Joanie Johnson is campaigning for Coos Bay City Council in the Nov. 4 mail-in election. This information was provided by the candidate.

Joanie Johnson

 • Age: 61

 • Years in Coos Bay: 55 years

 • Occupation: owner of Sincerely Yours! Antique Mall

 • Experience: State of Oregon Ombudsman, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors



 • What in your background would help you as an elected official?

Has no political experience, but says she has great common sense, is a good listener and a fast learner. She is a local business owner, has training in public relations and has an active and committed volunteer history.

 • Why are you running?

She is running to help Coos Bay and surrounding areas become economically stable, to make the area a destination point and assure quality of life in the process.

 • What do you see as the key issues in the race?

Bringing in business that will support our tax infrastructure, making changes that set existing businesses up to succeed and creating shopping districts.

 • What would you like to see happen at the Hollering Place?

A viewpoint with a really nice building structure, a restaurant/hotel down below, and a developed dock to accommodate large ships and possibly cruise ships.

 • What do you think is the solution to the situation involving Southwestern Oregon Community College refusing to pay for police services?

Split the cost of services between communities whose residents attend there, but pay taxes elsewhere.

 • What do you think about the proposal to construct an LNG terminal on the North Spit?

I believe we don’t have much of a say-so. It’s beyond that point now. If it’s approved, we need to take full advantage of everything it can help us with.

 • If the Presbyterian Church site falls through, where do you think a fire station should be built?

There are other buildings possibly for sale, (Seventh and Elrod?) or the Fourth and Curtis site could be revisited.

 • What ideas do you have for improving the city’s urban renewal districts?

Opening up the flow of traffic will help existing business, and encourage new business.

 • How would you rate the performance of the current city council?

I’m very pleased at how they’ve embraced change and are looking ahead too.

 • How would you rate the performance of the current city council?

I’m very pleased at how they’ve embraced change and are looking ahead too.

 • Does Bunker Hill want annexation?

It would depend on how much tax base it would add, and the benefits for all involved. Possibly a good thing.

 • How should the city pay for the $42 million in repairs to the wastewater treatment and sewer system?

Reduce the amount collected now from existing businesses, and roll back the time frame in which to collect it, so more businesses could contribute to it as we grow.