Government Affairs Committee

Three candidates for Metro President addressed a packed room of business leaders and local elected officials at the last Wilsonville Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting. The committee hosted a unique forum to hear the candidate viewpoints, and to give members insight to how each would provide leadership for the regional government entity.

Rex Burkholder is a sitting Metro Councilor and has been for nine years. As a candidate, he feels that he brings Metro experience, record of leadership and a record of vision for the area. Before coming to Metro he had private sector experience. At Metro he has been working on transportation choices/investments that focus on outcomes. He supports investments in carbon-reducing light rail, bike and bus rapid transit options. He has championed efforts to protect green regions.

Tom Hughes has 30 years experience in local government, including 15 years on the Hillsboro Planning Commission and eight years as Hillsboro’s mayor. He said that during this time he learned to create an environment within which jobs could be created, stressing the important relationship between business and government. He believes that Metro should be more business-friendly and should help move the region toward full employment.

Bob Stacey has 35 years experience in four levels of government, including City of Portland, Tri-met, State of Oregon (working for Governor Roberts), and serving Congressman Blumenauer in Washington D.C. He was Executive Director and staff attorney for 1000 Friends of Oregon, a prominent land use and conservation group, and was also in private law practice. Stacey noted his hands-on experience with growth management and land use.

Each candidate responded to questions provided in advance by Chamber members. The session is detailed in the minutes, which will be distributed at our April meeting and are available to all members on request.

On April 7 at 12:00 noon the committee will hear from Cynthia Thompson of WES. She will provide a background and update on recent discussions regarding WES service reductions to Wilsonville.

Please read the Spokesman Article and see the video about the Forum here.