Shane Bemis
Shane Bemis | |
---|---|
Mayor of Gresham, Oregon | |
In office January 2007 – June 2020[1] | |
Preceded by | Charles Becker |
Succeeded by | Karylinn Echols[2] |
Personal details | |
Born | 1972 (age 51–52) Billings, Montana |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Alix Bemis[3] |
Children | Three sons |
Residence | Gresham, Oregon |
Alma mater | Marylhurst University |
Profession | Restaurateur, politician |
Shane Bemis (born c. 1972) is an American politician who is the former mayor of Gresham, Oregon, Oregon's fourth-largest city. He was elected mayor in 2006, at the age of 34, becoming the youngest mayor in Gresham's history. Prior to serving as mayor, Bemis served as a city councilor for Gresham for one term between 2003 and 2007.[4]
Early life
Shane Bemis was born in Billings, Montana, into a politically active family and ultimately chose to become politically. Raised in Billings, Bemis moved to Gresham when he was fifteen years old.[5] After graduating high school, Bemis attended Marylhurst University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications.[4] In his twenties, Bemis opened a Bellagio's Pizzeria franchise in Gresham. He credits his business pursuits with his belief in bringing a "business-oriented" approach to local governance in Gresham.[5]
Political career
In 2002, Bemis ran for councilor in position #6 against John W. Dillow and won the election by a nearly two-to-one margin.[6] After serving one term, Bemis ran for mayor in 2006 and was elected mayor over incumbent Charles Becker by a margin of 7,417 votes for Bemis to 5,208 for Becker.[7]
In 2007 Mayor Bemis pushed TriMet, the local transit agency, to tackle crime along the MAX light-rail line. This effort resulted in the creation of a transit-police precinct in Gresham.[8]
Bemis was named by the
Bemis was mentioned as a potential Republican candidate for the
Bemis announced his retirement June 16, 2020, citing the need to spend time with his family and keep his restaurant business viable during the COVID-19 pandemic.[12]
References
- ^ "Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis Resigns, Effective Tomorrow".
- ^ "Karylinn Echols appointed new Gresham mayor". 29 June 2020.
- ^ Beaven, Steve (December 15, 2010). "Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis welcomes third son into the world this afternoon". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
- ^ a b "Mayor Shane Bemis". City of Gresham. November 6, 2006. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ a b Shomaker, Thomas (February 4, 2015). "Mayors on the Rise: Shane Bemis". Nation Swell. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ "Abstract Report - City of Gresham Councilor, Position 6". Multnomah County, Oregon Division of Elections. November 25, 2002. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ Stine, Mara (November 6, 2006). "Bemis elected mayor: Council president unseats Mayor Charles Becker with 58 percent of the vote". Portland Tribune. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ Ureel, Michael (February 26, 2008). "Ten police officers may be added to MAX line: Agency plans new precinct to fight crime on east side". Gresham Outlook.
- ^ Franzen, Robin (March 27, 2007). "Gresham Mayor makes Forty under 40 list". The Oregonian.
- ^ Boccelli's Ristorante website
- The Daily Astorian.
- ^ Manning, Rob (June 16, 2020). "Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis Resigns, Says City Must 'Make Way For New Leaders'". Oregon Public Broadcasting.
External links
- An opinion piece on Shane Bemis from The Oregonian
- Redden, Jim (November 30, 2007). "TriMet rethinks Fareless Square: Officials put concerns, fixes on table at regional transit safety summits". Portland Tribune.
- "Gresham creating rental housing inspection program". Portland Business Journal. September 12, 2007.
- Stine, Mara (December 22, 2008). "Mayor asks for National Guard troops, vehicles to stay longer: Damascus to ask for emergency designation". The Gresham Outlook.
- [1] Bemis markets Gresham to solar industry
- [2] Mayor Bemis calls for volunteers
- [3] Gresham hosts green economic summit
- Myers, Ben (December 31, 2007). "Turning Things Around: Leaders credit Shane Bemis for recognizing Gresham's problems and rolling up his sleeves to tackle them in his first year as mayor". The Gresham Outlook.