COOS BAY — The job description for mayor of Coos Bay seems to be pretty simple this election year: Bring jobs to the area.

That, at least, seemed to be the sense from Wednesday’s League of Women Voters forum, where Jeff McKeown and John Muenchrath mostly shared their ideas about how to improve the local economy.

McKeown’s answer to the economic question, as well as dealing with myriad other issues, was collaboration. He pointed to his work with the governor in resolving the dispute over the submerged land needed to build a new Coos Historical & Maritime Museum. He also emphasized the importance of working with North Bend, Coos County and any other interested parties in reducing waste and attracting attention to the area.

“It’s all about bringing in jobs so we can afford to take care of the things we need to take care of, like police, fire and roads,” he said.

Muenchrath focused on the need to support local business, whether by conscientiously shopping locally or by creating programs such as the facade improvement and a business incubator efforts. He noted that a nicer looking downtown area is important for attracting professionals to the area, and suggested painting murals on walls in downtown areas.

He also said it was important for city government to be responsible with its money. If a new program comes about without new revenues, some other program should cut back, he said.

McKeown joked that it was strange for him and Muenchrath to agree on various issues, though they found plenty of common ground Wednesday.

On current issues

Both agreed it was important to let the city manager handle personnel matters without interference from a mayor or council. They share a desire for transparency in public decision-making and both agree that the substantial repairs to the city’s wastewater system need to be addressed through bonding.

Even on the controversial issue of liquefied natural gas, Muenchrath and McKeown agree the mayor of Coos Bay has very little say on the matter.

Muenchrath, who opposes the project, did get in a jab at McKeown by saying it is better not to sit on the fence on an issue. McKeown has not said whether he supports or opposes the project.

In response to a question about getting public input, Muenchrath said he would hold office hours at City Hall and residents could schedule appointments. McKeown said he held a number of open microphone events his first months in office.

“One of the best things about this job is getting to talk to people,” he said.

Spending tax funds

When asked about Fred Meyer’s request for $2 million in public money to make improvements to its store in Coos Bay, McKeown explained that it was a negotiating tactic and that the city never intended to pay that amount. He said he was interested in talking to Fred Meyer to find out if the city could help with infrastructure repair and to find out how much more in taxes the city would get from the improvements.

Muenchrath said he would offer Fred Meyer the maximum amount of funds through the facade improvement program, $25,000, though he would give priority to local businesses.

Cross city relations

Asked about the idea of consolidating with North Bend, the candidates agreed it’s a good idea — just not now.

Muenchrath said he has always thought it is a logical idea, though it doesn’t make sense if North Bend doesn’t want to do it.

“North Bend is their own sovereign government, so to speak,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with them saying no. We have plenty of things to keep us busy.”

McKeown agreed that it would be better to simply try and work with the city to the north.

“We can have Bulldogs and Pirates and still work together,” he said.

Why this job?

When asked why they are running, McKeown returned to the issue of jobs while providing a personal example. He noted that his family has lived in the area for generations, but right now his son lives in Boston and his daughter in Seattle.

“I’d like them to have a chance to live here,” he said.

Muenchrath took a different tack, talking about the importance of giving voters a choice in the election. He said he thought about simply running for a second term on the council, but he decided he could shoot higher.

“I’m running for mayor because I think I would do the best job,” he said.

He suggested he would focus on the mechanics of government first and not look at speculative spending, a reference to his concerns about supporting the South Coast Development Council.