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

Howard Forte

• Age: 51

• Years in Coos Bay: 12 years

• Occupation: sales manager at Coos Bay Toyota

• Experience: Two years on Coos Bay Budget Committee

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

 I have served on the City Budget Committee for the past two years. In my capacity as general sales manager at Toyota, I see daily the financial position of the people in our area and the loss of jobs and income here. In my dealings as both a homeowner and an employee of a business working with the city trying to get permits for improving the value of property. Our city needs an overhaul.

• Why are you running?



I feel a need to be involved in my community. I had direct involvement in moving the mission to its present location. I'm involved with Kiwanis to help the children in the Bay Area. I'm on the advisory board for the Salvation Army. I would like to help make it easier for people to move here and start a business and build a home and put their children into our schools.

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

The key issues are broad. Livability, what can we do to keep our children from moving away. Respect for the city's elected officials. We need to listen to the people who live here, be more open to them by providing them a venue to ask questions and get answers.

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

Hollering place should be a place where families can go for a quick picnic, get a bite to eat, etc. It needs to be access able and affordable for the users.

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

Southwestern  students need to be protected by our police. That being said, Southwestern and the city need to understand that we need each other and get together on an agreement.

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

LNG is out of our hands. There are so many pros and cons floating around that we are all confused to some extent. My thoughts are whatever the decision, we jump in and try to find a way to make peace .

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

I truly hope the church site works. I feel it's the best location. However, if for some reason it fails, we need to rethink the Curtis Street location.

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

The urban renewal districts have become the catchall for any project we can't pay for out of the city budget. I feel that we need to redefine what we want the district to look like down the road and set up the fund accordingly to make it happen.

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

Our current council works very hard and I commend them for their commitment to our city. I do however feel that there is division and individual agenda working against them.

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

Annexing Bunker Hill or any other county property is good for the city. Adding money to our tax roll and receiving money for the services we already perform. Also we would be able to upgrade the looks of the entrance to our city.

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

As far as the wastewater treatment and sewer system, we need to look for federal and state funds along with grants. Once we have exhausted all other routed for funding, we will need to have a levy.