Voters in Toledo will decide next month whether to re-elect current City Councilor Jamie Scalise or select challenger Gary Reboin.
With a seat on the city council up for grabs, both candidates received the same three questions from The Chronicle. They were asked to limit their responses to 150 words per question. Responses have been lightly edited to correct grammatical errors.
Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. If a voter hasn’t received their ballot by Oct. 27, the county auditor’s office recommends visiting votewa.gov and selecting “my ballot,” calling 360-740-1278 or visiting 351 NW North St., Chehalis. If a registered voter has moved, they can update their registration with any of the options.
Gary Reboin:
Going forward, what do you see as the biggest challenge facing Toledo?
The biggest problem facing our city is the inability of the city council to work together for the good of our community. Also, the council hasn't been able to work together alongside the mayor. Since this time of confusion, the city employees have suffered. Since the last election, all the city hall employees have quit. We need to support our staff. One of my priorities is to help bring us back together working for the good of the community.
What is the biggest area for growth?
As our community grows, we have challenges before us. We need to look at finishing the hiring process and funding for our police department. We need to continue to have staff for city hall and allow for their training. The council needs to look for new and creative ways to bring revenue into the city. We're a small staffed community and need to continue to support our public works department with the resources they need to keep up the maintenance of our city. We also need to work to continue on our annexation project. While attempting to work in all of these areas, it is my hope that we can continue to have a good small community feeling. We all need to be united and take pride in our community.
Why do you think you're the right candidate to serve on the city council?
I served on the city council several years ago. We worked together, trusted each other and supported the mayor. I felt we were very successful in serving the city of Toledo. I feel that my experience serving on the council makes me the best candidate for position 5. I want to attempt to bring in a fresh and positive approach to the council. I feel that I will be able to help bring about positive change. I do not feel that the person presently serving in this position is able to do that. It would be an honor to serve on the city council again.
Jamie Scalise:
Scalise did not respond to multiple emails requesting responses. In the voters’ pamphlet, Scalise said she graduated from Bellevue College with a bachelor's degree in health care technology and management.
Scalise wrote the following statement in the voters’ pamphlet:
“My service is about integrity, transparency, and stability for the City of Toledo government and its citizens. I intend to keep speaking up for the citizens of Toledo to ensure that their government is keeping their best interests in mind. It is important to have fiscal responsibility, adhering to laws and regulations while guiding the progress of the city in a responsible manner. I take my oath of office seriously. With a background in administration and accounting, I believe I can help.”
