Over the past few years, our site has been committed to the vision that a better community is possible when we work together to assure that Newberg is a place where everyone can thrive. That simple premise has seemed so challenging, which is probably why we are excited about Elise Yarnell Hollamon’s campaign for mayor and her assurance that Better is Possible when our city leaders work for all of Newberg.
A recent Newsberg candidates’ questionnaire asked mayoral and city council candidates the same three questions, and published their unedited answers in full. The responses from Elise, as well as city council candidates Larry Hampton and Leisha Adams, share some important common ground:
Affordability matters.
The cost of city services matters.
Newberg needs to solve these challenges.
Elise identifies affordability as Newberg’s most pressing issue, and has a clear, common sense solution to lessen the burden of city costs on Newberg’s citizens. Her innovative idea would bring Dundee, Dayton, and regional partners together around long-term water infrastructure with the goal of significantly reducing water rates without raising taxes.
She also believes that bringing living-wage jobs back to Newberg is possible if the city can get key employment land—particularly the former mill property—back online, rather than focusing on efforts to bring a data center to the area.
Fundamentally, Elise is driven by the conviction that the tone of leadership at Newberg City Hall needs to change, so that respect and genuine consideration for different perspectives is once again part of how decisions get made. Electing Larry and Leisha for city council, alongside Elise for mayor, will help achieve these goals.
Larry also identifies affordability as the most pressing issue, connecting it to housing, utilities, living-wage jobs and the costs of development. He supports pursuing partnerships with neighboring communities for more affordable and sustainable utilities, expanding industrial and commercial opportunities, and developing the former mill property. He also says he wants residents to know that he intends to listen well to community needs, and adjust his approach when necessary.
Leisha brings her professional experience managing and auditing nonprofits and her current work as a Yamhill County finance analyst to the conversation. She focuses specifically on water costs, asking how Newberg can reduce what residents pay while still maintaining necessary infrastructure, and points toward growing the number of customers sharing those costs.
The Newsberg article provides only an outline of Elise’s vision for making Newberg a better place for everyone to thrive.
So here’s a little spoiler: there’s a lot more detail to come. In the coming weeks, we’re excited to share the details behind how Elise proposes significantly reducing water rates without raising taxes, how Newberg can bring living-wage jobs back, and how considering all voices becomes something leadership actually does—not simply something candidates say.
And a second spoiler: Bill’s lack of initiative on the mill site over the last four years—and what appear to be his plans in the coming days—are concerning. The contrast with Elise’s vision for the future of that site is clear.
Want to support Elise, Larry, and Leisha as they fulfill their promise that Better is Possible?
COME HEAR MORE AT THE CAMPAIGN KICKOFF!
📅 Friday, September 4
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Newberg — RSVP for the location
📧 comms@livabilityoregon.org
Newberg Neighbors for a Better Community 
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