Sowing the seeds for East County’s future
By VINCE JONES-DIXONMultnomah County Commissioner, District 4 As your County Commissioner, my focus is on ensuring that East County — from city centers to rural communities — has the resources it needs to thrive. In this March column, I am excited to share our partnership with a powerhouse for our community: the Oregon State University […]
Oregon legislature: Land of the elite and entitled
By CHRISTINE DRAZANState Senator, District 26 — Editor’s Note: In February and early March, the Oregon Legislature has been in its bi-annual “short” session. — On issue after issue this week I saw pure political power exercised at the expense of constitutional freedoms and the will of the people. Just a few of the issues that […]
Big plans for Clackamas County roads
By BEN WESTClackamas County Commissioner, Position 5 — Clackamas County has been busy making our transportation system safer, smoother, and easier to use. From fixing intersections to planning for the future, here’s what’s happening and why it matters. The county recently started the process of updating its 20-year Transportation System Plan (TSP). Think of it […]
Sandy Police Department conducts pedestrian safety mission
The late January enforcement action resulted in a number of citations and attracted both support and concern By MIKE WILEYPublisher During midday on Thursday, January 29th, if you were driving west on Hwy. 26 going into Sandy on Proctor Blvd., you would have seen downtown Sandy lit up with bright flashing lights from multiple police […]
The Heart of an Educator
Mt. Hood Community College has over 14,000 students, but it still seems personal, intimate. College President Lisa Skari has helped make it that way. On a recent, unusually bright and warm winter day, Lisa Skari was dressed in a light sweater and slacks. She walked across the campus and down the concrete outdoor corridors that […]
CHRISTINE DRAZAN: Give voters the final say
By CHRISTINE DRAZAN, State Senator, District 26 — As I begin my role representing Senate District 26, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this district of hardworking families, neighbors who help one another, and communities who care for each other. I am excited to begin meeting with people across the district to […]
Desperately seeking George Bailey
By MIKE WILEY, Publisher — I’m not a fan of superhero movies. Why? Because they paint a deceptive picture of what the world needs. Unrealistic, fictional characters with superhuman or magical powers? No. Our world and communities today really need more George Baileys. George Bailey is the main character in the classic holiday movie, “It’s […]
Christmas: The Invasion of Hope
By MIKE WILEY, Publisher Some time ago, I read a book about the meaning of life by Canadian professor and psychologist Jordan Peterson. The book, which was a huge best-seller, is called 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos.One thing I quickly discovered is that you really have to put on your big boy […]
BEN WEST: County year in review
By BEN WEST, Clackamas County Commissioner, Position 5 — As the holiday season blankets Clackamas County in a gentle frost and twinkling lights adorn our neighborhoods, I find myself reflecting on the past year with a heart full of gratitude. As your County Commissioner, it’s my privilege to serve this vibrant community, and what better […]
Voters turn down Oregon Trail District bond measure
By MIKE WILEY, Publisher — The bond measure, which would have hiked local property taxes, was defeated by an overwhelming margin — In the November 4 Special Election, voters in the Oregon Trail School District decisively rejected a proposed $172.2 million infrastructure bond, handing district officials a sharp defeat and complicating plans for long-planned upgrades […]