© 2023 Tootie Smith for Oregon. All Rights Reserved.

Housing Programs That Work

Housing Programs That Work

Despite what people may think and what they read and hear in the press, we’ve actually had a huge reduction in homelessness in Clackamas County over the last year. And we have the data to prove it. According to the...

It’s official: There will be no tolling on I-5 or I-205 for at least the next couple of years.

Governor Kotek has directed the Oregon Department of Transportation to put a stop to those plans until 2026. At one point, it was considered inevitable. We were told it was a foregone conclusion. But those of us who were against...

It Takes All of Us – A Community-Centric Approach to Solving Homelessness

By Tootie Smith Chair, Clackamas County Commission We all agree communities face the monumental task of addressing homelessness, drug addiction, and mental health across Oregon.  While we did not create this crisis, as elected leaders it is our responsibility to...

The Short End of the Stick

For over 40 years, Clackamas County has lacked the ability to control its own destiny. That’s how long the county and its residents have been subjected to the additional layer of government, bureaucracy, taxation and regulations that have accompanied our...

Armchair Quarterbacks Should Stay on the Sidelines

When I ran for chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners in 2020, I knew what the position entailed. I knew that once elected, I would face the task of getting a majority of my fellow commissioners to agree...

Putting the Cart Before the Horse

It’s no secret that I’ve been a vocal critic of Metro throughout the multiple decades of my life as an elected public official. Even prior to my stints as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives and Clackamas County...

Too Little, Too Late

Housing is, and has been, one of the top issues for the citizens of Clackamas County for years now. The simple fact of the matter is that the amount of available housing has not kept up with the demand created...

Constructing a Courthouse While Containing Costs

For many years now, it’s become increasingly obvious to Clackamas County residents and leadership that the current courthouse would someday need to be replaced. The courthouse was constructed in 1936, nearly 100 years ago. Clackamas County had fewer than 50,000...

Holding ourselves accountable. An 18 month check-in.

Long before I ever served in any public office, I believed in holding elected officials accountable for upholding the promises they made while campaigning for their positions. All these years later, I still feel the same way. This is especially...

Managing Tax Dollars the Right Way

I’ve long maintained that government agencies should manage taxpayer dollars the same way individuals and households manage their finances. As chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, I take this fiduciary duty very seriously. I have to live within...