Josephine County Commissioner Simon Hare and Columbia County Commissioner Tony Hyde were invited to a Multnomah County Board of Commissioners meeting last week to discuss timber issues. The invitation came from Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack, who said she wanted to open a conversation about how Multnomah County can understand rural counties more effectively.

“I think often times Multnomah County is seen as hostile,” said Shiprack. “We don’t want to be seen as hostile.”

Hare talked about his background working for former Sen. Gordon Smith and lobbying in Washington, D.C. for rural Oregon issues. “This meeting is a good start,” said Hare. “We need to keep the conversation going so that we can find ways to help all of Oregon.”

Hyde discussed the history of the Secure Rural Schools Act and payment in lieu of taxes history to the commission. The commissioners welcomed continued conversations.

AOC Policy Manager Patrick Sieng is staff for District 8.