Mayor James Bernard
12255 SE 41st Court 
Milwaukie, OR  97222 

Res. Phone: (503) 513-6416 
Bus. Phone: (503) 659-7722 
Cell Phone: (503) 544-2418 
Voice Mail: (503) 786-7510 
Fax: (503) 653-2444 

bernardj@ci.milwaukie.or.us

Born and raised in Milwaukie, Jim Bernard is the owner of a third generation, family owned business that his grandfather founded in 1925. Jim's commitment to continue his family's 80-year legacy of providing outstanding customer service is evident as his small business continues to successfully service customers in downtown Milwaukie.

Jim Bernard was elected in March 2001 in a special election to replace Carolyn Tomei who was elected to the Oregon State Legislature. He was re-elected in November 2002. Jim's father Joe Bernard also served as Mayor of Milwaukie in the early 60s. He credits his success as Mayor to the understanding that to remain a successful business and community requires outstanding customer service and innovative partnerships.

Prior to becoming Mayor Jim Bernard served as Treasurer, Vice President, and two terms as President of the Automotive Service Association of Portland, President of the Milwaukie Downtown Development Association, and as Chair of the Milwaukie Riverfront Board. Since becoming Mayor he has made every effort to become involved in many areas within Clackamas County and the Metro region. Serving on the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation Board, Clackamas County Coordination Committee, JPACT (Alternate), MPAC (Alternate), Complete Community Connections, Oregon Mayors Association Board, South Corridor Committee, Aquatic Center Task Force, and North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce Executive Board.

One of his proudest accomplishments was the co-creation of the Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market, which was formed while the President of Milwaukie Downtown Development Association. Currently he serves as the business manager. The Sunday Market has given the community better access to the Mayor and has helped to bring the community together.

Other accomplishments gained with the support of Citizens, City Council, Staff, and the City Manager Mike Swanson include: over $4 million for McLoughlin Blvd, a $4 million dollar commitment for Lake Rd from the Federal Government, the North Main mixed-use, future downtown development site of Olson's Texaco, and many more projects amounting to over $37 million.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Mayor:

• Appoints the various committees provided for under the rules of the council or otherwise and fills all vacancies in committees of the council from that body.

• Signs all ordinances and written resolutions and orders approved by the council and has no veto power.

• Signs all instruments and writings authorized by the city charter, the laws of the state, or the council.

• Acts as chairman of the council, presides over its deliberations, and has authority to preserve order, enforce the rules of the council and determine the order of business, subject to the rules of the council.  The mayor is also a voting member of the council.