Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Candidate Profiles topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Candidates for Newport budget committee highlight local ties, budgeting experience
Summary
Three applicants interviewed on March 16: reapplicant John Updike highlighted prior municipal and large‑city budgeting experience and called housing the top concern; newcomer Brian Haley emphasized Newport ties and research‑finance experience; Bill Brannigan cited banking and prior local committee service.
Three candidates spoke to council about why they want to serve on Newport’s budget committee and the experience they would bring.
John Updike (candidate) described decades in public‑sector budgeting and capital programs, saying "if reappointed, this would be my 3rd round on the budget committee" and noting prior budget responsibilities in San Francisco and Tucson, including capital programs and staff oversight. He emphasized affordable housing as "a number 1 concern" for the city.
Brian Haley, joining by Zoom, said he is a research scientist at Oregon State University who manages externally funded research budgets and that he and his wife plan to retire in Newport; he told council he is "very excited to maybe partake in this process" and is eager to learn municipal budgeting. Bill Brannigan outlined a banking career and local civic involvement, saying he has been "involved with the city since at least 2018" and emphasizing consensus building.
Councilors asked follow‑ups on residency, committee expectations and past experience; staff explained the budget committee reviews the proposed annual budget and can recommend changes before council adoption. Council members said they value applicants who can understand department presentations and contribute constructive review during the committee’s April meetings.
