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Residents urge civility and transparency as commissioners face scrutiny; board calls for collegiality
Summary
Multiple public commenters on Jan. 16 urged civility, transparency and adherence to oaths after recent controversies involving commissioners. Speakers called for colleagues to "mind their oath of office" and for elected officials to avoid personal attacks.
Several residents used public comment time at the Jan. 16 Clackamas County Board of Commissioners meeting to press elected officials on conduct, transparency and immigration-enforcement policy.
Richard Bargalski of Oregon City, a voter who said he participated in recent elections, urged commissioners to "mind their oath of office, quit the games and work together," calling for moderation and bipartisanship after a divisive period on the board. "Make local politics boring again," he said.
Other callers and commenters raised related concerns. Michael Webber urged a reduction in confrontational rhetoric and said public officials should "tone down the rhetoric and focus in on the county business." Steven Hunter criticized past board statements about censorship and public speech and read historical material about oaths; he also urged compliance with the law on immigration enforcement. Christine Kennedy, chair of the Justice Committee for the Democratic Party of Clackamas County, urged the county to "comply with the law, that's currently the law in Oregon" on immigration matters and to use resources with "health, safety, and compassion."
In response, several commissioners stressed the value of civility and working relationships. Commissioner Schroeder urged colleagues to give one another "grace to succeed" and emphasized personal relationships as a path to collaboration, noting she remains in contact with former commissioners. Chair Roberts and other commissioners reiterated that public comment is valued and staff and counsel will handle legal questions.
The transcript includes public expressions of concern about an ongoing investigation involving an incoming commissioner; speakers urged transparency and legal compliance but did not cite formal legal actions taken by the board. The board did not take formal disciplinary action during the meeting.
