About Jim Bernard:
Small Business Owner-Jim purchased Bernard's Garage from his father as his father did his, having worked in the business throughout high school and college. When his community failed to grow with the region he decided to get involved. First as a community organizer, association leader, and finally as the volunteer Mayor of Milwaukie. Jim continues to serve as President of Bernard's Garage, Celebrate Milwaukie Inc., and Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market; doing what is the most important part of any business "watching the money".
"A career Politian I am not, I have never been afraid to roll up my sleeves and get the job done, no matter how heavy the lifting or how difficult the job." Jim Bernard
Volunteer Mayor-Jim is the former two-term Mayor of Milwaukie. During his tenure there, Jim brought the needs of Milwaukie to the regional table and got amazing results. Through Jim’s efforts as a strong leader and his uncanny ability to collaborate with a broad spectrum of partners, individuals and businesses, Milwaukie garnered unprecedented support and investment to revitalize its aging infrastructure and enhance its livability. Jim partnered with his community, with business and industry, with regional leaders and state and federal agencies and members of congress to bring millions of dollars to the once neglected Milwaukie.
The results are remarkable:
Revitalized Waterfront—provided safer access, removed last remaining old structures on McLoughlin Blvd that blocked access to the riverfront and loads of debris and invasive species and in their stead provided the opportunity to revitalize the waterfront. With new and better access there, Milwaukie is building picnic areas, trails, boat ramps and may other amenities that greatly enhance Milwaukie’s connection to its riverfront for residents and visitors.
Reinvestment in Roads—During his ten year mayor, Jim attracted more than $20 million to rebuild and redevelop important roadways in Milwaukie that were unsafe and poorly functioning. Some of these projects include:
McLoughlin Blvd: was rebuilt through Milwaukie to improve access to the waterfront and to downtown, improve safety, as well as beautifying the area by adding median planning strips, attractive crosswalk enhancements and pedestrian refuges.
Lake Road: secured funding to improve safety and functionality not only for vehicles but also for kids and adults by providing sidewalks and crossings.
King Road: a total rebuild of a major roadway that was in terrible condition.
Johnson Creed Blvd: the total rebuild of an old cattle trail that had to be reconstructed down to the base level. Installed sidewalks and built retaining walls, improved intersections and overall turned a barely functioning road to a viable, highly functioning transportation facility.
Investment in Transit—Milwaukie was well known in the past for its struggles with transit and light rail. Through Jim’s leadership, a new MAX line will is underway that will connect Milwaukie with downtown Portland and other far-flung cities such as Hillsboro and Gresham. This new $1.4 billion investment will not only mean thousands of construction jobs but it will also lead to the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown Milwaukie. Already a new park and ride facility has opened up downtown Milwaukie to shoppers and businesses. The redevelopment there created by the new rail line will mean economic recovery for an aging downtown, reduced traffic, and a more beautiful, functioning core.
Community Livability—Jim is the co-founder of the Milwaukie Farmers Market and the markets’ business manager. On any given Sunday you can find him setting up the market, talking with customers or vendors and staffing the organizers’ booth.
Business Owner; Education and Business Supporter—Jim has owned and operated Bernard’s Garage for the past 25 years. His grandfather started the business in 1925 and Jim bought the family business from his father, just as his father had done. His auto repair garage continues to serve the Portland region and employs seven individuals in family wage jobs.
Realizing that downtown Milwaukie needed more attention and support, Jim served as President of the Milwaukie Downtown Development Association to unite businesses and create a common voice to benefit downtown and encourage investment in the area.
Jim’s efforts attracted the desired attention. Investment and revitalization followed. It was just a matter of time before Jim was elected to serve as Chair of the North Clackamas County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. And Jim understands that successful businesses require strong education. He has been a committed supporter of education and served as a member of the North Clackamas Education Foundation.
Continues Commitment at Clackamas County
Jim took his “can-do” attitude to Clackamas County after being elected to the board in 2008. Currently as a Clackamas County Commissioner, Jim is active on a variety of County, State and National Boards. He created the county’s Audit Committee which reviews and evaluates expenditures within the county’s nearly one billion dollar budget. He serves on the county’s Tourism Commission, and is the liaison to the county’s Economic Development Commission.
Jim’s leadership doesn’t end at the county border. He is active at the state and federal levels as well. Currently, he is a member of the Association of Oregon Counties Board of Directors, Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee and a member of the legislative committee. In addition, he is a member of the State Community Corrections Board and a member of the National Association of Counties Community and Economic Development Committee.
Jim was born, raised and has lived in Clackamas County for most of his life. Because of this, he enjoys working with diverse interests to find common ground for sustainable solutions on complex community issues. You will often see Jim at meetings listening and carefully considering all points of view, and then offering clear insightful comments identifying common ground, opportunities for consensus and areas that need additional improvement. Jim approaches public problems in a thoughtful, experienced way … the Oregon way, of working together to determine the best community solutions.
On a personal note, Jim and his wife Danielle, also a public servant, enjoy walking their dog ‘Boone’ and visiting the Oregon Coast. They spend a great deal of time walking in the various communities of Clackamas County. Don’t be surprised if you see them walking in your neighborhood.
Jim enjoys hearing from constituents. If you have any questions or concerns - do not hesitate to email him at bernardjim@ymail.com or call Jim at (503) 544-2418.
