Newberg City Council will see new face in July

A new face will come onboard the Newberg City Council as the District 3 representative come the first week of July.

Glenn Cloyd, a resident of the Newberg area for 45 years and within the city limits for 30 years, was chosen from among a half-dozen applicants by the council at its June 18 meeting. He is expected to be sworn into the position at the July 3 council meeting.

Cloyd, who listed his profession as maintenance manager on his application, will finish out the term of Molly Olson, who resigned her District 3 post several months ago due to moving out of the district. Olson was appointed to the seat in October 2022 following the untimely death of longtime councilor Denis Bacon.

Cloyd’s selection followed a lengthy and thorough interview process by the council, which included a questionnaire that ran over several pages and ranged from queries such as “How would you currently rate the city’s performance?” to “What contributions do you feel you can make to the City Council?”

To the city’s performance question, Cloyd responded: “I am very happy that Newberg has stabilized the city manager position and with a person who is highly respected by the community. For criticism, I believe the south side of the Newberg does not get the attention needed on our infrastructure, especially street repairs.”

Cloyd’s ideas for improving the city’s performance centered around the city listening to the voices of under-represented individuals in the city.

“I believe the working-class neighborhoods do not have an equal voice,” he wrote in his application. “My wife and daughter are recent immigrants from southeast Asia and we need to amplify voices who are not normally heard.”

Cloyd touted his employment at the now-defunct WestRock paper mill among the qualifications and skills he brings to the job of councilor. He served as shop steward at the mill and was also a volunteer firefighter in Newberg for many years, receiving training as an EMT.

“I know it takes a team to make any system work,” he said. “I believe my skillset, experience and perspective would be asset to the city council.”

The condition of the city’s infrastructure, particularly in District 3, was top among the most pressing concerns listed on Cloyd’s application. But filling potholes and fixing sidewalks aren’t the only issues causing him consternation, nor is it exclusive to Newberg.

“I also believe there are many ‘daily life’ issues that face all cities today that need top priority,” he said. “I have appreciated the recent shift in Newberg city government from a more ‘political organization’ to a more ‘practical solution’ oriented city council. I would look forward to finding solutions to the real local issues facing our community.”

Cloyd wrote that he viewed the duties of a city councilor as a conduit to bring the concerns and wishes of constituents before the council.

“I also believe that is the job of a city councilor, to find common ground (and a common agenda) with the other members of the council and then help communicate those goals to the residents of our city,” he added.

Among the greatest challenges and opportunities Cloyd predicts for the city is promoting growth in small businesses.

“I worked at the paper mill for almost 20 years,” he said. “It looked like a big business, but only directly employed a little over 300 people. We need to make sure we are supporting our local employers and doing what the city can to reduce the costs of home construction for our local workers.”

Cloyd said his life and job experiences that could be helpful in his position as councilor include his appointment to the Yamhill County Parks Advisory Board, working with state legislators and local officials, and his skill at listening and responding, “well to colleagues, and I understand when people are trying to voice their concerns.”

Cloyd said the greatest strength he could bring to the council is his listening skills.

“The ability to listen and understand where a person is coming from,” he said. “I may not agree with them, but they have a right to say their (piece) and I am willing to listen and consider their viewpoint. I also have found that many times a person I may disagree with initially has a good idea that works for both sides of the issue. I pride myself on being open-minded to alternative solutions and different perspectives.”