Seaside Ward 4 candidates outline priorities

Published 10:35 am Friday, January 9, 2026

Two candidates seeking appointment to Seaside City Council vacant Ward 4 seat emphasized service, collaboration and community balance during a public forum moderator by Mayor Steve Wright. 

This comes a month after former city councilor David Posalski resigned from his position on Dec. 20. Posalski served two terms: in 2020 and 2024. 

Padraic Ansbro and Brandon Kraft addressed residents during a Q&A session ahead of the council’s decisions on who will sit in the Ward 4 seat through the end of 2026.

Currently, Ansbro serves as a member of the community center commission while Kraft is on the planning commission for the City of Seaside. 

 The council is scheduled to interview both candidates individually at its next meeting on Monday before voting to appoint. 

“At the November 2026 General Election, the seat will be open to any qualified candidate for a two-year term,” Wright said. “And at the November 2028 general election, the seat will revert to the standard four-year term on the rotation.” 

Both candidates opened with three-minute introductory remarks and responded to six questions given to them in advance. 

Ansbro, a Ward 4 resident and U.S. Navy veteran, said he is motivated by service and long-term stewardship of the community. A certified project management professional, Ansbro said his background prepared him to navigate complex issues facing the city. 

“Seaside is my home,” Ansbro said. “The decisions we make here show up in everyday life. This is about thoughtful stewardship, long-term thinking and listening carefully to the community.” 

He cited housing availability, emergency and tsunami preparedness, aging infrastructure and balancing tourism with livability as key challenges for the city. 

“These aren’t abstract policy discussions,” Ansbro said. “ They affect whether people feel safe, heard and able to build a life here.” 

Kraft, who has lived in Seaside for nearly a decade, emphasized his experience in hospitality and business leadership. He has worked in hotels for 18 years and is currently serving his second term for the Seaside Planning Commission. 

“I see Seaside as a hospitality-oriented city,” Kraft said. “At the core, it’s about listening, communication and making people feel heard — whether they’re residents, business owners or visitors.” 

Kraft said his professional background has prepared him to handle public feedback, manage competing interests and work collaboratively with staff and elected officials. He also pointed to his service on the Seaside Chamber of Commerce board as part of his preparation. 

When asked by Wright how they would handle a council decision they strongly opposed, both candidates stressed professionalism and respect for the democratic process. 

“If a decision is made that I don’t agree with, I make sure my concerns are on the record, backed by facts, and then I move forward,” Kraft said. “That’s how it works in leadership. You don’t carry that frustration home.” 

Ansbro said disagreement does not have to undermine governance. 

“You can hold firm to your values without disrupting the council’s ability to function,” he said. “Once a decision is made, the responsibility is to continue working constructively for the community.” 

Both candidates also discussed the importance of collaboration with city staff, departments and community organizations. Kraft emphasized communication and clarity, citing many workplaces issues stem from misunderstandings. 

“Open, respectful and transparent communication is critical,” Kraft said. 

Ansbro said effective governance requires trust and respect for professional expertise. 

“The council sets policy and direction, but progress depends on collaboration,” he said. “Many of our challenges can’t be solved in isolation.” 

In closing remarks, Kraft said he hopes to continue expanding his service to the residential side of the community after years of working primarily with businesses.

“I love this city,” Kraft said. “I appreciate the opportunity to be considered.” 

Ansbro reiterated his commitment to nonpartisan public service and community-first decision-making.

“These principles don’t belong to a party,” he said. “They belong to public service.” 

The council interviews and appointment vote are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 during a regular meeting and public comment will be accepted until noon the same day.