Basic Philosophy
I believe good legislation:
- addresses a quantifiable problem
- is tailored as narrowly as possible
- is likely to be effective in its objective
- is at the appropriate level of government
Here are a few of my positions on issues facing the county:
Animal Control
The review and revamp of Animal Services should continue, and while a new facility is needed, this will take time to build. In the meantime, the county should explore a temporary, leased facility, to allow more efficient operations.
Emergency Services
The two-paramedic rule, unique to Multnomah County, should be repealed, which will allow improved response times, especially in rural areas of the county.
Non-profits
I call for an audit of every non-profit receiving more than $20,000 per annum from the county. We must make sure we, the taxpayers, are getting value for our money.
Hard Drugs
Measure 110 was a mistake. Voters were misled into passing this by outside groups with lots of money, and the results have been disastrous. It must be repealed. While I generally side with individual choice and responsibility, these drugs remove the consent of the user through rapid addiction or worse. This is a state issue, but the board has a voice, and should use it, just as Coos County’s board did.
Graffiti/Vandalism
We need to work with the Sheriff’s Office to aggressively combat this, and punish the vandals, instead of its victims (often small businesses) as it results in a general increase in the sense of lawlessness that has permeated our county.
Corrections
We must fully fund existing jail beds to provide the court system with a place to send criminals, as needed.