As Mayor of Molalla, I feel compelled to share my deep concerns regarding two proposals currently being discussed in Salem: a taxpayer-funded bailout of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the idea of granting the governor unilateral authority over future gas tax increases.
Both measures, in my view, represent a step backward for fiscal responsibility, community voice, and transparent governance. On behalf of the residents and businesses of Molalla, I urge policymakers to reject these proposals and pursue reforms that prioritize accountability and local representation.
Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability
The people of Molalla—and Oregonians across the state—expect their hard-earned tax dollars to be managed with discipline and transparency. Yet the proposed ODOT bailout appears to reward mismanagement and inefficiency rather than addressing root problems.
ODOT has faced mounting deficits for years, often tied to poor planning, costly expansions, and administrative waste. Instead of correcting these issues, the state now proposes pouring millions of taxpayer dollars into the agency with no assurance of structural reform…