Mayor Kate Schwarzler attributes current city financial woes to her predecessor's administration

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, May 15, 2026  

Decisions made a decade ago during the previous mayor's administration are causing the financial strain that the city is facing today – and forcing the need for a nearly $20 fee to be added to utility bills, according to statements made by Independence Mayor Kate Schwarzler at the city budget meeting last week. 

Schwarzler said the cause of current financial squeeze in Independence "happened from decisions made 10 years ago, 15 years ago, that we are still living with."

She was referring to a period in which John McArdle was mayor and David Clyne was city manager. 

McArdle stepped away in 2024, after 26 years at the helm. Clyne, who served as city manager under him, preceded the mayor's departure by a few years. Schwarzler attributed the current financially challenging circumstances to that administration, calling the situation "frustrating." 

She observed that residents also have pointed to these past actions as being responsible for present fiscal struggles. She commended the city manager, Kenna West, for "putting us on a better path." 

Efforts to reach Former Mayor McArdle for his reaction to Schwarzler's commentary have so far been unsuccessful. But Clyne, the city manager at the time, chose to respond to Schwarzler's claims. 

Clyne asserted that, under a practice labeled "best practices" by West, the city stopped transferring utility funds to the General Fund and "pocketed the savings instead of lowering customer bills by that amount." 

Now these same utility customers are being asked to pay $30 more a month on their water-sewer bills, Clyne said, referring to the $10 public safety fee and the $19.65 community services fee that will begin in July. 

In light of Clyne's response, Schwarzler was asked to further clarify her statements on the link between this year's budget and the McArdle administration. 

However, she hasn't replied to that request. 

In past months, Schwarzler has stated that she supports the city manager's ban on the local press, Trammart News, which city staff have said is a mandate that no question from this news outlet  needs to be answered. 

Clyne has alleged that, under the new policy, the city administration has "justified a large rate increase" for existing customers to, among other things, prepay debt obligations that "rightfully should be paid for by new growth instead." 

But new growth has come to a halt. The reason given by developers: A significant rise in building fees, called system development charges. The increase was approved by the Independence City Council after Public Works Director Gerald Fisher presented a plan to do so, shortly after West arrived. (Fisher has since announced his retirement; Advertising for his replacement is underway.) 

The increase in builder charges – to about $53,000 per home – was labeled "massive" by the Homebuilders Association of Marion and Polk Counties, in HBA's widely publicized newsletter. 

Last year, those charges were lowered after a federal report aimed at helping distressed cities made that recommendation to Independence. However, the $10,000 cut in fees didn't generate any more building – the fees were still nearly double that of two neighboring cities, according to a comparison with Dallas and Monmouth. 

Trammart News has queried several developers over the past year, who confirmed that they no longer consider Independence a feasible place for new housing construction. (Acreages along Talmadge have been cleared, but no houses appear to be under construction.) 

Accumulating city debt – identified by Schwarzler as a crux of the city's financial problems – was identified about ten years ago by the city's auditor at that time, Kamala Austin. She informed Mayor McArdle and Independence Council President Marilyn Morton of the risk of possible looming loan obligations, along with the rest of the council. 

Morton has said she doesn't remember the incident. Emails about Austin's past advisory, which were sent to Morton prior to this article, have gone unanswered. 

However, shortly after the former Independence financial director, Rob Moody, gave a presentation on debt, Morton was reminded by Trammart News of the 2017 meeting in which Austin delivered her message. Morton said she didn't recall the meeting. 

In his answer to Schwarzler, Clyne cited the current lack of housing growth as a deep concern. He indicated that not only is it necessary for the city's financial health, but a no-growth period fails to justify a $44 million water-treatment plant. 

"When growth is virtually anemic in Independence – one new housing start in two years, reportedly – are treatment plants for water and sewer suddenly emergency needs at costs in the tens of millions?" Clyne asked.

Schwarzler and West recently made a trip to Washington DC to lobby for revenue for the planned water treatment plant. 

"Without growth, what is driving the need? Without growth who will be asked to pay for them? Where is the financing plan for either facility?" Clyne asked. 

Schwarzler once highly praised both McArdle and Clyne for efforts during their administration – for turning a derelict concrete company site by the Willamette River into the apartments and hotel now known as Independence Landing. 

When she took office as mayor about 18 months ago, Schwarzler expressed her gratitude to McArdle in an online post: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank John McArdle for his remarkable years of service to Independence. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on our community." 

However, she has since said that "long-term decisions" made by that administration, along with factors ranging from state requirements to the inflation rate, have made it hard for the city to remain fiscally sound. 

(Next week Trammart News, which has published editorials on meeting decorum, will revisit how questions were being asked and answered at the budget meetings, including resident testimony.)  ▪

Trammart News Service, May 15, 2026

Introduction

Almost immediately after the near-unanimous vote by the budget committee to send the 2026-2027 Independence budget to the city council for final approval, Trammart News asked a simple question. Who voted against it and why? 

The lone "no" vote was cast by City Councilor Dawn Roden (photo), who agreed to explain her reasons. Her essay, which is being published as a guest editorial, appears below. --AS

Opinion: Why I voted no on the proposed Independence City Budget   

By Dawn Roden

Independence City Councilor

First, the levy failed. 

And I believe any new fees should be taken to the voters before being added to the water bill.

The base water and sewer rates are already too high, and the budget committee dismissed the idea of reducing those rates – whether by an equal amount or even by 50% – to offset new charges.

This budget does not maintain staffing levels; it increases them. It simply does not make economic sense at this time.

We were not presented with a version of the budget that showed what would happen if these new fees were not included. Instead, we were told that, without them, city services would shut down. I don’t believe that’s accurate.

For example, would the library truly have to close? Or could it operate for another year at current funding levels? We simply weren’t given enough information to make that judgment for our community.

This budget also nickels and dimes residents through about $85,000 in new and increased fees – from home‑based business fees to higher dog-licensing costs and increased copy fees at the library.

Nearly every department shows increases in spending, even as our community is being asked to tighten its belt.

On top of that, we are misleading the community about our debt levels by suggesting they will reduce “over the next few years.” The truth is that we are more than doubling our debt with the construction of the new water treatment plant. Our community cannot afford that.

Imagine what our water and sewer bills will look like once the additional costs required to repay that debt are added. This is a major financial burden that residents deserve to understand clearly.

I also believe the City Manager has put the city at real risk by acting as the city attorney, a role that is not hers and should never have been taken on.

If she intends to continue doing this, then I must support bringing in new legal counsel. And to be clear, hiring an in‑house attorney does not eliminate our need for outside legal counsel. We will still need specialized help, and without a firm already under contract, we will have to seek representation and pay for each occurrence. I do not see how we can responsibly or accurately budget for that.

When asked about these costs, the city manager’s response is often something like, “I don’t have a crystal ball.” That kind of answer does not inspire confidence that we can plan for our future legal expenses or understand how high they may rise.

Meanwhile, the city manager and other staff are receiving large pay increases, yet the Independence Civic Center remains closed on Fridays. The city has not demonstrated any real financial benefit from that closure.

In fact, I have emailed staff on multiple Fridays and often receive immediate automated replies stating they are working remotely and may not respond until Monday – raising further concerns about efficiency and transparency.

For these reasons, I could not support a budget that raises costs on residents without clearly showing the tradeoffs, accountability, or shared sacrifice expected in difficult financial times. ▪

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, May 15, 2026  

Ben Bodeda is a busy man.

That’s to be expected when you’re executive director of a youth center that serves as many as 150 students each day, with numbers that keep ticking up. That growth is driving the center’s next big step: Expansion.

In an interview that took place during the center’s quiet hours – before students began pouring through the doors, to socialize, to improve their computer skills, to learn new recipes, to play volleyball or to just hang out – Bobeda (photo) explained the fast-growing quantity of youth who are using the facility. 

Participation at The Gate has increased by 300 percent in just a few years.

Fundraising is making it possible to construct more square footage at The Gate, as the Independence-based youth center works to keep pace with growing attendance in its after-school programs.

Strong donor support is allowing The Gate to move forward with its plans for a 7,000-square-foot expansion. The goal is to add more space for classrooms, offices, gathering areas, and programming.

“Expanding the Hope,” as the campaign is known, has raised $2.2 million dollars through major gifts, grants, and local contributions. Or just shy of the $2.5 million targeted amount. Some $300,000 is still needed to bridge the funding gap.

“We’re basically down to the last portion of our local goal,” Bobeda said. “We’ve had several generous donors step forward, and we’re hopeful the community will continue to partner with us.”

Community partnerships have never been more important, as acquiring state and federal grants is more competitive.

“There’s less grant money available than there was a few years ago," Bobeda said of government funding streams. “So we’re really focusing on building strong long-term partnerships and long-term community support.”

Expansion hopes were boosted after Tom Pyree and the late Sally Pyree donated $1 million.

“That really changed everything,” Bobeda said of the Pyrees’ generosity. “We had talked about expanding years down the road, but suddenly we had the opportunity to start now.”

Other organizations and individuals also stepped forward.

A private Portland-area foundation awarded $500,000 toward the project while contributing thousands more toward The Gate’s endowment fund. In addition, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust granted $225,000. Another $200,000 came from local sources.

Breaking ground as soon as possible is financially prudent. Cost estimates have increased roughly 10 percent over the past year, Bobeda noted, a trend that is expected to continue.

The community’s belief in providing a safe, supportive space for teenagers is generating widespread support for the expansion project.

“We’re seeing 120 to 150 kids a day in this building,” Bobeda said. “The need continues to grow, and we want to create spaces that help us serve kids better.”

The Gate began in 2005 as a faith-based youth ministry, operating one day a week out of the First Baptist Church. It was known then as “Thursdays at The Gate.”

Over the next 15 years, the ministry steadily expanded its programs and fundraising efforts before opening a stand-alone youth center in 2020. This 12,000-square-foot facility included a gym, game room, gathering spaces, and kitchen that now serves hundreds of students each week.

The Gate’s stated mission is “to demonstrate Christ’s love to the youth of our community through academic, social, and spiritual activities.” Bobeda added that most students do not come from church backgrounds and that the ministry welcomes all youth regardless of faith affiliation.

The Gate operates after school five days a week, from 3 to 6 p.m. There is a summer program.

Programming includes but is not limited to youth groups, clubs, academic support, mentoring, arts, and workforce development.

Students enrolled in auto mechanics, for example, are taught everything from roadside assistance and how to change tires to more advanced skills. Donated vehicles are repaired, recycled, or occasionally gifted to individuals in need within the community.

Twenty-five staff members, including six who are full-time, are employed by The Gate. Administrative and development staff focus on fundraising and donor outreach. An estimated 100 volunteers help throughout the year with meals, events, mentoring, and club programming.

“Many programs could not function without our volunteers,” Bobeda said.

When the building first opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance averaged 15 to 20 students per day. Within a year, daily participation jumped to around 50 students. Today, daily numbers range between 120 and 150 students, depending on the season and sports schedules.

Several factors are driving growth.

“Many students simply need safe places to go after school. Others are drawn by opportunities for social interaction, mentoring, meals, and recreational activities,” Bobeda said. “We really believe there are kids where the meal they get here may be the last full meal they have that day.”

The Gate reportedly served 11,000 meals after school and 6,000 lunches while supporting 940 students and 600 families last year.

Included in the plans are new classrooms, offices, and quieter environments for students who struggle with high-activity areas. Another change, the existing game room will be converted into a cafe-style dining and gathering area.

“Staff is excited that the afternoon meal will no longer be served in the volleyball court, and that there will be quieter spaces for mentoring, academic support, clubs and crafts,” Bobeda said. “These new spaces will allow us … to provide a space for students with sensory issues.”

Facet Architects and Dalke Construction are the contractors. Permits have been submitted and ground will be broken once approval from the City of Independence is received.

The Gate’s location across from the high school and down the street from the middle school plays a role in its success. Students frequently line up outside the building before doors open each afternoon.

More than 900 students reportedly participated in some form of The Gate programming last year, a number that represents more than half the combined student enrollment of the two schools.

“On average, over 130 teens come every afternoon,” Program Director Mykaela Anderson said. “Some come for the meals, others to hang out and play games. But all of them connect with one of our amazing staff in some way.” ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, May 8, 2026  

Jimmy'Z, the Independence Gas and Mini-Mart that's known as so much more than the name implies, is changing hands with a deal scheduled to conclude in June. 

Jim Newbeck, who came to Oregon from San Diego as a teen, and has applied continual effort in building Jimmy'Z, is ready to relinquish his role as the high-energy entrepreneur who took a couple of pumps and a snack shop more than two decades ago and turned it into a town hub. 

Jimmy'Z will soon be owned by Jason Uppal (photo). Uppal has been in several mornings this week, learning all about the town's beloved one-stop shop, which features items ranging from one-of-a-kind chicken gizzards by the front counter to night crawlers for fishing enthusiasts in the back refrigerator. 

The new proprietor is an experienced entrepreneur who lives in the Lincoln City area. He's been in business for himself since he was 20 years old and took over a small market from his dad. 

Years of toil and a large remodeling job helped make Jimmy'Z successful, but it was Newbeck's unending commitment that's kept it that way, recalled one longtime customer. "It's just such a big part of the town," said the former city employee. "You come in, get what you need, and you can count on great service inside and out."

In fact, Jimmy'Z has quite a few "regulars" who dash in several times a week, according to the staff. A few arrive in the early morning, for sustenance needed to start their day – in one case, an ice cream bar from the freezer, in another, a big bag of barbecue-style potato chips. 

In his younger adulthood, Newbeck pounded away as a construction worker on the large downtown skeletal structure now known colloquially as "Stonehenge." He'd noticed the business right across the street, "Indy Gas," as it then was called. He made up his mind to acquire it. 

Uppal first met Newbeck at a conference, and the two seemed to click, Uppal recalled. Over the past five years, they developed a friendship that will continue, Uppal said. Newbeck has said he's remaining in the Monmouth-Independence community after the sale is completed. 

Uppal, a native Oregonian, has family in the Mid-Willamette Valley. The Jimmy’Z crew said this week that he's a throwback to Newbeck: upbeat, energetic and "always moving," as one put it.

Uppal has a barber shop in Toledo, a taxi service in Lincoln City and a Sinclair gas station in Otis, complete with a green dinosaur. And, by this summer, he will own one of the most popular spots in Independence, too, where residents go not just to "gas up" but to grab food, snacks, sodas and pleasant staff chit-chat. 

Uppal said he has no plans to make any substantial changes – even the name will stay the same. But he does want to expand the food choices, perhaps by adding mashed potatoes and gravy as a side for the store's trademark chicken servings. Asked if the gizzards will stay on, too, Uppal affirmed that they will always be an item. ▪

Trammart News Service, May 8, 2026  

This week, the budget committee voted to place a nearly $20 fee on residential utility bills. The  $19.65 for  community services – parks, museum and library – is scheduled to go to the Independence City Council for final approval soon.  

There was one dissenting vote, by City Councilor Dawn Roden. But before the vote was taken, several residents voiced their concern – my husband was one of them. I hadn't been given a copy of what he wanted to say. But I am reporting it now. 

A comment last week by City Councilor Evan Sorce, alleging the weaponization of public records requests, seemed to be the trigger. My spouse of nearly 50 years is a deep believer in both the public's right to know and in the power of democracy. 

Trammart News, which has been targeted by Sorce on occasion, had notified both State Sen. Deb Patterson and Rep. Paul Evans of Sorce's assertion, re-stating for the two legislators that public records requests are an Oregon law benefiting not just a local news outlet but all Oregonians. 

Sorce was made privy to the email sent to both. 

However, my husband (photo) wasn't content with my private message. 

He believes many of the city council, including the city manager and mayor, have repeatedly shown a lack of transparency. So he gave testimony at the meeting. And, consistent with a common observation about City Manager Kenna West at meetings, she seemed to pay little apparent attention to public testimony, often occupying herself with objects in front of her, including her cellphone, while residents spoke at the podium. 

Steve Scheck's brief speech, slightly edited for clarity and correctness, is below. --AS

Guest Editorial 

By Stephen Scheck

From conversations with individuals living in Independence, I believe one reason for the negative vote on the levy in support of the parks, the museum and the library was that residents didn’t feel that they had been given complete information.

During the public information phase prior to the levy vote, a complaint I heard multiple times was “why couldn’t we be given an opportunity to vote separately on the parks, library, and museum?” Not all three are of equal importance to everyone. Further, some expressed annoyance that they were only given a “take it all or take nothing” option. 

That perception may still exist because there is no easy way to understand exactly how much it costs to run the library, or the museum, or the parks.

Please be transparent with the residents about those costs – especially when adding a special fee to monthly utility bills to cover them.

Why would transparency be mentioned at this time? 

The word “weaponization” was used to describe some public records requests at the last meeting. 

When making such statements – please explain what activity is being referenced. We frequently hear this term misused in Washington DC for political gain. Let’s not do this here in Independence. 

Is “weaponization” referring to my wife, Anne Scheck, in her role at Trammart News, seeking communication records to determine whether public meeting laws were violated when an ambush-like censure vote was staged on an unsuspecting city councilor?

Or, was it Trammart News attempting to get official comment on the total cost of procuring the property needed for the future water treatment plant? 

Or – related to current budget construction – was it confirming the city manager’s new compensation package after the city council approved the manager’s pay raise? 

Indeed, a public records request for this information was declined by the city stating that the city doesn’t have the requested information.  (Trammart News made a second request to which the city did supply West's base pay of about $188,000.)  

But, as budget committee members, don’t you think you should have such information – especially when considering adding a new fee to resident utility bills? 

In closing, the word transparency is easy to pronounce – actually being transparent requires more effort.

I sincerely thank you for your service to our community.

 
(Stephen Scheck resided in Independence for many years. He is a professor and former administrator at Western Oregon University and is married to Trammart News's Anne Scheck)  

NOTE: Trammart News sent emails to both City Manager West and City Councilor Evan Sorce prior to publishing this editorial. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, May 8, 2026  

More expulsion processes have taken place over the past few months in local schools than at any other time in her nine-year history as superintendent of Central School District, Dr. Jennifer Kubista told members of the CSD School Board Monday night. 

This April, school suspensions rose from last year's count in the same period, from 63 to 70.  

A guide for 2025 -2026, called the student "Code of Conduct," was written after the results came in from last year's parent-caregiver survey; A statement reflecting "consistent enforcement" of rules scored a 2.95 out of 5.                                 

There has been a behavioral "uptick," Kubista told school board members.

The Code of Conduct asks for schools to undertake a community-wide effort  to help ensure safe classroom settings. However, in conversations with a few teachers initiated by Trammart News, there is concern and confusion about how best to do that. Trammart News sent an inquiry to the district on this matter.

In response to this inquiry, Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for the district, stated that the Code of Conduct encompasses discipline that's "developmentally appropriate. K-5 could look different than 6-12, for example." 

The aim is trying to solve problems at the lowest level based on the conduct, Mentzer said. 

Two professional learning days for teacher training are now built into the school calendar, she added.  

Kubista made her statements in response to questioning from School Board Member Melanie Landon-Hays, who wanted to know: "What are the ways were are mediating safety in the classroom for our teachers?" 

The "safety situation," as it is being called, came to light in statistics from the district – the increase of seven suspensions this month – as well as worries expressed by teachers during this spring's contract-negotiating sessions, when some shared anecdotes of chair tossing and physical threats. 

The student Code of Conduct is being designed to help all understand and identify what's considered a serious infraction – and "weapon replicas" are one item that's been seen more commonly, Kubista said. In recent weeks, "we've seen an uptick in that," Kubista said, referring to the weapon look-alikes. In nice weather, some students can misunderstand that even squirt guns are a violation, she said. 

So far, there has been some confusion about how the student Code of Conduct will be applied, according to some of the teachers. However, there seems to be strong support for having a specific document.  

There also seem to be signs of more aggression in some cases – of youth going from "zero to a hundred" in terms of impulse control or anger, Kubista observed. Schools across the country are seeing a similar rise, she added. 

Though Kubista didn't cite the possible underlying reasons for the growth of troubling student behavior, other experts have pinned it on current economic strains impacting families. A study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, which was published this past July, found that financial squeeze on families – regardless of income – had a "spillover" effect on youth. 

Gas and grocery prices, which surged in 2022, have continued to reach new peaks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

One barrier is that, when a student makes a poor choice, "it can be hard sometimes for family members to hear that," Kubista said. She called for more kindness among everyone participating in the education process. 

However, Kubista acknowledged that being kind may mean different things to different people. As one attendee observed: "If you have a parent who feels a child who gets agitated needs compassion and not punishment, kindness can be defending the child." 

"We always focus on building relationships and supports for students first and foremost," said Amy Layton, a teacher who has been part of the contract bargaining sessions by the Central Education Association. "School should be a safe place to learn," she said.  

This article was updated on 5/8/2026 to include school district-provided information. 

(Next week a report with more details on the Code of Conduct and also recent comments by state Rep. Paul Evans on the difficult financial demands of the behavioral health challenges in public schools.)  ▪

Editorial Analysis by Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, May 1, 2026  

Trammart News attended last year’s budget sessions, as well as those this year, and was present at all the recent mayoral pub talks on city finances. In light of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, it seemed a good time to show how observation and reporting in journalism can provide checks and perspective on government events, including those at the local level involving the expenditure of tax dollars.

What follows is an editorial analysis of how the Independence budget committee appears to compare with published reports of characteristics that can impact this annual city process, at times falling into three traps that are described. 

1) Negative interpersonal dynamics are a downfall. 

This can lead to dysfunction for all, according to a list of best practices for city boards from the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency. 

At a recent meeting, Independence City Councilor Bill Boisvert appeared to provide an example of how this can occur. He weighed in on why Councilor Dawn Roden didn't get a second on one of her motions at the budget meeting. It was just a bad idea, he asserted. 

However, not according to the City of Dallas, which has implemented the same approach Roden suggested – to lower the pay burden on residents with a new add-on fee by reducing the utility bill in the same amount. 

But critical independent thinking can be overshadowed by reliance on authority figures by board members, according to several studies on municipal governance. And Public Works Director Gerald Fisher had said Roden's idea – to reduce water rates in the wake of a fee add-on to the water bill to boost community funding – wouldn't work because it could impact lending agreements for infrastructure. 

Boisvert chimed in with his bash on Roden after Fisher spoke. 

Trammart News made a trip to the Dallas City Hall and spoke with Communications Specialist Alyson Roberson there. Dallas has a new $5 Facilities & Equipment Fee being added to its monthly utility bill. With the new fee, the city reduced the existing stormwater fee by $5 per month, Roberson explained: The result is no net increase to Dallas customers’ monthly utility bills.

Trammart News was told by others at Dallas city hall there's no worry about this action impacting loans to the city.

Note: Fisher is leaving Independence; Ads for a new public works director are now appearing online. 

2) When probing questions aren't aired, dominant viewpoints go unexplored. 

To make a difference for their communities, committee members need to avoid the pitfall of "group think," according to a more than 15-year-old study in the journal Local Government Review. 

This seems a hard task for the Independence budget committee. They appear to have difficulty challenging City Manager Kenna West, who works for them, often failing to pin down evidence during budget sessions. 

For example, in last year’s budget building process West pushed for a four-day week at the Independence City Hall, which means closure on Fridays. No budget members asked about cost savings from the proposed closure while Trammart News was at those meetings – and there is practically none, according to a follow-up by Trammart News. 

The former finance director, Rob Moody, called the reduction in costs from it only negligible, when speaking with another news publication, and a staff member at the Independence Civic Center said it was never researched as a cost-cutting strategy. 

Without clearly defined dollar savings identified, the City Council approved Friday city hall closures; Thus, all offices are shut down on Fridays with the exception of the Independence Police Department. 

Mayor Kate Schwarzler often seems in lock step with West. Last year, for example, when West explained the city was broke, Schwarzler supported her by saying it was going to be "painful" for people to lose some services but that she also felt "really, really concerned about our structural issues with the budget." 

This year, Schwarzler expressed support for adding the staff members desired by West, including an in-house attorney. 

This year, like the Friday city hall closures, no evidence has been introduced to show definitively how a staff attorney would save money – only West's pronouncement that this position would be more cost effective and convenient. 

City Councilor Marilyn Morton said it would be helpful to have a city attorney at meetings to answer questions, but Monmouth had that benefit for years with Lane Shetterly, a Dallas-based attorney who recently retired. Shetterly, who previously served as a state legislator, attended Monmouth City Council meetings while maintaining a law practice in Polk County. 

In fact, publications ranging from Practical Law to Law360 suggest adding a staff attorney should be carefully evaluated because most cities need to go beyond their in-house lawyer for special expertise – expertise that's available when contracting with a firm of multiple attorneys. That same point also is made by the International Municipal Lawyers Association. 

So far, Roden is the only one to actively object to this proposed hire – she handed out a letter at an earlier budget meeting listing some of the same concerns reflected in professional advisories.

The Local Government Law Group in Eugene, the firm that's served Independence for several years, has eight attorneys, whose practice areas include land use, municipal law and bond measures, among others. The firm represents several small cities, such as Cottage Grove, which is about the same population as Independence. 

West said during the meeting that this new staff lawyer wouldn't mean contracts by the city with other specialized attorneys are a thing of the past. 

3) Hidden truths can avoid tough decision-making, and they're not rare. 

A few years ago, the National Academy of Sciences measured preferences for truth-telling in a sample of 816 elected politicians, and also studied the characteristics associated with honesty. "We find that in our sample, politicians who are averse to lying have lower reelection rates, suggesting that honesty may not pay off in politics," the authors concluded. 

There's no sign that budget committee members engaged in any dishonesty – but some have used examples, even data, that simply isn't true. Schwarzler has called money in the water bill for MINET a myth. Technically, there's no longer a special $10 fee earmarked for the municipal fiberoptic, which once was the case. 

However, that $10 fee never went away – it was absorbed into the water bill. Some residents are worried that the new nearly $20 monthly fee for "community services" may end up in a similar ongoing pool of revenue. 

And a special city committee formed by Schwarzler has raised some public eyebrows. 

During recent budget committee meetings, the $19.65 – proposed to be added to the city utility billing – was labeled by several budget committee members as coming from that committee, sometimes referred to as a task force, made up of community members. That's technically true, too. 

But the community members were drawn largely from both the library board and the museum committee – two sources filled with advocates for the new fee.

A chief proponent of the fee, Budget Committee Member Erin Seiler, presented the plan at an earlier work session. Her advocacy should have come as no surprise. During last year's city budget meeting, she identified herself as preferring to fund the museum and library over providing financial support for Independence Days. 

City Financial Director Amanda Carey told budget meeting attendees that cities all over Oregon are facing the same fees, citing Corvallis and Salem as examples of those who had implemented them for similar purposes.

But both those cities did so with voter approval: Salem passed a levy for those services last year, and Corvallis did so previously at the city's ballot box. In contrast, Independence residents voted against such a levy, by a 3-to-2 margin. 

Additionally, reports were given to the library board by Nathan Christensen on the progress of the special committee that recommended the community-service fee of nearly $20. Christensen, a member of the Independence budget committee, is married to the Independence Heritage Museum director.

The fee has strong advocates. At the last meeting, two well-known town residents, Billy Herrell  and Vidal Pena, spoke in support of the parks, museum and library.  Two other speakers spoke in support of specific funding, as well.  Rebecca Berry, a member of Friends of the Library, spoke in support of  The Independence Library; Forrest Johnson, who is working with youth at the Community Services Consortium, emphasized his appreciation for being  able to prepare an upcoming museum exhibit with students – and  expressed sorrow that the levy had been defeated. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, May 1, 2026  

Student disruption in classrooms is an escalating problem at Central School District and more definitive steps to address the problem have become a sticking point in the current contract negotiations with teachers. 

"Student disruption and disrupted learning is a daily occurrence in our district," asserted Nathan Muti, president of the Central Education Association, otherwise known as the local teachers' union.

Student disciplinary policies for dealing with such risky situations are in place – and, in fact, school officials have characterized them as guiding appropriate action. However, they simply don't meet the growing classroom needs for increasingly frequent outbursts and assaults, Muti said.

During this week's negotiating session, Amy Layton, a special education teacher at Central High, said protective measures should be spelled out contractually. "We are now seeing students learn these behaviors from other students," she said. 

Cyberbullying is also inflicting anguish on teachers, Layton said. Although there is a cell phone ban for CSD schools, students are able to carry them throughout the day – and some use them surreptitiously to slam teachers. The result is that some educators feel harassed on a "daily basis," she said. 

"We have to figure out how to make the environment safe," agreed Dr. Jennifer Kubista, superintendent of the CSD (Henry Hill headquarters shown in photo). However, enforcement of discipline is influenced by the legal elements embedded in some fairly recent laws. "I am engaging now in a work group with a state senator that put some of them in place," Kubista told teachers at the meeting. 

Outside the session, Muti confirmed there are district policies for addressing student conduct, but they’re created by the superintendent's office. The proposed actions in the contractual agreement would be more specific and allow for input by those who are directly affected by such incidents – namely, teachers, Muti pointed out. 

Some serious stressors come from parents, too. Use of the communication tool "Parent Square" to unleash dissatisfaction with teachers has become common, Layton said, noting that some use it to "fire off" comments instead of to send messages. 

"I think social media is a blessing and a curse at the same time," Kubista said. 

Use of foul language as well as biting, kicking and hitting often occur among "high needs" students – and there are many of them in Central School District, Muti said. 

In fact, CSD 13J has one of the highest populations of special-needs students enrolled in public school within the state. There are more group homes and foster care settings in Monmouth and Independence than many other places, according to data from the Oregon Department of Education. 

When a disruption occurs, the proposed language in the teachers' contract calls for the possibility of "an alternative setting" for the student who caused a need for the room to be cleared. 

Brian Flannery, executive director of human resources for the district, has cited the limits of SB 819, a law passed by the Oregon legislature stating that students with disabilities have the right to a full school day. SB 819 ensures that no student can be placed on an abbreviated school day program without the voluntary informed and written consent of their parent or foster parent, Flannery said. 

But the educators' bargaining team has a counterargument that seems to center on the perceived limits of the law. Taking students away from the classroom for the safety of teachers and students alike doesn't contrast with SB 819, Muti said. "The language we have proposed shouldn't affect the law's enforcement," Muti said. 

Layton acknowledged that SB 819 is complex, but she called it largely irrelevant for some of the issues requiring attention. In contrast, Flannery said that "some of the language proposed by the union did not fully align with this law." 

"This is one reason why we would not be able to agree to some of the union-proposed language," Flannery added. 

Bargaining sessions will resume this month. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, May 1, 2026  

Over brush-covered hills and rocky terrain, broadband now provides high-speed internet in Polk County to places once considered too rural or too remote to be reached – all thanks to a county program begun about six years ago with federal "covid money." 

The need became acute in 2020, as schools went online during the pandemic but some students had no way to log on for lessons. Library parking lots and other "hot spots" drew parents with children to locations where they could access the internet, according to county officials. Then those same county officials sprang into action.

Two providers, Alyrica Networks and MINET-Willamette Valley Fiber, agreed to go where none had gone before, into low-population areas and into spaces with challenges like steep slopes, heavy vegetation and stone outcroppings. 

Until the pandemic, the parts of Polk County without internet connectivity caused serious inconvenience for many families on a daily basis. 

In a presentation to the Polk County Board of Commissioners in April, Dean Anderson, who heads special projects for the county, called the county so "well covered" now with rural broadband that it's been called the best in the state. 

Some pockets are remaining, but most are scheduled for installation. There is a portion in northwest Polk County that remains underserved, Anderson said. Otherwise, rural broadband across the county is nearly complete, he said. 

"It's a really good feeling," said Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope, who advocated for the rural broadband program. He credited the two internet companies and Anderson with the success. "I have been delighted with you all from Day One," he told them. 

The plan to provide internet connections to family farms and housing clusters across Polk County started in 2018. However, it wasn't until the pandemic, when revenue came in from the American Rescue Act plan, that funding was poured into the effort. "When that money came in, we knew what to do," Pope said (inset in photo). 

The aim was to bring affordable, wireless technology to rural Polk County – the kind of tall order that seemed next to impossible, Pope acknowledged. "We heard the outcry when covid hit us," he recalled. "I have been amazed by how well this has gone," he added. Now thousands have access nearby if they want it, he noted. All they have to do is sign up to be customers. 

Alyrica reportedly was awarded about $795,000 from the windfall; MINET's project received about a million dollars. Several hundred thousand more was allocated over time. 

Before the effort began six years ago, Polk County sent more than 5, 000 surveys to rural property owners outside the city limits of Independence, Monmouth, Dallas and West Salem. Property owners were asked to mail the survey or complete it online at the county's website. 

The number of survey respondents was overwhelming: approximately 32% of property owners answered. Survey results indicated that rural broadband services in Polk County were lacking and were needed to meet a wide variety of uses. 

Over the past several years, both companies checked in with the county commissioners frequently – and Anderson routinely updated them, as well.  ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 24, 2026  

By the time the first official budget meeting started Wednesday night, several advocates were waiting to speak in support of a proposed nearly $20 fee, a city councilor had a swath of handouts questioning the planned hire of an in-house attorney and the new city finance director already had labeled city finances “constrained” and “challenged” while calling for new staff positions.   

The fee of $19.65, which was recommended by a city committee with members appointed by Mayor Kate Schwarzler, was presented as a solution after a 2024 levy for the same funding was defeated by a large majority of voters in 2024. 

The fee is critical to implement this year, said Amanda Carey, the city's finance director. "This is going to be very important but is something we will discuss again when we get into the general fund and the fee-revenue discussion," she said. 

Jasper Smith, a member of the Heritage Museum Advisory Board, kicked off the resident testimony by explaining the importance of the Independence Heritage Museum along with the Independence Library and Parks. He contrasted it with the money allocated for the police department, which now receives $17 a month from an add-on fee to the water bill. 

Community services that are tied to plans for the nearly $20 fee in the water bill could be equally important, Smith said, stressing the quality-of-life benefits of community services.

Smith, like all who testified in favor of funding and preserving community services through a new fee, was linked with the city or one of its committees. In the case of Smith, it was two. He’s a member of the Parks Board and the Heritage Museum Advisory Board, but “I wasn’t here representing either of them,” he said. 

Vickie McCubbin, a longtime member of the Heritage Museum Advisory Board, also spoke, as did a volunteer and intern at the museum. 

Andrea Goicochea, the spouse of the city’s communications director, Emmanuel Goicochea, and Rebecca Fetters, widow of former museum advisory board member Ken Fetters, also registered their support. 

Within the budget, the nearly $20 fee seemed to be a buffer for strain on the city’s general fund. “The increase in fund balance in FY 2026-27 is attributable to the inclusion of the proposed Community Services and Parks fees,” according to the budget document. The fee proposed for Parks, Museum & Library seems to have no limits showing that it will be applied only to those three. Repeated inquiries were made about this by Trammart News to the city communications director without response. 

The proposed expansion of staff – such as adding an in-house attorney – seemed to spark requests for more information from some who serve on the budget committee. 

City Councilor Dawn Roden passed out a letter to committee members in which she said she is supporting continued contracting of legal services rather than hiring an attorney. “Adding a permanent expense of this magnitude may not be the most prudent course of action,” she said, noting the “fixed cost including salary, benefits and associated overhead.” 

In fact, Trammart News had asked city administration similar questions when the addition of a full-time in-house attorney came into public view –  it runs contrary to actions taken by most small towns in Oregon, according to random sampling of towns comparable in population to Independence, including Monmouth. 

The professional group that represents city attorneys, the Oregon City Attorneys Association, has no members on its executive board serving as in-house attorneys anywhere but metropolitan areas, with the exception of Ashland, which exceeds 20,000 in population. 

Madras, with less than half the population of Ashland, does have an in-house attorney, but that individual serves as head co-administrator of the city on its organizational chart. 

Additionally, City Manager Kenna West has frequently mentioned her law degree and, in the past, West’s dues in the Oregon Bar Association were paid as part of her contract. (A public records request by this news outlet has been submitted for her latest contract, which a city-affiliated individual estimated is a salary of about $180,000 annually plus provisions for the dues.)

Others had questions, as well. “Do we have a percentage projected cost increase over the next five-to-ten years for water and sewer?” asked Dana Sharman, at the conclusion of a presentation by Public Works Director Gerald Fisher. 

Asking the committee members “not to hold me to this,” Fisher said if he recalled correctly, it would be a little over a combined 5% per year until a setting in the future would be tied to indexed inflation. 

Sharman then asked if he could learn all rates and fees that could affect residents. “I want to get a clear picture,” he said. 

City Councilor Evan Sorce also urged the committee to be “mindful” of opportunity costs, a term reflecting the trade-offs made by choosing one alternative over another. 

His comments came after committee member Alex Paraskevas asked about the costs of leaf pick-up by the city. City Manager Kenna West confirmed the equipment used to accomplish that service is failing. 

Roden also asked if water-sewer rates could be reduced to make the proposed fee of almost $20 easier on the residents, but Fisher said doing so could go against guarantees made by the city in lending agreements that indicated how much revenue would be collected by Independence through utility rates. ▪

Opinion & Analysis by Anne Scheck 

Trammart News Service, April 24, 2026  

The VERITY VAULT: A review of an event a year ago, when “broke” was the word the city manager used to describe Independence. 

Last year, right around this time, City Manager Kenna West (photo) told a roomful of people that she didn’t know if she could keep the lights on at the Independence City Hall. 

The moment arrived during the budget committee’s meeting last May when she told members of that group: “I don’t know what words to make it clear that we are broke.” 

After calling the financial plight of the city a “fiscal cliff, a deficit, a precipice,” West prevailed in crushing a move to store funds for Independence Days, the city’s Fourth of July Event. 

The lights stayed on. 

And now, nearly a year after West warned that when “I run out of money, I’ll shut things down,” the city apparently is ripe for some new hires, including a full-time staff attorney – requested by West. 

Queries to the city from Trammart News about this sudden turnaround have gone unanswered, just as they almost always have. But it’s worth noting that the failed levy for the parks, museum and library is no longer much of a worry. It hasn’t even been mentioned in the recent budget meetings. 

Despite a thumping defeat in 2024 at the ballot box for a tax to support community services, it’s almost guaranteed to be paid by the taxpaying public – on their water bill. There is a solid argument to be made that this saves some pretty great things in the city, such as the parks, library and museum.

However, that add-on fee appears to do more than that. It puts money in the general fund. 

Now the city is poised to hire its very own in-house attorney, which will be the second one on the Independence city payroll. West is a lawyer herself. 

The “Verity Vault,” a special feature by Trammart News, offers a look-back on what happened previously. Such rearview mirror sightings hopefully can provide perspective on present-day events. But what is the lesson learned in this particular circumstance? Perhaps it’s that votes don’t matter, at least not in some situations. 

Soon it is likely that the director of the museum will get an expanded role. The library will get a new staffer. And, after all that emotion-packed warning that the city was so broke even office lighting might be unaffordable, West will get an in-house attorney.

Or maybe not in the truest sense of what that term means. 

Because between remote work arrangements and the city hall closure on Fridays, maybe the lawyer will be a fleeting presence to the local citizenry even though they’re the ones picking up the tab for the position. 

(City Manager Kenna West was queried by Trammart News  by email for a response and the reply indicated all answers could be found in city information and no further comment would be made.) ▪

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, April 24, 2026  

Aidan Wendring is in the midst of a remarkable run.

The Central High senior is unbeaten over the past two seasons in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, a streak that includes a national title from the Nike Outdoor Nationals last summer, and another two titles from Oregon Relays, a destination event that draws the top high school runners from throughout the west.

Turning back top competition has cemented Wendring’s standing as one of the country’s best prep runners in the steeplechase.

Now, his sights are set on an even bigger stage: the U20 national championships. A top-three finish, paired with a sub-nine-minute time, qualifies him for a spot on Team USA and a chance to compete at this summer’s World U20 Championships in Eugene, he said.

Wendring (photo) added his lofty goal is obtainable based on his early season form. He opened the outdoor season at the Linfield Erik Anderson invitational. There, he clocked a 9:11.35 to win the 3,000-meter steeplechase, despite not yet being at his best.

“I was fit, but I didn’t have racing legs yet,” Wendring said. “By the end of June, I know I’ll be in much better shape.”

These successes come in one of track’s most demanding events, a fact tied to its roots. Online reports state steeplechase originated as a cross-country horse race in Ireland. Riders raced from one church steeple to the next. Along the way, stone walls, streams and other obstacles had to be navigated.

Flash forward several centuries and barriers still exist. But they aren’t as drastic nor rustic, given that that course is generally a 400-meter track.

“It’s basically a long-distance race mixed with barriers,” Wendring said in describing the race. “There are five barriers per lap. One of these barriers includes a water jump.”

Lack of water jumps is one reason why steeplechase races aren’t included at high school meets, where runners also compete at the lesser 2,000 meters.

Another reason: These aren’t your typical hurdles. They’re solid, weighing in at some 300 pounds. They leave little room for error, and a lot of room for pain.

“They’re not like hurdles, they don’t fall over. They’ll absolutely destroy you,” Central head coach Eli Cirino said. “It disrupts your rhythm as a runner to have to deal with barriers in the middle of a race, and those distance runners are running with a lot of fatigue, a lot of stress. Then they have to summon the energy to get over those barriers. It’s an intense thing. It’s a huge challenge, and most people don’t want to do it.”

Though, these same barriers are stable enough to factor into strategy.

“You can step on them. Push off of them, and it’s fine,” Wendring said. “So that’s what you typically do for the water jump; you have to push off of it. But then for the other ones, you just try to hurdle them. They’re at the same height as the 300-meter hurdles, so 36 inches.”

The former sprinter, hurdler and hoopster, has morphed into one of the state’s fastest distance runners. In fact, only one Panther runner in school history - fellow senior Ty Cirino - has posted faster times in the 1500 and 3000 meters. Wendring is also a talented cross-country runner. He was second at last fall’s Mid-Willamette Conference 5K finals.

The path to a national title began his sophomore year when assistant coach Sawyer Heckard noticed the youngster’s skill set of speed, hurdling and ability in distances. Wendring entered high school as an all-around athlete, having also played basketball and other sports.

“It all just came together,” he said. “I was a real natural at it, the water jump, and the athleticism I had from playing basketball. It all just came together.”

There was a learning curve, however.

“I was not good right away. The water jumps I was alright. For a first-timer, I was pretty good because (of that athleticism). But I was nowhere near where I am now,” Wendring said. “It’s taken lots of training, a lot of dedication, and a lot of hard work to get where I’m at.”

Time and effort dedicated to navigating water have reaped huge dividends, Cirino noted.

“They’ve got to jump the water barrier, ideally across the water. But it’s sloped. So if you don’t jump far, you end up in deep water. If you jump far, there isn’t very much water,” the coach added. “Aidan glides right over it. He hits the top of that barrier, launches off it and clears most of the water barrier, and then just keeps on going.”

It’s this leaping ability that is Wendring’s superpower.

“Guys who are faster than Aidan in the 1500 meters, he will beat them in the steeplechase. And he will beat them decisively,” Cirino said. “He gains ground at every barrier. It’s pretty obvious when you see him race other guys that he’s a natural at it.”

This two-year rise was fueled by rigorous training and consistency.

“I started investing my life into this,” Wendring said. “It’s like anything, if you work hard for it, you’ll get it. If you stay consistent, you’ll get it.”

Wendring practices steeplechase at least once a week during the offseason. Training ramps up as race day nears. Otherwise, running, and lots of it, is key.

“The biggest factor dictating how fast your race will be is just how fast you are. So being able to run a fast 2K is still the most important thing,” he said. “Getting better at hurdles will definitely shave off time. But hurdle technique will come.”

Physical conditioning can do only so much. Focus is a critical component. A brief lapse can change an outcome. Maybe even rob someone of an elite accomplishment.

Wendring experienced such a lapse at the Oregon Relays. While challenging the meet record, he clipped the final barrier and fell to the ground. He recovered, got back on his feet and still bested the runner-up by 10 seconds. But hopes for the record disappeared before he even hit the ground.

“I was running good, feeling it, and lost my focus on one hurdle. Hit it, and banged my knee. I ate it, with one lap to go,” he said. “I lost focus for like three seconds, and it changed the trajectory of my race. In the big picture, the fall doesn’t matter. I'll learn from it and get better.”

That moment reinforced the need to stay locked in. When running distances, Wendring explained, his focus is on other runners. There’s more going on with steeplechase.

“You always have to focus on the next hurdle, while staying smooth and relaxed in-between,” he added.

Next fall, Wendring will be a part of the University of Portland cross country and track teams. He will red-shirt his freshman year. Though not competing at much, there’s little question as to whether he'll be putting in the time and effort his specialty demands.

“Aidan understands what he needs to do to get better. He understands the technicalities of it. He has the grit, determination, competitiveness and willingness to do hard things that hurt in order to be successful,” Cirino said. “There’s not a lot of kids that have all of those characteristics. It’s hard enough getting kids to run distances, but steeplechase is another beast altogether. Aidan is an animal.” ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 17, 2026  

A nearly $20 fee will be added to monthly residential water bills and city staff will be expanded to include a full-time attorney under a proposed financial plan for the coming fiscal year. Called "The City of Independence Budget 2026-2027," the document was presented Wednesday at the first session of the Independence Budget Committee. 

It calls for reinstatement of a circulation position at the library and extends the role of the current museum director into duties once carried out by the city's downtown manager, whose position was left unfilled after she departed last August. (However, that individual is slated to be rehired on a contractual basis this summer, according to city sources.) 

The proposed budget states: "These targeted adjustments are intended to address critical service needs while maintaining a disciplined approach to staffing."  

The addition of a full-time in-house attorney and other personnel enhancements arrives at a time when the city is "facing multiple financial dilemmas," including an impaired general fund that "remains structurally imbalanced," according to a federal report issued in November by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Those warning pronouncements were made as part of a special report from the federal Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance Program. They were imparted to Independence City Councilors this past fall by Portland-based Jensen Strategies, which was largely responsible for the analysis. 

Many small towns contract with law firms to provide legal services, just as Independence always seems to have done. Creating a staff position for an in-house attorney requires special considerations, such as benefits and salary, according to the Washington-based nonprofit Municipal Research and Services Center. 

Comments on this and other proposed staff additions were sought from City Manager Kenna West by email from Trammart News in a follow-up after the meeting, but an immediate email response stated  that she is on vacation for the rest of the work week.   

There was no discussion on the proposed budget during the meeting, which was an orientation session held by West and Finance Director Amanda Carey. At the end of the meeting, the proposed budget document was passed out to budget committee members. 

Members were advised it would be discussed this coming week, at a second meeting on April 22 at 6:30 pm at the city hall, 555 S. Main Street. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 17, 2026  

The town's namesake holiday, Independence Days, will arrive just as it always has, with Duck Derby, the Talent Show, fireworks and rock bands. Why is that big news? 

Because last year around this time the funding for the event, which is held on July 3rd and 4th, was cancelled by the city in a revenue-tightening move – a move that left many wondering whether the annual celebration was destined to end. 

But in public testimony to the Independence City Council Tuesday night, Susan Graham (photo), president of the six-month-old nonprofit "Friends of Community Parks" (FCP), announced that the activities will match those of past years. "The events will be just what you would expect," she said. 

Indy Days will have a carnival, a full roster of vendors, and games and crafts for children at the traditional sites, in and around Riverview Park. Discounted ticket prices for community members of Independence and Monmouth will be available online and from booths at the farmers' markets in Independence and Monmouth, where there will also be opportunities to sign up for Duck Derby, the Talent Show or to volunteer, Graham said. 

FCP was formed in response to the need for a formal entity to take on the Independence Days event, Graham explained. Existing community organizations were approached but they didn't have the resources for the project, she added. 

The City of Independence signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FCP to lay the groundwork for cooperating on the event during the transition period and going forward. The city loaned the nonprofit money for launching and completing the take-over – a sum that's to be repaid in three years from anticipated earnings. 

The Moothart family, which owned the town's corner grocery store at B and Main streets for decades, is helping to provide the fireworks display for the July 3rd "Hometown" show. "The Moothart family approached us to create the Jack and Laura Moothart Hometown Fireworks Fund as a way to honor Jack and Laura's historic connection to fireworks at the Independence Fourth of July festivities," Graham said. 

Laura Moothart died this past March at the age of 99, preceded in death by her husband Jack. They were married in 1948. Donations to the fund for them can be made by sending a check to FCP, 169 Broad Street S, Box 22, Monmouth OR 97361, or through the FCP website. 

This year at Indy Days, on the nation's 250th anniversary, the city will showcase its own history by joining with the Independence Heritage Museum and the Monmouth-Independence Rotary Club in the theme "Our Community Story."

Follow the FCP at: https://www.friendsofcommunityparks.org/home ▪

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, April 17, 2026  

Home is not always where the heart is. For some Polk County residents, home was a park bench outside the Independence Public Library – a stark reminder of both the challenges of homelessness and the community response it inspires.

For much of an eight-month stretch spanning late fall and winter, a mother and daughter (photo inset) lived on that bench. A son with disabilities lived with a friend and was thus spared the harsh, exposed conditions. 

Their story, first shared by Trammart News, quickly caught the attention of residents who wanted to help. And they made the kind of difference that surprised even them, showing that “persistence really can pay off,” in the words of one resident. 

The mother, who had occupied that bench with her daughter, has a different explanation: She was rescued by community “Good Samaritans,” she said. 

Now, she and her daughter and son are all in the same apartment. “We’re all together,” she said in an interview this week, thanks to the efforts of local residents and county intervention. 

Among those assisting was Independence resident Ashley Rice, of Ashley Sews. She got the ball rolling via Facebook. “I helped initially to get it started,” Rice said. “There was a lady in the Independence airpark that took over the whole thing.”

That anonymous airpark resident rallied neighbors and friends, and coordinated fundraising and outreach efforts. Over time, nearly $10,000 was raised – enough money to pay for about 80 nights in a motel, some of it during severe winter weather. Other necessities were provided to them, as well. 

Still, despite the outpouring of community support, much of it from the airpark community, securing permanent housing or shelter proved to be a slow and often frustrating process.

Without identification, for example, the women were unable to complete applications for public services. This only delayed the process.

Advocates added that other barriers – long waiting lists, limited resources and erratic communication – were common within the very system designed to help. 

Homelessness among women appears to create a special public anxiety – worry for the pair was expressed by many Independence residents who viewed them on the library bench. 

Concern for addressing this public need was also shown by a resident to the Polk County Board of Commissioners. At a recent meeting, Chip North stated his own experience with the issue, after he encountered a different woman who sought public services but who said that she'd had  difficulty accessing them.

He was told by her that “she wasn’t treated very well,” North observed.

All three county commissioners immediately expressed a desire to address these concerns after hearing his testimony. Commissioner Jeremy Gordon went a step further by following up with staff about this incident. He learned this person may have already received substantial assistance and didn’t qualify for additional aid within program timeframes.

While some cases unfold slowly, others are resolved quickly, provided resources and eligibility align. Gordon pointed to one example involving a family of four who lived in their car. They were referred to support services by a Monmouth police officer and were rehomed within a week.

“People are served based on vulnerability, their needs, and what programs they are eligible for,” Gordon said.

So why did the mom and her daughter remain on the park bench? There seemed to be a “disconnect” that prevented a faster placement, explained a community advocate who worked with the family. 

But a broader effort is being designed to build a more coordinated response. In 2023, local governments and service providers formed PATHS, a regional partnership focused on preventing homelessness while also expanding housing support. Since then, 479 formerly homeless individuals found new homes in Polk County. 

This number includes 215 children, 152 parents and 112 single individuals.

Charter PATHS partners include Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and cities throughout rural Polk County. Newer members include United Way, Catholic Community Services, Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, housing authorities, school districts, faith-based and community organizations.

The county has significantly increased available services since PATHS was formed in 2023. For example, shelter options are available for youth, families, adults, veterans and individuals with medical needs. This is a notable upgrade from the limited resources offered a short while ago.

Officials acknowledge demand exceeds capacity. One way to close that gap is to keep vulnerable people from becoming homeless in the first place. And that’s what one program, ARCHES Rapid Rehousing, is designed to do.

“Prevention is the fastest solution,” Gordon said. “We encourage people to seek help early, before they’re evicted. Rental assistance is often the best way to keep people in their homes.”

Broader economic factors continue to strain the system. Rising housing costs, utilities, fuel and food prices have made it increasingly difficult for many residents to make ends meet, particularly seniors and others on fixed incomes.

With the rental vacancy rate hovering around three percent, affordable housing units are limited, finding homes is becoming even more difficult.

Approximately 50 individuals are sheltered in local facilities most nights, Gordon said. 

However, he added, another 100 individuals and 50 families are on waiting lists and not housed. The true number of people who are homeless is likely higher, as not everyone in need of help enters the system.

One more concern: Recent cuts to state funding and potential federal changes may slow the expansion of services.

Financial resources for these efforts are achieved through partnerships and outside funding rather than relying heavily on the county’s general fund, Gordon said. He declined to comment more on the Independence women and the situation they faced, citing privacy concerns. But he did address broader progress.

“Our community has made meaningful progress by working together,” he said. “I spoke with community advocates to better understand and share information with service partners to improve future coordination.”

Noticeable changes have been made in three years. “When this effort began, rural Polk County was starting from almost zero in terms of coordinated homeless services,” Gordon said. 

“As we began working together, we learned there was more need in our communities than many people realized.”

Growth in services reflects that evolving understanding. Church at the Park now operates transitional shelters in Dallas and Monmouth, while the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency has opened David’s House, the county’s first youth shelter.

Other programs focus on long-term stability. Rent Well helps tenants build the skills they need to secure and maintain housing; Polk County Resource Center in Monmouth provides centralized access to vital services including housing navigation, healthcare and financial assistance.

Another milestone involves Gales Lodge, which historically served homeless male veterans. Today, that specific need is not as great as it once was, a sign veteran homelessness, at least for males, is decreasing. Instead, the lodge serves female veterans with children.

Support for other veterans is offered through other programs.

For those in need of help, officials recommend visiting the Polk Community Resource Center, located behind Roth’s Fresh Markets in Monmouth.

The story of the mother and daughter ended with stable housing. An outcome made possible via persistence, community assistance, and the public safety net. Yet their experience also underscores a larger reality.

In Polk County, the path from homelessness to housing is not impossible. But gaps remain, even while progress is being made.

The mother who once lived with her adult daughter on the library bench may have put it best. “It is so good to have a home,” she said. “I think of the bench. And, one day, I will go back to it, just to see where we once were.” ▪ (Anne Scheck contributed to this story.)

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 10, 2026  

To prepare for the coming budget session, Independence plans to revise the current budget after borrowing $500,000 from the city's line of credit at Columbia Bank. 

Accessing the half million was required to allow the city to avoid over-expenditures by the time the new fiscal year begins at the end of June, according to next Tuesday night's agenda for the city council meeting. 

The larger sum, $418,750, is listed as going toward the water treatment project; The rest, about $81,000 was needed to pay an insurance bill. 

The news that the lion's share of the money is for the water treatment project arrived after City Manager Kenna West and Mayor Kate Schwarzler returned from embarking on a lobbying trip to Washington DC last week. 

Monmouth City Councilor Jon Carey and Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon made the trip with them. The aim: to seek funding for the planned water treatment plant south of Independence, which will be located on 12 acres just off Corvallis Road. 

The price of the land, which was taken by eminent domain, was $459,000, including legal expenses. (The final cost was calculated through interviews with the previous landowner, a deed search and a public records request by Trammart News.) 

A prior federal grant of about $10 million for the water treatment plant has been reported by city officials as now "on pause" at the nation's capital. 

Questions from Trammart News about the group's visit to Washington DC haven't been answered  by the Independence communications director, Emmanuel Goicochea. 

Cost estimates for the entire water-treatment plant put the price at about $95 million, according to documents on file at the City of Independence website. 

Both Monmouth and Polk County have signed on as partners for the water-treatment facility. However, Polk County has no plans to contribute significant financial support to the project, according to county officials. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 10, 2026  

In a series of brief in-person interviews along Main Street, Trammart News asked 10 people what is on their minds as the budget process begins. Their questions are below, and were answered based on information reported from various sources. 

1) Hannah: What will a city budget with no extra money mean for the library? 

Support for the library, museum and parks in the amount of nearly $20 per month is expected to be introduced during the budget sessions. At a meeting in March, the Community Services and Parks Sustainability Committee said that a $19.65 fee, in addition to the $10 public safety fee, should be implemented for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. If approved, the new fee will be included in the monthly water bill. (Heritage Museum Advisory Board Minutes, March 11, 2026). 

2) Jenny: Why is the museum being included with the library? The library is so essential. 

There is a plan to merge both the library and museum although some have observed that there is no visual evidence that decommissioning the museum is taking place. A for-sale sign has been placed in the museum building, in the window facing C Street. A recent report at the library board indicates informational handouts will be distributed to potential supporters of the new fee, explaining to them the steps for testifying in advocacy for it. There was no mention at that time where the museum collections would be placed within the current library building. (Library Board meeting report, March 23, 2026) 

3) Cindy: What happened to the idea of getting more affordable housing into the community? 

The City of Independence’s Housing Production Strategy Report has been finalized, and adopted locally, then approved by the state’s Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). But the DLCD applied three conditions that still need to be met. Those conditions don't prevent the city from making progress on the actions in its plan for affordable housing. The DLCD will assess how well progress is going in what is known as "the midpoint report," which is due in December 2028. DLCD doesn't require updates until then. (Answer by DLCD to inquiry from Trammart News, April 7, 2026) 

4) Cathy: What will the city be doing to increase tourism? 

It is probably worth noting that a federal effort to assist Independence found this past year that one weakness by the city was in its marketing, according to the "Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance Program." Indy Days' Fourth of July lost city financial support during the last budget session. However, a non-profit, Friends of Community Parks, took over the event. The Independence Downtown Association holds traditional events, such as the Hop & Heritage Festival and newer festivities, such as the one to celebrate the last day of school. However, budget constrictions have prevented others from being held, such as the "Puddle Hopper," which was held two years ago this month. (For a list of events, visit the city website at Special Events - City of Independence)

5) Steven: Is the city working on communicating better with its residents who may be affected by city decisions? The barbed wire installation, for example. 

About five months ago, barbed wire was installed on fences shared between the city's south well field and several neighbors' back yards in the River Oak neighborhood. In a formal complaint, resident David Clyne asserted that the city violated its own code, which requires a permit for that action. The city didn't challenge Clyne's argument. Instead, the reason for the undertaking by the city was stated as a security measure, to prevent the water system from potential vandalism and sabotage.  An ordinance underway will change Independence fencing standards to allow barbed wire on six-foot chain-link fences for government use. (Memo by Gerald Fisher, public works director, February 3, 2026.) 

6) Sue: Is there a way for people who are not members of the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce to learn about their events?

Yes, according to Gabby Walton, director of the M-I Chamber of Commerce. Anyone interested in learning more about the Chamber and what is going on there can reach out directly to Director Walton or Vice President of Membership Michelle Ashley. Both can be reached at this email: micc@micc-or.org. 

Walton also advises "As for staying in the loop, plugging into our weekly Chamber newsletter is one of the best ways to stay informed. It’s a quick, condensed update that’s easy to follow, and I’m always happy to get someone added, including non-members. Following us on social media is another great option – we work hard to keep both our posts and stories current and relevant." (The website can be found at: https://www.micc-or.org/?page_id=734872)

7) Bob: Is there a way to report some of the street problems? There used to be way to do so and see it gets done. 

There was an app called Indy Works that was relied upon by residents to make those reports. About 18 months ago, the Indy Works app was disabled due to ongoing issues with the vendor. "Our team is fully aware of the situation and is working hard to bring a new and improved system online within the next few months," according to a city notification. However, there have been scattered reports that the new system has been unusable at times when some have tried to access it. (The city has posted the Independence Police Department's non-emergency number, 503-838-1214, which can be contacted for the same purpose, as well as the city mainline, 503-838-1212.)

8) Katie: Can something be done by the city about the intersection at C and Main Streets? There is a light further down on Main Street that turns into a three-way stop, but nothing at the north end.
 

The City of Independence states on its information page about streets that it is a common misconception that Main Street is under the purview of the city. It isn't – it is actually Highway 51, which is the responsibility of the Oregon Department of Transportation. This is frequently cited as a complication – and in the case of an intersection with a city street it can be a factor in instituting a four-way stop. (There is a description of the street-related Indy-ODOT relationship at: https://www.ci.independence.or.us/streets/)

9) Steve: Can something be done to get more merchants included in city events? Some businesses seem to get more attention than others.

Venues that have been used for city-organized events have included Parallel 45 Brewery and Valkyrie Wine Tavern. Both have the space to accommodate fairly large groups. 

One common observation seems to be that Indy Commons, owned by Independence Mayor Kate Schwarzler, is the site for certain public meetings and frequent mention by city officials. In an article on the city website, it is described this way: "Indy Idea Hub is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that partners with the City of Independence on providing relevant programming for entrepreneurs in our community. Indy Commons is the private LLC that serves as the physical meeting space for these programs." (The text is quoted from the city's web page, titled "City of Independence Partners with Non-Profit.") 

10) Robert: Why is industry that is gone not being replaced? 

This question appears to reference one of the city's former major manufacturers, Marquis Spa hot tubs, which exited Independence about three years ago – with no buyer apparently yet found for the series of buildings on Stryker Road. Forest River, a trailer builder, departed, as well.  However, that site – on Walnut Road near the CSD 'Bus Barn" – was purchased a few months ago. A heavy industrial fabrication company is scheduled to move in by fall. The new owner, Oregon Mining & Ag Fabrication, specializes in complex welding and machining services. It is currently based in Donald. (Trammart News, January 30, 2026) ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 10, 2026  

Last week, Trammart News had the pleasure of interviewing a large rabbit suffering from fatigue due to egg-distribution for children, a task that makes him happy but tired. It was the Easter Bunny, of course. And this Easter Bunny, a former Independence planning commissioner had plenty to say when queried. 

TN: Hi Easter Bunny. Thanks for taking time to speak with me. I have a bunch of questions for you. Let's start with where you'll relax after all this egg coloring and delivering …

So, what part of the world do you live in? Santa Claus lives at the North Pole and the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil lives in Pennsylvania. Where is your home?

Easter Bunny: I live in a cozy warm house in the side of a hill, in a special meadow beyond the normal hills hidden away in a magical forest. 

TN: I don't think most people associate a rabbit with eggs. Do you have to buy them or do you lay them yourself, through some remarkable biological adaptation? 

Easter Bunny: I buy them from the grocery store! Costco is the best of course.

TN: Yes, I just bought some kiwi berries from there. So, let's talk about those egg-dying duties. What is your favorite color and what is wrong with using dark brown? It is the fashion color this year on runways, yet I never see that on your eggs.

Easter Bunny: I love all the colors, especially blue, pink, yellow, and green. I don't use brown much because it isn't a bright color, but it is an important one. Lots of amazing things are brown.

TN: Do you feel you suffer any discrimination from other rabbits because you are so tall and hop with two legs instead of four? 

Easter Bunny: Honestly, I don't interact much with normal animals. Since I'm a magical creature and live in a magical forest, everyone is joyful and nice to each other. I do feel a little tension with Santa and his elves, because they also take pictures with kids in the mall and it seems they feel I'm trying to capitalize on a trend they started. I can empathize, but I also think there's room for both of us.

TN: You have such long ears. Do you hear all things said from a long way off? I would love to have that ability in my reporting. 

Easter Bunny: I do indeed! It's helpful for when I'm sneaking around gardens hiding eggs.

TN: What do you do the rest of the year when you are not greeting children and delivering eggs? Do you stream movies or watch reality TV? 

Easter Bunny: Honestly, I'm a big fan of cooking shows. I binge lots of chef competition TV shows in my off season. That said, making Easter eggs is a lot of work! I spend a lot of the year preparing for Easter. I think people understand that Santa spends a lot of the year procuring toys, but for some reason people think Easter eggs just show up. He even has elves to help, while I just have a few woodland animals helping me. I don't want to sound resentful of Santa in every answer, but if I'm being honest, I'm a little jealous of the status he's been able to cultivate.

TN: Do you have any general opinion on all the books written about bunnies? From "The Velveteen Rabbit" to "Runaway Bunny," there are scores of them in the childrens' section of bookstores. Have you been to Powell's – they have bunny books all over!

Easter Bunny: I have been to Powell's, and also to several libraries, it's wonderful to see so many people interested in reading about rabbits! I think it's great there are so many rabbit books, and I don't really have strong opinions about any of them—it’s just good to see the topic discussed. That said, my favorite book about rabbits is Watership Down. I love the allegories and themes of struggle and community.

TN: Do you ever get tired of eating carrots? 

Easter Bunny: What?! Never! Who would ever get tied of that crunch and subtle aromatic flavor!

TN: What job would you do if you couldn't be the Easter Bunny? 

Easter Bunny: If I had to pick something outside the magical realm, I would say bus driver. I would love meeting so many new faces and driving a 40 foot vehicle sounds fun.

TN: Well, I know our trolley drivers in Independence are beloved. Thank you for doing such important work – making children happy. 

Easter Bunny: I know my comments about Santa make it seem like I've got a chip on my shoulder, but honestly, I love what I do and I am glad I can make kids happy. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 3, 2026  

When contract negotiations began this year between teachers and Central School District, one section seemed to leap from the 57-page proposal being discussed: "Harassment and Safety." 

Line after line under that heading was boldfaced and underlined, including a statement on the removal of students who create an "intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment" in the classroom. 

Teacher bullying is at an all-time high, and it's taking a terrible toll.

"Student behavior is one reason educators are burning out and leaving our district," said Nathan Muti, who heads the Central Education Association, which is often referred to as the local teacher's union. It's a serious problem for educators, Muti stressed.

For example, a teacher's resignation in the neighboring city of Dallas was breaking news statewide when she quit recently at a school board meeting after telling those district officials she could no longer endure the verbal abuse and physical threats from elementary students. 

Interviews with teachers from CSD elementary schools, Talmadge Middle School and Central High School indicate similar circumstances are occurring in some cases – verbal attacks on teachers, including online postings, are making the job demoralizing at times and nearly hopeless at others (photo). 

One reason is that regular classroom teachers are being assigned students with high needs, at times without much additional classroom support, Muti said. 

Recently, CSD administration sent out an advisory on "inappropriate use of social media" toward CSD teachers and staff. "It has been brought to our attention that inappropriate, hurtful, and disrespectful comments have recently been posted online targeting members of our staff," according to the statement that was issued.

As a result, the district provided instructions for reporting such incidents (see sidebar, below). 

 "We know this is on the minds of our educators," said Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for Central School District. "Cyberbullying and bullying is not OK, and is prohibited by policy, laws, and our student code of conduct," she added.  

Two years ago, a white-paper study, "Approaches to Teacher Well-Being" from the U.S. Department of Education, warned that one in four teachers intended to leave the profession, and many cited student-conduct factors as a cause. 

An increase in poor impulse control, beginning in lower elementary grades, including incidents of emotional outbursts that make teachers targets are behaviors that have become the focus of study over the past few years. Within Central School District, some of those behaviors are intimidating, such as threatening gestures and foul language directed towards teachers and instructional assistants, said Karina Newbeck, a teacher at Talmadge Middle School. 

Newbeck's observations are underscored by growing research. Five years ago, studies on serious "emotion dysregulation" in children and youth were compiled into two volumes of research by Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 

Within that publication, the incidents are described as "rapid escalations, usually far out of proportion to precipitating events." Without appropriate intervention, they often happen again, according to findings from one of the contributors, Jeff Bostic MD, who is on the psychiatry faculty at Georgetown University. Along with colleagues, he documented physical aggression, in addition to verbal abuse, and found that it requires intensive staff intervention in classrooms and elsewhere in schools.

"I myself, had to clear my classroom two times this year out of fear that a student was going to attack me or a classmate," said Newbeck, who was Talmadge's teacher of the year in 2021.

The same encounters have occurred with other teachers – and with personnel ranging from cafeteria workers to bus drivers. Exchanges of foul language among these youth has gotten so bad that one trolley driver said he has repeatedly had to call for more decorum from students during rides to and from the high school. "Some of them don't seem to know that they can say sentences without using the F word," he said. Certain students now feel "emboldened" to be disrespectful or insulting in ways that would have been unheard of 20 years ago, Newbeck said. 

Students have also discovered that if they do not like specific adults they can make false accusations, potentially ruining a career, she said – a more common problem than ever before. Two years ago, the National Institute of Justice, a U.S. government agency that investigates social issues, found two growing areas of concern for teachers: they are increasingly victimized by students and the school's response – or lack of it – makes a huge difference in educator well-being. 

A national conservative parent-advocacy group, Tualatin-based "Parents' Rights in Education," has asserted that the situation is complicated by state-mandated limits to provide consequences like suspension in elementary-aged school children. 

"This is not about punishing children – it is about protecting every student's right to learn and ensuring schools have clear, fair and effective discipline policies," according to the group. Since Central School District relies on restorative justice – a method in which students are required to reflect on their actions – it can seem as if there are no real consequences to bystanders, according to one CSD teacher's aide who witnessed a physical altercation. 

Newbeck agreed. "When it seems like nothing happens as a result, what message does that send?" she asked. 

The issue was touched on during a superintendent visit to Independence Elementary School a few weeks ago. Some parents at that school have noted that there is online commentary about both school administrators and teachers, sometimes by the parents themselves, who find fault with the staff and faculty without contacting them personally. 

Gabby Walton, who was at that meeting, said the best method is to call, text or email the teacher if a problem is suspected – and meet personally, if possible. 

"When you have a problem, or think you have a problem, the best thing to do is ask the person involved. If that is the principal, ask the principal. If that is the teacher, ask the teacher," said Walton, a parent and the director of the Monmouth-Independence Chamber of Commerce. 

As the contract negotiations continue, some of those involved believe a priority will be procedures for handling the rising challenge of student conduct violations. As one of the teachers at a recent bargaining session noted: Compassionate tactics and trauma-informed strategies are praiseworthy but "the pendulum has just swung too far one way." 

                          ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIDE BAR: 

How  is teacher bullying being dealt with by Central School District? CSD is taking all reports of possible harassment and discrimination seriously and investigating them, according to a statement by the district. 

"We will take appropriate action in accordance with our district policies, state and federal Laws," according to the CSD statement. It goes on to urge parents and guardians: "Please have a serious conversation with your child about the lasting consequences of their social media posts and the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, both in person and online." In addition, all should report "harmful, harassing and bullying behavior that happens online, and in person."

"We need your partnership in addressing these concerns," the statement concludes, adding that it is vitally important to learn how to be a good digital citizen now and in the future. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, April 3, 2026    

A "pub talk" by Mayor Kate Schwarzler last week brought inquiries from attendees that appear to show sharp attention is being paid to budget issues by some Independence residents, including the question of why Independence officials continue to make comparisons to Salem or Corvallis and not to Monmouth.

The comparison of Independence to the two much larger neighboring cities has come up previously. At the recent pub talk, Patrick Fugeman asked why Corvallis was used for a comparative purpose after Schwarzler mentioned that Corvallis was a city with much higher fees than Independence for maintaining some of the same amenities. "Why not Monmouth?" Fugeman asked.  

Schwarzler seemed to be using Corvallis as an example in the wake of a recommended fee add-on to Independence water bills of about $20 a month, which would help support the museum, parks and library (photo). Corvallis has per-household costs for those amenities that are far in excess of the sum planned by Independence. 

However, Corvallis voters passed a "livability levy" that raised the needed revenue. Salem did the same at the ballot box last year, when citizens there approved a tax levy for the parks and library system. 

But in Independence a levy with a similar aim failed by a 3-to-2 margin in 2024. 

Monmouth does have a public safety fee like that of Independence. The add-on cost for Monmouth is $10.25, affirmed Sabra Jewell, communications director for Monmouth. That currently compares with about $17 for Independence residents, but the Independence fee is scheduled to be reduced to $10 this summer. 

Several Independence residents have asked why Monmouth seems more fiscally healthy than their own city; After all, Monmouth has less taxable property in its city limits, due to the large footprint of churches, the campus of Western Oregon University and city-owned buildings.  

In fact, a decade ago, Monmouth was estimated to have only half the property inside city limits subject to taxation, according to a local historian at that time. But, Independence differed from Monmouth in building city facilities. Monmouth constructed a city hall partly funded by a bond and the building that houses the Monmouth police force was bond-funded.

In contrast, Independence took out a loan to build its city hall and event center and then secured another loan to pay for a new museum building. Both require regular payments from the Independence general fund, which is strained due to all the costs imposed on it. 

"Some of these decisions were made 10 years ago, 15 years ago," Schwarzler explained. 

Schwarzler repeatedly cited personnel costs as the most expensive part of the budget for Independence. However, staffing has been "cut to the bare bones" and there is no room for further reductions, she stressed. 

After the mayor alluded to a morning flight from Washington DC prior to the pub talk, a resident turned up the reason for it, which was confirmed by Trammart News.

Schwarzler, Independence City Manager Kenna West, Monmouth City Councilor Jon Carey and Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon all made a trip to the nation's capital, to lobby for funding of the planned Independence-based water treatment plant on Corvallis Road. Cost estimates for the entire water-treatment project put the price at about $95 million, according to documents on file at the Independence city website. Monmouth and Polk County are partners on the project.

One early advocate for a regional water-treatment plant was missing from the trip: County Commissioner Craig Pope. "I was not aware of this 'lobby' trip until they were in flight," he said.

Inquiries about the group's travel outcome to Washington DC by Trammart News have gone unanswered by the Independence communications director, Emmanuel Goicochea. 

At the pub talk, one resident, Vanessa Rangel, asked several pointed questions. Near the conclusion of the gathering, she said the city is "going to do what it is going to do." 

Rangel also observed there has been distrust in local government. City Councilor Bill Boisvert, who attended the talk, told her that she was "in the minority" for holding that view.  However, interviews with residents outside the pub talk indicate many share Rangel's expressed skepticism. 

Anne Devane, who serves on the Independence Historic Preservation Commission, added that she hopes the city will work toward being more in sync with Central School District, which is facing a budgetary squeeze, as well. "The city could be a better partner to the school district," she said. 

The first city budget committee meeting is scheduled for April 15 at 6:30 pm at city hall, 555 S Main St. ▪