NEWS HOME

What is District 2 and why should you care?
Editorial by Virginia Bruce

Most of us get our news from national and regional sources, and very little attention is focused on local politics. Portland news outlets rarely spend time covering issues that affect us most in Washington County. But the activities of local governments have more effect on our lives than those covered on the national and regional news.

The current election, which ends on May 20, may be one of the most important ballots we cast. It gives us a chance to choose two of the people who will have a great influence on the future of the area. Washington County is run by the elected Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Four Commissioners are elected by the voters in their districts, and the Chair is elected by voters from the entire county.

Cedar Mill is completely within District 2. The district also contains Cedar Hills, Bethany, Rock Creek, and parts of Beaverton. It is entirely within the Urban Growth Boundary. Much of it is Urban Unincorporated County—urbanized areas that are not part of any city. (More about that in the Urban Needs, Rural Government series.)

The race in District 2 is between incumbent Commissioner Greg Malinowski and challenger Bob Zahrowski. Current Chair Andy Duyck is being challenged by Allen Amabisca. The May 20, 2014 election will decide both of these races.

Our County Commissioners make decisions about how our county tax dollars are spent, which road projects will be funded, where growth will occur and how much of this growth will be funded by taxpayers. Our County Commissioner is our main contact for local government issues. Whether it is help with zoning or roads, code violations or navigation of county business regulations, the Commissioner is the person most people will contact for help and explanations.

There has been a 3-2 majority (Commissioners Duyck, Terry and Rogers) on the BCC for several years that consistently supports allowing new development with few requirements for the amenities that create sustainable communities. We get subdivisions with minimal road construction, no land set aside for new schools, access to transit, or common areas for gardens or parks. Impacted community members are frustrated to find out that deals have been made before their concerns are considered. Zahrowski is widely seen as an ally of the current majority.

I urge you to vote for Greg Malinowski, a proven friend of small business and sustainable communities, a supporter of citizen involvement and transparency in government, and a responsive and helpful Commissioner. We also think it's time for a new Chair, and recommend a vote for Allen Amabisca, who has the background to lead, and a strong belief in the need to balance the needs of large and small business, farms and neighborhoods.

Previous article

NEWS HOME