Reliable, affordable infrastructure
Prioritize water, sewer, drainage, roads, and long-term maintenance. Understand problems before choosing solutions, plan ahead, and pursue grants and outside funding where available.
Kathleen Leipzig for City Council • Bay City, Oregon
Lead with Leipzig.
I’m raising my family here, and I’m invested in Bay City’s future. I’m running to protect what we love, strengthen the services we rely on, and bring preparation, honesty, and follow-through to City Council.
Meet Kathleen
Service has never been about recognition. It’s about showing up.
I’m a wife, a mother of two, a community volunteer, and a Vice President of Sales. I have a degree in Political Science from Emmanuel College, and my professional work requires me to manage budgets, set priorities, solve problems, and follow through. Those are responsibilities I take seriously.
I’m running because the decisions we make now will shape the Bay City our children inherit. Reliable water and sewer systems, responsible growth, and careful use of public resources affect our everyday lives. We live on the coast for a reason. I want to protect and enhance what we have.
In preparation for council, I have been studying Bay City’s charter—the document that establishes how our city government works—along with the budget and strategic plan, which sets the city’s longer-term goals. I also joined Public Works for a ride-along to see our projects and facilities firsthand and learn from the people who keep our essential services running.
My approach is simple: do the work to understand what needs to be done, ask questions, listen to the people with experience, and then execute. I will speak up when something needs scrutiny, and I will change my mind when the facts warrant it.
I’m tired of the division in politics. I want residents to show up, get involved, and talk with one another. You deserve a councilor who comes prepared, explains decisions clearly, and takes your concerns seriously.
A practical platform
Focused on what makes everyday life better in Bay City, Oregon.
I will listen first, ask direct questions, and work toward solutions that are responsible, realistic, and rooted in residents’ needs.
Responsible growth
Evaluate development’s effects on infrastructure, traffic, the environment, and our coastal character. Involve residents early and ask how proposals benefit Bay City.
Public trust and participation
Explain decisions and spending in plain language, make participation easier, and welcome questions and differing views. Residents deserve a meaningful voice.
Responsible budgeting
Ask what each project costs now and over time, which funds can legally be used, and how decisions affect residents. Set clear priorities and be honest about tradeoffs.
Preparedness and partnerships
Support emergency planning and work with city staff, residents, local organizations, and neighboring communities to strengthen Bay City’s readiness.
“I will come prepared, ask difficult questions, listen, and explain the decisions that affect our community.”
Understanding the work ahead
Infrastructure is about everyday life.
My Public Works ride-along helped connect the plans and budget to the work happening on the ground. Before making decisions about repairs or spending, I want to understand the condition of our systems, the maintenance needs, and the pressures on the people operating them.
Sewer laterals are the pipes connecting individual properties to the city’s main sewer lines. Aging or damaged connections can be part of a larger sewer-system problem. I want clear information about repair needs, responsibilities, costs, and options for residents.
Inflow and infiltration mean stormwater or groundwater entering a sewer system intended to carry wastewater. That extra water adds to the amount the treatment system must handle. Understanding where it enters helps identify the right repairs and protect the investment in our sewer system.
I will ask for clear project priorities, realistic maintenance plans, and understandable explanations of costs and funding. Grants can help when a project qualifies, but responsible planning means understanding the requirements and ongoing costs too.
A record of showing up
Community work is how I lead.
When I was asked to chair the Bay City Pearl & Oyster Music Festival, I had never run a music festival. I did the work to learn what was needed, led a wonderful committee, and worked hand in hand with the city to bring it together.
Community eventsChair, Bay City Pearl & Oyster Music Festival Committee
The festival is a community celebration with live bands, food vendors, and other vendors. Together, our committee helped grow it to an audience of about 3,000 people. It is an example of how I approach unfamiliar work: learn, organize, collaborate, and execute.
Parks & familiesAl Griffin Memorial Park playground committee
Helping plan a new playground structure for children and families in Bay City.
Families & schoolsGaribaldi Grade School parent group
Supporting our school community through parent involvement and volunteer work.
Hands-on serviceLasagnathon volunteer for three years
Preparing lasagnas for a community event—another way I contribute through hands-on work.
Professional experienceVice President of Sales and budget leadership
Let’s build Bay City’s future together
Your voice belongs in this campaign.
I want to hear what you love about Bay City, what concerns you, and what you believe our City Council should prioritize.
Share your perspective