July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.

McCreery challenged by Patterson

City Elections 2003

(Editor’s note: Seven seats on the Portland City Council will be filled by the November city election, but three of the candidates are unopposed. Republicans Bill Gibson in the first district, Glen Bryant in the second district, and Dolphus Stephens in the fifth district have no opponents. This is the first of a series of articles looking at the candidates in two contested district races and the four-way race for two at-large council seats.)

A Republican who has served on the Portland City Council for 15 years is being challenged by a Democrat who is making his first bid for elected office.

Incumbent Robert McCreery, 75, will face John Patterson, 35, in the race for the District 3 council seat in the Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election.

McCreery, 321 E. High St., is a 1943 graduate of Burris High School of Ball State University. He earned a bachelor of science in metallurgical engineering from Purdue University in 1948 and did graduate study at MIT in 1953. McCreery passed the Indiana Professional Engineers Board exam in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Patterson, 519 E. High St., graduated from Jay County High School in 1986. He also earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Ball State University in 1990.

McCreery retired as vice president of metallurgical engineering at Portland Forge, where he worked for 30 years. Patterson is the general manager of the Pizza Hut in Portland, where he has worked for 10 years.

In addition to serving on the city council, McCreery also served on the Portland Board of Works for eight years. This is Patterson’s first run for office.

A member of the Portland Rotary Club, McCreery also is a member of the Fellow American Society for Metals and American Legion and is a life member of the Mason and Scottish Rite and American Society Mechanical Engineers. He is also a Stephen Minister and is listed in Who’s Who in Engineering.

Patterson is a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and the Portland Country Club. He serves as president of the Board of Directors of the Jay County Visitors and Tourism Bureau, and is a board member of the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Portland Junior League baseball program. Patterson also is a Judge Haynes Elementary School PTO volunteer.

McCreery and his wife Helen have two daughters, Ann (McCreery) Oswalt and Sarah (McCreery) Wappes, and two grandchildren.

Patterson and his wife Karin have two sons, Nicholas and Spencer.

McCreery and Patterson recently answered questions from The Commercial Review regarding city issues. Their responses follow.

Why are you running for city council? What makes you qualified for the position?

McCreery — I am running because I feel my experience can contribute the city’s progress and help promote concern and care for my community.

Patterson — I am offering a change to the voters of the Third District. I believe that the council needs individuals that are proactive in their thinking and decision making. I believe that I am able to make the difficult decisions that will assist the city of Portland to move toward the future. I am an active, involved person in the community that manages a growing business. I currently have many ties to key organizations that work hand in hand with the city government to make Portland a growing and prosperous community. I am a very accessible and available person in the community and would continue this practice if elected.

What do you believe to be the most pressing issue before the city council now? What is your position on that issue?

McCreery — The most immediate issue is to stem the hemorrhaging flood of tort claims (potential lawsuits) against the city. Six tort claims have been filed against the city in the last three months. This is a potential taxpayer liability of $1.8 million.

Patterson — I believe that revitalizing the downtown area is the most pressing issue before the city council. I believe that the council needs to promote and support growth of existing merchants and future merchants of the downtown area. Being a merchant in the north end of Portland, I feel that a strong downtown area will benefit all businesses in the city of Portland.

How important is revitalizing the downtown area? What role, if any, should the council play in that effort?

McCreery — Very important but requires cooperation of the property owners. The council should seek state and federal grants that may be available. Care should be exercised in the use of city tax money since the downtown improvements are on private property.

Patterson — Again, as stated in the previous question, it is very important. The downtown area is the central core of our community. Visitors and prospective industries notice our downtown area immediately. Without an attractive and thriving downtown area, the image of Portland is in jeopardy. When prospective industries and businesses visit Portland, the downtown area should be an area of pride and enticement of new business. I believe that the council should work hand in hand with the mayor, Jay County Development Corporation and the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce to secure funding to support this important endeavor.

Following the Portland Fire Department’s recent move to its new quarters, do you think any other city offices or departments need to be relocated? Please explain.

McCreery — No.

Patterson — No. I do not see the need for any other offices to be relocated. The relocation of the fire department and city court have allowed the city to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. All other offices appear to be functioning satisfactorily in the present locations.

Briefly describe what you see as the role of the city council.

McCreery — The city council by state statute and city ordinance is a legislative body that passes ordinances and budgets tax money. The city has approximately a $6 million operation of which the council budgets only $2 million. They do not budget or operate the water or wastewater departments, appoint department heads or enter into the every day operation of the city.

Patterson — I see the council as a team. A team of individuals that should work together to meet the needs of the entire community. The team should make informed, fair and honest decisions based on accurate information. The city council should work with the mayor, Jay County Development Corporation and the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce to ensure the future growth of Portland.

If there is one thing you want to make sure the voters know about you or the office you are seeking, what would that be?

McCreery — That I am experienced, committed and care about Portland, its citizens, its jobs, its appearance and the community.

Patterson — I would like to describe the kind of person that I am and the kind of person that I will continue to be if elected. I am involved and highly invested in my community. My wife and I were born and raised in the community and relocated back to this community by choice. I will work hard to ensure that the future of Portland will continue to grow in the right direction. I am available and will listen to the needs of the citizens of Portland. Your vote counts! It’s time for a change.[[In-content Ad]]
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