Issues
As your Clackamas County Commissioner I have focused on 3 areas: Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!
• Economic Recovery
Just like our partners at the Federal and State government we want to put people back to work, our businesses to succeed, grow, thrive, and recover quickly. One of the ways the County is spurring recovery is by aggressively seeking federal stimulus dollars. So far Clackamas County has received 19 million for transportation, public safety, energy efficiency, and human services projects. We continue to seek addition funds and my goal as your commissioner is to put this money to work and create jobs as soon as possible.
• Implementing Solutions
As a five member commission we have made a difference we are doing the hard and thorough work that needed to be done to get us through this terrible economic downturn, I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and focus on the bottom line.
Our Transportation and Development department has become even leaner and we are tailoring how we do business to meet the demands of the economy, our citizens, and our business community. We have shifted our resources where they are most needed and have the biggest impact.
We have implemented a 4 day work week which has saved a 1/2 million dollars annually in overtime and hundreds of thousands in energy costs yet realized. When possible we have accommodated the needs of the business community by implementing electronic solutions or adjusting hours in departments where there is a need to accommodate customers.
When project changes occur because of unforeseen circumstances we have been extending review and permitting without having to start the building permit process in most cases over again.
• Providing outstanding service to citizens and our customers
Our promise to you has always been to be accountable, transparent, and efficient. Like many of you we are streamlining services and budgeting to perform. As your county commissioner I am Chair of the Audit Committee in its first years and along with Commissioner Lininger working with the budget officer making sure we spend our resources effectively and efficiently.
Our Human Service Department is in the process of redesigning the delivery of behavioral health in an effort to improve service to our most vulnerable.
The County is actively pursuing other state and regional business incentive programs such as Rural Renewable Energy Development Zones (outside the Metro Urban Growth Boundary), Strategic Investment Zones (15 year tax incentive for large capital investments). Both of these are property tax abatement programs that encourage high wage job creation and capital investment.
We are working at a whole new level of outreach in the community, Tourism Development Commission, Economic Development Commission, and in numerous other ways with our business partners at every level because we can actually participate with our fellow commissioners.
As a five member Commission we have been able to spend more time in areas we think we can be most effective. I am serving as the liaison to the Economic Development Commission, Clackamas County Fair, Public Safety, and Sherriff’s Department. How can we provide better service to our customers? Where can we be more efficient and how can we be most effective? How can we do a better job protecting the most vulnerable? Where should we invest and are those investments providing a great return? Is our investment sustainable? How can we support our business partners and create job, profit, and grow the future?
I don’t have all the answers that is why I need your help. I am available to listen to your ideas and be your liaison to the Commission.
Contact me directly at 503-544-2418 or bernardjim@ymail.com
