Public comment spotlights recovery-services debate, arts funding and Stafford Road concerns

During the public-comment period at the June 25 Clackamas County Board meeting, multiple residents pressed the board on substance-use services, local arts funding and transportation projects.

Mitchell Doig, a self-described nationally recognized expert in substance use disorder treatment and Oregon City resident, criticized board members’ recent comments about harm-reduction programs and urged the county to redirect settlement-board funding toward treatment and prevention rather than ordinance-driven enforcement. "An ordinance like this has one function. It creates a bottleneck," Doig said, arguing that regulation could push residents out of county services and increase public-health risks.

Commissioner Savas and others responded in the session’s discussion period, saying they value residents' input and stressing tension between harm-reduction tools and building a care continuum; Savas acknowledged the complexity and urged continued public engagement.

On arts funding, Susan Schenk, representing the Clackamas County Arts Alliance, said recent funding cuts will impede operations and could lead to layoffs; she asked the board to reconsider full funding to preserve local arts programs and community exhibitions.

Several residents including Kelly Bartholomew expressed concern about Stafford Road projects, warning that roundabout construction and widened corridors could permanently alter rural character, remove mature trees and cause property impacts. Commissioners said they would weigh residents’ concerns alongside safety data and partner funding as they move right-of-way work forward.

The board acknowledged the breadth of public comment and asked staff to keep the public informed as policies and projects proceed.