Rainier Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Michael
Kreger
Michael Kreger is running for mayor of Rainier in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Vanessa Meza and Garye Twichell.
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The race · Mayor
- 01Michael KregerYou’re reading
- 02Vanessa Meza
- 03Garye Twichell
Background
- About
- Rainier city councilor first elected in 2016 and a former U.S. Navy machinist mate. He has served on the Rainier Planning Commission and the Rainier Cemetery District Budget Committee.
Michael Kreger holds council Position 6, with a term ending December 31, 2028. City of Rainier
On the record: Michael Kreger
18 sourced01City finances1 sourced position
as reported by The Spotlight; not a direct quote
Says residents are concerned about rising costs and aging infrastructure, and the city should pursue grants and partnerships and avoid unnecessary financial burdens on residents.
Own statementThe Spotlight (Your Oregon News) · Sep 25, 2026Link
02Local economy2 sourced positions
Wants to support existing businesses, attract new ones that fit the community and promote riverfront tourism and community events.
Economic growth should create opportunities while protecting Rainier’s small-town character.”
Own statementThe Spotlight (Your Oregon News) · Sep 25, 2026Link
Voted yes on changing the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone boundary for a Scion Lumber investment (passed 5-0, May 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, May 4, 2026 · May 4, 2026LinkHow the council voted
03Communication1 sourced position
as reported by The Spotlight; not a direct quote
Wants to expand communication between City Hall and residents through more channels.
Own statementThe Spotlight (Your Oregon News) · Sep 25, 2026Link
04Accessibility1 sourced position
as reported by The Spotlight; not a direct quote
Wants to make city services, public spaces and information more accessible, including for seniors and people with disabilities.
Own statementThe Spotlight (Your Oregon News) · Sep 25, 2026Link
05Utility rates3 sourced positions
as summarized in the official Council minutes; not a direct quote
Said costs have gone up and the city needs to maintain its infrastructure and cover its costs.
Own statementRainier City Council minutes, April 6, 2026 · Apr 6, 2026Link
Voted yes on directing staff to prepare a spreadsheet of all city fees and charges (passed 7-0, August 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, August 3, 2026 · Aug 3, 2026LinkHow the council voted
Voted yes on adopting residential sewer rates with the automatic yearly inflation adjustment removed (passed 5-0, June 2025).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, June 30, 2025 · Jun 30, 2025LinkHow the council voted
06Sewer finances2 sourced positions
Voted yes on transferring 2025-26 appropriations to balance the Sewer Fund (passed 5-0, May 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, May 4, 2026 · May 4, 2026LinkHow the council voted
Voted yes on forgiving an interfund loan from the General Fund to the Sewer Fund (passed 7-0, March 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, March 2, 2026 · Mar 2, 2026LinkHow the council voted
07Wastewater system1 sourced position
Voted yes on applying for a Community Development Block Grant to help fix leaky sewer laterals (passed 7-0, March 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, March 2, 2026 · Mar 2, 2026LinkHow the council voted
08Budget oversight1 sourced position
Voted yes on the April 2026 consent agenda approving the March minutes and monthly financial statements (passed 5-1, April 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, April 6, 2026 · Apr 6, 2026LinkHow the council voted
09Parks1 sourced position
Voted yes on applying for a state parks grant for the Rainier Eagles Skate Park project (passed 6-0, April 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, April 6, 2026 · Apr 6, 2026LinkHow the council voted
10County road stations1 sourced position
Voted yes on a letter urging Columbia County to keep its road department satellite stations (passed 7-0, February 2026).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, February 2, 2026 · Feb 2, 2026LinkHow the council voted
11Council appointment1 sourced position
Voted no on appointing Charleen Ratkie to City Council Position 4 (passed 5-1, October 2025).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, October 6, 2025 · Oct 6, 2025Link
12Burning rules1 sourced position
Voted yes on Ordinance 1102 regulating open burning with seasonal restrictions (passed 6-0, October 2025).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, October 6, 2025 · Oct 6, 2025LinkHow the council voted
13City spending1 sourced position
Voted yes on buying a curved dais for council meetings (failed 1-4, June 2025).
Council voteRainier City Council minutes, June 2, 2025 · Jun 2, 2025LinkHow the council voted
14Past candidacies1 sourced position
Ran for City Council in 2024 (won).
Own statementColumbia County · Nov 27, 2024Link
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
Michael Kreger: their words and their votes on the same issue
Local economy
In their words
Wants to support existing businesses, attract new ones that fit the community and promote riverfront tourism and community events.
Sep 25, 2026 ·The Spotlight (Your Oregon News) · Sep 25, 2026
On the record
Voted yes on changing the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone boundary for a Scion Lumber investment (passed 5-0, May 2026).
May 4, 2026 ·Rainier City Council minutes, May 4, 2026 · May 4, 2026
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