Episode #18 - Interview with Coquille City Councilor Sheena Corbus
Sheena Corbus, a city council member in Coquille, Oregon, discussed the challenges her community faces, including budget issues from past administrations, the need for more transparency and public involvement, and concerns over crime and homelessness impacting local businesses. She emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, even with those who disagree, to find solutions. Sheena also shared her personal health journey using a carnivore diet to manage an autoimmune condition.
The conversation covered a range of topics, from education reform to the influence of government funding and the dangers of groupthink in local politics, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Key Topics Discussed:
Sheena Corbus' Involvement in the Coquille City Council and Community
Sheena has been on the Coquille City Council for about 1.5 years after being appointed and then running for election.
She is involved in various community boards and organizations, including the PTK, Coquille Student Loan Fund, and the trap shooting team.
Sheena is passionate about developing Coquille to be a self-sufficient and family-friendly town where people want to stay and raise their families.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies in Coquille and Surrounding Areas
Coquille does not seem to have a strong focus on DEI policies compared to neighboring cities like Coos Bay and North Bend.
Sheena and the others expressed concerns about DEI policies that can lead to discrimination and unethical practices, such as prioritizing one race over another for government contracts.
There was a discussion about the potential negative impacts of these policies on community cohesion and the need to focus on merit-based hiring and solutions that address the root causes of issues.
Crime and Homelessness Issues in Coquille
Sheena and the others discussed the challenges Coquille faces with criminals from other areas being booked and released in Coquille, causing damage to local businesses.
There was a discussion about the lack of funding and resources at the county level to properly address these issues, leading to a "catch and release" cycle.
Suggestions were made about the need for state-level reforms and more comprehensive solutions, such as rehabilitation programs and addressing the root causes of homelessness and addiction.
Coquille's Budget and Financial Challenges
Sheena explained that the city has been working to address issues with the previous administration's financial management, including inaccurate budget projections and a backlog of audits.
The current administration is focused on increasing transparency, getting the finances in order, and ensuring that any issues are caught and addressed in a timely manner.
There was a discussion about the importance of having proper checks and balances, dual control, and learning from mistakes to prevent similar issues in the future.
Next Steps:
Explore ways to assist Coquille in addressing the crime and homelessness issues, such as:
Bringing in experts or community members to discuss potential solutions
Helping to shine a light on the challenges and advocate for state-level reforms
Offering volunteer support for community cleanup or other initiatives
Continue to follow Coquille's progress in addressing the financial challenges and improving transparency.
Potentially organize a book club or discussion group around Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules for Life" or other thought-provoking books.
Overall, the discussion covered a wide range of topics, with a focus on Coquille's efforts to address challenges, improve transparency, and foster a thriving community. The participants demonstrated a constructive and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
The discussion highlighted the complex challenges facing small local governments, the importance of transparency and citizen engagement, and the need for creative, pragmatic solutions rather than ideological rigidity.