Jesse Dugas for Mayor
This is home, we’re not done.
KXCJ Mayoral Interview Series
These videos walk through the KXCJ mayoral interviews, one question at a time. Each begins with my opponent’s answer, followed by mine, then additional background and closing remarks. For Question 9, we each answered a different question submitted by the other candidate.
Watch the first three below, or view all nine on the full series page.
KXCJ | Question 1 |
Why this job and why now?
Why this job and why now?
KXCJ | Question 2|
What would success look like?
All nine videos are now available. Watch the full series, one question at a time.
Why I Serve
I moved back to Cave Junction 18 years ago. This is where Sandy and I have raised our family and where I own JPS Computers. I coached high school baseball for 14 years and helped several kids move on to college and trade schools. I’ve also coached high school football and boys’ and girls’ basketball, middle school football and basketball, and Boys & Girls Club teams. I served Little League as a coach, board member, and president. Protecting our youth and elderly residents matters deeply to me.
I served on City Council before becoming mayor, and I love the work and responsibility that come with both roles. Those who know me know I still go by Jesse. It feels a little strange when someone calls me Mayor because, for me, the title has never been the point. I enjoy asking hard questions, thinking outside the box, and finding solutions to problems that can seem impossible to solve. I love serving this community, and I want to keep doing the work for the people who call Cave Junction home.
The Work So Far
City Finances
We passed a tight budget while protecting essential services and avoiding major cuts.
Water Infrastructure
We handled major water main repairs, supported fire hydrant upgrades, and are pursuing funding for the Clearwell project.
Day-to-Day Improvements
We improved City Hall procedures, care for public spaces, and ways for residents to follow city work online.
City Hall 101
What the city handles, where other agencies have a role, and how decisions that affect Cave Junction get made.
What the City Handles
Learn which services and decisions belong to City Hall and the City Council.
Where Partners Come In
See when an issue involves the county, state, sheriff, fire district, or other agencies.
How Decisions Get Made
Understand the roles of the mayor, council, and staff, and how residents can take part.
Current Projects
Where things stand now, what comes next, and what still needs to happen.
Junction Inn
An environmental study is complete, qualifying the property for further grant funding. Before the city can obtain the deed, we’re working with the county and legal counsel on back taxes that may reflect the projected value of a remodel that was never completed. We’re exploring whether those taxes can be reduced, then plan to pursue demolition grants with as little cost to the city as possible.
Clearwell
We’ve applied for a grant and are waiting for a decision. The Clearwell tank needs internal repairs, which means it must be taken offline during the work. The grant would fund a temporary treatment setup so water service can continue while those repairs are made. Securing that funding is the next step before the project can move forward.
River Rulemaking
DEQ is developing an Outstanding Resource Waters designation for part of the Illinois River. I support protecting the river. My concern is that the final rules could hold Cave Junction’s treated wastewater discharge at today’s levels, leaving little room as homes and businesses fill in our existing urban growth boundary. I’m asking DEQ and state leaders for a 50-year planning window and a 2% margin on discharge limits. That approach would give us time to fund cleaner treatment while protecting the river and allowing the city room to grow.
FEMA Floodplain Rules
Since becoming mayor, I’ve pressed for answers about FEMA’s newer floodplain measures before Cave Junction commits to an approach with unresolved questions about liability and the effect on local property owners. Flood protection matters, and so does protecting our residents and the city from obligations that have not been clearly explained. I’ll keep working for rules that are practical for Cave Junction.
Wastewater Lagoon Planning
We’re planning for future solids removal from the wastewater lagoons as part of upcoming budgets. With time to prepare, we can determine the scope, evaluate costs, and plan funding for what could be a significant expense. The city remains in compliance with its wastewater permit requirements under DEQ oversight. Our focus is on preparing responsibly for future maintenance.
Utility Payment Options
Making utility payments more convenient has been a priority since I took office. We’re working to add card payments within our existing billing system, avoiding the expense and staff time required for a full overhaul. Very recently, we previewed and tested a potential solution, and we have one more system we’d like to test before moving forward. Our goal is to complete this soon, starting with debit and credit card payments at City Hall and by phone, followed by online payments once that process is running smoothly.
Pacific Power LED Streetlights
We’re partnering with Pacific Power on an approximately $20,000 project to upgrade 98 streetlights to LED. Incentives cover most of the cost, leaving roughly $2,337 for the city. Annual energy savings are estimated at $3,363, meaning the city’s investment is expected to pay for itself within the first year. Installation is coming next, with fixtures that align with our Dark Skies goals.
Dark Skies Initiative
We’re continuing our partnership with the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce as the Dark Skies Initiative moves into its next phase. The focus is on thoughtful lighting that supports safety while reducing unnecessary glare and preserving our night skies. The Pacific Power streetlight upgrades are one practical step toward that goal.
Vision
For the past two years, my goal has been to help make Cave Junction a place where our kids have opportunities, our elderly residents are supported, and local businesses can thrive. That goal has guided the work we’ve done and the plans we’ve put in place. I want to keep building on that progress, addressing today’s needs while preparing for the years ahead.
What We’re Building Toward
I want to keep improving the services residents rely on while making every city dollar count. That means planning ahead for infrastructure, supporting public safety, and working with our partners to make progress we can afford.
It also means creating opportunities for local businesses and bringing affordable hotel lodging back to Cave Junction, giving visitors a place to stay and spend time in our community.
Long-Term Goals
Continue supporting the Sheriff’s Department and work toward dependable 24/7 coverage without the city needing a separate 40-hour-a-week deputy contract. If we can achieve that, it could free roughly $200,000 a year for other city needs, including the upcoming golf course balloon payment.
Plan for future water and wastewater needs as our community grows, and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to support economic development. I want growth that creates opportunities for our residents while preserving what makes Cave Junction home.
Endorsements
Videos
Join the Conversation
I share what’s happening in Cave Junction, answer questions, and talk through the issues that matter to our community. Follow along on Facebook and join the conversation.