Portland City Councilman Baldyga not seeking re-election

When Portland City voters go to the polls this fall the familiar name of Councilman Robert Baldyga will not be on the ballot. Baldyga has decided not to seek re-election after serving on the City Council for over six years. “It’s an amicable parting”, Baldyga shared recently with The Beacon,” I’ve served the community for fifteen years when you count the two terms on the school board. Its time for someone with new energy”. Baldyga concluded, “Its been a privilege to serve”.

Mayor Jim Barnes and Councilman Joel VanSlambrouck will be seeking re-election this fall. Barnes has been on the City Council for twenty years-the last sixteen years as Mayor. VanSlambrouck has been on the Council for ten years and is seeking his fourth term this fall.

Nominating petitions for interested candidates for the City Council are available at the office of Nikki Miller, Portland City Clerk, Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Candidates must be a resident of Portland for at least one year, be a registered elector, and must not be in default to the City of Portland and provide proof of citizenship. Candidates must provide a completed nominating petition which includes valid signatures from 25 qualified Registered Electors. Deadline to file is 4:00 PM on Tuesday, July 23,2019.

Portland has a Council-City Manager Government model. The Council employs a full-time City Manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations and decision making. Portland’s current City Manager is Tutt Gorman. The Mayor oversees all Council Meetings, represents the City at numerous official events, and is an official signatory for the City. The Mayor is elected by the City Council following each election.

The City Council meets at 7:00 P.M. on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. There are five total seats on the Portland City Council. Current Council Members, Amanda Johnston and Patrick Fitzsimmons are not up for re-election this Fall. Council Members are paid $500 per year for their service.