The Madras City Council voted to appoint Gabriel Soliz to fill the position vacated by the resignation of former Councilor Austin Throop in January 2021. The position expires December 31, 2024. A total of five people were interviewed by the Council over the last few Council meetings. “All the applicants were very qualified and it’s great to see our citizens so willing to volunteer their time for the community,” stated Mayor Richard Ladeby.
Soliz has resided in Central Oregon for 23 years and in Madras since 2014. He graduated from Oregon State University and is employed at Jefferson County as a Staff Accountant. He has been attending Madras City Council meetings and budget meetings for nearly a year to gain a better understanding of how local government works and what the Councilor position entails.
“I believe the experience I’ve gained through my employment with the County, attending Council meetings, and the training the City will provide me, will help immensely with the transition into this position,” stated Councilor Soliz.
On his application, Soliz wrote that his reason for wanting to serve on the Council was:
“I am interested in serving on the council to be an active participant in the betterment of Madras. To assist in creating positive improvement in the community. This is my home and I would like to put my knowledge and skills to use in a manner that provides continued growth and prosperity to our City. The change we want to see in the world starts right here with each and everyone of us.”
After the vote, Councilor Rosalind Canga thanked the rest of the applicants and encouraged them to consider other opportunities available to them within city government.
“In the next couple of days we will be reaching out to the applicants about other opportunities on city committees,” stated HR & Administrative Director Charo Miller.
Soliz was sworn in by City Recorder Lysa Vattimo in City offices Wednesday so he can officially attend meetings and receive communications. A formal swearing in ceremony will be held at the August 24, 2021 City Council meeting at 5:30 pm at City Hall, 125 SW “E” Street, Madras. If you are interested in serving on a city committee, please visit the “How Do I…Get Involved” page on the City’s website at www.ci.madras.or.us.
