10/2017 Mayor's Corner OCTOBER 2017
Message from the Mayor
Planning for a Sound Future
I want to give a shout out to our Tigard staff and volunteers. These are the people who
keep our city safe and sound every day. They are patrolling our streets, maintaining our
parks, serving patrons at our library, ensuring our water and sewer systems are functioning
properly, working with our community partners like local businesses and non-profits,
connecting with our residents, serving on boards and committees, etc. There is so much
they do every day—and while most people don't notice this work being done, they would
definitely notice if it wasn't.
The day-to-day work to maintain Tigard—or any city, for that matter—is exactly that. It is
every day; no matter what. And, as I said last month, we do this work because it is part of
who we are: public servants.
We all need and deserve a city that is efficient, effective and answers to the people who pay
for it. You have told us—in survey after survey—you appreciate and want us maintain the
current quality of life here in Tigard. So we understand that we need to ensure that our
streets, parks, buildings and public spaces are safe places for everyone. We also know we
need to do it in a smart, strategic manner that looks at the long-term.
This is why we formed the Levy and Bond Advisory Task Force this summer—to get input
from the people who live and work here in Tigard to help us set priorities, develop a plan of
action and keep us accountable for results.
It won't happen overnight, and it can't happen without some changes. The economy is
growing, but so are the demands on our systems and amenities like parks, trails and public
programs. It will take hard work and there will be challenges for everyone, but the rewards
will be in having a city that is reliable, responsible and resilient.
My next Fireside Chat will be on Thursday, Oct. 5, at Symposium Coffee (12345 Main St.)
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
My quote of the month for October is by Walt Disney: "Times and conditions change so
rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future."