By Mary Owen
Accentuate the positive!
That’s the message city leaders want to get out to Stayton citizens.
“Mayor Vigil and I have had serious conversations about what we think the citizens of Stayton want for the future, and one common theme keeps rising to the top,” City Manager Don Eubank said. “And that simply stated is concentrating our efforts on the city of Stayton and our citizens in the most positive manner. We came to the conclusion that if we are all united in a common campaign/theme, we can accomplish more for everyone.”
Mayor Scott Vigil and Eubank created the campaign to address a number of negative responses to recent decisions made by the city council and city staff.
“Sometimes these cause turmoil amongst us,” Stayton City Councilor Larry Emery said.
Emery hopes the campaign, which is just getting off the ground, will fly.
“If we as a council can get the people of Stayton to think positive about our community, we can prosper through the tough times and maintain the nice community we have.”
Eubank listed the Mayor’s Ball, Stayton’s Fourth of July celebration and SummerFest as several activities citizens can be proud of.
“The first city of Stayton Sprint Triathlon happened because of city staff volunteers and most important, many citizen volunteers working and making something positive happen,” Eubank added.
Eubank said when he was police chief, his trading card said, “Treat everyone the way you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes. If you honestly do this, you will be a better person and life will be more enjoyable and easier for you each step of the way.”
“We can disagree in a civil manner, still be on the same team, and search for a solution toward the intended goal or outcome,” he said.
The ultimate goal of the campaign is to foster communication and discussion among community members and city leaders and staff, he said.
“The city works for all citizens,” Eubank said. “Everyone can have a say no matter who you are.”
Eubank welcomes citizen input, and wants everyone to feel free to talk with Mayor Vigil, city councilors and staff about any issue.
“And know their opinion counts,” he added. “We cannot be all things to all people, but we are doing what we think is best for the community based on the information we have from all who talk to us.”
More than 300 posters with the Accentuate the Positive slogan on a red, white and blue patriotic background have been distributed via e-mail and at various meetings, Eubank said.
“They’ll soon be available at city departments and at the Chamber and various businesses,” he said.
Emery would like to see “plus” signs become commonplace in Stayton, reflecting positive attitudes and making Stayton a better place, he said.
“By accentuating the positive, we in no way intend to have our heads in the clouds, thinking we are running the magical city of la-la land,” Mayor Vigil said. “Rain drops and whiskers on kittens may be some folks’ favorite things. Others may be Guns and Roses and Whiskey River barbecue chicken. This says we are all different and we all do not have to like the same things to have a very nice town.”
Vigil and Eubank encourage all Stayton citizens to “help to build the momentum to keep us moving and working together to accentuate the positive!”
For information, call Stayton City Hall at 503-769-3425.
