In the race for mayor of McCleary, Brenda Orffer is running against Jeffrey D. Prowse. Here are their responses to some basic questions about the office:
Brenda Orffer
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this job?
I feel I am the best candidate for this job because I not only possess the talent, skills, and knowledge to do a good job but also have a passion for it. At this time, I can also provide stability in the office and continue to work on the strategic objectives we have outlined.
What is the number one challenge the person elected to this position will face in the coming term?
The number one challenge for the mayor is aligning their vision with that of council, staff, and residents. Everyone has ideas — big ideas — and trying to find the common ground on which to build is always a challenge.
What are the big challenges facing the city of McCleary now? (if different from previous question)
The biggest challenges facing the City of McCleary are like that of many other cities: the uncertainty of revenue streams and the need to make repairs and perform upkeep and maintenance in areas that have been overlooked for too long.
What are your goals in office if you are elected?
My goals for McCleary are to see it grow at a pace we can manage and to see more businesses flourish. I would also like to see continued upgrades and fixes to our streets, park, and other city services. I also want to continue developing the staff who serve our city. Their professional development is important to continued service and innovation.
Tell the readers about your background and what qualifies you for this job?
I am an association executive with 25 years of experience in member services and association management. As well, I have studied ministries and am adapted to living a life of service to others. As association serve members, city officials serve residents. As ministers serve others, so do elected officials.
What is your profession?
I am the Executive Vice President for Washington Health Care Association, a trade association serving assisted living and skilled nursing centers across Washington. I have been with that organization for more than 25 years.
What information about your personal background would you like to share? (Family?)
I am originally from the state of Maine and moved to McCleary in 1994. My husband and I raised our two daughters here, and we love that the City of McCleary has been our home.
Jeffrey D. Prowse
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this job?
I feel I am the best candidate for this job as I know I have skills, time, and energy to put into this for the next two years. This is a commitment, and I am committed to giving the citizens of McCleary the best that I have to offer.
What is the number one challenge the person elected to this position will face in the coming term?
I think that the number one challenge to the person elected is being creative enough to find solutions for the numerous problems facing the city.
What are the big challenges facing the city of McCleary now? (if different from previous question)
These can entail the retaining our small-town feel and community in the face of growth to obtaining grant monies for projects the city needs, such as dealing with the aging infrastructure from the 1950’s. I see a need to make sure we have a proper idea of the wildcat aquafer and what measures may be necessary to protect it. I also see the need to improve and expand the city sewer system and protecting our drinking water.
What are your goals in office if you are elected?
I know I will work hard to find and obtain grant funding and available monies for public works projects — such as upgrading infrastructure like sewer lines, water lines, pumps and equipment, road repaving, sidewalks, and programs.
Tell the readers about your background and what qualifies you for this job?
Eagle Scout, Past Master (President – Centennial Celebration, 3 terms) Cedar Valley Grange #306, Overseer (Vice President), Lecturer, and Executive Committee Member. Vice President Executive Affairs for the Associated Students of Edmonds Community College. Daily operations manager for Seattle Monorail. EdCC Motor Pool. Previous owner of Spark Host, internet hosting company for websites, audio streaming, and chat networks.
What is your profession?
Entrepreneur. Some nonprofit work. Some work for public agencies.
What information about your personal background would you like to share? (Family?)
My grandfather’s family moved to McCleary during the great depression; Grover Prowse was my grandfather. Grover and Frances moved back to McCleary in 1947 after WWII and my father, Darrell grew up in McCleary. I spent many summers in Grays Harbor during my growing up years. From the mid 1990’s, I’ve been a volunteer cooking the bear stew for the bear festival.
