As members of the Stafford Hamlet Board, we represent the residents that live within the boundary of the Stafford Hamlet in unincorporated Clackamas County. We are interested in learning the views of nearby candidates about the future of the Stafford Hamlet. Since we are such close neighbors—bordered by West Linn, Lake Oswego and Tualatin— each city’s decisions about numerous issues impact the Hamlet.
Lake Oswego Mayor
Question:
Joe Buck
I am grateful the Hamlet is involved in this race. As we both know there is much at stake in the outcome.
I was a strong supporter of the adoption of the current IGA. I believe it represents a good path to preserving what’s special about the Hamlet, an important ecological buffer between the cities as well as important and unique semi-urban farm land, while looking towards limited smart, low density growth down the road in appropriate areas (as well as potential commercial development closer to I205). There is much to consider, though, before that all occurs, and the role of the Hamlet in the discussion with the three cities, Clackamas County and Metro is imperative. The 10 year moratorium provides an opportunity for further study of what infrastructure needs would look like for the jurisdictions, and it is a long trajectory I support. I will stand up to lawsuits fighting the thoughtful path ahead.
In general I believe growth should occur in a thoughtful way that works to preserve open space and natural areas while concentrating housing near employment and transit. The UGB is an important tool in ensuring our urban areas meet the density requirements needed to support a growing population. I believe there is improvement needed to ensure those requirements are in fact being met. It is a fact that our metro area is under built. Damaging open space and farmland, however, is not the answer. Nor does providing housing far from employment, transit and services support other overarching goals of environmental stewardship and increasing the quality of life for all in our communities.
Lake Oswego City Council
Questions:
- How familiar are you with the vision of the Stafford Hamlet?
- The Hamlet sits in a sensitive interface between rural property and urban cities. One vision for our area is to promote local agriculture, involving partners from local governments, school districts, conservation groups and youth programs like 4H and FFA. How do you view the Stafford Hamlet, its vision and its relationship with your city?
- What is your assessment of the $2.7 billion cost estimates identified by local professional planners for the urbanization of the Stafford Hamlet?
- In what way do you see the three-party IGA resolving future expansion pressures?
- What do you see as the top three challenges your city is facing?
- What value do you think Luscher Farm adds to your city?
Tualatin City Council
Questions:
- How familiar are you with the vision of the Stafford Hamlet?
- The Hamlet sits in a sensitive interface between rural property and urban cities. One vision for our area is to promote LOCAL agriculture, involving partners from local governments, school districts, conservation groups and youth programs like 4H and FFA. How do you view the Stafford Hamlet, its vision and its relationship with your city?
- What is your assessment of the $2.7 billion cost estimates identified by local professional planners for the urbanization of the Stafford Hamlet?
- In what way do you see the three-party IGA resolving future expansion pressures?
- What do you see as the top three challenges your city is facing?
- Are you interested in replicating the Luscher Farm Model in or near your city?
West Linn Mayor
Questions:
- How familiar are you with the vision of the Stafford Hamlet?
- The Hamlet sits in a sensitive interface between rural property and urban cities. One vision for our area is to promote LOCAL agriculture, involving partners from local governments, school districts, conservation groups and youth programs like 4H and FFA. How do you view the Stafford Hamlet, its vision and its relationship with your city?
- What is your assessment of the $2.7 billion cost estimates identified by local professional planners for the urbanization of the Stafford Hamlet?
- In what way do you see the three-party IGA resolving future expansion pressures?
- What do you see as the top three challenges your city is facing?
- Are you interested in replicating the Luscher Farm Model in or near your city?
West Linn City Council
Questions:
- How familiar are you with the vision of the Stafford Hamlet?
- The Hamlet sits in a sensitive interface between rural property and urban cities. One vision for our area is to promote LOCAL agriculture, involving partners from local governments, school districts, conservation groups and youth programs like 4H and FFA. How do you view the Stafford Hamlet, its vision and its relationship with your city?
- What is your assessment of the $2.7 billion cost estimates identified by local professional planners for the urbanization of the Stafford Hamlet?
- In what way do you see the three-party IGA resolving future expansion pressures?
- What do you see as the top three challenges your city is facing?
- Are you interested in replicating the Luscher Farm Model in or near your city?
Rory Bialostosky
Response:
- I spoke with Mayor Axelrod (I’m proud to have his support in this race) about the Hamlet’s vision to get up to speed on the latest information about the most recent discussions regarding the Hamlet’s vision, and I read through the Community Vision Plan to read the specifics that the Hamlet would like to see down the line. I am supportive of the vision for small scale agriculture and a thoughtful approach that keeps Stafford rural during my term on City Council. I am also committed to including the Hamlet in any discussions that take place on the topic of urbanization. It is great to see that community members in the Hamlet are engaged and I look forward to working with them and learning from them in the future.
- I view the Hamlet as an important group that will be involved in the discussions surrounding the future of their land. As the real landowners and residents, the Hamlet’s perspective is really important to me. I am very open to the idea of partnering with the Hamlet to promote local and small scale agriculture among other things. I would encourage anyone interested in discussing this to reach out to me on my website as I am very eager to listen and learn more about the possibilities of partnership.
- My first thought is where is that money going to come from? That is a ton of money that far exceeds our city budget. I don’t think it’s the kind of investment that the cities should move towards. We can’t put it on the taxpayers or homeowners within the Hamlet to build cities or cover development costs. We’ve got our own projects to work on within our City, and our roads can’t handle that sort of growth right now.
I see the three-party IGA as a vital document that provides a network for cities to work together to make reasonable, respectful decisions on the issue of development. Thankfully, the cities will determine the destiny for the land rather than the state. I spoke with Mayor Axelrod who tells me that there isn’t pressure to grow right now, so I don’t see legitimate expansion pressures being thrust upon us during my term on the City Council.
Here are some of my priorities for West Linn in my mind (I’m listing four!):
Addressing potential impacts of tolling on I-205;
Enacting policies to promote police accountability in response to recent revelations of misconduct.
Rebuilding our reputation with regional partners and advocating with them to support our shared community interests.
Electing councilors (like myself) who want to represent the entire community and make community-based decisions in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.
Yes, I’m interested in this idea as I know Luscher Farm is a great place! I’m eager to discuss this with the members of the Hamlet and look forward to talking to you all soon!
Oregon House District 37
Questions:
- How familiar are you with the vision of the Stafford Hamlet?
- The Hamlet sits in a sensitive interface between rural property and urban cities. One vision for our area is to promote local agriculture, involving partners from local governments, school districts, conservation groups and youth programs like 4H and FFA. How do you view the Stafford Hamlet, its vision and its relationship with HD37?
- What is your assessment of the $2.7 billion cost estimates identified by local professional planners for the urbanization of the Stafford Hamlet?
- In what way do you see the three-party IGA resolving future expansion pressures?
- What do you see as the top three challenges HD37 is facing?
