open for election

By Alexander Rich, Staff Writer
Monday, August 04, 2008 | 18 comment(s)

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COOS BAY — At least three experienced candidates will compete for positions on the Coos Bay City Council this November, including the current mayor and council president.

Jeff McKeown announced last week he will seek a second term as mayor. He will be joined on the general election ballot by Gene Melton and Jon Eck.

In addition, the seats occupied by John Muenchrath and Michele Burnette will be open this fall.

Eck, the council’s president, has said he plans to file for another four-year term on the council. A volunteer firefighter, Eck wants to be involved as the city builds its new downtown fire station.

“That’s a project I’d like to see through,” he said.

Burnette is unsure whether to run. She said she told herself last year that she didn’t need to make a decision until this month. She was appointed to the council in December 2006 to complete McKeown’s term. He was elected as mayor in the middle of his third term as city councilor.

Muenchrath was unavailable for comment before press time.

Melton, a retired police officer and volunteer firefighter, has served on the council in the past and was appointed to the council in February after Roger Gould resigned his post.

“I just want to be involved in the local environment,” he said. “Try to bring jobs to this area. To get a fire hall built, improve the sewers and streets.”

McKeown, who is in his 12th year on the council, the first 10 as a councilor, said he is happy with the progress the city has made.

“It seems like so much has been accomplished in this time, yet it seems like there is so much to do,” he said at a ceremony Thursday night at Benetti’s.

He mentioned the Hollering Place project in Empire, wastewater treatment plant improvements and downtown revitalization as examples of projects he wants to move forward under his watch.

And then there is the downtown fire station, which is scheduled to be built in the next two years.

“We passed the bond measure,” he said. “But it’s not built.”

He intends to see that project through.

Terms for councilors Mark Daily and Stephanie Kramer do not expire until 2010.
Tags » alexander rich, coos bay, politics
How you can file


Are you interested in running for mayor or a spot on the Coos Bay City Council?


* Application forms: Available in the finance department at Coos Bay City Hall, 500 Central Ave.


* Deadline: You must file by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.


* Qualifications: A candidate must be a registered voter and must have lived in Coos Bay at least one year preceding the election date.


* Information: Call the city’s finance department at 269-8915.
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Daniel L. Baumann wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:01 PM:

I ALSO HAVE FILED TO RUN FOR COOS BAY CITY COUNCIL. I AM NOT A BUISNESS OWNER AS SOME OF THE CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE. DANIEL L. BAUMANN FOR "CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP" THIS NOVEMBER 4th,2008. NO MATTER WHO YOU VOTE 4, PLEASE VOTE...

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Steve Pickering wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:10 PM:

Well I have filed, now it is up to you. You say you want change, then remember my name come November and get out and vote. Participate no matter who you vote for.

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DB wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:02 AM:

TAXPAYER, You can do anything no matter what your age is, just don't let anyone tell you different.

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taxpayer wrote on Aug 10, 2008 10:52 AM:

I hope someone will run for office that has the ability to bring in some new business. I cannot believe with an area this big, we cannot get more stores and restaurants that other areas smaller than ours has. Every single business that we hear is coming to town, decides not to, why is that anyway?? We need somewhere to shop and eat. Like Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Red Robin, TGIF's, even some decent Buffet restaurants, anything new would be nice. What is stopping all these places from coming here??? I would really like to know.
Please somebody run for office that can do something about this.
I can't I am too old, or I would....

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Steve Pickering wrote on Aug 9, 2008 11:21 AM:

I will be in line Monday morning for an application and filing. I was in Denver all week so I am a little behind, but remember the name D. Stephen Pickering.

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DB wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:44 PM:

MY BAD! I plan on running for city councilor, not mayor. Dr.Meunchrath would make the BEST CHOICE for mayor. If FRIEND OF FIREFIGHTERS can do it, I know I can as well. Anyone else willing to step up to the plate? Just remeber those initials!

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DB wrote on Aug 7, 2008 2:32 PM:

Hi there! I don't know how I will do, but I am going to file to run for the position of Coos Bay mayor. I would do the very best job that I can. I would even "LISTEN" to the citizens of Coos Bay,unlike our current mayor.

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eric hammond wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:26 AM:

I hope the dr gets it hes got the kind of spunk coosbay needs.

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RobertaL wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:29 PM:

I'm the local politicians worst nightmare, retired, in the area less than 10 years, lots of money, a conservative republican, against spending the taxpayers money foolishly, and I plan to run. I'll be on the ballot after the 25th. Why won't you others?

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To Lynn wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:03 AM:

Go for it!

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Lynn wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:57 AM:

Since I have lived here my entire life, maybe I should run. How about a female native of 50 years being mayor? I'd like to see my home town grow and change for the better. Stupid pretty sidewalks won't bring anyone here to look at them.

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Nebr. Transplant wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:30 PM:

Hope Dr. Muenchrath sticks his oar in the water and sets the boat (Coos Bay) on a straight course.

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Opinions are like noses wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:22 PM:

You get the government you deserve.

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COOS OBSERVER II wrote on Aug 4, 2008 5:07 PM:

This would be a good opportunity for LEHMAN and airport crew to help COOS BAY.They should know their time is very limited at the airport,enough damage done there.Voters get ready.

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CB Man wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:08 PM:

McKeown doesn't need to run. He hasn't done anything for the town since he has been in office. Speaking of work, the majority of the council hasn't done much. Dr. Muenchrath needs to run for mayor. He has what it takes and he cares about the community *gasp*. If he doesn't run for council or mayor, then we're going to get more of the same.

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friend of firefighters wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:35 PM:

Hello COMMON SENSE. Catching up on a weeks news. In your post last week you offered to run for mayor but feared not having name recognition. I once ran for office. No political experience (a plus), no yard signs, no advertising, no questions asked, and I got about 40% of the vote. Showed me how much the people did not want the other guy. I'm waitng to see how many of you unhappy people sign up as candidates then I'll be there with you. And the mayors property is about 3/4 mile from the LNG site.

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BarneyF wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:17 PM:

"Experienced". Again its the World trying to make news. Baloney! There are more experienced people who complain but fail to put their name on the ballot. Its time to put up or shut up. The people of Coos Bay deserve a choice for every position! Like others, my vote for mayor will go to Meunchrath on the ballot or as a write in. If only Mr. McKeown understaood that Coos Bay has a Council Manager type of Government and his ego would permit him to talk less and give credit to others more.

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Common Sense wrote on Aug 4, 2008 2:11 PM:

Well Jeff (McKeown),

Unless you start thinking about the area first instead of yourself (Supporting the California LNG SCAM due to your property ownership next to it) & start running the area better (NOT fee'n to death every potential incoming business), your chances of winning are less then winning the National Lotto! Sorry, but the goodoleboy system is slowly going bye bye (If you don't believe me, just ask John Griffith)...

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