Race for Clackamas County Chair Gets Crowded

Oregon City Mayor Dan Holladay threw his hat into the ring Tuesday, announcing he wants to become chairman of the Clackamas County Commission.

Holladay tells Patch that the current commission is dysfunctional and needs new blood.

"If you watch any of their meetings it is clear that they not only disagree on most issues but that they actually dislike each other," he said in a statement. "The constant bickering, allegations of mistreatment of staff and name calling and childish behavior while on the dais can be difficult to watch."

Holladay, who was elected Oregon City Mayor in 2014, has run twice before for County Commission - in 2010 and 2012.

Before being elected mayor, Holladay also served on the Oregon City School Board, the City Commission, and has been active in city and county politics.

He will face a crowded field included incumbent John Ludlow, who was first elected in 2012.

Before becoming County chair, Ludlow was Mayor of Wilsonville and served on the Wilsonville City Council.

Two other current members of the County Commission are also running for the chairmanship - Jim Bernard and Paul Savas.

Bernard, who was first elected to the commission in 2008, was previously the Mayor of Milwaukie. He is currently vice-chair of the commission.

Savas, a small business owner, was elected to the commission in 2010.

The primary is May 17.