Two vying for Gibson’s seat

For the first time in 20 years, residents of Portland City Council District 1 will have a new representative.

Republican Matt Goldsworthy and Democrat Dave Cramer are running to fill the council seat that has been held for two decades by Bill Gibson, who first won election in 1999.

Goldsworthy works in the technology department for Jay School Corporation. He earned his associate’s degree in computer information technology from Ivy Tech Community College.

Cramer is a resident of Silvers Lane. He is retired.

The candidates were asked to respond to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their answers follow.

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The Jay! Region, including Portland, is a finalist for the state’s Stellar Designation that would open the door to millions in grants and other incentives for local projects. What projects would you advocate for to benefit Portland?

Cramer: The improvement of Portland and Jay County should start at the bottom. Going door to door campaigning, I was very depressed seeing the way people are living. A lack of pride, self respect and personal responsibility. Health concerns of so many people to get out of a chair. Programs that return personal pride, dignity and self respect would be a good way to build Jay County out of a high poverty area. Declining population and low-paying jobs have to be reversed to make Jay County a better place to live. Reversing this situation should be first priority.

Goldsworthy: Workforce, education and economic development are my three projects I would like to advocate for the Jay! Region. I believe when you're trying to improve a city's growth, these three areas have to be a major priority. We need to focus on good quality jobs and ways of preparing individuals to be prepared to do these jobs. 

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Flooding remains a key issue for the City of Portland. As a council member, how would you help address the flooding problem?

Cramer: Bring in a variety of experts to discuss this issue. Until this issue resolved, downtown Portland will have trouble growing. People would have difficulty spending money to start a business.

Goldsworthy: As far as flooding goes, I would work directly with the mayor and other city and state officials to help solve the issues. I believe we are on the right path and working together with local agencies and outside agencies, we will find a solution to the constant flooding we have seen in recent years.

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Other than flooding, what is the most important issue facing Portland and how would you handle it?

Cramer: Most people only talk about restaurants and grocery stores. Both are high-risk developments.

Goldsworthy: I believe population growth is very important. We have to have quality housing and quality careers for our citizens and potential citizens. I have spoke with a lot of citizens in the past year and we all want more. We want more options of dining, entertainment, and shopping centers. All of these things are possible with population growth. Since 2012, we have seen a decrease in population each year. We are going the wrong way. We have to increase population to achieve the things we want and need.

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What makes you the best candidate for city council?

Cramer: Home-grown and have faced all types of people coaching youth sports. All of the situations that come about with the parents and fans have helped me become a negotiator and problem solver. Forty-five years of working at The Portland Forge have taught me the value of hard work.

Goldsworthy: I am the best candidate for Portland City Council District 1 for many reasons. I have worked hard to meet and listen to what citizens need and want. I have met with officials and spoke with them on how we can work together to make some of these needs possible. I am not afraid to do hard work, ask tough questions and make decisions. I have volunteered for a number of groups in our community. This work has taught me how to deal with people and situations to get the job done properly, effectively and in a timely manner.