The most accurate polling is the message that comes from election results. In 2020 and 2022, the results sent a powerful message from the voters in Clackamas County: We can’t afford more tax increases and unjustified expenses.
Numerous METRO spending measures were turned down by the County voters in recent years. Most notable was a rejection of their transportation measure originally created for congestion relief. Over time it became a $5.5 billion wage tax proposal, primarily dedicated to more transit. The ill-conceived measure was promoted by Chair Lynn Peterson and the METRO Council as “a bold reimagining of our future”. It wasn’t. The ratio of defeat in Clackamas was 66% to 33%. Similar results occurred in Multnomah and Washington Counties.
Election outcomes and METRO’s growing list of expensive failures are clear evidence it’s time to reconsider their vison for our future; and its cost. We need strong leadership from the County Commissioners on transportation policy and other big issues. We cannot afford more unproven schemes such as METRO’s zealous support for the plan to toll drivers on existing highways.
Les Poole
Clackamas County
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