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Dear Clackamas County Residents and Voters,
Today the County Administrator notified all County Staff that effective Feb. 5 2024, the Equity and Inclusion Office will be no more. The two staff positions that were left in that office are being moved to other departments, and job duties and titles changed to Community Relations Specialist and County Compliance Coordinator. From my understanding equity and inclusion (in particular the words "equity" and "inclusion") are being wiped from county work.
Like many of you, I feel anger and a sense of loss with the announcement, even if it has been expected news for some time. The County's ability to serve all Clackamas County residents will be diminished and our overall efforts to create a better, more inclusive community will be harmed. I do not agree with this decision and I will do my best as your independently elected County Clerk to minimize the adverse effects on my staff, on our most vulnerable communities, and our county as a whole. We are a diverse county made up of vibrant, skilled, passionate people; ethnic and culturally rich communities and geographies. To ignore equity and inclusion is to ignore who we are today, and ignore the strengths and richness that makes us who we are.
Please do not write off your local county government, this is not the time. County elected officials make decisions every day that intimately affect our communities, our families, and our lives. This is the time to hold us accountable. The County is made up of a skilled and diverse workforce working to ensure that all residents are served with dignity and respect. Staff who continue to do this work will need your vocal support.
Because I report to you - the voters, the loss of the Equity and Inclusion Office does not directly change any of the practices or policies of the Office of the County Clerk or the work that the Elections, Recording, and Records Management does in service to community or democracy. It will make existing challenges larger and cause continued unnecessary friction.
As we move through the next few weeks and months I will hold steady.
- I will continue to build public trust in the Office of the County Clerk through good and responsive government.
- I will continue to support my staff, so that they feel safety, trust, and belonging in the workplace as well as I am able.
- I will continue to ensure that all eligible voters are able to vote hassle-free and have the tools and resources to use their voice.
- Myself and my staff will continue to serve every resident with dignity and respect, without regard to race, language, age, ability, gender or sexual orientation.
Thank you for your active support. Please make sure your voice is heard.
Catherine McMullen
Clackamas County Clerk
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