Experienced. Reasonable.
Transparent.
John Svilarich for City Council.
Personal.
I’m a widowed father of two grown sons. My only roommate is my Labrador Retriever, “Frankie the Girl.” I’ve lived in Camas for over 21 years and the PNW for almost 40 years. I know the territory.
Recreational.
You will usually find me outdoors, walking or hiking our local trails and pathways. Cooking is probably my favorite hobby and I do a lot of it outdoors and oftentimes for large groups. I always have a wish list of things I want to do and always wish I was more effective at it!
Professional.
I work full-time throughout the PNW. I’m the head of my neighborhood Homeowners Association and have been for much of the last twenty years. It’s like its own little city except we have to deal with the City of Camas. It has given me lots of experience that is applicable to being a City Councilor. I’ve been a volunteer for numerous groups and nonprofits for everything from schools to dogs to ports to trees and more.
The Role of a City Councilor
Where the rubber meets the road. Down to brass tacks. Wisdom equals knowledge plus experience.
It’s okay if you don’t know what a City Council representative did … in the past. But today -> and for tomorrow -> consider learning more about what role this position plays in the Camas community.
It seems there is often confusion on what a City Councilor does in a city with our form of government. We elect two from each of the three voting wards and one “at large”. They each serve staggered four-year terms.
In Camas, they are legislators, much like a small version of Congress. They do not have judicial powers and they do not have executive powers which in Camas are reserved for the Mayor.
What are some examples?
Reviewing and adopting the budget and adopting policies including city code and regulations are just two examples.
Setting the long term vision or plan is another. Remember though that the City Administrator runs the City at the direction of the Mayor. The Council has no direct control over the Mayor or the Mayor’s powers.
Note: In Washington, school districts are separate entities and do not follow city boundaries. That means the Camas City Council has no say of the Camas School District policies or decisions.