Yet another seat on Salem City Council will be wide open this year.
Citing major changes with both her family and her career, Councilor Cara Kaser told Salem Reporter on Saturday morning she won’t seek a second term as one of the city’s nine policymakers. Her term expires Dec. 31, 2020.
“Serving my community these past three years as a city councilor has been both one of the most important duties I have ever taken on and one of the most important honors I have ever been afforded,” she said. “Additionally, it is one of the most demanding and rewarding volunteer positions I have ever encountered.”
Her decision means there will be at least three new councilors elected next year. Brad Nanke, 60, won’t seek re-election after nearly two decades representing southeast Salem. Meanwhile, Vanessa Nordyke represents southwest Salem on an interim basis after Sally Cook resigned in September.
Prospective councilors have until March 10 to collect signatures and file to run for office. The primary is slated for May 19.
Kaser said she considered her decision for awhile. She lost her grandfather, whom she described as “like my second father.” Her parents’ hazelnut farm is also struggling with tariffs while the United States engages in a trade war with China.
“I don’t think most people who live in the city understand how difficult it’s been for our local farmers recently,” she said. “Every hazelnut farm is going through that. The crop has been wonderful, the farming itself is great, but the price is just at the floor.”
The 37-year-old’s career has become more demanding. She recently won promotion to chief information officer at Oregon Business, the state’s economic development agency. Development Department. Meanwhile, the demands on the council have grown.
“I am looking forward to being able to focus more on my career, family, and other service-oriented activities after my term on council ends,” she said.
Kaser noted serving on council is a major time commitment and councilors are volunteers. Big, citywide issues – such as deciding the fate of a third bridge over the Willamette River or weighing policies around homelessness – consume more time.
“I would say over the last two years there’s been several instances like that,” she said. She also added that other responsibilities, like helping constituents with daily problems, pile up. “There’s a lot happening in the city.”
Kaser plans to endorse Virginia Stapleton to replace her. Kaser said Stapleton would help steer the city on issues related to homelessness, fixing sidewalks, planning for a third bridge and planning for climate change.
“I am confident in Virginia’s ability to lead and serve our community on the Salem City Council and ask residents of Ward 1 to join me in voting for her in May!”
Have a tip? Contact reporter Troy Brynelson at 503-575-9930, [email protected] or @TroyWB.
Councilor Cara Kaser won’t seek re-election in 2020. (Courtesy/City of Salem)
