Republican former mayor running for Bruce Hanna House seat

Gary Williams

by NW Spotlight

Former Cottage Grove Mayor Gary Williams announced that he’s running for State Representative in House District 7, the district currently held by Rep. Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg). Rep. Hanna announced back in September that he won’t be running for re-election in 2014. Williams, a Republican, filed with the Secretary of State back in October and made his public announcement yesterday.

In his announcement, Williams said “Governments should be in the business of helping us thrive, but rather they continue to produce overbearing regulations that hurt us,” said Williams. “We must create a business environment that encourages our agricultural and timber industries and cuts the red tape on job-crushing small business regulations. I’m about keeping families together—our children should not have to leave our community to find work.“

More from Gary Williams’ announcement: 

Williams has already lined up a number of the key local endorsements. In Lane County, he has support from Sheriff Tom Turner, Assessor Mike Cowles, Retired District Attorney Doug Harcleroad and County Commissioners Sid Lieken, Pat Farr, and Jay Bozievich. He’s also earned the support of Douglas County Commission Chair Doug Robertson.

In the local cities, Williams has the support of Cottage Grove Mayor Tom Munroe, Sutherlin Mayor Denny Cameron, and Oakridge Mayor Gerald Shorey; Sutherlin Council President Patricia Klassen, Oakridge Council President Rayetta Clark, and Elkton Council President Patricia Anderson. In addition, Oakridge Councilor Glenn Fortune and Cottage Grove Councilors Garland Burback and Jeff Gowing have also backed his candidacy.

Gary Williams served as mayor of the largest city in House District 7, Cottage Grove, for six terms starting in 2000. Prior to serving as mayor, he was a city councilor representing Ward 3 for four years. Mayor Williams’s local roots trace back to a pioneer family from 1850. He is married with two grown sons—both recently serving our country in the military. He has been a local small business owner and operator for over 35 years, and his experience as both a small businessman and mayor give him a unique insight into the challenges facing rural communities as they fight to grow and create new jobs.

The Friends of Gary Williams Committee is working on scheduling an official campaign kickoff event in late January 2014. For more information on Gary Williams, visit www.GaryWilliams.org