“The makeup of commissioners is probably the best I’ve seen in years.”

That was the takeaway from Rhododendron CPO President Steve Graeper at
the CPO meeting held March 18 at The Resort in Welches.

The CPO session attracted an official crowd of 47 – those who signed in – but
it was considered to be a larger group than that.

Besides the discussing of CPO business, newly elected Clackamas County
Commissioner Ken Humberston, and newly appointed interim Commissioner
Sonya Fischer took their initial bows on the Mountain, doubtlessly prompting
Graeper’s praise for the makeup and shakeup of the Board of Commissioners
(BCC).

Humberston was impressed by the turnout of local residents and saw it as a
sign of solidarity within the community.

“When a community is well-organized and efficiently led, and comes united
before the commissioners, things will get done,” Humberston said.

He also noted that he plans to be a more visual presence on the Mountain and
invited anyone to contact him with their concerns. He said he had toured
some of the Mountain’s problem areas and is looking forward to doing what he
can to help the community resolve them.

Fischer acknowledged her understanding of the workings of the BCC was
limited and that there was much to learn, but said she is excited by the
challenge.

Fischer noted that she “has a heart for giving a voice” to those who feel they
are not being heard, and that is something she will address as a
commissioner.

In other business, the CPO:

Discussed the proposed boundary changes and it was pointed out that it will
bring two water associations into one boundary and will aid the CPO in
qualifying for low-income funding;

The next step in the boundary issue is the staff recommendations to the BCC
along with public testimony at a date yet to be determined;

The Rhody Rising project continues as a work in progress and is still in the
conceptual stages, but there is a strong feeling of optimism that
Rhododendron can once again be a vibrant community;

andThe steering committee for Rhody Rising was announced.