Stacey: “We need to address the land we already have.” And his goal (found in the Oregonian) of housing standards “is to create great spaces, not pack people in.” He doesn’t support the present Columbia Crossing preferring 6 lanes vs 10. He has criticized the financing too.

Hughes offered little substantive content in the Daily Journal article. Even addressing the tolls on the Columbia Crossing he offered nothing concrete as to making the tolls fair except to say that he wants it to be fair. Like a politician would say anything different.

Hughes is a little too self-important. “Hughes believes the [Columbia Crossing] project is ready to move forward, and that Metro could help with him at the helm.” Relying on his “success” in attracting businesses (he will keep telling you), he wants to expand the role of Metro beyond the charter and mission into attracting businesses to the Metro area..

As an agency that spans three counties Clackamas, Multnomah & Washington and serves 25 cities – its mission and charter suggests that it was never intended for the Metro government to be involved in attracting businesses. It has at best a quality of life mission. Take a look as how Metro sees its regional responsibilities.

Just how many governmental agencies are necessary to serve residents of these counties and cities? There is nothing positive about an expansive, i.e., power grabbing, government agency that for all practical purposes is immune from direct accountability.

How many people can name the councilor for your location? What does anyone know about Carlotta Collette, Rod Park, Carl Hosticka, Kathryn Harrington, Rex Burkholder, or Robert Liberty?