It’s easy to think of every political race in the context of national partisan elections. The same rhetoric used by Republicans and Democrats running for Congress often trickles down to local races, even though the offices being sought are drastically different. So much emphasis gets placed on divisive social issues that have raged in the public consciousness for decades. But …
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Challenging a sitting incumbent is no easy task. But that’s exactly what I’m doing in this November general election as I campaign for Clackamas County Commissioner, Position 5. On one hand, a current officeholder has several advantages. They get the automatic photo ops. Local media outlets are eager to use their press releases and request interviews. The power of the …
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There are a lot of nuances involved when it comes to public policy. Candidates will often stick to the most generic, reliable, poll-tested catch phrases to seem as inoffensive as possible and appeal to the broadest cross section of voters. The same phrases, if applied properly, can also mean different things to different people. That’s why it’s important to read …
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Often times, candidates running for office make their pitches to voters based on partisan inclinations and considerations. So how’s that working out for all of us? I think that campaigns should be based on issues, candidates’ visions and practical considerations. The most important of those is whether or not they support policies that are working as they were intended. It’s …
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As I make my way around Clackamas County to campaign for commissioner position 5, people often ask why I’m running. I tell them about my track record of advocating for underdogs at the local, state and federal level, including my current stint as a Wilsonville City Councilor. But when they ask me about who is currently in the position I’m …
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I’m proud to say that I’m a sixth-generation Oregonian. Given the influx of people we’ve seen move here from other states, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find people with deep roots in the area. I grew up in the same home as my father in North Portland (we even had the same childhood bedroom). As a construction worker, he had …
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It’s true that Clackamas County is like nowhere else on earth. We have unmatched natural beauty and scenery, and many unique attractions and features enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. That being said, there are ways to go about managing the county’s resources to provide services to residents that are both required and requested. Many jurisdictions rely on the best …
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A controversy that came up in late March was yet another reminder of why I decided to run for Clackamas County Commissioner, Position 5. It demonstrated, again, why the current incumbent is out of touch and supports values that are wrong for the county and its residents. An organization called Reimagine Oregon was formed a couple of years ago and …
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Now that the May primary election is just around the corner, candidates have put together their voter pamphlet statements. Those will be mailed to voters and give candidates the chance to discuss who they are and what they stand for. Aside from candidates’ professional and prior government experience, these statements typically include endorsements they’ve received from other elected officials, prominent …
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Even though Clackamas County is considered suburban, the truth is that the vast majority of it consists of small towns in rural areas. I think that’s an important perspective to keep in mind as I campaign for Position 5 on the board of county commissioners. I’ve been fortunate enough to serve my community as a member of the Wilsonville City …
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