Council President Mike Caughey

Council President Mike Caughey

Title:  City Council President

Name:  Mike Caughey

Current Term:  Jan 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2024

Council/Government Experience:  Mike ran for office in the general election in November, 2012, with a term to start on Jan 1, 2013.  However, Mayor Duncan first appointed him to a vacated Council seat, for the month of December 2012.  He has started his third term as City Councilor, and has served the City of Harrisburg for 8 years. 

Current Committee Assignments:  Mike has served as Council President since Jan 2015.  (The President serves as the Pro-tem Mayor in the Mayor's absence), and is still a member of the Personnel Committee.  In addition, Mike served as the Chairperson of the Government Committee, from 2015 to 2017 and also was a member of the Public Works Committee from 2013 to 2015.  As a City Councilor, Mike also serves on the Harrisburg Budget Committee.  In addition, Mike is serving this year as the primary Board Member of the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG).

Mike Caughey and his wife, Kay chose to retire to Harrisburg after considering numerous areas in Oregon at the end of their second 20+ year careers as Realtor-Brokers in Washington State.

Mike finished High School in Hawaii and after serving a 4 year enlistment in the US Navy, was employed by a telecommunications company in Hawaii.  During his 25 year career there he held various positions of electronic technician, systems engineer and supervisor of electronic repair facilities.

Education: Earned a BS in Business from Hawaii Pacific College in 1982 and a MS in Systems Management at USC in 1985, each while holding a full time job. 

Experience:  Volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters as a fundraiser and events planner.  Served on Board of Directors for Learning Disabilities Association.  Served as adjunct faculty at University of Hawaii teaching electricity and electronics.  Served as a usability tester for Microsoft software.  Currently serving his second term on Harrisburg City Council.

Member of the Planetary Society, National Space Society and American Mensa.

Hobbies: Travel, reading, electronic projects, alternative energy, science in general and space programs.

Most significant accomplishment as a councilor in Harrisburg was getting the water bond issue passed. He is thankful for the outstanding staff of the City and the folks who donate their time to make our wonderful little city what it is and improve life for our citizens. 

Ongoing goals: Build an inclusive Harrisburg Community Center.  Continue to improve our infrastructure.  Maintain good fiscal controls of our city’s finances.