Shane Bemis

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]

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 48–49) Billings, Montana
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Alix Bemis[3]
Children	Three sons
Residence	Gresham, Oregon
Alma mater	Marylhurst University
Profession	Restaurateur, politician

Early life

Shane Bemis was born in Billings, Montana, into a politically active family and ultimately chose to become politically active as well while working in the family's hardware store. 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 Portland Business Journal as one of the region's "Forty Under 40 Award" recipients in 2007. The "Forty Under 40 Award" honors 40 people in the region under the age of 40 who have shown great accomplishments in their professional lives and made outstanding contributions to their communities.[9] Bemis is a prominent local business person in Gresham, where he is a restaurateur.[10]

Bemis was mentioned as a potential Republican candidate for the 2016 Oregon special gubernatorial election,[11] but ultimately declined to run.

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

1. https://www.wweek.com/news/2020/06/16/gresham-mayor-shane-bemis-resigns-effective-tomorrow/
2. https://www.koin.com/news/civic-affairs/karylinn-echols-appointed-new-gresham-mayor/
3. Beaven, Steve (December 15, 2010). "Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis welcomes third son into the world this afternoon". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2018-05-18.
4. "Mayor Shane Bemis". City of Gresham. November 6, 2006. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
5. Shomaker, Thomas (February 4, 2015). "Mayors on the Rise: Shane Bemis". Nation Swell. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
6. "Abstract Report - City of Gresham Councilor, Position 6". Multnomah County, Oregon Division of Elections. November 25, 2002. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Franzen, Robin (March 27, 2007). "Gresham Mayor makes Forty under 40 list". The Oregonian.
10. Boccelli's Ristorante website
11. Forrester, Steve (April 19, 2015). "Middle-ground Republican could give Brown a race". The Daily Astorian.
12. 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.
• Bemis markets Gresham to solar industry
• Mayor Bemis calls for volunteers
• 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.