West Linn council incumbents file for re-election

West Linn Mayor Rory Bialostosky, Council President Mary Baumgardner and Councilor Carol Bryck, who all have seats up for election this year, have filed for re-election.

The trio recently filed candidacy paperwork with the city of West Linn.

Bialostosky made history in 2020 when he became the youngest person ever elected to the City Council at 21 years old. He made history again in 2023 when he was elected the city’s youngest ever mayor .

Baumgardner was also elected in November 2020 while Bryck was elected to serve the remainder of Bialostosky’s council term after he took office as mayor.

“It has been an honor to serve as Mayor over the last year and a half. We have accomplished a lot, and there is so much left to accomplish for our community,” Bialostosky wrote to the Tidings in a text message. “I am excited to continue to build on the progress that the City has made in making West Linn a great place for people to live, work and play. Continuing work on our community visions for Highway 43 and the Waterfront, fighting for fair transportation funding solutions for our region in Salem (not tolling), working to ensure the stability of our water fund, and supporting our new in house attorney as she transitions into the City organization are some of the things I am excited about continuing to work on if re-elected!”

"I have been honored to represent the people of West Linn and fortunate to serve on a collaborative, cohesive council that the community can be proud of," Baumgardner said via email. "Working with our excellent city staff, and regional government partners, we have accomplished some great wins for the city and community. I look forward to the opportunity to build on that momentum with our exciting long range planning projects for the Willamette Waterfront Project, Willamette Falls Locks reopening, Highway 43 Vision Plan, Historic City Hall restoration and National Heritage Area application, to name just a few."

Bryck also expressed excitement about continuing to serve on council.

"I am honored to have served on the West Linn City Council since last August when I was appointed and then elected last November," Bryck said. "If reelected I will continue to reach out to the community through neighborhood association meetings, Walk and Talk with Councilor Bryck, and my liaison appointments to the advisory groups. My priorities are to continue collaboration with the City Council, city staff and the community."

Bryck also said she was eager to continue work on Vision43 while Baumgardner said she hopes to build relationships with tribal partners.

As of July 10, Bialostosky, Baumgardner and Bryck are the only candidates for the three open council positions, though the filing period does not close until Aug. 27.