I’m borrowing from philosopher Plato, when I say that Lake Oswego, “is what it is because the citizens are what they are.”

This community, the citizens, the character and the future of Lake Oswego are a passion of mine, and that is why I made my recent decision to run for your mayor. I know that working together we can build a dynamic, affordable, well-educated community without leaving a burden of debt on the shoulders of our children.

I know that city government can and should work in tandem with the citizens and must have the discipline to say yes to the best and no to the rest. And I know that we have to preserve and enhance what we have, while at the same time looking to the future with a strategic plan that creates stability through a business friendly, balanced approach.

My family moved to Lake Oswego in 1957, I graduated from Lake Oswego High School, played on the football, baseball and wrestling teams and when I went to college and law school this city was still my home.

The city’s marvelous scholastic reputation, its small town character, its safety and stability has, over the years, attracted many to our area. But my years on the Citizens Budget Committee, this year as chair, have made me very uneasy. City government has shown an inability to prioritize its spending. It has jumped into projects (currently at least 12), seemingly with little thought about their impact on our quality of life, or whether we want or can afford them. It has rejected budgets approved by the budget committee and instead has voted to raise more fees and taxes on the citizens and caused a tremendous increase in the bonded debt of the city.

City government should not be chasing families with children out of Lake Oswego because of the skyrocketing cost of living here.

As mayor I will be committed to serving and preserving Lake Oswego. We will show fiscal restraint and restore discipline and priorities in spending. The rights of citizens will be honored — they should fully enjoy their property without over-reaching regulations. Zoning will be consistent with our residential character and we will prevent high density infill. We will have a balanced approach and purpose, making sure our environment is business friendly. We must keep businesses, start businesses, attract businesses and sustain businesses.

So what will be different after four years of Studebaker for mayor? First, your opinions will have been heard and respected. There will be a long-term strategic plan. City government will be more efficient and effective. This city of Lake Oswego will be known throughout the region as a dynamic city with great character, a stable fiscal future and a sustainable population and environment.

Lyndon Johnson once said, “The American city should be a collection of communities where every member has the right to belong.” He was absolutely right. Together, let us go forward preserving and enhancing what we have and maturing as a city that will attract people who not only have the right to belong but want to belong and participate in all we can offer them.

Kent Studebaker, Lake Oswego, is a candidate for mayor of Lake Oswego.