ELECTION 2023: John Svilarich Running for Camas City Council At-Large Seat

Lacamas Magazine interviewed John Svilarich, who is running for the open Camas City Council At-Large seat, which is being vacated by Don Chaney, who is retiring. Here are the questions we asked, and his answers.

Why do you want to be on Camas City Council?

Camas is at a critical juncture in its history with many big decisions facing it. These decisions will shape the success of our future and it’s important we get it right as best we can. I believe I have the knowledge, experience, and background to help the Council do its best.

Top Issues

While the City faces many challenges, I believe that infrastructure and revenue sources are two of the most significant. As for infrastructure, we must prioritize what is needed and act on it. Delayed or deferred decision making has cost us time and money. The decisions are not easy but must be made. As for revenue sources, we need to do more work in economic development. This is not easy either, but success is needed here for our long-term financial health.

What is the City of Camas doing right?

Public safety is a huge success story for Camas. Police, Fire and Public works combine to make us all comfortable in our homes and our travels. Collaboration and partnerships such as with the Downtown Camas Association, The Port and the school district have been very successful and beneficial for the community. We have a large and vibrant Parks system that is known throughout the region for its many attractions. We have been stable financially, earning a AAA Bond rating.

In what areas can Camas improve?

Communication is something that needs to be improved. Information is not easy to find, and the city is not consistent with how they get out the message. We need to “push” it out to the citizens, not make them “pull” it out of the city.

Stability is another thing that affects us all. We’ve had five mayors in five years. Three City Administrators and numerous department heads turnover. It’s time to revisit our strong mayor form of government.

We need more success with economic development as we need additional revenue sources.

We also need to start addressing our challenges, not kicking them down the road. We have two fire stations that need to be replaced. We need lots of road repairs. We have aging buildings and systems. We have a fire department partnership that is not sustainable financially. We need to prioritize our issues and then take action.

Vision

My vision is one of Camas being a vibrant place to live and work. A place that is healthy both environmentally and economically. And safe and welcoming for all. This will take vision and leadership. It will take thoughtful planning, solid communication, and hard work. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will help lead the community by hard work alongside my fellow councilors, open and clear communication, and consistent dedication towards our success.

About John Svilarich

I’m a widower who lives near Prune Hill with my Labrador Retriever, “Frankie the Girl.” I have two grown sons who went to school here and live nearby. I have been in Camas for over 21 years, the PNW for almost 40. Since I first arrived here, I have been active throughout the community including schools, the city and the Port. I’m the head of a large homeowners association which is like a mini city at times. I have a solid historical perspective and knowledge that would be a valuable resource for the Council. In my many decades of life, I have become an effective communicator. I have learned to collaborate with others. I am solution oriented, helping me to be a proven problem solver. I have faced a diversity of challenges both personally and professionally. This allows me to be pragmatic and empathetic, yet productive.

I’ve held management roles in the automotive, environmental and food industries. I have extensive experience with group dynamics and individual motivation. I understand finances, communication systems, marketing and logistics. Lastly, I’m proficient in both planning and regulatory matters. My work is diversified across local, regional, national, and even international channels.

To learn more, visit www.johnforcamas.com