Cat Zwicker

I currently serve on the Redmond City Council. Since I announced my run for mayor, I have been asked why run for mayor when I already have a vote, and a seat at the table?

My answer has many layers, but the gist is this: as a current city councilor, I see the opportunities for increased transparency, process improvements, and community collaboration that previous mayors did not. This clarity and need for a fresh perspective is about timing. Mayor Ed Fitch, and former Mayor George Endicott, served our community for long periods and were leaders of their time.

In the last election for mayor, 1/3 of voters supported Ed Fitch. He received the most votes in a three-way race with 34%, but I look at that as 2/3 of the community was ready for a new mayor then, and I believe that desire for new leadership persists. A new mayor will lead Redmond through pivotal decisions around homelessness, drugs, cost of living, and the largest capital investments throughout our community our town has ever seen.

As a small business owner, 30-year real estate professional, and active community volunteer serving on nonprofit boards, I understand the skyrocketing cost of living is unsustainable for families and businesses alike. My top priority, as it has been on the city council and the planning commission, will be to continue focusing on housing affordability, opposing unnecessary fees and red tape, and supporting increased housing opportunities for all of Redmond. While the city of Redmond can’t fix inflation on its own, we must do our part to help in the areas we can.

I’m cautious when it comes to allowing drugs like psilocybin and cannabis into our community, especially considering the epic failure of Measure 110 and how difficult it made enforcement for public safety officers.

Over the summer I witnessed a young scooter rider who was hit by a car. Thankfully, he was wearing a helmet. This incident was near a long roadway that didn’t have crosswalks. I worked with city council and public works to get crosswalks added for pedestrian safety.

I pride myself on being a no-nonsense, transparent and collaborative leader and colleague. This is how I work in my real estate business, how I serve on boards, and how I operate as your current city councilor.

There is so much need, yet so little time and resources to go around. Let’s stay focused on the set goals and get-it-done. By working together on aligned goals locally, regionally and with our state and federal counterparts, we can be more effective and efficient, and in turn make even greater impacts for Redmond.

I’m also an independent thinker and creative solutions person. That’s how I have been able to work well with Bend City Councilors when it comes to the Coordinated Houseless Response Office, and with Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer on food insecurity.

Today is a new day, with a new chapter ahead for Redmond, for central Oregon, for Oregon. Redmond has more investments in capital projects than ever before thanks to our community partners, regional collaborations, and to our current city council who are all active and engaged.

We’re doing a lot of things well, and with more transparency we can be better community partners and leaders. Community members, agency partners, city staff and council members should not be surprised by any agenda item. When we’re all prepared, we have better discussions, more productive meetings and trust.

I encourage you to visit my website www.CatZwickerforMayor.com. Do you have questions? Email me: Cat@CatZwicker.com. I hope I have earned your vote for Redmond’s next Mayor.