Document text
Eagle Point council winners look ahead By Kevin Opsahl Updated: Nov 11, 2022 12:16 PM A A 4 View all photos A pedestrian walks across the Antelope Creek Bridge in Eagle Point. [Jamie Lusch / Mail Tribune] Bob Pinnell Jessica Welch Kevin Walruff Kevin Walruff and Bob Pinnell retained their seats on Eagle Point City Council, while home educator Jessica Welch was set to join them as a first-time member. The three were the top vote-getters among four candidates, which included retired educator and school board member Dianne Mihocko. Results update Friday showed Pinnell received 3,188 votes (30.42%); Walruff followed with 2,767 votes (26.40%); and Welch had 2,357 votes (22.49%). Mihocko had 2,072 votes (19.77%). Welch noted she felt like an “underdog” in the race, which made her all the more enthusiastic about her election. “I’m excited just for the opportunity to sit at the table with other leaders and plan some future things as Eagle Point grows,” she said. Pinnell, an independent contractor for State Farm Insurance, has had a few months on the council, because he took the seat of Bernie Grossman, who died earlier this year. Now, Pinnell said he is glad he won the affection of voters in his own right. “I’m glad that the community has put their confidence in me,” Pinnell said. “I got the opportunity to look at the position a little bit, so I’m not going in blindsided.” Walruff, a former Medford police officer elected to the council in 2018, said he is “eager to be back on the council for another four years.” All of the council candidates said a dog or a skate park is something they plan to work on. In a second term, Walruff said he would like to focus on maintaining Eagle Point’s “small town feel,” supporting veterans and emergency services, as well as examine traffic issues. Pinnell said he likes the direction Eagle Point is going now but also would like to see a reliable water system that includes a backup generator in place. Welch, 33, said she would like to see more youth be involved in civic discussions, get more businesses in Eagle Point and help the city beef up its social media presence. For now, Welch is looking forward to undergoing council member training, facilitated by the League of Oregon Cities. “I am excited to go even deeper and get some tools under my belt,” Welch said. Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno