Economic Stability: Our #1 Priority
Oregon families are struggling during this economic recession, and the commission has failed to address our county’s chronic unemployment. The situation is especially dire for young people who want to stay in Oregon but can’t because of the scarcity of jobs. They are the future and hope of our region, and we need to provide opportunities for them to achieve success right here at home.
Our neighbors are hurting, and the fastest way to fix our financial situation and create positive opportunities is to reduce bureaucracy and generate real jobs. Oregon’s unemployment rate has been at 9.1%, above the national average for over 15 years. The underemployment rate is the fourth highest in the entire nation, at an astounding 19.6%. With all the creativity, entrepreneurship and work ethic Oregonians exhibit, this is simply unacceptable.
Small businesses create nearly 60% of Oregon jobs; as a small business owner, I built a company despite never having received government stimulus money. If I can do it, so can others – if given the chance.
What we need is a County Commissioner who is going to be an advocate for the people, resources, ideas, and employers of Clackamas County. We need someone who has spent a life effectually managing finances for others and who will contribute this expertise to leadership on the Commission.
As a Member of the Clackamas County Commission, the question I will ask myself before every vote is: Does this proposal help or hinder our county’s ability to build strong communities and create jobs?
Reducing Congestion and Building More Roads
Traffic congestion is considered one of the main urban transportation problems; it reduces mobility and increases driver stress, vehicle costs and pollution. More of our transportation dollars should be spent expanding our roads and adding lanes to our highways, not more light rail.
Making Government Transparent
Government should be transparent. Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what government is doing. Taxpayers need straightforward, accurate information about how much money they are paying in taxes and fees and how that money is being spent. I will insist that county agencies cut wasteful spending and run more efficiently.
As County Commissioner, I will be committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in local government. We will work together to regain the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our county and increase the Commission’s efficiency and effectiveness.
