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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us October 28, 2004 Our View Bear, Siporen for Phoenix, Talent leadership The key to successful small towns is a solid, capable leadership base. While the demands of small town city councils may not be quite as intensive as larger cities, the costs are significantly higher. Faulty decision-making can radically alter the city's financial footing, just as intractable positions can cost the city needed economic opportunities. Phoenix and Talent are two communities that are rapidly changing, making the decisions of their respective leadership all the more important. Both towns are profiting to some extent from the push outward from nearby Ashland and Medford, but both towns are feeling the strain from growth, traffic and the difficulty in maintaining and distinct community feel. So it's a truly great thing that both towns have capable, interested and qualified people ready to roll up their sleeves and offer leadership in these changing times. Both people running for mayor of Phoenix are knowledgeable and capable. Dan Suaro has the benefit of previous council and business experience. He rightly says that a coordinated plan for revitalizing the city's downtown is a priority, which we readily applaud. His opponent, Vicki Bear, is part of a new generation of Phoenix residents who are moving into the town for its affordability and livability. Bear is well versed on the issues facing the city and has offered an energetic, new approach to city government. More than anything, she wants to reconnect the city council with its populace, giving them more confidence in the government and willingness to pitch in. Either is capable and willing, which is critical to success. In the end, we like Bear, who offers a new look to the Phoenix old guard. As part of Phoenix's growing, 30- to 40-something middle class, Bear will represent the next generation of leadership that is ready to guide Phoenix into its own personality in the coming years. As for Talent, Wendy Siporen, who was appointed to the council in 2003 is opposed by political newcomer Edwin McManus. Though McManus is still a student at Southern Oregon University, he isn't approaching this bid for election as a youthful lark. Rather the 23-year-old Talent resident has a firm grasp of the basic issues facing the town and has made himself known as an up and coming leader in the area. His time, though coming soon probably, is not now. Siporen is still getting her feet wet in her role as councilor, but has already proven herself a committed public servant. Siporen is a leader who can effectively balance issues of livability and social compassion with the ongoing need for economic diversity and growth. McManus may someday join her on council, but for now, we cast our vote with Siporen. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Isotoner Slippers Dsw Shoes Ceramic Piggy Banks Fanny Mae Eloans Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weight Loss Programs Citibank Student Loans Acs Loan Matchmaking & Dating Scripts Adventure Travel Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation helzberg diamonds Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams