Orofino candidates want to give back

After years of a withering economy created by the closing of local mills and a downturn in the timber industry, the town of Orofino appears to be experiencing a turnaround, one of the candidates for Orofino City Council said.

“I think it’s turned around a whole bunch,” said Douglas Donner, one of four candidates for three seats. Donner, 67, has served on the Council for 28 years and is also the chairperson of the city’s planning and zoning commission.

Josh Tilley and Jennifer Dunaway, both incumbents, and newcomer Loretta Stout also are vying for the council seats.

Donner said the last couple of years have been some of the busiest the planning and zoning commission has seen for some time.

“There’s a real influx of people moving in and (he’s running for re-election) just to make sure of organized growth,” Donner said.

Donner is interested in seeing several infrastructure projects completed, including upgrades to the city’s sewer lines, the completion of a master transportation plan and a master comprehensive plan.

“I feel like (the city) needs a little bit of the history,” he said of his candidacy. “We need a mixed group. I grew up in this town, so I see the need for downtown revitalization.… We’ve got to consider everybody — the taxpayers — when we’re doing those things.”

Tilley, 44, is a physical therapist and has served two terms on the Council. Although he has no specific agenda, “I enjoy being a voice for the community and trying to help better the community.”

Tilley said he is interested in the infrastructure work the city is involved in.

“I would like to see that continue and also work on different projects for recreation geared toward youth,” Tilley said. “I’ve had some time on the council and we’ve got some projects to work on and I want to be able to see those through.”

Dunaway, 46, is a program specialist for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at State Hospital North. She has served two terms on the City Council.

Dunaway said she has enjoyed watching the community grow and “I feel that there is more work to be done and I want to be part of that so that I am able to give back to the community that I have called home for the last 46 years.”

Dunaway said one of her biggest concerns is the impact of rising costs on all of America.

“This has a huge effect on small towns,” she said. “I am always looking to continue to keep our tax base as low as possible while still giving the community the things that they ask for. It is always a challenge to keep up with old and failing infrastructure while continuing to improve our community on a tight budget. I plan to continue to work with our entire time to find available funds to help small towns with their continuing needs without strapping the constituents with higher taxes.I also hope to help the community understand better how our budget works and how we appropriate our funds in the best way possible.”

Dunaway said she is “proud to be a voice for the community. I will always stand up for what is right even if it may be unpopular with other council members. It is impossible to please all but I am always happy to do what is best for the majority. I have an open mind and a listening ear and am willing to think outside the box if it means supporting the community.”

Stout did not respond to several requests by the Lewiston Tribune for comment.

Hedberg may be contacted at khedberg@lmtribune.com.