Council Appoints Veliz to Planning Commission, Magnus to HRB

The Aurora City Council voted unanimously at its Tuesday, March 10 meeting to appoint Wendy Veliz to the Planning Commission.

Veliz works as a local government affairs manager for Portland General Electric. She has a B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University and an Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Industrial Technology from Clackamas Community College. Veliz also has a Utility Management Certificate from Willamette University.

Throughout the years, Veliz has served on an array of public policy and non-profit boards and commissions throughout the Willamette Valley and Oregon. They include the Marion County Economic Development Advisory, the Oregon Community Foundation Latino Partnership Program, Oregon State Parks Foundation, and Oregon State Parks Commission. She currently serves on the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Stand for Children Oregon Board, and Farmworker Housing Development Corporation Board.

“My family settled in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley more than 60 years ago when my parents and grandparents migrated here from Texas to work in the fields.  I along with my parents and siblings spent many summers working in the fields as farm workers.  I gained an appreciation for hard work and helping friends and neighbors.  My desire to make a positive difference is deeply rooted in my passion and commitment to giving back to the community. I’m inspired daily by my daughter, partner, bonus sons, and siblings. It will be an honor to serve on the Planning Commission alongside my neighbors.”

Councilors also voted unanimously to appoint Ruthie Magnus to the city’s Historic Review Board (HRB). Magnus, the granddaughter of Pennsylvania coal miners, has become very familiar with historic towns throughout her life.

“As a child, we would drive up the east coast every summer to visit family and stop in small towns along the way. In the fall, we would visit quaint Carolina mountain towns to see the leaves change,” Magnus said. “When I drove across the country to move to Oregon in 2010, small towns were the places I rested, ate and met many characters in that chapter of my life. As an adult, I found myself yearning to live in a small town that had history, traditions, community and visual appeal.”

With a professional background in event planning and real estate, Magnus said she’s eager to contribute to the HRB’s work.

“Many small towns I fell in love with have thriving downtowns with historic architecture, lighting and a very special energy that is not easy to duplicate,” she said. “I would love to be part of a team that’s goal is to preserve the wonderful things that make Aurora special.”

City Recorder W. Scott Jorgensen said he’s pleased to see Veliz and Magnus become involved in Aurora city government.

“The HRB and Planning Commission will benefit from having dedicated volunteers like Wendy Veliz and Ruthie Magnus, who bring a variety of experience and fresh perspectives to their service to the city,” he said.