A 17-year Camas resident and a small-business owner is the newest member of the Camas City Council.
Tim Hazen, 43, was sworn into office at the start of the council work session Monday night. He then took his seat with the other six council members and the mayor and participated in his first council meeting.
“I’m excited about the position,” Hazen said. “I know my predecessor was there for 15 years. I’ve got some big shoes to fill there, but I’m going to put in time and energy to try to do as good a job as she was able to do.”
Hazen replaces former Councilwoman Helen Gerde, who served on the city council for 15 years. She announced her resignation in October and served through the end of the year.
Hazen represents Ward 1, which encompasses downtown and southeast Camas. The term ends this year, meaning Hazen will have to run for election in November if he wants to retain the city council seat for a four-year term.
The new councilman believes the biggest skill set he will bring to the council comes from his experience as a small-business owner. He has owned Premier Senior Living for the last five years. The company manages several senior housing projects in Oregon. Hazen has worked in the senior housing industry for more than 20 years.
As a small-business owner, Hazen said he has experience in controlling budgets and managing people.
Hazen grew up in Portland and graduated from Parkrose High School. He then moved to Eugene, Ore., to attend University of Oregon, where he earned a degree in political science.
Upon graduating from college, Hazen moved to Camas. He lives there with his wife of nearly four years, Biljana, and two daughters, 13-year-old Anna and 11-year-old Maya. Both of the girls attend Liberty Middle School.
Hazen was one of six people to apply for Gerde’s council seat. Hazen said when he heard about the opening, he “just felt like it was time” to get involved.
“I’ve always had an interest in being involved in local politics and the opportunity came,” Hazen said.
While this is Hazen’s first time in office, he’s long been involved in Camas activities and organizations. For the last 10 years, Hazen has volunteered for Camas Days events and the parade. He also sat on the board of directors for the Jack, Will and Rob Boys & Girls Club.
Although Monday was Hazen’s first day on the job, he’d already gotten to work. Prior to the meeting Monday, Hazen reviewed the council packet, spoke to all of the department heads at City Hall and scheduled tours of city facilities. The next city council meeting is Jan. 18.
City council members are paid $6,000 per year.
Marissa Harshman: 360-735-4546 or marissa.harshman@columbian.com.
