FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2011

CONTACT:  Anna Peterson, anna@annaformayor.com; 503-689-3877

Salem Mayor Anna Peterson announced at an event for supporters last night that she will seek a second term for the city-wide volunteer position of mayor.  Just eight months into her first two-year term, Peterson said, "I want the residents of Salem to know without a doubt that I am devoted to being their full-time mayor.  I enjoy working with a cohesive City Council and highly professional city staff and employees, and together with our residents we will make Salem an even stronger, healthier community in which to work, live, and raise a family."

First among Peterson's priorities are focusing city resources on job retention and creation.  Her slogan "JOBS: Join Our Business Sector," is a call to all city employees to recognize that their work with the public is vital to the city's economic health.  Whether it's issuing permits and licenses, or helping patrons with job-search resources at the Salem Public Library, they can strengthen economic recovery one job at a time.  

Cooperation and team-building are signatures of Peterson's years of community leadership, from restoring the Historic Elsinore Theatre to economic development projects and fighting meth in our neighborhoods.

These same traits have driven her first eight months in office.  Peterson is credited with uniting the City Council and leading the goal-setting sessions that placed economic development as their highest priority.  They have passed a balanced city budget with strong agreement on fiscal conservancy, guided the City to negotiate fair but hold-the-line contracts with unions, settle with the Willamette River Queen captain so that the bridge to Minto Brown Island can become a reality, and establish an incubator loan program for new and expanding businesses moving into the Fairview Industrial Park.  

On the horizon, Peterson is calling for a Downtown Economic Improvement District (EID) with more emphasis on increased economic vitality and reduced rancor and discord.  "I won't fund bickering," Peterson has told all groups that receive money from city coffers.  Peterson guided the City committee that revised the EID guidelines, and is confident that the currently applications from groups to manage downtown marketing and activities will reflect that serious attention to the bottom line.  

Peterson’s supporters include in her accomplishments:  Increased action in stagnant Urban Renewal districts; strong appointments to city commissions and committees; and greater recognition of city's international population.

Supporter Emil Graziani said, “I have known Anna for over 20 years and have been so pleased to see her serve as mayor. Her integrity is the reason I supported her in her first campaign and I will continue to do so.”  Valerie Keever added, “Anna has represented Salem well as Mayor.  Her warmth and inclusiveness creates an environment of collaboration and I will continue to support her.”