Evan Sorce - Independence City Councilor

08/12/2026

To my fellow Independence Residents,

Wow you all really showed up at city council tonight! Thank you for showing up where you can literally be anywhere else, and thank you for being your true, authentic, and sometimes corky selves. Thank you for being open and vulnerable and sharing your perspective on why our library and community services are such a critical part of our community. You all did Independence proud tonight! The work isn’t done, but folks made their voices heard tonight!

Photo credit John R Bruning

08/11/2026

See what's on the agenda for tomorrow's city council meeting here: https://independenceor.portal.civicclerk.com/

Tune in tomorrow, August 11, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM, to our YouTube channel or in person at the Independence Civic Center.

08/09/2026

After spending the morning and afternoon at the Farmers Market yesterday answering folks' questions, Councilor William Boisvert and I spent a couple of hours with some neighbors at Sunset Meadows Park discussing the importance of the Community Service Fee, what's happening with the referendum, and next steps for our community services. It was a great conversation, and Bill and I look forward to continued conversations with our neighbors about the future of our community.

08/05/2026

With hot temperatures and smoky air in the forecast, now is a good time to take a few extra precautions. If possible, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, keep outdoor activities to a minimum, and avoid prolonged exposure to smoke, especially if you have asthma, heart or lung conditions, or other respiratory concerns.

Need a place to cool off? Visit one of our open public buildings or stop by a local business to escape the heat. And don't forget to drink plenty of water, check in on neighbors, friends, and family, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.

Stay cool, breathe easy, and be safe, Indy.

08/04/2026

Due to the heat advisory, worsening air quality, and the potential for high winds, tonight's National Night Out event has been cancelled.

The safety of our community, volunteers, staff, and first responders comes first. Thank you to everyone who helped plan and support this event. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone at National Night Out next year

07/27/2026

I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my colleague and friend Marilyn Morton. Councilor Morton’s love for our community and its people was obvious to anyone who knew her. If there was an event in our community, you can be sure that behind the scenes, Marilyn was there making sure that all the little things were taken care of for the event to be successful, from the Ghost Walk to the Hop and Heritage Festival. More personally, Marilyn was always someone I could ask for advice, and she was always supportive and encouraging. Her loss will be deeply felt not only by me, but by everyone in our community.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of City Councilor Marilyn Morton.

Marilyn served on the city council for nearly 25 years, including as council president, and cared deeply for the community she represented. In addition to her service on the city council, she served on several community boards, was involved with local fundraising groups, created the annual Ghost Walk event, produced the monthly 2C1C publication, and shared a love of local history.

"Marilyn was a friend and colleague who loved our community," said Mayor Kate Schwarzler. "She brought a deep knowledge of Independence history, and I will miss her kindness, generosity, and perspective. Our community is stronger because of her selfless commitment to the city."

We extend our deepest condolences to Marilyn's family, friends, and everyone in our community who is grieving her loss. Her love and dedication to Independence and the people within it will not be forgotten.

07/10/2026

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07/08/2026

Today was a great day in our community. We celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Ella Curran food bank. For 48 years, the Ella Curran Food Bank has been there for our neighbors, it is once or weekly; people are not turned away. The new facility will allow for our food bank to meet the growing needs in ou community better. There has been so much work by so many in our community to make this new facility a reality. Thanks to Patty Neuve, Congresswomen Salinas, Representative Evans, Senator Patterson, and everyone else who has contributed and volunteered.

07/06/2026

Started my Fourth of July at the Annual Polk County District Pancake Feed, and ended the evening at the best small town fireworks show in the state. Just another wonderful day in our community!

07/04/2026

Perfect night for a concert and fireworks in the best little community in Oregon!