Washington County Commissioner Pam Treece is running for the at-large county chair seat in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Nafisa Fai.
Asked why she is running, Treece said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running because I want to serve the people of Washington County … I believe the government should make people's lives better. Too many Washington County families are struggling with the cost of housing, groceries, gas, and everyday life." She said she would focus on "creating more housing people can afford, growing good-paying jobs, keeping taxes and fees in check, and protecting the essential services we all rely on."
Candidate information
Residence: Treece has made Washington County her home for nearly 30 years, according to her campaign website.
Education: Treece said in our questionnaire that she earned a bachelor's degree from Portland State University and a "Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College." She said she is "a proud graduate of Parkrose High School."
Family: Treece said in our questionnaire: "My parents met while both serving during World War II, and they instilled in me a deep commitment to serving others and giving back to my community." She described herself as a mother who raised two kids in the Portland metro area and a grandmother.
Experience and public service
Asked about her work history, Treece said in our questionnaire: "My career has spanned education, small business, workforce, human resources, economic development, and public service … I worked as a public school teacher as well as a small business owner before serving as a workforce and human resources executive with PacifiCorp, where I led large groups and managed large budgets."
On her public service record, Treece said: "During my two terms on the Commission, I have represented Washington County in numerous appointed regional leadership roles, including the Metropolitan Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC), Regional Waste Advisory Committee, and committees focused on transportation, infrastructure, economic development, and regional emergency preparedness."
On the issuesHousing: On her campaign website, Treece calls for more diverse, affordable housing options for residents of different ages and incomes, along with shelters and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Economy: Treece said in our questionnaire: "I'm proud of my role as a Commissioner in bringing investments from employers like Lam Research and Genentech to Washington County, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening the tax base that supports essential services."Public safety: Her campaign website calls for reliable first-responder funding, community accountability and closer coordination between mental health services and public safety providers.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
