Voters will weigh-in on a trio of Gresham City Council seats during the 2024 November General Election, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Up for grabs are Position 1, Position 3 and Position 5. The Outlook reached out to all the candidates who filed, and put together stories on those who replied.
Cathy Keathley is running for Gresham Council Position 3 against Jacquenette McIntire and Thomas Stanley. The incumbent, Councilor Vincent Jones-Dixon, left the seat after a successful bid for the Multnomah County Commission.
Keathley has lived in Gresham since 1962, growing up in Rockwood where she raised her family. She is an elected Gresham-Barlow School Board director, board member for 100+ Women Who Care East County, and on the Council of Advisors for Spirit of Gresham.
She served on city council from 1993-94, before her then-employment with the city of Gresham prevented her from running for reelection.
Why are you running for city council?
Keathley: “As the fourth-largest city in the state, Gresham still has a small-town feel, where everyone looks out for each other. Being elected to city council allows me to give back to the community that gave me so much and shaped who I am today. I will work to make sure we have a city that is thriving and remains a place we all want to call home.”
What are your priorities as a candidate?
“First is public safety. Our citizens deserve to feel safe. I have and will continue to work tirelessly to support our police officers and firefighters, providing them with the resources they need to protect and serve effectively. Next is financial accountability. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, the city must prioritize services that matter most to our community. Just as we manage our household budgets, the city must carefully plan and allocate their resources. Third is economic development. Gresham’s future prosperity hinges on our ability to create an environment where businesses can thrive. I am committed to supporting initiatives that attract investment, create jobs, and bolster the economic stability of our community. And finally, a key pillar of my philosophy for public service is working together. A thriving Gresham depends on our ability to unite as a community. I will push for a city government that actively engages with all groups, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.”
How will you be able to work with the rest of council/community to enact those priorities?
“I am a listener. Always have been. I intend to listen more than talk. When I say I want to ensure every voice is heard, that includes my fellow city council members. Every member of the city council represents the differences in our community and incorporating those voices into our decision-making brings value to the process and builds trust with the community.”
What sets you apart as a candidate?
“I have invested my ‘time, money, and talent’ on Gresham my entire life. My unique experience as an elected member of the Gresham-Barlow School Board, my time spent on the city’s Charter Review Committee, my time as an elected City Councilor and working in HR at the city of Gresham, and my decades long volunteer work with so many nonprofits to support their efforts. I know what our community needs, and I have the experience and skill set to bring people together to make positive, lasting decisions for Gresham and everyone who calls it home.”
What support does the Gresham business community need?
“We need to listen to the business community to make sure we know what their needs are and then work to meet them. That certainly includes making sure our city processes are efficient, and responses are timely. I will work to make sure Gresham’s policies and services are the reason businesses want to come to Gresham.”
How would you support parks? Does Gresham need a community center?
“The parks department needs a dedicated source of funding so we can improve the parks we currently have and be prepared to develop new ones. Gresham has done a great job with limited resources. A community center is a great investment for any community. I know it ranks very high with community members. We need to have some fresh ideas as to how to make it a reality.”
What support is needed for Gresham youths?
“Being on the Gresham-Barlow School Board has allowed me to meet with and talk with many students and parents within the community. A strong youth program provides an opportunity for our youths to focus their energy and time on positive experiences that have a lasting impact on their future. Gresham does a great job providing opportunities for our youths, which includes outreach, prevention and intervention support. They have developed partnerships with community-based organizations and offer a variety of activities to keep our youths active and engaged.”
Mt. Hood Community College is trying for a bond this spring, how can council help?
“Mt. Hood Community College provides the skilled workforce the city needs to attract new businesses. As a city councilor, I can use my voice to educate the community, so everyone understands the vital role the college plays in making Gresham a thriving community. We all play an important part in supporting the education of our students. As a city councilor, I will look for areas where the city can partner with the school district to provide support.”
Gresham Police/Fire passed a historic levy — what more is needed for first responders?
“The passing of the safety levy was critical for police and fire to increase the resources they need to provide the safety our community deserves. However, we must continue to work toward finding a permanent revenue source for these important life safety services. Another area that needs our immediate attention is the current fire stations. All of them are far beyond their expected lifespan.”
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