Belinda Strouth for Monmouth Mayor
People. Integrity. Respect. Transparency.
I am dedicated to earning YOUR vote for OUR small town.
My Ideals
I believe that a strong community is built on the foundation of trust. My campaign is defined by a commitment to transparency, integrity, and accessibility, ensuring that residents are respected and have a voice in our shared future.
01
Transparency is the cornerstone of my approach. I believe in open communication and clear reporting to ensure that every decision is made in the best interest of our town.
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Integrity is my standard. I lead with honesty and a deep respect for the people I serve, holding myself to the highest ethical standards in every action I take.
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Accessibility means that I'm available and will respectfully listen. I am committed to and have time to be YOUR mayor.
Monmouth is a community of hard-working people, families, small business owners, students and a wide variety of people who deserve a Mayor who puts them first. It's a town with a strong heritage that matters, founded by people who were committed to building a small town with deep roots and eyes on the future.
I am committed to building a transparent and respectful city government. My platform is rooted in integrity and the belief that progress should be led by the people we serve.
I will strive to protect the quality of life that makes our town unique, while preparing for a brighter future together.
My Vision for
Our Town
Community Growth Based in Our Heritage
I’ll work to support thoughtful growth that keeps Monmouth’s small-town feel while supporting new opportunities for families and local businesses.
Transparency & Trust
I’ll communicate clearly about how decisions are made and how your tax dollars are used, so you know what’s happening at City Hall.
Local Engagement
I’ll show up, listen, and make sure every neighborhood has a voice in shaping our shared future - before and after being elected.
Our History
Our small town of Monmouth was founded in approximately 1853 by a group of settlers from Monmouth, Ilinois. This courageous group of individuals was bonded by a few common interests - all were members of the Disciples of Christ Church, and they were hopeful about the prospect of 640 acres of free land that would come with the passage of the Oregon Donation Land Act.
They journeyed to Oregon with the plan of forming a community and a higher institution of learning - the primary reason for the founding of our town. This school would not only teach higher education subjects, but the principles of religion.
Monmouth has a deep and interesting history, including that it was a 'dry town' from the 1800's to 2002.
Knowing and respecting our history matters. It informs us of how we got where we are today and where we're headed in the future, and whether we're in line with those brave settlers so long ago.
Why I'm Running for Mayor
I've lived in Monmouth for over 24 years - why am I running for Mayor now? Good question!
I finally have the time - or have made the time - to pay closer attention to what's going on in Monmouth. I had already noticed things happening in town that made me scratch my head, that didn't make sense to me. I began attending City Council meetings and quickly realized something is not quite right with our city government. I believe many have lost the notion of what a government is in place to do - serve the people.
Our Mayor and Councilors are elected by YOU. Yes, they're all volunteer positions, but that doesn't discount their purpose.
I am people-oriented, customer-based, laser focused on where the important people are - and they're not behind the big desk in council chambers on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evenings each month.
Our citizens' voices should matter. And they will, if I'm elected.
A quick example - currently, there is a 3-minute timer that runs while a member of the public speaks. When 3 minutes is up, no matter where someone is in their talk, they must be quiet and return to their seat. Unacceptable. While I understand and agree with time constraints, we can be respectful of someone taking their time to come to a council meeting and mustering up the courage to speak. I have a plan to change that to be more people-friendly. Again, the folks behind the big desk are there because of YOU.
I plan to be out and about, visiting businesses, asking about any issues - good or bad - they may have. I'll be out and about with our citizens doing the same, engaging with people - not behind a window or door for you to find. (Muffins with the Mayor, anyone?)
It may sound a little silly or naive - no doubt I'll have a big learning curve with the bureaucracies of the position - but the premise is really quite simple - serve the people.
I am running for Mayor because I believe Monmouth deserves a leader who honors our rich legacy while steering us toward a future which takes all of our citizens into account. My mission is to ensure that the values of our founders—community, education, and mutual respect—remain at the heart of our progress today and for generations to come.
