Two will vie for Ward 7 council post

Corvallis Gazette-Times, February 29, 2008, by Matt Neznanski

Jeanne Raymond and Rick Schroff will appear on May 20 ballot to fill empty position
By the end of Friday’s filing deadline, two candidates emerged to seek the vacant City Council position in Ward 7. It’s official: The names of retired educator Jeanne Raymond and local insurance agent Rick Schroff will appear on the May 20 ballot.

The Ward 7 seat on the City Council became vacant in December. Councilor Scott Zimbrick died Dec. 6, shortly after being diagnosed with acute leukemia. Zimbrick, who had served on the council since 2002, represented Witham Hill and parts of the Timberhill neighborhood.

Raymond said she would like to see the council balance social, economic and environmental issues as the city grows. Schroff said that he intends to continue the business-focused approach that was the hallmark of Zimbrick’s leadership.

Before taking over Schroff Insurance Agency from his father four years ago, Schroff spent 25 years with the Houston, Texas-based Smith International, a supplier of products and services to the oil industry.

“I know I can provide direction that promotes a thriving business environment while honoring the exceptional livability of our community,” he said.

Schroff is a member of the Greater Corvallis Rotary Club and the Corvallis-Benton Chamber Coalition, where he served as an ambassador and a past member of the Government Affairs Committee.

Raymond was an educator for 30 years, including 10 years with the Corvallis school system. She has lived in Ward 7 for nearly two decades, and she said she takes a long-term perspective to leadership.

“We can have sustainability by meeting the needs of this generation and future generations by finding solutions that address the social, economic and environmental aspects of a healthy, prosperous city,” she said.

Raymond has been an active Democrat for more than 40 years. Her volunteer endeavors include helping to organize the first student exchange program with sister-city Uzhgorod in Ukraine. She also is a member of the Benton County Bill of Rights Defense Committee.

Mayor Charlie Tomlinson has scheduled a Ward 7 candidate forum for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, in the Walnut Community Room at Corvallis Fire Station 5, 4950 N.W. Fair Oaks Drive. Tomlinson will moderate the discussion, which will feature statements from each candidate. Voters will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Matt Neznanski can be reached at 758-9518 or matt.neznanski@lee.net.