Hello Salem,
This past month has been filled with service, gratitude, and incredible opportunities to connect with others. As I reflect on the past few weeks, I’m reminded of the strength and generosity of our Salem community, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights with you.
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of attending the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff. The Salvation Army has been serving communities since its founding in 1865, and its mission holds a special place in my heart. My grandmother rang bells for the Salvation Army, and was a strong supporter of their work. For the second consecutive year, I was proud to present a nearly $2,000 donation—funds raised from penny tickets saved at Geppetto’s. It’s a small way to give back to an organization that has been a beacon of hope for so many.
Another highlight was attending the Boys & Girls Club’s Rivalry Auction, a massive event filled with energy and generosity. To my complete disbelief, I actually won a Disneyland trip for my family! For someone who never wins these kinds of things, it was quite a moment. Events like this remind me of the incredible support networks in our community, working tirelessly to create brighter futures for our youth.
On November 19th, I had the privilege of participating in the Purple Hands Pledge event at the Salem Hospital Wedel Auditorium. The message of the event, “I Will Not Use My Hands Or My Words For Hurting Myself Or Others,” was a powerful reminder of the importance of treating ourselves and others with care and compassion. It’s a commitment I believe in wholeheartedly, and events like this inspire me to explore ways to bring messages of kindness and respect into City Hall and throughout our community.
Last but not least, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the Harvard Bloomberg Leadership Initiative for newly elected mayors in Boston. This invitation-only program brought together 24 first-time mayors from across the country, including four from Oregon. We spent time learning from case studies, sharing experiences, and developing strategies for effective governance. A story from Kampala, Uganda, about a mayor who overcame extraordinary challenges to bring order and integrity to her city, left a lasting impression on me. The program's parting message—symbolized by a countdown clock they gave me inspired by Mayor Bloomberg himself—was to make every day count as mayor, and that’s exactly what I plan to do for Salem.
As we head into the new year, I want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement. December 6th marked the last City Council meeting before I am sworn into office on January 16th, and it was a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together so far. Together, we can make every day count for Salem, building a city that feels like home for everyone. I look forward to all that 2025 has in store for us.yone. I look forward to all that 2025 has in store for us.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let’s continue building a Salem that feels like home.
With warm regards,
Julie HoyMayor-Elect of Salem
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