Four local men are copeting for two open seats on the Stayton City Council in the Nov. 5 election, with varying degrees of professional and political experience.
Our Town reached out to each to learn why they are running and their goals for Stayton. Summaries of their answers follow in the order in which each candidate filed for office.
Ballots will be mailed Oct. 16 and must be returned to a ballot box by 8 p.m. on Election Day or postmarked by Nov. 5. Voters will be asked to select two candidates. The two with the most votes will be the winners.
Steve Sims
Steve Sims is finishing his first term on the City Council after being appointed to a vacant seat in February of 2023. He said he hopes to continue serving a city he deeply cares about.
Sims is a retired Navy officer and said he likes to give back through volunteerism.
His top priority is public infrastructure such as street repair streets and parks development, as well as improvements to aid industry such as a new roundabout at Wilco Road and Shaff Road. Sims pushed for $295,000 in additional road funding during the prior budget cycle by looking for areas to cut in the budget, and also advocated for $750,000 in funds for Mill Creek Park.
Sims said an effective leader is one who listens, prioritizes the needs of others and works toward a shared goal. He said he would strive to ensure Stayton remains “an amazing city with a great quality of life.”
Gary Frank
Gary Frank has lived in Stayton most of his life and said he would like to have a positive impact on his community.
He is a graduate of Stayton High School and currently works as a truck driver for Canyon Contracting.
This would be his first time in elected office. He previously served as an appointee on the Sublimity Planning Commission from 2008 to 2012.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Frank said he has “always been a fighter” and is “very outspoken” and would “fight for what is right for our city.”
Frank said one of his goals is to improve city streets, as well as other public infrastructure needs such as street lights. He said his overall goal is to “be there for the people of the town.”
“I have always loved my hometown and will fight for the rights of the community,” said Frank. “Let’s make Stayton great again.”
Ken Carey
Ken Carey said he was encouraged to run for office by community members he has gotten to know since opening the Baked and Loaded Potatoes food truck in 2017.
Carey has since opened Third Avenue Eatery and The Sock Shack at 505 Men’s Collective as well.
This would be his first experience in elected office.
Carey said he sees further opportunities to focus on homelessness and would reach out to other communities such as Keizer to learn how they have managed this concern. He also said he would prioritize public safety such as a return of Neighborhood Watch programs and wants to establish “a community where all of our citizens feel safe.”
Carey said he would also prioritize public infrastructure such as roads, and economic development.
Carey said, if elected, he would not take his position for granted and “will be a positive, uplifting voice for each of our community members.”
Luke Bauer
Luke Bauer said he is running for office because he enjoys a challenge and likes trying new things, and because he believes his values align with those of the community.
“I live in Stayton and believe my conservative morals align with the majority of the population and feel I can represent the people of Stayton very well,” he said.
Bauer owns local contracting company Bauer Built Construction and specializes in fencing. He has a wife and four young children.
This would be Bauer’s first experience in public office.
Bauer said his priorities would be public safety, homelessness and street repairs, including introducing policies that would eliminate homeless camping and provide police with adequate resources. He also said he would prioritize holding city leaders accountable and ensure public funds are “put to good use.”
Bauer said, as a father of four, he would work to make Stayton a safe place to raise children and that his “conservative values will ensure Stayton stays
that way.”
