During a recent Clackamas County Board of Commissioners meeting, public communication took center stage, allowing residents to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding county operations. The session began with a reminder of the nonpartisan nature of the board and the guidelines for public testimony, which is limited to three minutes per speaker.

Lori Kimmel, a resident from South Clackamas County, raised a grievance regarding her experience while attempting to deposit her ballot. She described an incident on October 28th where she felt impeded by an elderly man at the entrance of the clerk's office, who questioned her intentions. Kimmel noted that despite the presence of six staff members, they were not actively assisting voters. She suggested that having fewer staff members on the floor, along with properly trained volunteers, could improve the experience for voters. Kimmel also highlighted issues with access to public restrooms, which were blocked during her visit. She expressed frustration over not receiving a response to her concerns after reaching out to the Board of County Commissioners and Commissioner Schull.

Following Kimmel, Les Poole addressed the board, focusing on transportation issues within the county. He emphasized the importance of Interstate 205 as a critical component of Clackamas County's transportation infrastructure, linking it to the county's economic vitality. Poole referenced a document from 2013 that outlined the significance of transportation to the county's economy, noting that the same concerns remain relevant today.

The meeting underscored ongoing community engagement with local governance, as residents articulated their experiences and suggestions for improvement in county services.