Vote Caden Sipe for Umatilla Mayor

I moved to Umatilla when I was three years old and have appreciated being raised in this community. While a child in Umatilla, I always felt that the community was there for me. I had a number of important adults who took an interest in my life and helped me grow as a person and I appreciate this aspect of small town life greatly.

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During high school, I participated in cross country and robotics while also working for the after-school program and working on my Associates of Arts Degree from Blue Mountain Community College. I was fortunate to have this opportunity through Umatilla High School and was thankful for the chance to graduate with both my AAOT degree from BMCC and my high school diploma from Umatilla High at the same time. 

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Throughout my childhood, and especially through robotics, service to my community was emphasized. If I wasn't at school, an activity, or working, I was expected to be helping others when asked or offering as much as possible. This service mindset is something I've taken with me throughout my life and I appreciate the many ways Umatilla provides people with opportunities to build community through shared service. From clearing brush at the Old Town Site to hauling trash during Community Clean-Up events, I've met many neighbors and had the chance to get to know people in our community and these types of events are great ways to connect us all for shared purpose.

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I worked full time through college and returned to Umatilla in 2016 and bought my home here. Soon after, I was transferred to LaGrande and continued working for InterMountain ESD while attending Eastern Oregon University and enjoyed working in the tech field; however, whenever I was working in a school and was seen interacting with students I was often asked the same question, "Why aren't you a teacher?" During these same years, my parents decided to start a couple of businesses in Umatilla to address distressed properties and support affordable housing so I frequently came back to help them remodel properties. Each time I drove back to Umatilla to help, I felt like I was coming "home" and knew I someday wanted to return full time.  When my former high school science teacher, and then principal of Clara Brownell Middle School, Ms. Guentert, talked to me about coming to teach for her in 2018, I decided to give it a try and have never looked back. I immediately began working on my Master's in Teaching and completed my MAT in June of 2022. This year, I'm coaching both football and robotics in addition to teaching and enjoy working with students both in and outside the classroom.

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My middle name is Loyal and it's often a word used to describe me as well. My loyalty to Umatilla is unquestionable and I appreciate all I've learned from the people in Umatilla, and all I know I'll continue to gain from living in this fabulous community. Being able to serve our community in a new way as Mayor would be an incredible honor and I hope you'll consider me as your candidate. 

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