Gresham Mayor Bemis plans run for re-election

By Sanne Godfrey

The Gresham Outlook, Jul 27, 2010, Updated Jul 30, 2010 (2 Reader comments)

Gresham Mayor Shane T. Bemis has announced his bid for re-election, saying he wants to continue the city’s efforts at job recruitment, economic investment to the community and enhanced livability by fighting crime.

Bemis made the announcement Tuesday, July 27. He is first to officially file for the mayoral position in Gresham, said Susanjoy Baskoro, Gresham city clerk. Candidates have until 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, to file for a shot at the four-year mayoral term.

“One of my primary focuses is to get people back to work,” Bemis said.

His announcement come shortly after Solexant, a California-based solar cell manufacturer, revealed its plan to open a plant in Gresham, creating 170 jobs in the first year.

Public safety and livability continue to be on the agenda for the mayor. He plans to continue meeting with the neighborhood associations and seek out divergent viewpoints, he said.

Bemis and his campaign manager, Karylinn Echols, who served as a Gresham city councilor from January 2005 through July 2007, have not set a specific date when their campaign will start, but do expect to start campaigning soon.

“We're ready for anything,” Bemis said.

Along with the mayoral position there are three open positions on the City Council.

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