Evan Sorce - Independence City Councilor

09/19/2026

Today I had the opportunity to participate in the Monmouth Independence Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting for Chewi’s Ramen Bar. The owners Marlene and Tony have been open for about a month and have loved being part of the Independence downtown community. Chewi’s is a fun experience with many different options and toppings and is sure going to be a popular spot. My Raman was tasty!

I then went next door to the new flower shop, Indy Bloom and bought a wonderful bouquet of flowers for my wife Emily.

Come on downtown and support these local businesses!

09/13/2026

Want to help shape the future of Independence?

The city has openings on two community boards, and we’re looking for residents who want to get involved and help guide decisions that affect our community.

Budget Committee: 1 position
Parks Board: 2 positions

The Budget Committee plays an important role in reviewing the city’s proposed budget, while the Parks Board helps advise our community’s parks system.

The deadline to apply for this quarter is September 30, 2026.

If you’re interested in serving your community, we’d love to hear from you: https://www.ci.independence.or.us/boards-commissions-2/

09/13/2026

Today is National Police Woman Day, and we’re taking a moment to recognize the women of the Independence Police Department.

Every day, they serve our community with courage, compassion and excellence, whether responding to calls, investigating crimes, supporting victims or building relationships throughout Independence.

We’re grateful for the women who choose to serve our community and proud to have them as part of the IPD team.

09/09/2026

Today, my opponent in this election, Anthony Johnson, took to public comment to oppose a proposal to retrofit 470 streetlights to LEDs, which would not only save the city tens of thousands of dollars a year in reduced energy costs but also be largely reimbursed by the Energy Trust of Oregon. Maybe he didn’t understand, or he was opposed to the city saving money on energy costs. Luckily the council voted unanimously in favor of funding this project with transportation funds that are outside the general fund. These are the common sense solutions that our community asked for and I was proud to support it. For more information on the project check out the council docket.

CivicClerk events and agendas for citizens

09/05/2026

Councilor Boisvert and I will be back at the farmers market tomorrow Saturday September 5 from 9-2:00. Come by and have a conversation with us!

09/05/2026

Last week, officials in the Willamette Valley city of Independence closed its parks and the museum and threatened to close the library, although state law forestalls that action.

08/30/2026

GO SLOW! BE SEEN! BE SAFE!
Construction by the State of Oregon will continue on sidewalk ramps through September.
Everyone needs to watch for lane changes, construction workers, oncoming traffic, mobility devices, wheeled transportation, and pedestrians, especially at intersections.

08/30/2026

I spent about 8 hours today talking to our community. Both the Talk to a Councilor Tabling at the Farmers Market and the Community Conversation outside of Sunset Meadows Park were smashing successes. Thank you to everyone who attended either or both events. I appreciated all the questions and hearing your perspectives. Through dozens of conversations, it is clear our neighbors have a deep love for our community, care about our parks and library, and want to be part of the solution to the challenge we are facing. Thank you to Coumcilor Corr and Councilor Martin-Willis for joining me at these events. Missed today’s events? We will be back it at the Farmers Market next Saturday! Here is the baby bird that joined us at the farmers market today.

08/29/2026

Q3 2026 Financials and debt update from the City of Independence.

While prepping for my conversation at the farmers market tomorrow I was reviewing the Q3 financials update by the cities Finance Director and I was reminded in July we had a presentation of the cities debt. Almost all of it was taken out between 2013 and 2017 long before the current city manager and Mayor were in charge. Even worse there were interfund loans that were put on the Urban Renewal District that were taken out in 2017-2018 and the city didn’t start paying until 2025 when this new mayor took over. I share this to say, this current administration is working hard to clear the debt from decisions from long ago. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

CivicClerk events and agendas for citizens

08/29/2026

Hello Neighbors! I will be back at the Farmers Market tomorrow with Councilor Shannon Corr. Come stop by and have a conversation with us! We will be there from 8:30 to 2pm.