Woodland’s newest City council member is committed to putting community voices at the forefront of his decision-making.
Mayor Todd Dinehart swore Jason Friend in as City Council member, position No. 7, during the Monday, July 1, meeting. Friend was picked among five other candidates by the council in a 3-1 vote, June 17, following the resignation of Monte Smith in May, who moved with his family. Before his appointment, Friend emphasized he would consider community feedback above all else in his decisions.
“I didn’t really have an agenda or anything I was trying to accomplish. felt like a great way to take my skill set and apply it to something that the city could use,” Friend said before his appointment.
Friend is a director of patient financial services for a local nonprofit health services organization, and he has lived in Woodland for the last two and a half years after moving from Vancouver, his hometown.
During his prior June 17 interview with the council, he said his experience in finance and community engagement qualified him for the position. Friend said Woodland positively influenced his family, which motivated his decision to run for City Council.
“There’s smaller schools, a smaller community, it’s easier to get to know our neighbors. [There’s] a more positive community vibe overall,” Friend said.
Woodland’s project to improve traffic at Exit 21 on Interstate 5 is of particular interest to Friend.
“I think is definitely a worthwhile project to help, especially as there’s urban growth in Woodland that it’s necessary,” Friend said. “I do think that should be driven by the citizens, though.”
Shortly after his appointment, Friend joined two other council members in supporting an advisory vote on whether cannabis sales, which is currently unzoned, should be permitted in Woodland on the Nov. 5 ballot. The advisory vote would gauge public sentiment without altering existing laws. Friend explained his stance, emphasizing the importance of clarity and community input.
“So, what a night to join council,” Friend chuckled. “I’m not saying [I’m] for or against opening [a marijuana store], but I am for giving people a chance to formalize a ‘yes or no,’ and that voice heard,” he said.
Friend plans to run again once his term expires.
