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Dunsmuir council hopefuls pitch downtown revival, housing and transparency
Summary
Three candidates for Dunsmuir city council emphasized downtown revitalization, housing affordability and greater transparency during a Dunsmuir Chamber forum; they agreed on goals but differed on enforcement tools and implementation roles.
At a Dunsmuir Chamber candidates forum, three candidates for two city-council vacancies laid out competing plans to revive the small mountain city's economy and housing market.
Sarah Sebring, a labor-and-delivery nurse at Mercy Mount Shasta, said she returned to Dunsmuir to raise her children and wants to "make this town the place that I remember growing up in." Ahmed Tasi, a local business owner and partner at The Wheelhouse, said rising costs and struggling businesses drove his decision to run. "Families are struggling with rising costs and affordable housing," he said. Dwight Bailey, a planning commissioner and retired construction trades instructor, emphasized his planning experience and called for more transparency in city operations.
The candidates agreed on broad priorities—supporting downtown businesses, pursuing housing solutions and improving public engagement—but diverged on tactics. Sebring prioritized beautification and visitor services to bring customers downtown. Tasi proposed office hours, a newsletter and incentives to attract investment. Bailey warned against enforcement strategies he said might damage downtown, cautioning that liens or fines could worsen building vacancies.
The forum, moderated by Rick Simon and hosted by Chamber director Kate Clother, featured audience-submitted questions and a short break; no official actions or votes were taken.
