UNION — Union residents will be casting their vote for mayor, along with one contested and one uncontested city council race, during the November election.

Challenger Derek “Big Red” Stevens will face off against incumbent Susan Hawkins for mayor. Hawkins is seeking reelection following the completion of her first term as mayor. Hawkins ran in 2022 to replace Leonard Flint, who chose to step down from the position. Before being elected as mayor, she served six years on the city council.

Voters will also see two city council races on the ballot — one contested and one uncontested. All are new faces for the council.

Tim Day will take on Donald D. George for Position 5. Both are seeking to replace John Farmer, who currently holds the position.

Kori Cox is running unopposed for Position 1, which is currently held by Jay Blackburn.

The Observer sent questionnaires to all of the candidates and have printed the responses of those who responded below. Answers have been printed as they were provided by the candidates. Light editing was only done if necessary for spelling or grammar reasons.

Derek Stevens

Name: Derek Stevens (Bigred)

Age: 37

Residence: Union, OR

Current occupation: Business owner

Relevant political or other experience: Bachelors in Criminal justice, I have experience working with state and federal regulatory agencies such as EPA, OHSA

Family: I have been happily married to my wife Elise Stevens and we have three young children

Hobbies: I enjoy wood working, hunting and spending time with my family

Why are you running for office? How has your experience qualified you for the position?

I want to help Union grow and build community amongst the residents

What would be your priorities in terms of preparing a city budget? In other words, if cuts had to be made in the budget, what areas would you try to protect first?

Candidate did not provide an answer.

What would be your priorities in terms of preparing a city budget? In other words, if cuts had to be made in the budget, what areas would you try to protect first?

Safety such as law enforcement and clean drinking water will always be protected first

How would you help to ensure that the city’s business is conducted in an open and transparent fashion? How would you help to share with residents information about important issues facing the council?

Transparency is very important to me and I will strive to create complete transparency to all residents.