Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council rejects mayor’s pick for homeless commission; chair will reconsider
Summary
Council voted 4–3 against the mayor’s recommendation to appoint Mike Fieldman to the homeless commission after debate over fundraising capacity vs. operational energy; the mayor said she will return with another recommendation.
Roseburg City Council considered a mayoral appointment to the homeless commission but the motion failed after a divided debate.
The mayor, who serves as the chair of the homeless commission, recommended Mike Fieldman, citing his past work securing $1.5 million for a navigation center and his connections with local and state funders. "I gotta have somebody who is able to do that because otherwise we could talk about having a campsite, but there's no money," the mayor said, arguing that fundraising capacity is critical for the commission’s success.
Shelley moved to appoint Mike Fieldman and the motion was seconded. Several councilors voiced alternative preferences and concerns: some urged consideration of Thomas McGregor, who works with Peace at Home and has hands‑on experience with youth homelessness; others said the commission needs energy and operational follow-through in addition to fundraising access. Ruth and David described McGregor’s youth‑homelessness work and public support for his candidacy. At least one councilor cautioned against relaying information from private conversations about candidates and the city attorney reminded members to limit deliberation to information in the public record.
After discussion, the council voted and the motion to appoint Fieldman failed 4–3. The mayor said she would revisit the selection process and return with a new recommendation once she has ensured a candidate understands the role and expectations.
