Hot-button issues

What they didn't ask at Seaside's Ward 4 candidate's forum

SEASIDE, Ore. — During a formal informational forum moderated by Seaside Mayor Steve Wright, City Council candidates Brandon Kraft (above left) and Padraic Ansbro (right) presented their qualifications for the Ward 4 vacancy triggered by former Councilor David Posalski’s resignation. The candidates, vying to fill the seat through 2026, focused on professional experience and their differing approaches to the role.

Brandon Kraft, an 18-year veteran of the hospitality industry and current planning commissioner, framed the city’s operations through the lens of professional management. Kraft, who has lived in Seaside since 2013, described the city as a “giant hotel” where city limits act as the building and residents are the guests. He emphasized his experience in middle management, positioning the council as a body responsible for troubleshooting infrastructure and ensuring a high-quality experience for the community through “finesse” and open communication.

Padraic Ansbro, a 5 1/2-year resident, PMP-certified project manager and U.S. Navy veteran, centered his pitch on “thoughtful stewardship” and long-term risk assessment. Ansbro highlighted his background in emotional regulation — a professional skill used to manage reactions and maintain composure during high-stakes or difficult situations — and deep listening as essential tools for navigating high-stakes decisions. Pledging a non-partisan approach guided by his constitutional oath, he identified housing affordability and tsunami preparedness as critical priorities for Ward 4.

Both candidates underscored a commitment to steady leadership and a desire to ensure residents feel heard.

After the formal interview session, the candidates spoke with me separately about several “hot button” issues facing the city.

Brandon Kraft

Q: The ICE discussion is big for the council — with members divided on the city’s response. It’s been razor tight in terms of how council members stood on the issue. So you would be the deciding vote. Do you have a position on cooperation with ICE or non-cooperation?

Kraft: I think the direction for how the city responds to it should actually come from law enforcement, because law enforcement are the experts in those areas. I believe in going to the experts in their fields and getting their advice. I believe the city of Astoria deferred to the police department and mirrored the Astoria Police Department’s statement and direction, and I think that’s how the city should handle it. I believe that Seaside should be taking the direction from law enforcement.

Q: So the council should ask Police Chief Dave Ham to really lead the way?

Kraft: Yes, absolutely, because he’s the expert. He’s the one that knows the laws, and he knows what he’s been directed by the state or whatever to do. So I think that it’s whatever estimate the police department provides is what the city should do.

Q: Do you have an opinion whether the police should cooperate with ICE?

Kraft: I believe that they should vet. One of the concerns that was brought up in the discussion was we don’t know whether it’s actually ICE on the team or whether someone is being kidnapped. I believe law enforcement should have the right to ask for identification and ensure that the process is being followed.

Q: A council member was recalled by voters a couple of years ago after seeking greater public control over public library material. Do you feel that the City Council should have a role in deciding what books people read?

Kraft: I don’t necessarily think it’s a role for the City Council. I think that’s a common-sense rule, that if there is questionable material, it does need to be brought up to the library board first and foremost. The library board should be the one that decides. And if there’s a dispute, then that could come to City Council.

Q: Do you think the library should display LGBTQ materials for young adults or others?

Kraft: We put ratings on movies and shows. I believe that warnings and ratings should be put on categories for literature. So, if a parent or child walks into a library, this area is dedicated for a more mature audience. We don’t even fuss or argue about movies. Just like we do movies, just like there should be warnings and labels saying, hey, this might not be appropriate.

Q: Do you think the Council was right to table a proclamation of “trans” support?

Kraft: I agree with the mayor’s take on it, because he has certain guidelines that he uses for the declarations and proclamations. I believe it is already prominent in June.

Q: The city’s LGBTQ support proclamation? Would you advocate that proclamation next year?

Kraft: For me, it’s kind of a staple; it’s a kind of thing that just happens. I know you choose to live how you live, do that on your own. I don’t have a problem with it — just don’t force it down my throat.

Padraic Ansbro

Q: Mr. Ansbro, what are your thoughts on the city’s cooperation or non-cooperation with ICE?

Ansbro: I’ve seen and read what other small communities are doing, and it’s across the board. But I think instead of reinventing the wheel, we should find something that resonates with us and our community. Personally, I don’t approve of ICE; I think they’re unconstitutional, and anybody who comes into my community wearing a mask and roughing up our community is definitely out of bounds.

Q: Mr. Kraft suggested that it was a matter for the police department to direct policy. Do you think that’s a good way to handle it?

Ansbro: I don’t know; I would have to speak with the police department. I think that every time ICE would be called out, I would want a police officer there to make sure that our citizens were not manhandled and were assured of their rights.

Q: Would you vote for the city’s annual proclamation in support for the LGBTQ community?

Ansbro: I think support should be there. I’m not sure what a proclamation offers that community, but for me, love is love, and it’s important to support them and honor them, because they’ve been struggling for years, and we need to embrace them as part of our community.

Q: Should the City Council have purview or oversight of what books the library puts on their shelves?

Ansbro: I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. I don’t think they should have any oversight on that at all. It’s a matter of free speech, and when you start regulating what people can read, you are going down a slippery slope.

What’s next

The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback to share with the council via comment cards and online submissions. Next Monday, Jan. 12, the Seaside City Council will convene to officially interview and potentially appoint a new councilor for the Ward 4 vacancy. The formal interview process and the vote to fill the vacancy will take place during the regular City Council session. The council member will serve the remainder of the 2026 calendar year. To continue beyond that, they must file for candidacy in the November 2026 general election to fill the final two years of the original four-year term.

Here is a link to the candidate forum: