Principled, Accountable & Cheerful!

 A Secure and Peaceful Clackamas County

My approach to tackling the challenges of dependency, homelessness, and property crime centers around compassion and practicality. We recognize that a significant proportion of these issues stem from broader social challenges, and addressing them requires firmness and understanding.

Implementing programs that encourage low-level offenders to contribute positively to the community, such as graffiti removal or cleaning homeless encampments, is not only a common-sense solution but also a step towards rehabilitation and community integration. This approach not only helps maintain the beauty and cleanliness of our county but also offers a path for offenders to positively engage with the community.

Looking forward, our commitment to a secure and peaceful Clackamas County should be unwavering. I envision a community where every individual feels safe and valued, and where challenges are met with innovative and compassionate solutions. By supporting our law enforcement with the necessary tools and backing our prosecutors to take a firm stance on violent and property crime, we are paving the way for a safer, more cheerful Clackamas County. Together, with a shared vision and concerted effort, we will continue to make our county a place where safety and peace are a reality for all.

Free and easy highway travel

As a strong advocate for Clackamas County, I firmly believe that tolls have no place on our roads. It’s particularly concerning when tolls are pushed by legislators from other areas to fund projects outside our county. I stand united with our citizens, ready to use every available tool to prevent the implementation of toll booths on the Abernethy Bridge and other key points in our county. This is about safeguarding our right to free and unhindered travel within our own community.

Recent proposals by Oregon officials to implement tolls on the I-5 Bridge, the Abernethy Bridge, the Tualatin River bridge, and the Wilsonville Boone Bridge have raised significant concerns. These include a congestion pricing scheme, where drivers would face a per-mile tax on Portland area highways. Studies from the Oregon Department of Transport (ODOT) have shown that if tolling were implemented on all Portland area freeways, traffic would increase dramatically on local roads. For example, Boreland road, east of Stafford road, could see a 100 percent increase in traffic due to toll diversion. This not only disrupts the flow of traffic but also poses a significant burden on our local communities and environment.

It’s not just about the inconvenience; tolling can also be a financial strain on families. The increased costs of daily commutes could disproportionately affect low-income communities, creating an unfair burden. This is why I am in full support of initiatives like IP-4, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require a regional vote before any new tolls could be implemented. Such measures ensure that the voices of Clackamas County residents are heard and considered.

In the spirit of our community’s resilience and unity, I am committed to fighting for free and easy highway travel. It’s essential that we maintain open and accessible roads for all, without the added financial pressure of tolls. Our focus should remain on finding sustainable solutions that enhance connectivity while respecting the financial well-being of every resident in Clackamas County. Together, we can overcome these challenges and ensure that our county remains a place of freedom, ease, and prosperity for all its inhabitants.

Safeguarding Seniors from rising taxes

In Clackamas County, we love our seniors and understand the importance of making their lives comfortable and secure. With the recent property tax increases observed across the county, largely due to voter-approved bonding measures, it’s clear that we need an option to keep seniors and fixed-income families in their homes.

I am committed to exploring and implementing programs that will ease this financial burden. One such initiative could be a property tax freeze for seniors, ensuring that they can comfortably stay in their homes without the worry of escalating taxes and fees. It’s not just about maintaining affordability; it’s about respecting and honoring the contributions that our senior citizens have made to our community over the years.

My goal is to ensure that Clackamas County remains a welcoming and sustainable place for all its residents. By holding the line against rising property taxes and introducing thoughtful measures like tax freezes for seniors, we can make sure that our residents can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind and dignity. Together, we can work towards a community that supports each other, where everyone, regardless of age, can thrive and live their best lives.