Veteran Politicians Clash for Clackamas County Chair: Smith vs. Roberts
The upcoming race for Clackamas County Chair is heating up as voters prepare to make a crucial decision. On November 5, they will choose between incumbent Tootie Smith and former sheriff Craig Roberts, both notable figures in Clackamas County politics.
An Exciting Rematch for Clackamas County Chair
In a dramatic turn of events, Smith and Roberts, both Molalla High School graduates, find themselves in a rematch after a primary election in May, where neither candidate secured the necessary 50% of the vote. Roberts received 49%, while Smith garnered 40%, with third candidate April Lambert receiving 11%. The nonpartisan role of Clackamas County Chair comes with a salary of £132,818 annually, making this an essential leadership position for the region.
Political Landscape in Clackamas County
Clackamas County stands out in Oregon as a politically balanced region, often referred to as “purple,” with a slight Democratic advantage. Here’s the breakdown of registered voters:
- Democrats: 102,000
- Republicans: 83,000
- Non-affiliated: 108,000
This political landscape sets the stage for an interesting contest between Roberts, a Democrat, and Smith, a Republican. If Roberts wins, it would highlight a trend where Clackamas County chairs serve only a single term, often replaced by candidates from the opposing party.
Candidates’ Strategies and Backgrounds
Both candidates are leaning into their established reputations as they navigate the race.
Craig Roberts:
- Former sheriff from 2005 to 2020
- Positioned as a politically moderate, fiscally conservative option
- Benefitting from strong name recognition and backing from various unions
- Focused on pressing issues like public safety, homelessness, and addiction treatment
Tootie Smith:
- Elected as chair in 2020, succeeding Democrat Jim Bernard
- A hazelnut farmer and former Oregon House representative
- Advocates for continuity in leadership amidst a politically diverse board
- Claims success in addressing homelessness, with a reported 65% drop since 2019
Key Issues: Homelessness, Mental Health, and Public Safety
Both candidates have honed in on themes critical to Oregonians, including:
- Homelessness: Roberts aims to create shared facilities to tackle this pressing issue.
- Mental Health and Addiction Treatment: A focus area for Roberts, highlighting his past efforts as sheriff.
- Public Safety: Both candidates acknowledge its importance, but Roberts emphasizes transparency in budgeting and decision-making.
Fundraising Efforts and Endorsements
Smith currently leads in fundraising with approximately £308,000, compared to Roberts’ £217,000. Her notable supporters include:
- John Lekas, president and CEO of Leader Capital
- Clackamas County Peace Officers Association
- Professional Firefighters of Clackamas County
Conversely, Roberts’ supporters comprise:
- Phillip Fogg, a long-term care executive
- The Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors
- Unions representing public employees and electricians
Facing Controversies and Challenges
Smith has faced her share of controversies, including criticism for ignoring COVID-19 guidelines. However, she promotes her candidacy as a representation of continuity in leadership, stating:
“Even when there’s friction within our board, I strive to represent our vision and policy priorities effectively.”
Roberts has acknowledged the high-profile controversies from his tenure as sheriff, calling them “failures” and emphasizing the importance of learning and improving from past mistakes.
A Unified Vision for Clackamas County
Both candidates claim to represent the community’s needs and offer a unifying vision for the county’s future.
- Roberts: Wants to address urgent issues with transparency and collaboration.
- Smith: Claims her leadership has already led to tangible successes, such as the reduction in homelessness.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?
The outcome of this election could significantly impact Clackamas County’s political direction.
- If Roberts wins, it may continue the trend of short-lived chairs and usher in a new era of leadership.
- If Smith retains her position, she will aim to build on her accomplishments while navigating her past controversies.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Clackamas County
The race for Clackamas County Chair is more than just a contest between two veteran politicians; it’s a pivotal moment for the community. As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 5, the stakes have never been higher.
Both candidates represent distinct paths for Clackamas County’s future, and as we approach Election Day, it’s essential for voters to consider which candidate aligns best with their vision for the county.
Learn More:
- Clackamas County Chair (https://www.clackamas.us/leadership/chair)
- Tootie Smith (https://www.clackamas.us/leadership/smith)
- Craig Roberts (https://www.clackamas.us/leadership/roberts)
- Oregon elections (https://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/index.aspx)
- Public safety (https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Pages/public_safety.aspx)
