Last week, Metro signed a significant new contract with Miller Paint, a business based in my district, for the distribution of MetroPaint. This collaboration highlights a successful public-private partnership that supports our economy while helping reduce and recycle waste.

When I was given the opportunity to represent the communities of east Multnomah County as your Metro Councilor, I had hopes that we could realize great gains through collaboration. There is a critical need for governments and business to work together to solve problems as we navigate through a complicated present into a changing future.

Last Friday, I joined a group of about 150 policymakers on a bike ride throughout the east part of the region.  I was happy to be able to welcome this group to the east side and to showcase the Intertwine – the network of parks, trails, and natural areas throughout our region.  The bike ride highlighted some of the region’s best trails and natural areas, as well as the connections still needed to complete the network.

Sustained economic competitiveness and prosperity is one of the key attributes of a great community, and in these difficult times we need to do all we can to support our businesses. Active and busy downtowns support both businesses and communities.

Transportation investments set the stage for economic growth by ensuring that people, goods, and services can move efficiently and safely within a community and around the region. The East Metro Connections Plan – or EMCP – is a collaborative effort of Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village, Multnomah County and Metro to create a vision for a prosperous and successful East Metro region.

One of the great things about living in this area is the many great neighborhoods, with homes and shops within easy reach. Any effort we can make to expand those opportunities is something we should pursue. That's why I was glad to be part of a recent unanimous Metro Council vote keep forging ahead with the Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project.

One of my roles as a Metro Councilor is to serve as a liaison to the Intertwine Alliance. What is the Intertwine, anyway?

One of my goals as a Metro Councilor is to do what I can to ensure that our aspirations for our cities and communities come to fruition. I believe that developing a community investment strategy will better help us reach those aspirations and make sure that our communities are great places to live. Furthermore, the east part of the Metro region needs more jobs; good jobs that can support a family. Identifying the most important public investment projects and strategies to implement those projects will take us one step closer to being more prosperous.  

I have been in office as the District 1 Metro Councilor for almost two months. I ran for this position because of my interest in economic development, the environment, recycling, smart land-use planning, and public green spaces, which are all part of Metro's diverse portfolio. This confluence of my interests and passions makes it easy for me to promise I will dedicate all my focus to serving the public and representing the voters of my district.

It is with great joy, humility and anticipation that I look forward to the next four years serving as Metro Councilor for District 1. My six years serving on the Gresham City Council was rewarding and helped me clarify where my interests and talents are most suited, and that is here at Metro.