Shortly after two last-minute withdrawals left Eureka pastor Heidi Messner as the only candidate to qualify for the Second Ward seat on Eureka’s City Council, the Outpost reached out to her via email with an interview request and a list of five getting-to-know-you type questions.

While we have yet to line up a personal interview with the presumptive councilmember-elect, Messner did respond to the Outpost‘s emailed questions. Here are her responses:

What made you want to run for Eureka City Council?

I desire to draw the people of Eureka together toward common goals. A city divided will fall but a city united will flourish. In a world that seems to be moving toward greater polarization, I desire to bring greater unification through leadership, integrity, and compassionate action.

What are your priorities for the City?

Eureka is the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland and has the potential to flourish in commerce, in beauty, and in tourism. Historically lumber, mining, and commercial fishing drew people from around the world. The city has many historic buildings, landmarks, local products, and natural beauty; which, with innovation and vision, could make Eureka a more desirable place to visit and to live.

It takes leadership to make informed and conscientious decisions not based on partisan politics but on facts and solid reasoning. I will honor and review all sides of the issues and determine what decisions seem best for the city and all its residents.

It takes integrity to serve not self-serve. In my dealings within and outside the city of Eureka I will continue to serve my community as I already have been working with a variety of efforts to enhance and care for the city and it’s residence.

It takes compassionate action to address both the homeless and the transients in Eureka by providing intentional, collaborative approaches based on the needs of each individual and situation. Hopelessness drives homelessness. Whether financial, addiction, domestic violence or abuse issues are involved, the homeless rarely have the relational support system necessary to rise beyond their hopelessness.

It will take compassionate action for the Eureka community to come together to give a hope-filled hand up, along with collaboration of the city of Eureka to address policy issues that will either transform or transport those creating a threat or simply wanting a hand out. 

The City has had an ambitious couple of years, with the new homelessness strategy, the installation of parklets and planning for a new waterfront development, among other things. What’s your opinion of the job that’s been done recently by the council and city staff?

The council and city staff has been working hard to address homelessness, enhance city beautification, and other pertinent issues to help the city grow and flourish. I am excited to join the team.

Tell folks a little bit about yourself — where you grew up, your family, your interests, etc. 

My younger years were spent traveling overseas before my family settled in Eugene, Oregon. I am the middle of two brothers whom I love dearly. I’ve been married to my best friend 26 years and we have two amazing adult children who live in Seattle.

While I have been a pastor for 25 years, I have also taught computer, project management, and business courses throughout the Puget Sound, as well as teaching Counseling Psychology courses at Northwest University.

I worked as a counselor helping provide holistic ways to overcome addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relational issues, and trauma. I have served on both local and national boards in a variety of leadership positions, and launched a cohort for women leaders within the Central Pacific District of our denomination. Family is extremely important to me. I enjoy traveling, teaching, reading, the outdoors, the creative arts, cooking, animals, and living life to the fullest!

Lastly (for now), what role (if any) will your Christian faith play in how you serve as a councilmember?

My faith is the filter through which I make every decision, however, you may be asking if I will mix religion and politics, which has not been my history or my plan for future dealings.