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Incumbent Leon Sherman, who faces challenger Earl Wood in the Nov. 7 election, said a strong infrastructure is key. "We don't have a lot of control at the city level about how much growth happens," said Sherman. "As long as property owners and developers demand it, and if we have adequate infrastructure to support it, we can't tell them no. Our job is to manage the growth, not to restrict or encourage it." So far, Eagle Point has met the infrastructure and transportation needs, Sherman said. "The water, sewer, fire, law enforcement, emergency services are doing well and we're now in the process of putting in a new water line, which will connect to White City and will double our capacity." To keep growth in check, Sherman points to the urban growth boundary, which he said will have to be expanded to meet future needs. In the meantime, growth issues are dealt with on a "one-by-one" basis, which Sherman said has created a tax base that has allowed the city to effectively manage its expansion. Advertisement "Our growth over the past several years has contributed a large amount to our taxes and has given us the luxury of being able to provide for and keep up with future growth," Sherman said. Down the road, as a self-contained, full-service city comes to fruition, Sherman sees developers being responsible for more of the associated costs. "We have systems in place that provide funding for future development where it's not a heavy tax burden on the person who's already here," he said. Challenger Wood, who is currently a City Council member, favors a closer look at proposed developments and how they fit in with the city. "A lot of people like to live around Eagle Point and with the new Wal-Mart coming in, it's going to bring even more people into our area. It's just natural," said Wood. "To me, I like to see smart growth, to look ahead on all facets of services in our area rather than just to let the developers have their way and build up on all the land." As the population grows, more services will be required and that means expanding the UGB, said Wood. "We know that right now. Our city is already growing so fast that even our infill property is being built on." If the UGB is expanded, more water rights will have to be purchased, said Wood. "And transportation issues need to be resolved," he said. Wood proposes expanding the Highway 62 corridor into Medford, White City and Butte Falls. He also strongly supports the idea of building a new expressway parallel to Highway 62, possibly along the Medco Haul Road. "That's one solution and we should take it," said Wood. "It wouldn't happen within 10 years because of the planning." Expanding Eagle Point's jurisdiction over what is now land governed by Jackson County could allow the city more control over what Wood calls the "coming sprawl." "This way you can have developers bring their projects to the city rather than the county," Wood said. "It could also help us with connectivity with other cities. We have all these arterial county roads and if we had more jurisdiction, they could be under city standards." Jennifer Strange is a freelance writer living in Central Point. Reach her at [email protected]. Leon Sherman, incumbent Age: 63 Employment: Retired Education: Graduated from Crater High School in 1961. Attended Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon State College. Experience: Mayor of Eagle Point, four years; City Council member, four years; Eagle Point police chief, 171„2 years; police sergeant, four years. Top three priorities if elected: 1. Manage continued growth, both residential and commercial, while preserving the city's quality of life. 2. Continue to upgrade the city's infrastructure to meet future needs, particularly in regard to public safety, water and storm drains. 3. Continue to update the city's transportation plan to meet the needs of growth and still comply with mandates by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Earl Wood, challenger Age: 67 Employment: Retired Education: High school degree Experience: Planning Commission, two years; City Council, eight years. Top three priorities if elected: 1. Work toward effective transportation system which allows pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles to move around the entire community in a convenient and safe manner (bicycle paths and sidewalks). 2. Support and encourage the development of attractive business sections that serve residents and visitors. 3. Work to provide safe places to play and recreate (skateboard park, horseshoes and develop more parks). Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. 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