Randy Cranston likes being involved in his community.
“We want to leave it in at least the same condition, but preferably better,” he explained.
Although Cranston is a member of numerous nonprofit organizations including the Stayton Public Library, Habitat for Humanity and Kiwanis International – to name just a few – it is his 26-year tenure on the Sublimity Planning Commission that is most impressive.
“Randy’s always been on the Planning Commission,” Mayor Jim Kingsbury laughed. “And if I had a question about the code or what a development would look like, it’s always been Randy that has taken on that task.”
Inspired to join the commission in January 1997 after seeing an advertisement in the local paper, Cranston initially thought the position sounded like fun.
“Right out of the shoot there were seminars and classes and trainings,” Cranston said of the commitment that turned out to entail more hours than the advertised once a month meeting led him to believe. “But they gave us the opportunity to make Sublimity, Sublimity.”
Recognized for his dedication to maintaining wide streets and sidewalks throughout the city – “one of his notable achievements,” according to fellow Planning Commission member, Ron Etzel – Cranston has undoubtedly left his mark on the city he loves.
“Randy’s diligence in this manner has allowed Sublimity to grow in a very positive way,” Etzel said.
With his retirement from the Planning Commission taking place at the end of December 2023, his knowledge and experience will be missed.
“Land use in the state of Oregon is complicated and it takes someone with experience, like Randy, to work their way through the process…” Mayor Kingsbury said.
Which is one reason the decision to leave was a difficult one.
“But it was time,” Cranston said. He will use the extra time to take a more active role in the leadership of his church. “And fortunately, Sublimity runs like a well-oiled machine.”
In fact, Cranston is confident that, despite his retirement – which unfortunately coincides with the additional retirement of Etzel and the passing of Dolores Morris – the City of Sublimity is still in good hands.
“We have a Public Works Director that’s awesome,” he began. “And we have a Council that works toward the future.”
That just leaves the task of filling the three empty Planning Commission seats.
“I hope the spots won’t stay vacant for long,” he said, adding, “It’s hard to leave but I’m thankful.”
