Brett Egusa's Vision for Rivergrove's Future

A Comprehensive Approach to Effective Municipal Governance

As I consider my role in governing Rivergrove, I am guided by a commitment to practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and transparent communication. Throughout my 27 years as an attorney, military officer, civil servant, and private sector employee, these principles have served me well.

Rivergrove has several important opportunities to improve municipal operations and residents’ quality of life. I have developed positions on nine key issues that I believe will strengthen our community.

Infrastructure and Recreation

1. I strongly support repairing and restoring the Stark Boat Ramp for continued public use. Approximately 150 Rivergrove households rely on the ramp as their only access to the Tualatin River. (See City of Rivergrove map below.) This valuable community asset has been the subject of considerable discussion. Rather than bowing to special interests seeking to close the ramp, we should continue pursuing its restoration to preserve this recreational opportunity.

2. Finding a practical solution for Canal Road that balances two legitimate concerns: providing emergency vehicles with essential access to residents while carefully managing construction impacts on neighboring properties. This requires creative problem-solving that respects both safety and community harmony. I will work with the City of Lake Oswego, which owns the road, and affected residents to maximize the grant funds available to improve this part of our city.

Modernization and Legal Framework

3. I support revising the City Charter and related ordinances to reflect modern governance practices. Our foundational documents should evolve to address contemporary municipal challenges while preserving the values that define Rivergrove. The current charter and ordinances are outdated and contribute to inefficient government. This effort includes the ongoing update of our Land Development Ordinance to provide clear, current guidance for growth and development.

Staffing and Resources

4. I support exploring ways to increase our professional city staff through grants, partnerships, and other income streams. Small municipalities like Rivergrove face real constraints in competing for talent and funding. We currently have funding for only a part-time city manager—who is doing an excellent job and has my full support—and must contract for engineering and legal services. These limited resources may affect the city’s ability to support residents. By pursuing external funding and creative staffing solutions, we can better address modern resource needs without overwhelming our limited general fund.

Communication and Governance

5. I am committed to improving city communications with residents. Too often, residents learn about important projects and events only after decisions have been made or work has begun. Providing timely, accessible information about upcoming projects, council decisions, and community events should be standard practice.

6. I strongly support transparency in city government. Public documents and meetings should be as widely available as possible. This means not only holding open meetings—preferably in person—but also ensuring that agendas, minutes, financial reports, and other records are readily accessible to residents. Transparency builds trust and enables residents to engage meaningfully in their community.

7. I support revising council meeting procedures to ensure respect and decorum at every meeting. Our council chambers should be places for substantive discussion conducted with civility and mutual respect. A review of council meeting recordings, especially from the past year, shows that some councilors need to be reminded that we are all residents working together for the greater good. Clear protocols, consistent enforcement of conduct standards, and structured dialogue will improve the quality of our public discourse.

8. I want to work for all of Rivergrove's residents, not just a group or a special interest PAC that is hell bent on deciding what's best for the city. I will gladly work with anyone to solve any issue, but will work towards reasonable, thoughtful solutions that benefit the best interests of our city.

Fiscal Responsibility

9. I support the current city manager’s ongoing work to promote fiscal responsibility and accountability through improved accounting systems and processes. Before the current city manager was hired, the city’s financial accounting system was neither sound nor transparent. The recent audit affirmed the problems the city manager has been working to correct, and I fully support continuing that effort. Strong financial management is the foundation of effective municipal government. Better accounting systems, clear budgeting practices, and transparent financial reporting help ensure that residents’ resources are managed wisely.

Conclusion

These nine positions reflect my belief that Rivergrove can address its current challenges while remaining true to the values of a small, engaged community. Through thoughtful infrastructure investment, modernized governance, strategic staffing, transparent communication, respectful civic engagement, and strong fiscal management, we can build a stronger future for all Rivergrove residents. I am committed to working with fellow council members, city staff, and community members to advance these goals. 

Brett Egusa

Brett4RG@gmail.com