The Real Story – A Column
This weekend, residents of Washington County can attend two local events with current County Commissioner Nafisa Fai. She made history in 2020 when she became the first Black woman to win a county seat, not to mention her immigrant and Muslim heritage. She is now running for the Chair of the Washington County Commission. This engaging leader has proven her commitment to the residents of this County through her measured, fair, and thoughtful approach to everything brought before her.
Nafisa is the only Commissioner who fought to keep River Road open this past year, a massive road closure that could have been avoided and one that has cost our hard-working residents, their kids, and commerce tens of Millions of dollars. A road closure for a land developer/home builder with ties to other sitting County Commissioners.
Fai also championed the 5 Oaks Museum– the County Historical Society and a collection of 100,000 plus items. All of her fellow chose to close our museum. Fai fought to keep it funded and open, but was overruled by sitting Chair Harrington, who did not allow any dissent on the matter. The museum is closed now and in wind-down mode.
These are two examples of why a 63-year resident of Washington County, like me, who is involved in almost everything going on at some level, is supporting her in this race. She can lead us ahead – and that seat will determine if Washington County does more of the same, which has brought it to the verge of financial insolvency and cutbacks, or if it moves ahead and finds a way to better support our residents over corporate interests.
The Events –
Saturday- 1-3 in the Data Center Canyon in Hillsboro – A Data Center Discussion – NOTE: This event has very limited seating and is nearly full: You can grab one of the last seats at this link: https://www.mobilize.us/nafisafai/event/932026/
Another important topic effecting so many people – Homelessness – Sunday, at the Beaverton Library Annex: https://www.mobilize.us/nafisafai/event/931563/
Interesting to see how data centers play into community discussions. I’m curious how the candidate plans to address local concerns.