Interesting in joining the SMILE Board? A special election is being held on December 3rd for a vacated board seat. Visit Election Form to submit your candidate information, or you can nominate yourself right up until voting begins at the December 3rd meeting.
Candidates are invited to attend Wednesday’s meeting to present their statements, but are not required to do so. (Pro Tip: Do it if you can.)
MEET THE CANDIDATES at Wednesday’s meeting. Come to the beautifully remodeled SMILE Station (SE 13th/Tenino) at 7:30 p.m. and hear what they have to say.
VOTE! Online voting is now closed.
Current Candidates (as of Noon 12/3/2025):
Seth Caddy
What experience do you bring with you?
I’ve been involved with community advocacy since moving to the neighborhood four years ago – having volunteered for door knocking campaigns for city council, signature collection for LGBTQ+ rights campaigns and participation with orgs supporting a Portland for all. My career in revenue integrity and BS in business administration are also assets for the financial health of the association.
What are your thoughts about the neighborhood?
I pride Sellwood on being a thriving and diverse neighborhood with a variety of shops, restaurants, activities, spaces and events for people of all ages. I love having the neighborhood be walkable and bicycle\transit friendly. My wife and I take daily walks around and cherish seeing people out and about enjoying themselves, wildlife thriving in our parks and Oaks Bottom wildlife refuge, and the variety of cultural and art projects that make Sellwood vibrant and attractive.
Why we should vote for you?
Bob Burkholder
What experience do you bring with you?
During my time on the board and with the help of fellow board members and volunteers, we started an Earthquake Preparedness presentation and shared it with a good number of our neighbors. We helped people set up block parties and shared information in living rooms and even backyards to over 60 of these groups. We also shared this presentation with the City of Portland and other neighborhood associations spreading the word of preparedness. The outline for this presentation is on the SMILE website. I‘m continuing to present this to large and small groups
I am a member of the NET team, the Neighborhood Emergency Team for the City and have integrated the team into SMILE as an additional resource especially in times of emergency.
I hope to continue to be an involved and active member of this community and hope that with your support I hope to be on the SMILE Board of directors again.
Respecfully
Bob Burkholder
What are your thoughts about the neighborhood?
I have been an actived member of the Sellwood neighborhood for 22 plus years. I have been happy to watch the changes and the effective role that SMILE has played in those changes. I would like to be a part of the SMILE Board once again.
Why we should vote for you?
I am running to continue as a former SMILE Board member and current chair of the Emergency Preparedness Committee. Thank you.
Tracy Fisher
What experience do you bring with you?
I previously served a full term on the SMILE board from May ’23 through April ’25.
What are your thoughts about the neighborhood?
I’m proud to have called Sellwood my home since February of 2020. I relocated here from Chattanooga, TN and chose this neighborhood entirely from google searches online, and never setting foot here until I parked the moving truck. I must say it still does not disappoint. Having a dog who loves to walk, easy access to some of the city’s best parks was and still is a must. Free street and lot parking throughout the neighborhood is also a plus, particularly when visiting our great restaurants, food carts and small businesses. Alternatively, with the Springwater Corridor cutting right through it, it’s also a great neighborhood for cycling.
Why we should vote for you?
Having a lifetime career in hospitality and food service, during my ’23-’25 service on the SMILE board I participated most in helping to bring our summer events (concert series, Sundae in the Park) and Decemberville to fruition. Ice cream or pancakes anyone? As a board member, showing up is half the job, and I made attending board meetings and community meetings a priority, and would continue to do so. While I may not be the most vocal, I learned a lot about our community through listening to neighbors at meetings and on the streets as well. I’ve reported safety concerns and neighborhood potholes multiple times through PDX reporter and seen many of these resolved relatively quickly. Our parks and streets have improved over the years, and I will do what I can to ensure that continues.
