The Oregonian

I support, and encourage you to support, Pam Treece as the next Washington County Board of Commissioners chair, (“Race for Washington County chair heats up in wake of Kathryn Harrington’s resignation,” Oct. 2).

Treece is intelligent and thoughtful, as is her opponent, fellow Commissioner Nafisa Fai. But I believe that because of Treece’s broader experience with business and budgeting, she will be able to more effectively produce positive changes within county government and for Washington County residents.

When my neighbors and I had concerns about a neighborhood issue, we contacted Treece. She met with us and observed the conditions. She listened, asked relevant questions, provided information and resources and followed up afterward. Her assistance was very helpful.

She supported Washington County Citizen Participation Organizations, which offer a direct line of communication between residents and local government. She also consistently attended CPO meetings and encouraged the group’s ongoing community engagement activities.

I recently saw some thoughtless and misguided memes posted on Facebook that describe Treece as a “clone” of recently resigned County Chair Kathryn Harrington. I have observed both women at work for several years, and I don’t see a similarity — other than that both have likely dealt with years of good-old-boy sexist discrimination.

We need leadership that will address the issues that are important to all residents living in Washington County. We need leadership that will support genuine community engagement efforts, that will welcome and listen to all constituents and that will be open to making changes to programs and plans when appropriate. Vote for Pam Treece.

—Nancy Hazelett, Beaverton