WATCH VIDEO OF THE ENTIRE ADDRESS | Find why this outer East Portland elected official decided to break with tradition, in where she delivered her address this year …
A reception with cookies and coffee welcomes people coming to see Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson’s “State of the County” address.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Breaking with tradition, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson chose to present her “State of the County” address in the Franklin High School Auditorium, after school on Tuesday, May 9, instead of in the County Council Chambers on S.E. Grand, or in a downtown Portland location.
“Although I serve as Chair for all of Multnomah County, I am an ‘east-sider’; we’re now in part of the area I served when I was the Commissioner for District 3,” Vega Pederson told East Portland News.
On her way into the school building, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson stops to chat with constituents.
“So, I thought this would be a great way to focus on being a part of the community, and being the part of who Multnomah County is really here to serve – that is, our students, our families, and our community.
“This school is located right in the geographic middle of Multnomah County. It’s good to draw positive attention to this community; it’s been through a lot of the last year,” Pederson said as she continued on in to theater.
Portland Public Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero opens the program with brief remarks.
The program began with a video introduction – and then, an in-person welcome from Portland Public Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero.
Then Guerrero introduced the event’s host, Bobbie Regan, of the Portland City Club – who, in turn, introduced Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.
Chair Vega Pederson begins her “State of the County” address.
“This is the first in-person State of the County address in three years, and I am thrilled it is hosted in this stunning, updated PPS high school – one of the first to be modernized with the 2012 School Building Improvement Bond!” Vega Pederson said in her opening remarks.
She reflected on the struggle in the schools caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what it has meant to students and school staff.
Telling of the mission of Multnomah County, Chair Vega Pederson continues her message.
After thanking elected officials and others, Vega Pederson urged attendees to be at the County’s community budget hearings. “Because, as we emerge from the pandemic into a city remade by social unrest, homelessness, economic disparity, and disconnection, we have an increasing need for a social fabric that cares for the most vulnerable.
“That’s what Multnomah County does: Cares for the most vulnerable, with integrity and commitment,” she explained.
Chair Vega Pederson speaks passionately about helping “unhoused” people in the county.
The Chair’s next topic was creating stronger partnerships, “to address homelessness, behavioral health, economic and climate justice and community safety.” She touched on dealing with increasing crime, and she spent considerable time on the topic of “helping those unhoused”, before moving to “investments” to be made by the County to address mental health and education.
Concluding her remarks is Chair Vega Pederson.
Pederson concluded her remarks with, “I look forward to the coming year, as each day provides us with new chances to make a bigger difference – and to do it together!”
If you wish to see a video of the entire “State of the County” program – including the Question and Answer session that followed, watch it here:
© 2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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