JANUARY 2018
The Newberry Eagle - The Community Newspaper of Newberry Country
Civic News
Page 7
“You Can’t Solve It All, But You Can Show That You Care” Q & A With Dennis Scott After His First Year as Mayor By Andrea Hine. Contributing Writer Q. Are there aspects of the job that you weren’t anticipating? A. Being mayor is more time consuming than I expected. It’s almost a full-time job, because of what you have to do, and wanting to do it right. I also didn’t realize how many gatherings we would attend. Colleen and I go to events all week long – sometimes two a day – from the tiniest meeting to the largest get-together. Everyone wants to know what’s going on. Sometimes I just want to stay home, but afterwards I’m always glad I went. To be a proper mayor, you have to be social in order to understand what various organizations are trying to do. And those in La Pine are accomplishing many wonderful things. You want them all to be appreciated – it’s our way of saying ‘thank you.’ And the long-term goal is having organizations work better together. “Day after day, it’s always a surprise – but a pleasant surprise,” added Colleen Scott. “It’s fun to meet new people, and be exposed to events and circumstances in which I wouldn’t otherwise participate. We’re both big-time introverts, and this job has made us more outgoing.” Q. Do you interact with groups and officials outside of La Pine? If so, why? A. I make a point of regularly attending a variety of events – from the County Fair’s opening ceremony, to educational foundation gatherings, and political meetings in Bend, Redmond and Salem. I’ve talked with the governor, and meet with other local, regional and state figures on a regular basis. You could say that it’s not part of my job, but I want La Pine to be represented fairly – to show that
our community cares. The results are very tangible – these folks now know me and know La Pine – politics don’t matter. Q. What’s your approach in dealing with divisive or volatile situations? A. My modus operandi is to listen, be polite and act like a gentleman. It doesn’t matter which side of an issue the speaker is on, or whether I agree with his or her stance. It’s a reflection of my police background, where I learned that you can’t be judgmental, but rather need to give a person the benefit of the doubt. I won’t argue. but am there to learn. I like to listen to everyone’s view, and am willing to change my mind. I refuse to say anything negative. If I’m quiet in a discussion, you can figure that I probably disagree, As my mother used to admonish, ‘if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it.’ That way no one loses their dignity. Q. Why bother listening to disparate opinions? Don’t you know what needs to be done? A. By listening, you get to know the community, and what they expect in the future. I respect all their views. You can’t solve it all, but you can show that you care. And I want everyone to get something – whether it’s the dust abatement measure that made such a difference to Cagle Road residents, or making La Pine welcoming for new businesses. My intent is to respect what people want, and carry it forward as we go. Q. What negatives have you encountered? A. The politics are harder, and take longer, than I had anticipated. And as mayor, you have to deal with some people’s aversion to change. The flip
side is working with our energetic and knowledgeable city staff – who, like me, are looking at long-term outcomes. Q. What’s ahead in 2018? A. There are some ‘big ticket’ items on the agenda, including affordable housing, beautification of the downtown area, a transit center, development of the industrial park, and major sewer and water infrastructure improvements. The town is still in the building stage, and as growth continues to take place, we’re working to give La Pine more quality – not just quantity.
Monthly Chamber Breakfasts
“Open to Anybody and Everybody” By Staff Writer
“The energy in the room is amazing – not a grumpy face in sight, despite the early hour.” Commenting on monthly 7:30 a.m. breakfasts hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, which are “open to anybody and everybody,” Executive Director Ann Gawith added that “people come ready to connect, talk and listen. The energy is contagious, and I always leave feeling good.” Attendance at these get-togethers, which started back in 2010 or so under Gawith’s predecessor, “has gone up 50 percent in the past few years,” she continued. “We always try to come up with new ideas and more information, and now attract a regular turn-out of 65-85
people.” According to Gawith: “The unstructured pre-breakfast time provides a tremendous opportunity to touch base on a friendly basis with as many people as you want. It’s gratifying to watch the ease with which attendees are interacting – introducing themselves to each other and engaging in conversation. This networking is key to the popularity and value of the event.” The monthly breakfasts always have a sponsor, who addresses the group, as well as segments allocated for awards, state agencies and nonprofits. Additional fiveminute segments enable both members and nonmembers of the Chamber to make
THE SPORT ZONE
New and Resale Winter Sportswear and Accessories Snow Pants, Goggles, Helmets, Jackets, Gloves, SNOW TOYS, Sleds, AND MORE Save your hard earned cash with New and Resale Bikes and Accessories 10% OFF Gift Certificates
Come in and meet us
56815 Venture Lane, Sunriver
ALREADY GREAT PRICES
541-728-9096
announcements about upcoming events. “The Chamber is a huge part of La Pine,” Gawith noted. “Not only do we represent and advocate for our members, but we pride ourselves on being ‘the connecting force in the community’ (as emphasized in our mission statement). “Examples include handing out Christmas Basket Association and Toys for Tots applications; selling tickets to local events (such as fundraisers for local nonprofits); and highlighting local artists by featuring their creations in our gift shop adjunct. “The Chamber participates in LPHS’s Career Fair each April, and holds an annual joint breakfast with the Sunriver
Chamber that brings the two communities together and celebrates how important one is to the other. “We’re also a resource for any type of question – from residents as well as visitors,” added Gawith. “The Chamber fields local inquiries about Amtrak schedules, who to call about a dead animal in the yard, and even where to obtain firewood. If we don’t know the answer, we try to find someone who does!” (Those interested in attending or knowing more about the monthly Chamber of Commerce breakfasts should contact Gawith at 541-536-9771 or director@ lapine.org.)