Meet the candidates running for four Hermiston City Council seats

Published 5:00 am Thursday, October 17, 2024

Six candidates for Hermiston City Council share their views Sept. 19, 2024, during a candidates forum at Hermiston City Hall.

HERMISTON — Hermiston residents in November will cast their votes on four candidates from a field of six for the city council at-large seats.

The six council candidates vying for the four open seats are Allen Hayward, Jeff Kelso, Luz Martell, Bryan Miller, Josh Roberts and incumbent Maria Duron.

The East Oregonian sent the candidates a brief questionnaire and asked them to limit their answers to 100 words. The EO edited the answers for spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Maria Duron

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Provide a brief background about yourself, including age and past community leadership roles.

Maria Duron, a mother of three — Natali, Anthony and Miguel, has lived in Hermiston for 32 years and has served Hermiston in various roles. Maria has worked for the Hermiston School District as the communications officer and in the last four years as the family engagement specialist.

Maria was elected to the Hermiston City Council in November 2019; she will complete her term this December. Maria is a 2017 graduate of the Hermiston Leadership Class 20 and contributed to the Community Health Improvement Partnership from July 2010 to December 2011. She also served on the Hermiston School Board from 2008 to 2016.

What are the top two priorities or needs for Hermiston; and if you win the election, what will you do to address those priorities or needs?

Recently, the city of Hermiston established a task force to explore the possibility of having an indoor aquatic and recreation facility. Maria is honored to be a part of this initiative and looks forward to collaborating with community partners to make this vision a reality.

To sustain the high level of services the city provides, it is essential to continue exploring revenue opportunities. As a council, we must continue to work closely with local and state legislators to identify and secure new revenue streams for our community.

Describe your leadership style.

Maria favors a leadership style that balances democratic and servant principles. As a city council member, she seeks input from city administrators, fellow council members, community partners and residents.

Maria values collaboration and open discussions, to ensure everyone feels included in the decision-making process. Her goal is to maintain transparency in all decisions, where a sense of community and shared responsibility is encouraged.

Give some examples of group decision-making you have been involved with and how these experiences would benefit you on the council.

As a woman of faith, Maria deeply values her roles as a mother, employee, church leader, and city servant. Recently, she faced the crucial decision of whether to seek re-election for the city council at-large seat.

After thoughtful conversations with key individuals and consulting her children, she turned to prayer for guidance. She strives to honor the trust placed in her by her family and supporters.

Allen Hayward

Provide a brief background about yourself, including age and past community leadership roles.

My name is Allen Hayward, 41. I attended Hermiston High School and graduated 2001. I attended Charter College and graduated with a bachelor’s in computer science as well as a certificate in network security. I volunteer at Campus Life as a leader mentoring students under married couple, Jeff and Ashley Umbarger. 

I own my own side tech business remotely taking care of computers for businesses, and I have done sound and audio for many different church events around town. I have a wife and two daughters that I adore and I’m proud to be running for city council.

What are the top two priorities or needs for Hermiston; and if you win the election, what will you do to address those priorities or needs?

Priority one should be figuring out how to lower taxes in this town. I know many people who used to live in this town and want to move back but can’t because taxes are too high. 

Addressing taxes would be going line by line through the budget to see what can be cut. Priority two should be figuring out the community needs by listening to the people of Hermiston and then addressing the needs.

Describe your leadership style. 

A great leader means listening and taking time to hear what people have to say and then address and try to lead the best I can. That is what I do best is listening. I lead by doing and standing behind my word, if I say I’m going to get something done I make sure it gets done and done in a timely fashion. If things can’t get done, I communicate why it can’t get done. This is what makes me a great leader.

Give some examples of group decision-making you have been involved with and how these experiences would benefit you on the council. 

I have been part of many group decisions throughout my jobs and have lots of experience in making group decisions. I just can’t speak on specific ones due to a noncompete disclosure. 

In group decisions you have to work together as a team to figure out the best outcome for whatever issue you are facing, and I will work hard to make sure that happens.

Jeff Kelso

Provide a brief background about yourself, including age and past community leadership roles.

Jeff Kelso, 50, I am the Technology Director for the Hermiston School District. My wife of 28 years and I are blessed with three grown children and three grandchildren under the age of three. Before I came to Hermiston in 2017, I was the director of Computer and Network Services for Lake Oswego School District for nearly 15 years. 

I am currently the chair of Hermiston Parks and Recreation Committee, Kiwanis’ Lt. Governor for Northeast Oregon, president of the board of directors of the Inland Northwest Musicians and I also serve in several other nonprofit leadership roles.

What are the top two priorities or needs for Hermiston; and if you win the election, what will you do to address those priorities or needs? 

As a pro-business, pro-economic development candidate, I believe that the city’s leadership needs to continue to advocate at all levels of government for initiatives that will bring growth opportunities to our community.  

In addition, city leaders should act as ambassadors to industry leaders to tout the many benefits of locating or expanding businesses here. Secondly, homelessness is one of the most visible consequences of the inhumane decisions made decades ago at both the federal and state levels of government to defund the housing and treatment of the mentally ill.  

City leaders need to advocate for the reversal of those decisions.

Describe your leadership style.

I believe wholeheartedly in the “servant leader” model of organizational management. In my experience, the best leaders are the ones who see it as their primary job to enable those around them to grow and succeed in their roles while simultaneously facilitating the best outcomes for the organization as a whole.  

This management model, which was introduced to me in graduate school, is one that has proven itself to be quite successful over the course of my 22-year career as a technology director and it’s the model that I would continue to rely upon in the role of city counselor.

Give some examples of group decision-making you have been involved with and how these experiences would benefit you on the council. 

I currently serve as a board president and member, as a committee member and as an officer in six nonprofit community-service organizations that are located in Hermiston and Umatilla County. 

I’ve also served as the chair for Hermiston Parks and Recreation Committee since 2018. Additionally, I’ve been a high-level member of the management teams at two school districts since 2002.  

Over the course of earning a master of business administration degree, I received a formal education in the process of collaborative decision-making, negotiation and organizational leadership. I am confident that I possess the experience and education necessary to be a successful and effective member of the Hermiston City Council.

Luz Martell

Provide a brief background about yourself, including age and past community leadership roles. 

I’m Luz Martell, 37, a health care professional with over 14 years of nursing experience spanning from correctional nursing, emergency room and intensive care unit nursing and elder rights advocacy. 

My career includes research at the University of Washington, serving as a college professor and holding administrative roles in health care. I earned my associate degree from Blue Mountain Community College in 2010 and a master’s in health care administration from Gonzaga University in 2015. 

I also serve on Umatilla County’s Citizen Review Board for the Oregon Department of Human Services, where I’m dedicated to community welfare and informed, equitable policy.

What are the top two priorities or needs for Hermiston; and if you win the election, what will you do to address those priorities or needs?

In Hermiston, advancing equitable access to essential services is paramount, and this includes expanding effective transportation solutions to connect residents with health care, education and job opportunities. By improving transit options, we can make daily life and critical services more accessible to everyone. 

Additionally, I’m committed to working closely with our local businesses and farmers, fostering a supportive environment for sustainable job creation that respects our community’s agricultural roots. 

Prioritizing resources for our youth is equally important; by investing in programs and mentorship opportunities, we can empower the next generation to build a brighter future right here in Hermiston.

Describe your leadership style.

As a servant leader, my approach is rooted in listening deeply and empathetically to every concern, ensuring that every voice feels heard and valued. I believe that true leadership means being of service to those in need, approaching each challenge with humility, and focusing on the well-being and growth of the community above all else. 

By understanding the unique needs of each individual, I aim to create solutions that uplift everyone, especially those often overlooked. This commitment to service-driven leadership guides me in fostering trust, empowerment and positive change throughout our community.

Give some examples of group decision-making you have been involved with and how these experiences would benefit you on the council. 

In my nursing career, I’ve made critical decisions under immense pressure, often in life-threatening situations, where collaboration and swift action were essential. As a researcher, I presented evidence-based findings that could shape outcomes for many, underscoring the importance of accountability and foresight. 

In health care administration, I balanced budgets and resources to optimize population health—skills vital to responsible governance. 

Additionally, as a parent, I make daily decisions that prioritize well-being, budgeting, and education. These experiences honed my ability to analyze complex issues and make thoughtful, informed decisions that serve both immediate needs and long-term community goals.

Josh Roberts 

Provide a brief background about yourself, including age and past community leadership roles.

I am Josh Roberts, 45, with over 25 years of experience in public safety, including the past 10 years as a patrol supervisor. My leadership experience extends beyond my career, having served on Hermiston’s Budget Committee and Umatilla’s Planning Commission.  

Through these roles, I’ve developed a deep understanding of our community and its future needs to ensure responsible growth and resource management. I am committed to continuing to serve the city with integrity and dedication.

What are the top two priorities or needs for Hermiston; and if you win the election, what will you do to address those priorities or needs? 

Hermiston’s top priorities are managing growth and addressing public safety needs. To ensure responsible development, I will advocate for strategic planning that increases infrastructure and addresses housing affordability, while preserving our community’s character. 

On public safety, I will prioritize increasing resources for law enforcement and emergency services, ensuring they meet the demands of our growing population. My experience in public safety and city planning equips me to lead efforts that will foster both a safe and thriving community. 

Describe your leadership style. 

My leadership style is collaborative and focused on accountability. I believe in empowering team members by fostering open communication, setting clear expectations and providing the support they need to succeed. 

With over 25 years in public safety, I’ve learned the value of listening to diverse perspectives and making informed decisions in high-pressure situations. I lead by example, holding myself to the same standards I expect from others. 

My goal is to build strong, cohesive teams that work together to achieve our shared goals for the betterment of the community.

Give some examples of group decision-making you have been involved with and how these experiences would benefit you on the council.

I’ve had extensive experience with group decision-making, particularly in my roles on the budget and planning committees. I worked with stakeholders to allocate resources effectively and plan for future growth, ensuring all voices were heard. 

As a patrol lieutenant, I collaborate with leadership teams and outside agencies to address public safety concerns, balancing input from officers, community members, and senior leadership. 

These experiences have taught me how to build consensus and find solutions that meet the needs of many. On the council, I will use these skills to advocate for policies that benefit the entire community.

Bryan Miller

Hermiston City Council candidate Bryan Miller did not respond to the questionnaire.

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