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

Thomas Kramer

 • Age: 72

 • Has lived in Coos Bay: 6 1/2 years

 • Occupation: search & rescue captain in the boating industry

 • Prior political experience: None  

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



I have a wide variety of jobs: teaching, owner of a successful automotive towing service, owner of a successful tool and equipment rental business. Currently I am a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain doing search and rescue for boats breaking down in the vicinity. I have also worked in the law enforcement field as chief of security and sheriff's deputy.

 • Why are you running?

I would like to make a difference in my community and thought this would be the best way to start.

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

Lack of family wage jobs and affordable housing. Getting the local economy going. I would like to see if the city council could do anything concerning our faltering fishing community.

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

The whole concept of the Hollering Place has been going on for the past 10 years. I do feel like we are moving in the right direction with the people working on the master plan. Now the city should get to work on construction of the overlook so people can see that progress is being made.

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

Every citizen in Coos Bay deserves to be protected by our police department. There are not enough officers as is, and the college should compensate the city for the additional personnel that will be involved with the student housing. The list of incidents that will be possibly reported to the police department is really a concern to me. We really need to support our police force and increase the amount of officers available to the public.

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

I think the good that would be created by having the LNG terminal outweighs the negatives. It would create a lot of jobs while being built and would attract more businesses along the way. This is an area that desperately needs family wage jobs and the terminal would provide them to the area. That being said, I feel that we should do what the majority of citizens want.

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

There have been several sites considered for the fire station that should be looked at as well as exploring other sites. I was driving on Ocean Boulevard and noticed a sign that there are four acres of property for sale. We certainly want to get this project going as soon as possible.

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

I would need to be on the council for awhile to see what is already happening. 

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

I think some of the councilors are doing a good job. It is a good thing that we are getting some new faces on the council as they can see see things in a different manner and come up with new ideas.

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

As long as the citizens are willing I think it is a great idea. It will create a broader tax base as well as consolidate some city services for a savings as well.

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

I think the council and budget committee are addressing this issue by raising the sewer rates and looking for other ppossibilities to fund it. I also think we have to let our city manager advise us on how we should proceed.