Hello Salem,
This month, I joined community leaders, elected officials, and faith leaders in signing an open letter to our neighbors in Salem and Keizer. The message of this letter is clear: we choose unity over division, compassion over intimidation, and respect for one another, no matter our differences. I firmly believe that our community can be a place of dignity and belonging for everyone, and that’s something worth standing up for. I hope you’ll take a moment to read this letter and join us in building a more united and hopeful Salem.
Another highlight this month has been spending time with some amazing people who embody the spirit of service. We recently celebrated our local firefighters at a promotion ceremony, honoring their dedication as they step into new roles. Witnessing their families pin them in pride and joy was a special reminder of the strength in our community. This past Saturday, November 8th, I joined neighbors at a park cleanup in McKay Park. While many of our city’s parks get regular attention, McKay Park, like many smaller parks, deserves just as much love and care. It was a wonderful chance to bring new energy to this space, which means so much to the surrounding community.
One of the things I am most passionate about moving forward is finding ways to educate the public about city governance and ways to get involved. Recently, I had the joy of giving a City Hall tour to an individual with special needs, which reminded me how important it is to make our government accessible to everyone. In the future, I plan to share more of these “behind the scenes” moments on my social media—maybe even interview department heads or shadow city workers—to help you get to know the people and processes that make our city run. Educating our community in this way is invaluable, and I look forward to sharing it all with you.
Amid the whirlwind of public service, my family and our restaurant, Geppetto’s, are my anchors. Earlier this month, after a week filled with council meetings and community events, I found myself back in the kitchen, making 22 quarts of our family minestrone. There’s something deeply satisfying about pouring love and care into each pot, knowing that each bowl might bring someone comfort after a long day. It’s a little ritual that reminds me of the heart and quality we should put into every part of life—especially in serving Salem. Just like with that soup, I believe in making sure every detail in city governance is handled with the same care and dedication. My hope is that, as a city, we can create something that nourishes and uplifts our community, one thoughtful choice at a time.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let’s continue building a Salem that feels like home.
With warm regards,
Julie Hoy
Mayor-Elect of Salem
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