Asson has Hat in Ring for Council Seat

(This article appeared in the 8/31/10 issue of the Nugget Newspaper)

David Asson.photo by Bill Mintiens By Bill Mintiens David Asson is one of six candidates running for a seat on the Sisters City Council in the November 2 election. Asson, 73, has lived in Sisters for the past four years. Prior to moving here, the Assons lived for 43 years in Beaverton. David and his wife of fifty years, Carolyn, have four married children and thirteen grandchildren. Two of their married children live in Sisters Country. The pull of family and the natural beauty of Sisters Country motivated David and Carolyn to relocate to Sisters. "We had been visiting our kids in Sisters for years and finally decided that it would be a great place to live," said Asson. Originally from Rupert, Idaho (population 4,000), Asson grew up on a farm but knew that agriculture was not going to be his career path. "I enjoyed the work but frankly I didn't relate to the industry. I enjoyed accounting and bookkeeping in high school and eventually went down that career road," said Asson. David earned a BBA from the University of Portland and an MBA (business management & accounting) from UCLA. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve. A Certified Public Accountant, Asson's career was spent with national CPA firms as well as running his own management and consulting practice for over 20 years. "Most of my professional days were in management consulting, CFO-type positions, and business systems/computer system consulting for medium-sized firms around the U.S. I spoke with my last client just a few days ago so, for the most part, I'm mostly retired," said Asson. Not one to sit around, Asson has been involved in many volunteer efforts since moving to Sisters. He is a director of the Sisters Historical Society, treasurer of the Timber Creek Homeowner's Association, and served as a member of the 2009 Sisters Budget Committee. Asson is also a published author. He's written two books in recent years. "Bringing in the Hay," a nostalgic history of the old hay stacking era and "Forty Years to Idaho," a historical account of the epic journey of European immigrants through western coal mines to Idaho homesteads. These days David enjoys woodworking in his shop, working on his computer, and playing with his grandkids. "I like to have variety in my days and, now that I'm retired, I have the time to devote to city council issues if I'm lucky enough to get elected," said Asson. When asked what qualifies him to become a city councilor, Asson spoke to his extensive business experience, financial perspective on Sisters, and desire to recruit companies with jobs. "I'm mostly retired and I served on the (Sisters) budget committee recently," he said. "I bring reasoning and research to the council. I see so many assets that just need to be coordinated. Talented people, good cash reserves; we don't have to add a lot of infrastructure, we just need to market what we've got. "I think if we had more people (in the community) working we'd be in much better shape. We need more - and better - jobs. In my business, our clients were all small manufacturing or services-oriented companies so, much of the time, I was going out and knocking on doors (to keep new business coming). We have to get out and talk with the retired professionals here in town, asking them 'don't you know some companies that might be interested in Sisters?' If you keep looking, keep talking, you'll eventually get companies; you have to move cautiously, methodically keep asking for business." Asson feels that the council could use his financial expertise. "In the few meetings I've been in with the council I felt that, at times, there wasn't enough knowledge about interpreting financial statements, financial results. I'm not sure they always understood what the statements said." Along those lines, Asson feels that his attention to detail and ability to plan are needed on the council. "The handling (hiring process) of the economic development manager position is a good example. (Councilor) Bill Merrill asked a lot of good questions, wanted more details about the position in writing and it never happened," he said. "I would have had everything written down and detailed before we agreed to the position, before we essentially wrote the $30,000 check. I'm a stickler for details. I'm not sure that, if there is a plan for the position, that everyone (councilors) agrees. We haven't set the policy very well for EDCO to follow," said Asson. Regarding the issue of urban growth, Asson said, "I advocate planned growth that's in harmony with nature. We need to target the kinds of businesses we want. At the council work meetings, twice a month; we should be establishing the goals we want to see three to five years from now." Asked about the state-designated "severely distressed community" listing, Asson said, "I don't think we're a severely distressed community personally. There are a lot of people out of work for sure, but it's not because of the City of Sisters; they've done a good job of controlling costs within the city." Asson believes the present council could function better as a team. "I was impressed in the budget meetings with the council," he said. "But I sense there's conflict within the present council; three councilors seem to be controlling the voting. I don't like that. If I was a councilor I may vote their way sometimes but not always. I believe the disharmony could be smoothed-out by more deliberate, fact-based discussions versus emotion-based discussions. Unfortunately I don't think our present councilors share their thoughts among themselves as well as they could." Asson was originally running as one of three candidates - including Jerry Bogart and Virginia Lindsey - supported by the Citizens for Sisters political action committee (PAC). This past July Asson became treasurer of the PAC as the group began meeting weekly about campaign strategy. Citizens for Sisters was formed in the 2008 campaign and raised more than $11,000 to support the slate of Lon Kellstrom, Jerry Bogart, and Pat Thompson. All three were elected. (See related story, page 1.) Last week Asson decided to leave the PAC and his position as treasurer. "Late this past Friday afternoon I notified the sponsors of the PAC that I wished to run independently and would be resigning the treasurership as of Monday, August 30," Asson told The Nugget. "I want to give myself more flexibility in presenting my message to the community. While I share many, if not most of the PAC candidates' views, I feel it may be more advantageous to me and the community, if I take my own path and do my own marketing," said Asson. Asson says he received some pushback about his decision but still feels it was the right thing to do. "The mayor was disappointed, but he's still supportive of my decision. And a few community members encouraged me to do this as well," said Asson. Three city councilor positions are up for election - those currently held by Bill Merrill, council president, Sharlene Weed and Jerry Bogart. The Sisters City Charter states that in any election the top two finishers receive four-year terms, the third-place finisher receives a two-year term.

Twelve Apply for Sisters Economic Development Manager Job

(This article appears in the 8/24/10 issue of the Nugget Newspaper)

By Bill Mintiens As of the deadline on Friday, August 6, EDCO (Economic Development for Central Oregon) received 12 applications/résumés from people interested in the position of part-time economic development manager for Sisters, according to Erin Chaiet, EDCO operations manager. The Sisters City Council budgeted and approved $30,000 for the 2010/2011 fiscal year for the position. It will likely be at least the middle of September before a person (or firm) will be chosen to fill the position, an independent contractor's role, which runs through June, 2011. The need for the position, the actual position description, and the reporting structure have been controversial for several months. EDCO, having been asked by Mayor Kellstrom to "take the reins" regarding the position description, hiring process, and interview panel, began posting ads Thursday, July 22. EDCO directed people to a detailed online position description at www.edcoinfo.com, stating that "the independent contractor will provide staffing of the Sisters Business & Attraction Team (SBART) and coordinate with the City of Sisters and EDCO to provide economic development services for the greater Sisters Country area." When asked if all the city councilors had reviewed and agreed to EDCO's advertised position description (including reporting structure, goals, office location, etc.), Mayor Lon Kellstrom said, "No, they haven't. My choice was to keep the council out of it in favor of an arm's-length relationship in the hiring of the economic development director. We need an arm's-length arrangement, through EDCO, to keep the council out of trouble. We don't want to be accused of using public funds to hire a 'friend' of the council." The mayor was referring to Mac Hay, volunteer chair of SBART (Sisters Business Acquisition & Retention Team), one of the 12 candidates for the position. Councilor Sharlene Weed is not happy with Mayor Kellstrom's actions regarding the hiring process for Sisters' part-time economic development manager. "I spoke with Lon (Mayor Kellstrom) and he maintains his position that it was fine to move forward because the council would have an opportunity to ask questions and give final approval (to EDCO's recommendation on a candidate)," she said. "I really don't understand why he has chosen this approach. I don't see what he gains. And... the town loses by not having a rich discussion of the possibilities and arriving at a fully fleshed-out plan for the position. Now it appears that a person will be hired prior to council's approval and we will be asked for a rubber stamp. It's disappointing." When asked about the people comprising the interview panel, Roger Lee, EDCO executive director, said, "Some of people we'd asked to be part of the interview panel have not been all available all on the same day so we've had to change the schedule several times and mix of volunteers. It is a difficult time of year for scheduling." Mayor Kellstrom said recently, "We (the council) purposely stayed out of the choosing of the panel." Councilor Weed is not impressed. "I asked Lon who was on the interview committee... he said he didn't know." EDCO funds and manages economic development director positions in Redmond, Prineville, and Madras. Successful programs in both Prineville (acquisition of the Facebook facility) and Redmond (Altrec, T-Mobile, and several other businesses) give EDCO experience and credibility with hiring and management. When asked about the delays in this hiring process, Roger Lee, in an e-mail dated August 19, wrote, "There are a number of unanswered questions including when the person/contractor will be available, the council's approval, etc. I don't see the timing as a big issue, other than the fact that we would prefer to be at this stage at the very start of the fiscal year (July 1); the schedule will just have to be revised and with it, potentially, the expenditure. If approved, we are hopeful that a start date would be established later in the month of September." Apparently no one's in a big hurry to help Sisters recover from our state-designated "severely distressed community" status. Acknowledging the delay, Mayor Kellstrom said, "It just took a lot longer to formulate the position on EDCO's part and to cover all the legal aspects. The good thing about it, though, is that Mac (Hay) is still doing his SBART stuff." The city council has been on recess this month. Their next scheduled workshop and regular council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 9. "We are planning on taking this up on September 9 in terms of accepting the agreement (independent contractor agreement) and discussing EDCO's suggested candidate for the position. EDCO will likely make an offer to a candidate on September 10," said Mayor Kellstrom. So the 12 candidates will be interviewed over the next few weeks, a top candidate (or firm) will be chosen, and that person (or firm) will be presented to the council on September. In an e-mail dated August 17 to Mayor Kellstrom, Councilor Weed asked, "Can you please explain to me why EDCO is proceeding with this when the position has never been approved by the city council? I have never seen a plan for this position. I would like to look at different options - including a discussion with the fellow who contacted me a couple weeks ago who said his consulting firm could provide concrete deliverables for our town for less than $30,000. Please stop this process until the council has had a chance to weigh in." Other city councilors had the opportunity to comment on these issues but declined to do so.

Looking for Jobs in All the Right Places

The Oregon Business Development Department should offer more than lip service for small business

By Valerie C. Plummer

Small businesses create jobs, and entrepreneurs create most of the jobs in America. This has been proven time and again, most recently in a study by the Kauffman Foundation, which estimated that 558,000 new businesses were started every month nationally in 2009—the highest number on record. Despite the fact that the credit freeze and housing meltdown corroded access to business capital on a scale unseen in our nation’s history, the U.S. entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive. Americans and Oregonians find a way; it is simply what we do.

Unfortunately, in the Oregon Business Development Department’s Proposed 2011 “Method of Distribution” which outlines how its Community Development Block Grant funds should be spent, the long-standing Microenterprise Assistance Program is slated for elimination. These funds help rural communities provide training and support to entrepreneurs. The program helps these small businesses fine-tune their business plans so they can grow, expanding their businesses and creating jobs.

Small businesses are counting on the Oregon Business Development Department to restore the Microenterprise Assistance Program.

Small business is not a “partisan” issue or even a bipartisan issue - it is a nonpartisan issue. Both parties play an important role in making sure Oregon’s economy rebounds. Now let’s hope the Oregon Business Development Department prevents this mis-step and reverses its proposal to eliminate the Microenterprise Assistance Program.

Ms. Plummer is Executive Director of the Oregon Microenterprise Network, a non-profit association for Oregon microenterprise development. www.oregon-microbiz.org or valerie@oregon-microbiz.org

The Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) is seeking public comment on the proposed 2011 CDBG Method of Distribution through September 8, 2010. A public hearing will be held at 11:00 am on September 8, 2010 at OBDD, 775 Summer Street NE, Salem, Oregon in conference room 201. The draft Method of Distribution (MOD) can be viewed at http://www.oregon4biz.com/calendar.php?site=IFA&site_category=general Written comments on the proposed 2011 MOD will be accepted until 5:00 pm on September 8, 2010. Comments can be forwarded to Mary Baker, OBDD, PO Box 866, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601 or by e-mail at mary.a.baker@biz.state.or.us