To the editor:

For the past six years, Lincoln City has gone through a transition of five city managers, five planning directors, two city attorneys and various contract attorneys. These changes have impacts on the stability and historical knowledge of a city that has been used to decades of tenured staff. Retirements also included city employees from various departments who gave years of dedicated and consistent service to this community.

Susan Wahlke was elected as mayor five years ago, adding her community knowledge and pragmatic leadership skills that kept the city moving forward to attain community needs and priorities. Ms. Wahlke has professionally addressed various public opinions that often need a guided direction toward a process that may bring resolution to a conflict or issue.

The mayor does not work alone but facilitates a consensus of the city council to create policies and projects through open discussions and inquiry before implementation. Some of the projects and policies that her guidance and dedication have accomplished with the council, staff and community during these years are:

Working with Siletz Tribal Council to construct safe pathway along West Devil’s Lake/Neotsu;
Contributed land to the Lincoln 24 apartments;
Obtaining state funding to help construct the Spring Lake pump station to help make more housing available in the area;
Resolution against ICE;
Using lodging taxes and Lottery grants to build a new Welcome Center at D River;
The new Schooner Creek Discovery Park; and
Supported increase in lodging taxes comparable to other Lincoln County cities.

The knowledge, experience and stability that Susan Wahlke has provided should be continued with her re-election in November. She is a proven, collaborative leader.

— Judy Casper/Lincoln City