Over the last couple years, we've had the aftermath of the wildfires, the Covid pandemic and devastating ice storms. We got through all three of those difficult situations and are better prepared for any future emergencies that may arise.
County residents were constantly being asked for higher taxes to pay consultants to do work that did nothing to improve the delivery of services. We are now back on the right track again.
Over the years, Clackamas County has been subjected to experiments in regional governance. I’ve had no problem standing up to Metro and demanding that our county residents get what they’re paying for out of that agency.
Tootie Smith was elected in May, 2020 Primary Election as the Clackamas County Commission Chair and assumed office on January, 2021. Tootie knows, cares and fights for you. As a community activist, business owner, 4th generation Oregon farmer, author, past elected official, wife, grandmother and mother, she brings equal representation and independence to Clackamas County – her home for over 40 years.
“Being taught to avoid talking politics has led to a lack of understanding of politics and religion. What we should have been taught was how to have a civil conversation about a difficult topic. Let’s talk and listen to each other! I want to help people, solve problems and move Clackamas County and Oregon in the right direction with good roads, no new taxes, and health and housing solutions.”
Good values, common sense, reasonableness
Good values, common sense, reasonableness
She’s honest. Not self-serving nor beholding to anyone or any organization. She WILL represent the people; not just giving lip-service. VOTE!
She’s honest. Not self-serving nor beholding to anyone or any organization. She WILL represent the people; not just giving lip-service. VOTE!
We need big changes in Clackamas County and Tootie Smith can make those positive changes!
We need big changes in Clackamas County and Tootie Smith can make those positive changes!
What a refreshing breath of fresh air. Oregon is in dire need of some common sense. I grew up in rural Oregon on a farm,...
What a refreshing breath of fresh air. Oregon is in dire need of some common sense.
I grew up in rural Oregon on a farm, graduated from the University of Oregon and went on to a successful national career. It sickens me to see what has happened in Oregon. I have great insights into Oregonians. I went on quite a walkabout and live in Bend now. I can help you bring back Oregon.
AMEN for your statements in Tucker Carlson. Thank you for standing up for the people of Oregon and the rights of families. God Bless You,...
AMEN for your statements in Tucker Carlson. Thank you for standing up for the people of Oregon and the rights of families.
God Bless You, Tootie
Of course, I do! I campaigned for Tootie. She is ethical and respects taxpayers and their money.
Of course, I do! I campaigned for Tootie. She is ethical and respects taxpayers and their money.
How have things changed in Clackamas County since you took over as chair of the board of commissioners?
I think the most important thing is that we’ve gotten the county’s budget back on track. As a lifelong county resident, I was appalled a few years ago when I saw how top-heavy and wasteful the budget had become. People kept telling me how concerned they were that their property taxes were being raised without services getting any better. I’m glad that we’ve managed to keep essential services funded without further burdening the people of this county with higher taxes.
Will county residents end up being charged tolls for driving on existing roads?
Not if I can help it. I am absolutely opposed to this idea of people paying to continue taking the same roads they’ve always driven to get to their jobs. ODOT needs to use their own fairness and equity standards in not tolling all lanes at the same time, and not toll I-205 before I-5. That is wrong and will kill all businesses along the I-205 corridor. This plan will also divert traffic to county and city roads not built to handle the volume. The plan is a mess!
Why are county residents still being charged a vehicle registration fee?
I raised this issue before my fellow commissioners in the hopes that they would agree to repeal the fee to voters. At the very least, I was hoping they would let voters decide on the issue, but a majority of the board wanted to maintain the status quo and keep the fee in place. I was very disappointed. I lost that vote 3-2.
Are there going to be efforts made to de-fund the police in Clackamas County?
No. A radical organization called Reimagine Oregon claimed to be working with the county to de-fund its sheriff’s office. When I found out about this, not only did I stop it in its tracks, I made a motion to end association with this Portland far-leftish group. My board voted 3-1-1 with me.
How have you been holding Metro accountable as chair of the board of county commissioners?
I discovered that Metro was overcharging residents for some of the services it was supposed to be providing them and lead the efforts to make that agency accountable for it.
How have you stood up for county employees?
During the COVID pandemic, many of our brave frontline employees were threatened with termination by the State because they tried to exercise their medical freedom. Even though the unions representing those employees actively campaigned against me when I ran for commissioner, I had to do what was right and defended their right to maintain bodily autonomy. I offered up religious exemptions for vaccines for all county employees. And I would happily do the same thing all over again if I had to. Today, I still do not know who has been vaccinated or who has taken the religious exemption as that is private information. No county employee lost their job under my watch.
What is the county doing to address homeless issues?
The county will also be receiving $2 million in state funds for shelter services and infrastructure, hygiene, and homeless outreach. Metro’s SHS measure passed by voters will give Clackamas County $24 million in wrap-around services to get people off the streets and into jobs. We are also removing abandoned RVs from county roads and protecting our north border with Portland with enhanced Sheriff patrols and arrests.