UMATILLA — Races for mayor and two city council positions in Umatilla are contested in the November general election, while one is unopposed. 

Caden Sipe and Lyle Smith are running for Umatilla mayor.

Sipe is a teacher and coach, with a background in information technology, construction and renovation, according to his Voters’ Pamphlet statement. He was raised in Umatilla and attended its schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade. After graduating from Blue Mountain Community College, Eastern Oregon University and Grand Canyon University, where he earned a Master’s degree in teaching, he returned to Umatilla.

“We must work to continue to build the community,” his said, “while also working to plan carefully so we are mindful of the impact of growth and the need for thoughtful planning and intentional growth.”

Sipe emphasizes the unique, usually non-voting role of mayor.

Smith is retired. He worked as a registered nurse for 42 years. He and his wife Leslie moved to Umatilla 20 years ago. He graduated from high school and colleges in Illinois, including earning a Master’s in biology from the University of Chicago, and nursing degrees in Denver.

He and Leslie have served on the Umatilla city council. His other government experience has been on the Umatilla County Critical Groundwater Task Force and Planning Commission, Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board, Department of Energy Hanford Advisory Board, Umatilla City Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Committee and Code Enforcement.

He believes youth activities should be a top priority, as well as developing Old Town and completing Umatilla’s portion of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Incumbent Corrine Funderburk is running unopposed for City Council Position 1.

Katie McMillan and Tina Ridings are running for Umatilla City Council Position 3.

McMillan is a media assistant and librarian at McNary Heights Elementary, and has worked as a medical aide. She lived in Umatilla during her teen years, then moved away, but returned to raise her four children. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix.

McMillan has been active with local youth sports, and this year joined the Booster Club and Parent Teacher Organization. She volunteers in her church’s day care and attends its mothers’ group. She lists no prior governmental experience in her pamphlet entry.

Ridings has lived in Umatilla for 26 years. Her children are alumni of its schools. She is a student data specialist with the Umatilla School District and eighth to twelfth grade coordinator for the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Academy of its after school program. 

Ridings has also worked for Umatilla Parks and Recreation Department and in human resources for Walmart. She attended BMCC and the University of Phoenix. She served as vice president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Besides school functions, she has participated in Landing Days and the Umatilla facilities team.

Ian Coyle and Dennis McMillan are running for Umatilla City Council Position 5.

Coyle is a middle school math teacher. He has worked as a personal banker at US Bank. He was a member of the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce ambassador’s group for six years and served as its president.

He completed a degree in education studies from Western Governors University, and is working on a Master’s in science, technology, engineering and math education from Grand Canyon University. His pamphlet statement doesn’t list prior governmental experience.

McMillan is a semi truck driver for United Parcel Service. He has also worked as a petroleum transfer technician. He has a high school equivalent diploma. He has lived in Umatilla for 17 years, where he and his wife have raised their son, according to his website.

McMillan wants to give something back to the community which has given him so much. He has seen previous council members help build Umatilla into the wonderful little town it has become. He wants to put dedication and loving care into the community, too. He also lists no prior governmental experience.