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

Gene Melton

•  Age: 69

• Years in Coos Bay: 56

• Occupation: retired truck driver

• Political experience: Eastside City Council, Bay Area Transportation District board, Coos Bay Budget Committee, Coos Bay City Council, Coos County Urban Renewal Agency

• Why are you running?



To stay involved with my home town an its citizens, to enhance the lives of the citizens (jobs, livability).

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

Who has the most experience working in an with local political arena, working with state agencies an even the feds. Who has the experience to get things done for the citizens of Coos Bay. How Coos Bay will pay for the mandated upgrades to the sewer system by DEQ. Getting the new fire station built on time and within budget.

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

Working with the planners and the citizens of Empire, looking at the proposed plan (not complete yet). It will enhance the area very well. I like what I have seen so far (still listening to the citizens of Empire).

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

On the advice of city attorney — no comment at this time.

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

As a city council member, I cannot say very much. As a citizen, it would create jobs for the area. As a retired fire chief, I understand the danger or the lack of danger, but I still have a open mind on the LNG project.

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

If the church site falls through (I don't think that it will.), then the city will have to revisit the prior site downtown, or a better site may come along. Unknown at this time

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

Working with the business owners downtown to upgrade their building, attract new business downtown.

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

The current city council is working very well with each other. We are getting things done that has been put on the back burner for too long. Overall, I think the performance of the city council is very good.

• What do you think about the city annexing Bunker Hill or any other county land?

Annexing Bunker Hill has been talked about for many years. The city did not have the money at that time nor does it have the money at this time. Neither the city nor the citizens of Bunker Hill could afford the cost of the upgrades that would be incurred by annexing — police, fire, streets.

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

The sewer and water rates will need to increase slightly each year to pay for the bonds or the loan. This a 20-year project, so the city has time to get everything in line. There is no quick fix. It will be done in stages.