West Linn’s Bialostosky prepares for a second term as mayor

It’s been an eventful four years for Rory Bialostosky.

Since he was first elected to the West Linn City Council in 2020 , Bialostosky has graduated from college, been appointed both City Council president and mayor, won a mayoral election and helped the city navigate some of the most pressing issues of the past decade, including freeway tolling, a lawsuit from the school district and efforts to bring accountability to the police department. Bialostosky is now on the precipice of a second term, as he’s running unopposed for reelection next month.

When he first ran for council in 2020 , Bialostosky told the Tidings he planned to only serve one term. So what changed his mind?

“People were consistently encouraging me to run and I enjoy the work,” he said.

Bialostosky said fellow councilors, community members and city employees have all voiced support for a second term. Those people have told him they’re pleased to see the council getting along, working collaboratively and getting things done, he said.

The mayor mentioned he’d also like to keep working on several of the city’s biggest projects.

In a second term, Bialostosky looks forward to continuing work on Highway 43, the waterfront plan and exploring funding options for a potential recreation center.

With the state Legislature considering a major transportation infrastructure package in 2025, Bialostosky said he plans to use his connections in Salem to fight for funding for orphan highways — including Highway 43.

He’s also looking forward to completing the city’s Highway 43 land use planning project , Vision43, which will give the city a better idea of the community’s hopes for the corridor and zone changes that could help bring it to reality.

Additionally, Bialostosky is excited about adopting new zoning for the waterfront area to align with the Waterfront Vision Project , which will allow commercial development of the area as well as restoration of natural spaces.

“There’s plans dating back to the ‘80s for the waterfront that haven’t been carried out for various reasons, so I’m excited to get the waterfront plan adopted and make sure it has something for everybody,” he said.

Another idea that’s been kicked around for years — a community recreation center — also saw some movement this year. Though the results of a feasibility study showed the project would be much more expensive than the city hoped for, Bialostosky said he hopes the city can still explore potential partnerships that would make the rec center possible.

Bialostosky and the council have also seen a fair share of setbacks and challenges over the past four years.

Whether censuring a fellow member of council or addressing accusations of ineptitude and disregard by police officers handling a sexual assault investigation , Bialostosky said he’s had to learn to deal with difficult and unforeseen issues on the fly.

“That’s been the biggest challenge is learning how to lead the city in a crisis and support the community,” he said.

On the positive side, Bialostosky said there are a number of accomplishments he considers big wins for the council. The biggest of these “wins,” he felt, was getting Gov. Tina Kotek to put a pause on tolling efforts, as that was one of the community’s biggest concerns for several years, he said.

Creating a positive, respectful and collaborative environment on the council was also a significant step forward, he said, adding that it’s now “a government that people can be proud of.”

“I’m proud of the fact that the city and our council responds to concerns — for instance, the boat parking code and the nuisance feeding of wildlife,” Bialostosky said.