Beach Pace for Washington County Chair

Written By Tim Rosener

Who do you want leading Washington County?

I don't usually get involved in elections outside of Sherwood. I am meticulous about endorsing candidates that I believe genuinely care about our community and are willing to partner with the Sherwood community in a meaningful way. My perspective is, first and foremost, will this person work hard for Sherwood. I want to share my thoughts on an important race in Washington County with that in mind.

This May, we get to choose the next Washington County Board of Commissioner Chair. When selecting who I vote for, the most important question is their approach to governance and their ability to work with peers and regional partners like Sherwood and other cities in Washington County. 

Why is this race important to Washington County and cities like Sherwood?

Here is just one example. We are experiencing significant safety issues on critical roads in Sherwood Like Edy and Elwert roads, Many of these roads are owned and maintained by the county. To solve congestion and safety issues, we need a solid, effective, and timely partnership from the county. Without that partnership, it is challenging to effect positive change.

We need leadership at the county that promotes partnership over mandates and results over headlines. We need leadership that genuinely represents the desires and needs of the communities, not just a few special interest groups with self-serving agendas. We need leadership that understands and embraces a proactive partnership with cities like Sherwood to solve the challenges that affect all of us. There is no "one size fits all" solution to challenges like congestion, public safety, mental health, and homelessness. Instead, we have to work together to determine what works best in each community. 

Our current county chair is not that kind of partner. Over the last four years since Kathryn Harrington was elected, we have seen a shift away from a tradition of regional partnership. Collaboration has given way to mandates and tactics designed to minimize public and regional input that might oppose her agendas. Unfortunately, these are the tactics we have seen infest Metro, Salem, and our federal government. 

We need a change at Washington County; we need a return to the "Oregon Way." We need leadership that embraces all good ideas regardless of where they come from. We need proactive engagement that aligns with our diverse communities and cities, not just the special interests that fund campaigns. Unfortunately, many people talk about the "Oregon Way," and few embrace it. 

 I am endorsing Beach Pace for Washington County Chair.

Beach Pace is a Veteran and West Point graduate. She currently serves on the Hillsboro city council. She has a pragmatic, direct approach to problem-solving that leans heavily on collaboration and partnership.

I have had the chance to work with Beach and found her to be a collaborative leader who understands the importance of regional partnership and coordination. She understands that staff needs to be empowered to turn policy into results. County staff needs to feel that they are part of the solution and work in a collaborative culture that rewards and celebrates success and mentors and coaches when we face the inevitable hiccups that any high-performing organization will have on that path to positive results. Beach Pace is that kind of servant leader

Beach is committed to the "Oregon Way." 

Don't believe me; look at who has endorsed Beach versus the incumbent Kathryn Harrington. Eleven mayors in Washington county have endorsed Beach. Only two mayors have endorsed Kathryn Harrington. That says it all. The majority of Kathryn Harringtons' endorsements come from Salem and D.C., not the people in Washington County who are on the front lines of creating positive change in our communities. 

So, who do you want leading Washington County? 

Tim Rosener
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