Bipartisan coalition supports Clackamas County’s continued equity, inclusion work

Published 3:24 pm Thursday, July 6, 2023

1. Former Clackamas County director: ‘Ill-advised’ courthouse financing could have lasting impact
2. Clackamas County Republicans dispute Tootie Smith’s ‘bunch of noise’ censure claim
3. How has Clackamas County turned its focus on equity, diversity and inclusion?
4. Local leaders: Clackamas County Office of Equity and Inclusion must be funded

Over 780 organizations, businesses and a bipartisan group of community leaders are calling on Clackamas County commissioners to support the county’s Office of Equity and Inclusion in response to one of the commissioners who recently voted to defund the office.

Clackamas County’s elected official who wants to defund the Equity and Inclusion Office had previously published heinous statements on his Facebook page representing racist, transphobic, Islamophobic and anti-immigrant views. Commissioner Mark Shull’s suggestion was voted down 9-1 on May 24, but Chair Tootie Smith and Commissioner Ben West vowed to bring the issue back this month.

Commissioners Paul Savas and Martha Schrader are strong supporters of keeping the Equity and Inclusion Office intact, meaning the county could be heading to another controversial 3-2 vote. Savas and Schrader were in the minority on March 22 when a 3-2 decision immediately cost the county $170,000 to reverse the Quality Inn purchase for transitional housing, plus hundreds of thousands of dollars in the value of lost staff time and about an extra $3 million annually to continue to rent the hotel rooms at market rate.

Business and community leaders sent their July 6 letter to commissioners, urging them to increase funding for the Clackamas County Office of Equity and Inclusion as an essential investment, which they say is critical to ensure a welcoming, safe and prosperous community. The letter includes signers from every corner of Clackamas County, from all walks of life, including nonprofit service providers, education leaders, businesses large and small, as well as concerned residents.

Much like the 2021 petition to urge Shull to resign his seat on the county commission, state representatives and faith leaders signed the letter in support of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Office of Equity and Inclusion supporters included several school superintendents around the county.

“The Clackamas County Office of Equity and Inclusion is an essential piece of our region’s shared values of safety and inclusion. By prioritizing the values of equity, this office empowers marginalized voices, addresses systemic inequalities and works towards a more welcoming Clackamas County,” said Cole Merkel, co-director of HereTogether and resident of Oak Grove. “The support on this letter from residents from across Clackamas County demonstrates that creating a community where every individual is valued, respected and has an equal opportunity to thrive is not a partisan issue. Diversity makes our community stronger.”

Organized by HereTogether, the letter was sent to the Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners in advance of their policy meeting on Tuesday, July 11, where they are expected to discuss plans for the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Bob’s Red Mill CEO Trey Winthrop said, “By prioritizing the values of equity and inclusion, we attract talent, enhance productivity and cultivate innovation. Supporting this office is not only morally imperative but also economically advantageous, as it paves the way for a prosperous Clackamas County where everyone can thrive and contribute.”

Elected city leaders in Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Gladstone, Milwaukie, Wilsonville, West Linn and Estacada signed the letter.

“I wholeheartedly endorse and advocate for the continued support of the Office of Equity and Inclusion,” said Lake Oswego Mayor Joe Buck. “The work of this office will foster a stronger sense of community, attract diverse businesses and create an environment where every resident can thrive. The work of this office is not only essential for building a respectful and equitable community but also contributes to our county’s long-term economic growth and success.”