On the November 8th, 2022 mid-term election Oregon voters chose to change Oregon’s form of government from Commission form to Council-Manager form of government. The unofficial results of the referendum were 675 “yes” votes or 56.39% a total of 522 people – or 42.61% of voters – voted against the change. The responsibilities of the former Commissioners now fall on the City Manager. Under Council-Manager form of government the Council Members are the Oregon’s legislative and policy making body. They approve the budget, and appropriations, as well as determine the tax rates. The council focuses on the community’s goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use development, capital improvement and financing, and strategic planning. The council hires a professional manager to implement the administrative responsibilities related to these goals and supervises the manager’s performance.
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Ken Williams
Mayor
Contact Ken Williams
The Mayor is the chairperson of in council-manager communities. Mayor Williams is a key political and policy leader. The Mayor is a voting member of the city council who presides at council meetings. Mayor Williams represents the city in intergovernmental relationships, assigns agenda items to committees, facilitates communication and understanding between elected and appointed officials.
Other duties include:
- Signs all contracts
- Ensures all provision of the code are followed
- Sets the agenda for the city council meetings and presides over meetings
- The Mayor, with the consent of the council, appoints members of the Planning and Economic and Community Development Commissions
Being the face of the city the Mayor needs to be very involved in community events and work with businesses to maintain and enhance the central and outlying business districts.
About Ken Williams: Ken Williams was elected for a second term as Mayor of Oregon in 2019. Prior to his election in the spring of 2015, Ken Williams had been City Council Vice President and Finance Commissioner for eight years. He is also a small business owner, operating the historic Pinehill Inn B&B for the past 10 years. The Pinehill is on the National Historic Register.
The mayor is also a proud member of Oregon VFW 8739 – serving as the post Service Officer and on the Honor Guard for funerals and parades. He is also a member of the local Rotary club, Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of the Oregon Trail Days Festival. He has a degree in business and graduate degree in finance. Was an officer in the US Army Infantry, a part-time police officer in Warrenville, IL, and Deputy Chief of Lake County Sheriff reserve.
He was born in the small rural community of Lena, IL and has been married to his wife Chris for 45 years. They have three adult children and five grandchildren.
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Melanie Cozzi
Council Member
Contact Melanie Cozzi
Term: 5/2023 – 5/2027
Founding member of the Sustainability Committee and Farmers Market
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Terry Schuster
Council Member
Contact Terry Schuster
Term: 5/2023 – 5/2027
An Oregon resident of over 20 years. Proud of successful daughter and son who experienced our rich small town lifestyle which offered more than we ever imagined.
Has been active in church leadership, the Community Arts Legacy, Library Board, and Rotary. Passionate about the opportunities Oregon has for its future. It is indeed a great place to work, raise a family, and participate in community life.
Sits as the City representative on the Economic and Community Development Committee.
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