Sweet Home City Councilor Angelita Sanchez Files for Re-election

August 26, 2024 – Angelita Sanchez: Facebook Post

A little bit older and maybe more wise: Today, after much consideration, I decided to file for re-election. I do this because I love to be a voice for those who feel they don’t have one and I love my community.

For the last 5 years I have been standing up for working Oregonians. And since 2021 I have been an elected city councilor. I’m going to try and recap some of the things that have happened under my leadership. Not because I want to boast, but because I want to remember.

Many years ago, Facebook was meant to be sort of a journal for me and y’all get to follow along. I didn’t want to forget and some forgetting I’ve done. So I’ll write some down here.

Let’s see…

* We stood up against the Covid mandates and signed a proclamation for personal choice and medical freedom. That ultimately led to a battle with OSHA and we won, as councilors.

* We wrote a resolution against racism and bullying. I have pretty good relationship with our state representative, our senator and county commissioners and because of that, we got our first lighted crosswalk in town ($500k) and now have a budding relationship with ODOT. That relationship has allowed for a conversation about what we can do at Pleasant Valley Road and HWY 20.

*When Governor Tina Kotek refused to give rural counties the resources for unfunded mandates, I was the only person in the entire county who stood up for our community and brought in nearly $3mil to Linn County. I agreed to sit on an advisory committee to make sure that money was spent wisely. Ultimately that saved our community some expenses that were a struggle to afford.

*When little promises was afraid of closing their doors and had been waiting on their well permit but couldn’t get anywhere, I helped them find it with in the bureaucracy and got it going.

* When the city didn’t audit their books with the state for more than 3 years, we hired folks that would and did get it done. Under my suggestion we have also socked resources away in interest bearing accounts to grow our nest egg.

* I’ve consistently stood up for personal property rights and less government overreach, even so far as citing the US Constitution.

* When Army Corp was coming to town about the drawdowns, I alerted folks to pay attention and show up. Even the media forgot originally until I reminded them. I have testified to the Army Corp, The State Legislature and the County Commission more times than I can count, on behalf of Sweet Home.

* We now have fully staffed Police Department and brought a canine back to the ranks. I was adamant that we assist folks with sprucing up downtown instead of fining them, and Paint The Town was born.

* I brought multiple water assistance programs to those who could not afford the increases necessary to fund the new wastewater treatment plan.

* More often than not, I’ve spoken against fee increases, wherever the fees may be. I’m more of a cut costs type of gal. Even so much as every year on the budget committee I always push back against the idea of the gas tax on our community.

* I’ve worked on making sure that city contracts have a pre-work site visit prior to bidding so that contractors would not find deficiencies and start price gouging after award. It has always happened, but not anymore. I always try to keep and maintain the local history that we have left, so we don’t lose our identity. That’s really important to me.

* I always ask questions and I’m always available to be asked. I take pride in being accessible while holding others accountable, even myself. I don’t hold onto a belief so tightly that I can’t be persuaded with logic and reason. I think that makes for a great non-partisan representative. I always try to do what I think is best for most.

I probably could continue with many more things, but I can’t remember totally it’s just been so much in the last 4 years. It’s not necessarily what I always want to do, but it’s the right thing to do. If we all just did what we could, the world would be a better place. And if all I can do is protect my community, right where I’m planted, it’s what I will do. You should do it too!

If you’re one of my neighbors I’m asking for your vote and if you’d like to donate a few dollars to my campaign, I would greatly appreciate it. Please ask and I’ll tell you where to send it. I would love to mail out some cards and post some yard signs.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for being a part of my life and support system. It’s definitely caused me to grow so much gray hair, it’s crazy.