Ken Cowdery, champion for helping homeless, to retire (Portland Tribune)

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Ken Cowdery, champion for helping homeless, to retire
Portland Tribune
12/12

Erlbaum also praises the Clackamas County Commission for its support. He is especially thankful to Commissioner Paul Savas, who took the lead in reducing costs and cutting red tape.

After 42 years working on the front line of the homeless problem, Ken Cowdery has come to a simple conclusion.

“The problem is so big and complicated that everyone has to work together to solve it — government, nonprofits and the private sector,” he says.

Cowdery plans to retire from his current job as executive director of the Home Builders Foundation in January. In that capacity, he has worked to connect small operators of emergency shelters needing improvements with contractors and suppliers eager to donate their help and materials. Most of those in need are small faith-based organizations that are barely raising their monthly operating costs but are based in aging buildings that need work. Continue reading…

Danger of congestion and tolling is diversion on local streets

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When the Oregon Legislature passed HB2017 last year, the transportation package did not include any construction funding for Interstate 205 to resolve the 5.8-mile-long bottleneck. The transportation package did however include a mandate to initiate tolling of Interstate 5 and I-205. Now, as the discussion of tolling continues, the concerns of interstate traffic diverting onto local roads is heating up.

If I-5 and I-205 are tolled, how many motorists will use local roads to avoid paying tolls? Diversion is not a new phenomenon; as a result of growing congestion it is already occurring in the Portland-metro region.

Bottlenecks cause more congestion on major highways, which lead to accidents and in some cases fatalities. When there is a major backup on a highway, there are smart-phone applications that provide motorists shortcuts to avoid the traffic ahead, which leads to diversion on local roads. Traffic accidents happen for many reasons, and safety is a real concern for us all. Hence traffic congestion increases the risk of accidents, but also leads to traffic diversion onto local roads, putting our local communities at risk.

Read full article at Clackamas Review.

Our region deserves a balanced approach to clean air—Paul Savas

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Paul Savas writing for the Clackamas Review:

I have been testing tailpipe emissions since 1975. One aspect of my business for over 25 years was specializing in fuel efficient products that reduced emissions, and we were one of the first to register with DEQ’s vehicle emission testing program. As a business owner I made significant investments in specialized testing equipment that measured toxic emissions and CO2. Having expertise in auto and truck emission systems not only resulted in compliance with emissions standards, but we also strived to exceed the standards while increasing fuel economy.

Technological advances have made today’s vehicles powered by internal combustion engines now capable of near zero emissions, provided of course that the vehicle is moving at normal speeds, not stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Traffic congestion reduces fuel economy, resulting in millions of gallons of wasted fuel, and is a large contributor of vehicle produced CO2 emissions and toxics such as nitrogen oxides…(read more)

Savas parries threat from the right

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Clackamas Review – May 20, 2014

Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas, a moderately conservative member of the board, was able to overcome criticisms that he hasn’t been seeing eye-to-eye enough with Chairman John Ludlow and Commissioner Tootie Smith in a defamation campaign that culminated this month in Lake Oswego Councilor Karen Bowerman’s attempt to unseat him.

“I’m certainly pleased that it’s over so I can again focus fully on initiatives for the county,” Savas said while celebrating the election results at High Rocks Restaurant in Gladstone. “People are tired of the rhetoric and disruption and dysfunction, and that’s what I’ve been focusing my campaign on and focusing my whole past four years on.”

Probably managing even to avoid a runoff, Savas was winning the May 20 election outright, based on preliminary results showing him leading Bowerman 51 to 35 percent, but Savas’ own campaign to correct the record has been anything but easy. His campaign couldn’t keep up with all of the rumors and misinformation that Bowerman’s camp spread. After 23 years of an active military career, Rick Best decided to challenge Savas rather than newly re-elected Commissioner Jim Bernard based on flipping a coin, avoided campaign donations and only received about 13 percent of the vote.

“There was so much disinformation between the newsletters and the flyers that I’d have to write three or four pages to correct the record,” Savas said. “I’m going to take that opportunity after the campaign, and I only had so much money in my campaign to address all the misinformation and lies, so we decided to focus on my priorities and my record.”

Savas, an Oak Grove resident since 1985 known for his careful consideration of each issue, has been under attack for a supposed lack of defiance against regional projects such as the Columbia River Crossing, the Sellwood Bridge and TriMet’s light-rail line through Milwaukie. However, Clackamas County voters elected Savas in 2010 based on his experience serving on Oak Lodge water and sewer-system boards, and Tuesday night re-affirmed their support for him in the countywide position. As co-chairman of the Clackamas County Coordinating Committee and a member of the Metro Policy Advisory Committee, he is in a strong position to advocate for local transportation issues on a larger stage.

“I’ve never been a supporter of light rail, and it’s ridiculous that people are leaving me messages saying that I’ve changed my mind on that,” Savas said

http://portlandtribune.com/cr/24-news/221485-82709-savas-parries-threat-from-the-right

Letter to the Editor: Commissioner Savas deserves our vote

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Lake Oswego Review – May 15, 2014
Commissioner Savas deserves our vote

I’m voting for Paul Savas, Clackamas County Commissioner. Here’s why you should, too.

Paul ran a successful small business in Oak Grove for more than 20 years. He brings that practical business experience to the commission.

Paul worked on Oak Grove water and sewer boards for years, and saved ratepayers millions of dollars. He learned how things work in Clackamas County from the ground up.

Paul’s mission is to fix problems. He is not captive to any rigid ideology; he will work with everyone necessary to get things done to improve Clackamas County.

Paul’s record, according to his Oregonian endorsement, is one of competent service. Vote for Paul and keep this common sense straight-shooter on the board of county commissioners.

Richard Jaskiel

Milwaukie

http://www.pamplinmedia.com/lor/49-opinion/220908-81031-readers-letters 

Guest Opinion: Blame game is old game

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Clackamas Review – May 15, 2014

I for one, have done my share of putting out fires, whether it be by testifying at a commission business meeting, or sending written comments to the paper.

Having been active in Clackamas County for over 54 years, and having served in many volunteer positions, putting someone like Paul Savas down doesn’t sit well with me.

Commissioner Savas has served this county well and would like to move things forward if the rhetoric could stop.

I was at the Willamette View political forum on April 29. Those present heard of some of the Paul Savas accomplishments. He told them what he would like to see get done in the future with his colleagues on the commission.

Several contributors to this newspaper belong to the duo group (Commissioner Smith and Chair Ludlow) and write the same things over and over. Jeff Molinari needs to get beyond light rail. It’s here, and like it or not, it’s time to make lemonade out of lemons. Let’s move on with the important factors we are facing in the county.

The blame game is an old game. Paul Savas was a small business owner in this county and has been very active in promoting issues on behalf of other small businesses.

Saying that Paul Savas has “switched sides” is more than a joke, it’s ridiculous. Wondering what he was promised by switching is even a bigger joke. Obviously Mr. Molinari doesn’t know the “real” Paul Savas who works for ALL people of Clackamas County.

Since January, I’ve made it a priority to be all over the county at various functions. “My kudos to Paul Savas for the difference he’s made with his wise decisions” was said by many I talked to.

Please don’t forget to vote and re-elect the man you think so much of!

Ginny Davidson is a resident of Milwaukie.

http://www.pamplinmedia.com/cr/28-opinion/220444-80966-blame-game-is-old-game 

May Update: News from Friends of Paul Savas

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Alert: Don’t be fooled!

Dear Friends,

With only 6 days remaining till the May 20 election we are in full campaign mode. It is time to encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to vote.

I am honored to announce that I have received numerous key endorsements and the list continues to grow. The North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce, Wilsonville area Chamber of Commerce, Portland Metropolitan Realtors Association just to name a few. My support base is broad and includes local residents, business organizations and elected officials. Visit my website and view the list.

A recurring theme expressed from my supporters is a desire for stable leadership, experience, and competence. The recent endorsement by the Oregonian summed it up; “The moderate incumbent has served competently, and the voters have no reason to replace him.”

My campaign is focused on the issues that are important to the future of our county. We must position the county to take advantage of the economic recovery and create a favorable environment to encourage employers to locate or expand in Clackamas County and create new jobs.

I have successfully advocated for road & highway projects that will reduce traffic congestion. I continually advocate for budget reductions and directing those savings to road maintenance. We are currently fulfilling a 2011 agreement with the public safety districts to close the Town Center urban renewal district and build the critical infrastructure of mutual concern.

If you received a negative campaign message from my opposition please contact me, I am happy to present you with the facts, most people realize these materials are loaded with false claims. Don’t be fooled!

Should you have any questions feel free to call me at 503.312.1379. If you google my name and the issue you are concerned about a news article will
often appear with factual information.

My track record of accomplishments and responsible leadership has earned the endorsements from a broad range of the political spectrum.
Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and non affiliated voters value good governance and common sense leaders that can work across party lines, and I appreciate that broad support!

My re-election will help get the county back on track with common sense leadership!

Best Regards,
Paul Savas

P.S. I need your support, Visit my website Remember to Vote for Paul Savas!
Contact Information
Email us or call Paul at 503.312.1379

Letter to the Editor: Savas is a voice of reason

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Oregon City News – April 30, 2014

Savas is a Voice of Reason

I urge all Clackamas County voters to re-elect Paul Savas and Jim Bernard as county commissioners….

Paul Savas is a voice of reason, fairness, and has a vision for the future of Clackamas County. Paul diligently studies and researches the issues facing the county and makes fiscally sound decisions that benefit all of Clackamas County.

Jim is a strong advocate for Clackamas County job creation and economic growth. We need both of these commissioners re-elected…

Elaine Krause

Oregon City

http://portlandtribune.com/cr/28-opinion/218636-77635-letters-support-for-milwaukies-light-rail-bond-county-commission

Letters to the Editor: Honest commitment to good governance

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Clackamas Review – April 23rd, 2014

Honest commitment to good governance

I write in support of two candidates to the Clackamas County Commission, Jim Bernard and Paul Savas. Both men have demonstrated the qualities necessary to effectively govern our county.

They come from different parties but work together for the common good. They offer a business background, concern for people, jobs, and the environment, can disagree without being disagreeable and negotiate and compromise in good faith. They are not ideologues, but citizen representatives.

When the Clackamas River Water Board was in chaos, they stepped up and took the political risk of appointing new members to the board in order to bring the district under control with members that understood their roles and that had a commitment to the ratepayers.

Having watched them on other issues, both Jim and Paul have shown that same honest commitment to the citizens of Clackamas County and to good, effective government. They have earned our respect and our votes. I enthusiastically encourage my fellow voters, of either party, to support these men in their re-election bids.

Kenneth Humberston, Unincorporated Oregon City

http://portlandtribune.com/cr/28-opinion/217991-77150-letters-lend-support-to-candidates-oc-library

Wilsonville Spokesman – April 23, 2014

Savas has ‘ true public servant’s heart’

Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas is a man of vision, honor, and integrity. Over the last three years on the commission, Paul has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and pragmatic problem-solver, who is willing to move beyond partisan politics in order to do what’s best for Clackamas County. We should feel fortunate to have a County Commissioner with a true public servant’s heart. On May 20th, I ask that you join me in re-electing Paul Savas for Clackamas County commissioner, Position 2.

Jon Kloor, Wilsonville

http://portlandtribune.com/wsp/135-opinion/217917-77341-readers-letters

April Campaign Update

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Dear Friends,

All signs indicate the campaign is in full swing. Signs big and small are going up around the county and yard signs are now available to you upon request.

Saturday we will be at the Bomber Restaurant between 2-3 pm handing out signs. Stop by and say hello. (13515 SE McLoughlin Blvd in Milwaukie)

I am proud to announce that I have received numerous key endorsements and the list is growing. Many business organizations and elected officials around the county have endorsed me. Visit my website and view the list.

However, the negative attacks from my opposition are on the rise and I need to get my message out to the voters. I have been successful in raising money for my campaign but more is needed to combat the opposition’s false and misleading claims.

My campaign is focused on the issues that are important to the future of our county. We must position the county to take advantage of the economic recovery and create a favorable environment to encourage employers to locate or expand in Clackamas County and create new jobs.

I need your help, the ballots will be out in a couple of weeks. You can volunteer to assist on the campaign team, put up a yard sign in your yard, or contribute to my campaign. It will make a difference.

Campaign advertising is expensive. Your financial contribution, whether small or large will help make a difference. It is as easy as going to my website and making a secure online contribution with your credit card. You can also click on the upper left hand link if you want to information to mail in a contribution.

Please visit my website now today.

If you received a negative campaign message from my opposition please contact me, I am happy to present you with the facts, most people realize these materials are loaded with misleading claims. It is common to hear people express their displeasure with the tactics and rhetoric.

Should you have any questions feel free to call me at 503.312.1379503.312.1379.

My track record of accomplishments and responsible leadership has earned the endorsements from a broad range of the political spectrum.

Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and non affiliated voters value good governance and common sense leaders that can work across party lines, and I appreciate that broad support!

Events:

Saturday April 19th we are handing out yard signs between 2-3 pm in the parking lot of the Bomber Restaurant 13515 SE McLoughlin Blvd in Milwaukie

Saturday April 19th West Linn City Councilor Thomas Frank is hosting an evening social at the Bullseye Coffee Shop between 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
The location is 1980 Willamette Falls Dr, West Linn, OR 97068

Saturday April 26th we are handing out yard signs between 2-3 pm in the parking lot of the Bomber Restaurant 13515 SE McLoughlin Blvd in Milwaukie

Monday, April 28th we are hosting a post card party (bring your address book). Call Jon at 503.333.8830503.333.8830 for details.  Time is between 5 – 8 p.m ( or later)
Location is Pronto Pizza, 16050 SE 82nd Drive, Clackamas, OR 97015
The Campaign will provide food and drink.

My re-election will help get the county back on track with common sense leadership!

Best Regards,

Paul Savas

P.S. I need your support,  Visit my website. Remember to Vote for Paul Savas

Paul wants to hear from you!

Cell: 503-312-1379

Email: paul@electpaulsavas.com

Paid for by Friends of Paul Savas. PAC ID: 14364

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