August 24, 2022

Deep Roots and the Pioneer Spirit

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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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August 10, 2022

The Benefits of Best Practices

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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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April 27, 2022

You Can’t Have It Both Ways

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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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April 6, 2022

Part of the Problem

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Back in 2016, voters in Clackamas County took a chance and chosen then-Commissioner Jim Bernard to serve in the chair position. They also voted Ken Humberston onto the board of county commissioners that same election. Because Bernard had previously been a commissioner, that meant his seat would become vacant. A replacement would have to be appointed. The newly left-leaning board…

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February 23, 2022

Moving Forward from COVID

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The COVID pandemic has been challenging for all Oregonians in the last two years and much has been learned and changed since it started. However, many of Governor Brown’s COVID mandates and administrative rules from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) disproportionately impact lower-income households, small businesses, children, communities of color, rural communities and our most vulnerable populations. These misguided policies…

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