14/07/2021

Best for You

Will we survive this pandemic-cm

There’s always much discussion about the deep divides we face in this country. This is especially the case every two years, when we mark our ballots for our chosen political candidates during election season. The public health emergency that started just over a year ago with the COVID-19 outbreak has truly served to highlight and clarify the fundamental contrasts in…

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16/09/2020

Living Within Our Means

Tax wording on wooden cubes with US dollar coins and bag.-cm (1)

To me, true fiscal conservatism means spending taxpayer dollars the same way in which you manage your household budget. Think about it this way—most people get paid on a regular basis and have to prioritize bills. Rent, utilities, and insurance usually come first, along with debt service like car and student loans and credit card payments. But before you even…

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09/09/2020

What Clackamas County Government Should be Doing

Historical Arch bridge over Willamette River in Oregon City, Oregon-cm

It’s no secret that our nation is divided. This is typically the case in election years, and especially when we’re set to decide our next presidential administration. All the heated rhetoric and soundbites circulate through traditional media outlets and are now shared and spread on social media, often causing longtime friends and family members to lose touch because they disagree…

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22/07/2020

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Mark-Shull-life-liberty-and-pursuit-of-hapiness-cm

As a combat veteran it is a point of pride for me to be able to say that I served my country honorably in multiple branches of the military. I chose to pursue a career as a military officer largely because I believe in the values that our great nation was built upon. Those values as set forth in our…

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30/06/2020

Give the People What They Want

Mark-Shull-with-people-cm

One of the main purposes of government is to provide services to all of the people within its jurisdiction. This is especially important at the local level, with city and county governments. In the private sector, the production of goods and services is determined by customer demand. But far too often in the public sector, the services that are provided…

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