City Council Position #6 - Bruce McLane

Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Western Pennsylvania, I came to the Pacific Northwest in 1978 when my parents moved to Kennewick. After graduating from Washington State University in 1983 I moved to Umatilla in 1985, starting a career in agriculture working for Wilbur-Ellis Co. and starting a family with my wife Carla. Our son, who now lives in South Dakota, grew up in Umatilla graduating in 2006

Since 2017, I have served on the City Budget Committee and joined the City Planning Commission in 2019, earning the role of chairperson for both groups. During my time on the Budget Committee, I witnessed the city budget's unprecedented growth and the exponential cost increases associated with any project. These experiences make me believe that we need to be very diligent in spending decisions with an eye on long-term fiscal responsibility.

While on the Planning Commission, I saw firsthand the value of the Oregon Land Use Planning system. It has given me a chance to see the value of the structured system and the public’s frustrations with navigating it. I enjoyed being able to help make sure that people have an opportunity to provide testimony at Planning Commission meetings.

As a City Councilor, I will use this experience to navigate current and future opportunities for the city and work toward a safe, affordable, dynamic place that people want to live in and be part of.