COVE — Cove residents will cast their votes for mayor in November. Voters can also expcet to see two uncontested city council races on the ballot. 

Challenger Gerald “Bud” Forrest will face off against incumbent mayor Sherry Haeger. Haeger has served as mayor since she was elected to her first term in 2020.

Boss Parker, Alexis Cannon and Jason Hagey are running uncontested for city council.

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.

Sherry Haeger

Name: Sherry Haeger

Age: 63

Residence: Cove, OR

Current occupation: Barreto Mfg., Systems Support (Finance) 2021-Current

Relevant political or other experience: City of Cove Mayor 2021-2024; Heart n’ Home Hospice Marketing 2018- 2021; Cove Community Association – Secretary/ Treasurer 2018-2022; Campaign Treasurer for Donna Beverage County Commissioner Re-Election; Union County Chamber of Commerce Director/Treasurer 2018/19; Sr Management Google and Apple 1999-2018; California Department of Justice Peer Counselor Domestic Violence Division 1996-2001; Elk Grove Community Action Committee 1985-1995.

Family: Married with 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren

Hobbies: Political Interests; Church functions and activities; Classically Trained Pianist; Charity and Volunteering – Cove (Cherry Fair, Trunk or Treat, Cove School District Booster Club & Sports); Union County (Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation).

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

I have been the Mayor in Cove for the last 2 terms and I want to complete the updated plans for land use and transportation in 2025/26. The documents related to the plans, especially TSP, were last written in 1984. It is of utmost importance to me that the City Council keeps Cove rural. I have been a public servant in many capacities since 1986. I am the voice of the citizens of Cove that the people need. I have extensive financial background in a variety of areas that are applied well to the running of the city. I am a friend to many in Cove since I have always been a servant to the community without receiving anything in return. I think Cove deserves someone to speak for them without bias and with transparency with out financial gain.

What are the two biggest issues facing your community? What can you do in your position as mayor or councilor to address those issues?

Firstly, the infrastructure to support any growth is in need of improvements. My role in this area is to clarify the actual need and the persons working for the city to address them. Supporting the efforts to ensure our citizens have basic services is foundational to the direction Cove is going. Secondly, and just as important, we live in a rural community because we love this way of live. My goal is to ensure that we keep that small-town America culture without losing our basic rights. We are proud Americans that want to live without government interference and without infiltration of those who only want to take advantage of us financially.

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?

When we look at the annual budget, there are many factors we take into consideration. Between the staff, the council and the citizen budget committee, we create a budget that will continue to allow the city to run smoothly honoring the roles of our city staff and the needs of the community. As mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure our budget is used wisely and to preserve our rural way of life.

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?

When we have a subject that will be discussed at a city council meeting that could be controversial, I post on social media and I will contact citizens I know might have an interest in the subject. I am in constant face-to-face communication with citizens of Cove. I also have relationships with key leaders in Cove and Union County, which facilitates openness and transparency via communication. There is not an expectation of the general population to ask questions or express concerns in a transparent manner. However, the city council MUST be transparent in our responses. My goal is to always maintain ethical behavior and communication by the council. There have been cases where ethics were at risk and I ensured I understood the rules and regulations to help guide conversation and actions in an ethical manner to resolve conflict and questions. Also, our city staff is very good about communicating what the city council is doing and discussing on a monthly basis. I support whatever they need to be successful communicators.

Gerald “Bud” Forrest

Name: Gerald “Bud” Forrest

Age: 70

Residence: Cove, OR

Current occupation: Retired

Relevant political or other experience: Director of Quality, requiring conducting formal business meetings and community engagement.

Family: I have brother who has lived in the valley for 50 years and a sister who lives in Idaho.

Hobbies: I enjoy gardening, fishing and hunting.

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

I am running for the Mayors position, cause I’m disappointed in the past four years. We do not need to continue with negative control.

What are the two biggest issues facing your community? What can you do in your position as mayor or councilor to address those issues?

Supporting the city council and building a trust relationship in our community. People should feel they have a voice and enjoy being a part of our community!!

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?

Preparing the budget will be a group effort of the council. Providing sound information and informative costs will help provide the clarity needed to meet the city’s needs.

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?

The council is open to the public, but I would make it more comfortable for citizens to speak openly without the constant interruption and rambling. The council is designed to have an orderly meeting but should be open and easily accessible to speak the issues…. Building trust again in local politics is greatly needed!!