29 May 2023

Unveiling the ClackCo Audit: Delving into Claims of Misused Funds in the Sheriff’s Office

Published on Koin.com Tootie Smith leads calls for transparency in the audit of ClackCo Sheriff's Office budget following allegations of fund misuse. Smith's advocacy highlights the importance of accountability in public expenditure, ensuring taxpayer trust and effective governance. Read the...

19 October 2022

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...

7 September 2022

All About the Economy

This has been a rough year for households all across the United States, Oregon and Clackamas County. Reckless federal spending policies have reduced the value of the dollar and caused the worst inflation in four decades. The results are hitting...

27 July 2022

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...

9 June 2021

Promises Made, Promises Kept

This time last year, I was elected chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners outright in the May 2020 primary election. I accomplished this by winning over 50 percent of the vote, meaning that a runoff in the November...

13 April 2021

Hold Their Feet to the Fire

As chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, it’s my job to set the agenda in such a way that the county’s 400,000 residents are well-served. When I suspect that they aren’t being well-served, I must bring that to...

30 March 2021

Tipping Fee Tipping Point.

Metro is up to its same old tricks. And we need to tell them to stop it. Metro is overcharging for residential garbage and the Clackamas County Commission can put an end to this by simply amending the county code...

12 May 2020

Public Service Should Be a Sacrifice

I still fondly remember the two terms that I served in the Oregon Legislature. Because I was on the budget-writing Ways and Means Committee, each legislative session meant getting to the capitol early each morning and staying well into the...

5 May 2020

A Higher Standard

Public officials are held to high standards, and for good reason—their roles involve being stewards of taxpayer dollars. That’s why it’s important that people holding elected office strive to be honest and ethical. One of the main reasons I’m running...