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Public commenters urge county accountability, protest permit hikes and raise shelter concerns
Summary
Three public commenters told the board they were seeking accountability and relief: one accused county leadership of ignoring staff complaints and urged action, a food‑truck owner criticized a 33% permit fee increase, and another speaker described inadequate shelter accommodations for a wheelchair user.
During the public‑comment segment of the Multnomah County Board meeting three people addressed the board on separate concerns.
A speaker identifying as "FAFO" gave an extended statement accusing county leadership of failing to protect employees and failing to act on workplace complaints, naming an employee (Travis Brown) who they said is leaving under the weight of complaints. The commenter said they had experienced serious personal harm and urged the board to "stand up for Multnomah County employees" and to stop "disappearing when the alarms are blaring." The board did not deliberate during the public‑comment period.
Desmond Kavanaugh, a local food‑truck owner, said permit prices for food trucks are increasing by 33% and described local economic strain, citing layoffs at the Freightliner plant on Swan Island and other business departures. Kavanaugh said he had tried to contact commissioners for follow‑up and asked for a response from county staff.
A third commenter identifying themself as "Injured" (and using the public handle "pissed off") recounted shelter experiences and raised concerns about accommodations for a person in a wheelchair and uncertainty about decisions to enter care facilities.
The board thanked public commenters and then moved to the regular agenda. No board action was taken on the specific allegations during the meeting; several commissioners later expressed appreciation for public‑health staff and community organizations when discussing related agenda items.
