OPINION: Vote for two proven leaders in Clackamas County

Craig Roberts was Clackamas County sheriff for 16 years before retiring in 2020. Sheriff Brandenburg is now seeking her second term while Roberts runs for Clackamas County board chair. I had the pleasure of working with them both during my career managing Clackamas County’s Behavioral Health Crisis Systems.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is thriving — no surprise given the strong leadership of the past 20 years. Clackamas County is the safest of the five largest counties in Oregon for 2022 and 2023. While other jurisdictions struggle with sworn staff retention, Brandenburg hired 52 last year alone. She led the renewal of the Public Safety Local Option Levy, funding 26 new sworn positions, a body camera program and a medical/behavioral health unit in the jail. She oversaw the largest fentanyl bust in Oregon’s history, partnered with businesses targeting organized retail theft, consolidated parole and probation and accountability for greater efficiency. Brandenburg is a tough leader who demands accountability.

Roberts’s accomplishments are also impressive. He brought leaders together to establish the Family Justice Center and the county’s first child abuse assessment center. He expanded an 18-month residential substance abuse recovery program for offenders. Roberts was the first regionally to embed mental health workers with patrol. He chaired the Oregon Task Force on Safe Schools establishing Oregon’s tip-line for students with safety concerns and partnered with Clackamas NAMI to create a mandatory crisis intervention and de-escalation training for his staff. Roberts is an innovative, solution-focused leader who get things done.

Brandenburg and Roberts have demonstrated they prioritize collaboration, service and accountability. Both have the experience and moral compass to professionally navigate diverse public opinion — while effectively doing their jobs in service to the people of Clackamas County.

Join me in voting for Roberts and Brandenburg.

Martha Spiers

Oregon City