Mickey Varney, Ward 8 incumbent, highlights public safety, housing and transparency in re-election bid

Mickey Varney, a Salem city councilor and Ward 8 incumbent, emphasized public safety, affordable housing and government transparency as central priorities in a candidate interview ahead of the May election.

Varney, a retired salmon research biologist who says he has been active in West Salem neighborhood work for more than 14 years, pointed to concrete accomplishments during his current term, including balancing the city budget and keeping libraries and parks open. “We balanced the city budget, and thanks to your support, kept our libraries and parks open,” Varney said.

The interview was produced by Capital Community Media and the League of Women Voters of Marion and Polk Counties. Varney said he has championed programs and teams that he says move unsheltered residents into housing and improve downtown safety, naming the homeless services team (HST), the Clean Salem team and the REACH program as examples.

Varney framed the council role as hands-on service delivery: he said council decisions affect whether “you have water in your faucets, that your toilets flush, that when it rains, your house doesn't flood,” and referenced constituent requests ranging from pedestrian crossings to traffic safety on Doakes Ferry Road.

On growth and development, Varney said he has pressed for protections for trees, improved stormwater systems and walkable neighborhoods. He also cited adding an amendment to the Our Salem plan in 2022 to address traffic congestion in West Salem and said implementation work is beginning with the city’s transportation system master plan.

Varney closed by asking voters to re-elect him and provided his campaign contact information at mickeyforsalem.com and on social media. The moderator reminded viewers of registration and ballot dates tied to the May election.