Eric For Madras

New voices in Madras

Madras city council has gone through a lot of changes and many community members feel unheard. Eric is here to serve, share his experience, and provide a path for a more vocal Madras.

Eric comes with a background in managing large complicated projects within software engineering and planning teams and events within scouting and collegiate conferences. His strengths are looking for novel approaches, seeking input from all stakeholders, and bridging divides.

We are in a time when technology is touching our lives every day. Eric has the background to explain in plain terms, modernize, and guide discussion around its use in Madras. From policing tools to big data and its impacts, he has strong views based on what works and what is overreach.

A balanced, community-focused budget

Madras has an airport, golf course, and redevelopment council. Each of those need balanced budgets to fulfill our community’s needs. Eric will use his experience to survey every line item to ensure the money goes towards the betterment of Madras.

Even without an address, they are our neighbors

Being unhoused, living in a car, or experiencing transitory housing is stressful and difficult. It makes finding stability feel impossible. Eric wants to support and extend dignity to all our neighbors, including those without permanent housing. Madras needs more transitional or structured housing. Through projects like micro villages, managed apartments, and recuperation spaces we can create humanizing opportunities for growth.

Spaces to meet, spaces to grow

Madras has a few third spaces— places to meet new people or hold community events— such as the library, community center, and The Spot. There are still gaps in support for all. Eric will look for further options to encourage more time spent downtown and beyond.

Technology for us, not against us

In our current world we see technology used against us, from surveillance to hyperscaled data centers. These tools can be used for good but that requires transparency, oversight, and research. Eric has the know-how to step in before that line has been crossed and is dedicated to keeping Madras informed. He has an extensive background with computer security, privacy advocacy, and consumer protection.

Better staff, better communication

Madras has been experiencing high staff turnover and instability. Madras’ staff handle the daily needs and maintenance of the community and they need more support and we need more of them. Eric will use his team building experience to encourage greater cohesion between staff, the community, and the council. Eric has built succession plans and documentation in his software development career and will employ those skills to create robust long-term support for city staff. Eric will take the knowledge he gleans from that process and hold education sessions to inform the people.

Meet Eric Timmerman

Eric has been a software engineer for 12 years working with complex technologies to solve real world issues. He graduated Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science. Eric is an Eagle Scout and learned about leadership, civic duty, and getting things done from week-long seminars and teaching the next generation of Scouts. Eric is a father and husband who has made Madras his home— he’s here to make it a better place.