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 Craig Roberts’ 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.
Tootie Smith, elected Chair Clackamas County Commission.
Born in Oregon City, 4th generation Oregonian and farmer. Live on the family hazelnut farm with husband of 47 years, one daughter.
Tootie Smith, the chair of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, is running for reelection in 2024.
Courtesy of the cama
Served in Oregon Legislature House of Representatives, 2001-2005. Business owner.
BS in Management and Communications from Concordia College, minor in journalism; College of Legal Arts, Mt. Hood Community College, AS.
I enjoy the change of seasons Oregon offers and time on Oregon coast. We host family events on our farm from summer swimming, apple cider making in October to holiday celebrations.
What makes me the best candidate for county commission at this time?
I have led the county through three declared emergencies all at the same. We have hardened our emergency management systems to be more reactive and educational. Additionally, we were able to make gains on reducing homelessness by 65%, which is ongoing.
Led the fight to stop tolling and first jurisdiction to support repeal of M 110 and first to fight tolling of I-205. County budget is strong at $153 million in reserves. We have not raised taxes for expenditures for the new courthouse, new center at county fair, two new libraries, 2 clinics, and transportation maintenance facility.
Fully funded police and public safety
We have much more to do as homelessness, addiction and mental illness continues.
Related: What you need to know about voting in Oregon and Southwest Washington
Is the supportive housing services tax doing enough to help the county address homelessness? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe the SHS tax is doing what was intended. Clackamas County reduced homelessness by 65%. As our programs continue, we continue to find ways to get people out of poverty, cure addiction and mental illness and into self-sufficiency. Remember, Clackamas County residents voted no yet they are still taxed, and many are unhappy at the large tax bill.
Portland’s reputation has taken a considerable hit in recent years. What effect does that have on Clackamas County?
Clackamas County shares a 10-mile border with Portland that is flat, seamless and easily traversed. What happens in Portland drifts to us. Both good and bad. We have had to increase the Sheriff patrol budget to fight criminal element of drug addiction, and property crimes. Economically, people are moving out of Portland to Clackamas because of low taxes, safety and overall affordability. Businesses seek to relocate to Clackamas because of less regulation and fees. I look forward to a healthy Portland that is safe and prosperous for all its neighbors.
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?
Candidate did not answer
Related: Listen to 'OPB Politics Now'
What’s one thing Oregonians, or Portlanders, get wrong about Clackamas County?
As Oregon’s third largest county, people may think of Clackamas as a rural outpost of timber, agriculture and recreation. While our border stretches from Wilsonville to Mt. Hood, and from Foster Road down to Marion County, we maintain a large medical cluster and innovative technical manufacturing resources. We sport a population of 430,000 people, 16 cities and some of the richest ROI in the state (Kruse Way) to some disadvantaged areas. We are an exact microcosm of the State of Oregon with an urban rural divide. Our culture is rich in independence, seeks prosperity, supports the rule of law and we care deeply for one another and take care of our own.