Editor’s note: Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Stay informed with OPB on the presidential race, key congressional battles and other local contests and ballot measures in Oregon and Southwest Washington at opb.org/elections.
Clackamas County voters have two key county-wide races on the ballot this year. Both races are runoff elections because candidates did not achieve more than 50 percent of the vote in May.
OPB asked candidates for Clackamas County’s Board of Commissioners the same questions. Candidates were instructed to limit responses to 150 words. Anything beyond that word count was eliminated, even mid-sentence. Responses are otherwise untouched and presented as received. Read Tootie Smith’s responses here.
To start, please give us your name and basic biographical details, including your current position or job, any elected offices you have held and any key facts you would like voters to know about you.
I’m Craig Roberts, a lifelong Clackamas County resident. I have devoted my life to keeping our community safe, livable, and improving people’s lives. With over 40 years of dedication to public safety, including 16 years as your Sheriff, I have a proven track record to address our county’s most pressing challenges.
Craig Roberts, the former sheriff of Clackamas County, is a candidate in 2024 for the chair of the county's board of commissioners.
Court
My motto as Sheriff was, “Working Together to Make a Difference” and I believe that bringing key stakeholders together, creating a plan and acting swiftly leads to real solutions. This approach led to the creation of the Children’s Center, the County’s first child abuse assessment center, and A Safe Place, the County’s family justice center for domestic violence survivors in Oregon City. It also helped establish the Clackamas Substance Abuse Program, an effective in-patient treatment program for adults in custody.
My four decades in public service has given me the skills to bring people together and get things done.
What makes you the best candidate to serve on the county commission during this time?
I am uniquely qualified to be Commission Chair. With 16 years as Sheriff, I managed the largest County general fund budget and understand public budgeting better than any current commissioner. My opponent insists there’s no budget crisis even though her Chief Financial Officer told county directors and elected officials that the County budget was not sustainable. As chair, County finances will be accountable to taxpayers and transparent.
The current divisive leadership shuts out fellow commissioners and shuts down public participation. Closed-door decisions erode trust and cause poor outcomes on key issues like a sustainable budget, housing, mental health, and economic growth. I have proven experience listening to and respecting all viewpoints. In today’s divided political climate, this approach is essential. I will lead Clackamas County with transparency and collaboration. And do what’s right for our community, not my position.
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Is the supportive housing services tax doing enough to help the county address homelessness? Why or why not?
The Metro Supportive Housing Services tax is making a difference by helping the County move people experiencing homelessness into housing and keeping people from becoming homeless. The SHS dollars allow the County to meet critical service needs without placing an additional burden on property tax revenue. What the SHS dollars do not allow the County to do however, is pay for new housing construction or purchase buildings to renovate into housing. This is a critical restriction that weakens the County’s ability to make lasting housing gains by increasing affordable and subsidized housing. I recognize our region has a significant tax burden. I am open to a reduced SHS tax rate, but I want to understand the service impacts before supporting a specific number.
Portland’s reputation has taken a considerable hit in recent years. What effect does that have on Clackamas County?
Portland’s challenges impact the entire tri-county area, including Clackamas County. Issues like crime and homelessness don’t stay within city limits— they affect our businesses, safety, and quality of life. Our county neighborhoods that border Portland know this too well. As Sheriff for 16 years, I focused on regional collaboration to tackle complex problems such as drug enforcement, domestic violence, and human trafficking. My opponent has a closed-door approach to working with regional partners that isolates our County from collaborative lasting solutions. I have a different approach that protects what makes our county unique. I will build strong partnerships with regional leaders to address key issues like the lack of mental health and substance abuse resources, transportation, affordable housing, and access to quality jobs. By working together with our regional partners, we can address these challenges and keep Clackamas County a great place to live, work and play.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the county and what specific policies or programs would you propose to address it?
Lack of mental illness and substance abuse resources is the biggest problem facing our County. To give people hope, they need access to effective treatment services and housing. Unfortunately, Oregon ranks near the bottom in the nation for providing these services, leaving our county in a crisis. Commissioners must recognize this urgency. Too often, those needing treatment end up in the criminal justice system. As Sheriff, I saw this firsthand, that is why I helped build a successful in-patient drug and alcohol treatment program for adults in custody called the Clackamas Substance Abuse Program. This program works—few graduates return to crime and part of their success is being housed during treatment. To tackle our shortage of treatment beds and housing, we must work with legislators, cities, and health providers to develop a county-focused plan to help our community overcome this crisis.
Related: Issues important to Oregon voters
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the county and what specific policies or programs would you propose to address it?
Lack of mental illness and substance abuse resources is the biggest problem facing our County. To give people hope, they need access to effective treatment services and housing. Unfortunately, Oregon ranks near the bottom in the nation for providing these services, leaving our county in a crisis. Commissioners must recognize this urgency. Too often, those needing treatment end up in the criminal justice system. As Sheriff, I saw this firsthand, that is why I helped build a successful in-patient drug and alcohol treatment program for adults in custody called the Clackamas Substance Abuse Program. This program works—few graduates return to crime and part of their success is being housed during treatment. To tackle our shortage of treatment beds and housing, we must work with legislators, cities, and health providers to develop a county-focused plan to help our community overcome this crisis.
Related: Listen to 'OPB Politics Now'
What’s one thing Oregonians, or Portlanders, get wrong about Clackamas County?
Often Clackamas County is seen as just a suburb of Portland, but that view misses the mark. Clackamas County is one of Oregon’s most diverse and dynamic regions, blending urban areas, rural farmlands, and the stunning landscapes of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Our economy isn’t just robust; it’s varied—anchored by agriculture, timber, manufacturing, healthcare, business services, and more. We’re home to tech and aerospace companies, and state of-the-art training centers that provide opportunities to learn valuable trades and build successful careers. Clackamas County is more than a Portland neighbor; it’s a thriving community with a unique identity, driving growth and innovation in the State.