To the Editor:

Greetings Philomath! I hope that you’re all having a great start to your summer and that you’re looking forward to attending the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo and all of the associated events.

Personally, I always really enjoy our parade. I love preparing my float, waking up early on Saturday morning to make the balloon arch and take care of all of the last-minute float adjustments. I try to arrive early and check out all of the parade entries before selecting the winner of the Mayor’s Choice award.

But then comes the real treat when I get to engage all of the parade attendees along the route. It’s so fun to be able to briefly connect with each of you: share a greeting, a smile, a nod, a wave, or to hand a balloon or piece of candy to you or your kids. It really is one of the highlights of my year!

It is your enthusiastic greetings, welcomes and chats that I find most rewarding in my role as mayor. I’ve served as Philomath mayor since 2020 and have seen so much progress made on the city’s priorities.

I am very proud of all that the city has accomplished during my tenure, but I would never accept sole responsibility. Many of these efforts have been the result of years of preparations and planning by our city staff and in collaboration with the federal, state and county government officials. It truly does take a village to move these big projects forward.

I know that there have been some inconveniences, but as we approach the conclusion of major projects, the city will continue to assess our community needs. Not only our immediate needs, but those that we will have three, five, and 10 years from now.

Anyhow, I really appreciate all of the support that you show towards me, our City Council and our incredible staff. Without your words of encouragement and enthusiasm, I would be much more reluctant to toss my hat into the ring in the 2024 election for mayor. But it is now official, my name will be on the ballot in November for Philomath mayor and I hope to continue to serve all of you, the residents of Philomath, for the next four years.

Chas Jones
Philomath