As Portland continues to debate how best to govern itself, it’s worth revisiting a basic question: Do we still need a separate Multnomah County government layer for a city that already has a mayor and 12 elected councilors? (“A new proposal would end Multnomah County’s government,” Jan. 23).
Portland’s elected officials are full-time, salaried public servants with professional staffs, overseeing major responsibilities that affect daily life. At the same time, Multnomah County maintains a chair and commissioners—also salaried positions—each with their own administrative support. For some residents, this often feels like overlapping governance serving the same population.
Eliminating the county commission and assigning its duties to Portland’s existing elected leadership would reduce duplication and simplify accountability. Even if the only savings came from commissioner salaries and associated staff costs, that alone would justify a serious discussion…