General Election - City of Sutherlin Candidate Page


Michelle Sumner - Mayor Elect
OCCUPATION: Supervisor II, DHS
PREVIOUS POLITICAL/MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE:
With a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and 30 years’ experience in public safety and human services, I feel I am uniquely qualified to offer the Citizens of Sutherlin and the City of Sutherlin skilled and thoughtful leadership. With honesty, integrity, and fairness, I promise to serve the citizens and the city to the best of my ability.
My previous public service includes training officer and hostage negotiator with the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, vice-president and president of the California Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, team member for the City of Napa FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Emergency Operations Center, and child-crime investigator with the City of Suisun City.
I started my journey with the City of Sutherlin as a Planning Commissioner for 7 years and served on the City of Sutherlin’s Budget Committee for 5 years (concurrently) when I was elected as a City Councilor in 2018.
I served as a City Councilor for the City of Sutherlin for 2 ½ years and was appointed Mayor in September 2021. I have enjoyed the challenges and the successes as Mayor and have learned and continue to learn a great deal.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/CLUBS/VOLUNTEER WORK:
I volunteer during local foster children events for Douglas County as well as volunteer my IT expertise a few hours a week to those in need of a little extra help with their tablets and phones!
REASON FOR RUNNING; WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES/ISSUES/CONCERNS:
My major interests are:
- To ensure all citizens are represented fairly, and our community members have reasonable opportunity for input.
- To ensure all citizens have the best basic services we can offer including police, fire, wastewater treatment, drinking water, safe streets, and sufficient staff to support these services.
- To see Central Avenue thrive!
- To support Urban Renewal
- To support positive recreational activities within our community.
I bring my education, experience, and love of Sutherlin to the position of Mayor. I believe I am the right person at the right time to help our city realize its potential.
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Debbie Hamilton - Councilor Elect
OCCUPATION: Retired
PREVIOUS POLITICAL/MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE:
26 years working for the City - 13 years as Deputy City Recorder and 5 years as City Recorder. I was the elections officer for 5 years.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/CLUBS/VOLUNTEER WORK:
Vice President of Sutherlin Downtown Development Inc, Secretary for Music off Central, Vice Chair for Urban Renewal Task Force, Vice Chair for Urban Renewal Agency, Transient Room Tax Committee, Chamber of Commerce, City Council for nearly 3 years and Council President for 1 year.
REASON FOR RUNNING; WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES/ISSUES/CONCERNS?
Give back to my community. I've loved the changes over the past 10 years and want to continue the progress, growth, and the development of our downtown area.
Gary Dagel - Incumbent
OCCUPATION: Self Employed
PREVIOUS POLITICAL/MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE:
Currently serve on Council; served as Chairman on a committee of business owners, requested by Council, to organize a business registration for the City that was accepted by businesses and the City; served as Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/VOLUNTEER WORK:
I have been very active in the Chamber of Commerce; worked with the Chamber to organize events and activities that brought visitors to Sutherlin and provided entertainment for locals; installed signs welcoming people to the area; organized purchase and modification of a vintage fire truck to transport children of all ages around local events; worked with Roseburg Graffiti committee to bring a street fair to Sutherlin during the event; regularly attended City Council meetings as a concerned citizen; support to local businesses.
REASONS FOR RUNNING; WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES/ISSUES/CONCERNS?
I care about Sutherlin and I would like to keep it on a good trajectory. I've lived in Sutherlin for over a decade, it is my home. I have had a fair amount of experience dealing with City staff and I have a good understanding of how the City works. I know a lot of my neighbors throughout the City, and I listen to their concerns and comments. I believe our local taxpayers, homeowners, renters, and businesses should be our first consideration. I will take the time to give the Council the full attention it deserves. I want to serve on the Council to maintain local values and improve quality of life.

Lisa Woods - New Councilor Elect
OCCUPATION: Director at Umpqua Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
PREVIOUS POLITICAL/MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE:
Current Chair of the Sutherlin Planning Commission.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/CLUBS/VOLUNTEER WORK:
Urban Renewal Committee; Sutherlin Area Chamber of Commerce member.
REASON FOR RUNNING; WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES/ISSUES/CONCERNS?
My name is Lisa Woods. I live, work, play, and enjoy life in Sutherlin, the town that I call home. I have spent a large part of my life in the Umpqua Valley. Currently, I am the Director for UCC Small Business Development Center.
I've been married to the love of my life for 29 years; we have 3 wonderful children. My husband is owner operator of Accurate Cabling Systems. We co-own Eternal Warrior Martial Arts. Our oldest daughter resides in Encinitas California. Our oldest son, a 2021 Sutherlin High School graduate is serving in the United States Army at Fort Benning Georgia. Our youngest son is entering his freshman year at UCC. We also have two fur babies who love to walk the 3-mile loop daily. They both enjoy their time at the Sutherlin Dog Park playing with their doggie friends.
The moment I moved here, I knew I wanted to be involved in the beautiful community of Sutherlin. I have witnessed a community that pulls together when things are tough and celebrates when things are good. I'm passionate about business and want to see that Sutherlin has a thriving business community. I currently serve as the Chair on City of Sutherlin Planning Commission.
Many of my attributes are those you would expect a City Council member would have including ethics, honesty, commitment, motivation, and business experience. If chosen to be a part of Sutherlin City Council I will work hard to help provide a fresh perspective to elevate the voice of those who reside in our town. I will work with humility to find compromise and mutually beneficial solutions, to find the best outcome for our community.
I believe I am strong candidate for this position because of my passion for business and community. I will bring a renewed perspective with a wide range of personal and professional experiences that will contribute greatly for the betterment of our city.