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Jason Snider’s focus for the City of Tigard in 2019 is fourfold.  At a recent Rotary Club meeting, he outlined important vital signs that point to the health of this small Oregon city of 54,000 residents.

First of all, the City will focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, embracing the rich fabric of its citizens.  Everyone is welcome.

Secondly, the Mayor hopes to invite robust citizen involvement by getting out of City Hall and into neighborhoods.  Mayor Snider wants to know “what’s important to you.”  He also hopes to find out more about the many small events that are taking place in the city and how others might become engaged in them.

Thirdly, Mayor Snider wants to increase transparency and accountability.  “You should know what you’re paying for,” he stated.

Finally, the Mayor wants to focus on public safety, especially the safety of children.  He wants the City to be proactive in the homeless and other communities to establish connections, trust, and support.  This is a challenge for a small city that has only three police officers on duty during slow times of the day.  He mentioned the recent struggle to fill positions, especially given the current political climate.  “It’s a hard time to be a police officer in the US,” he commented.  Further, Tigard cannot compete on salary with cities like Portland and Clackamas and often loses trained officers to these and other, better paying localities. 

Another budgetary challenge for the City is its parks.  The City has trouble taking care of the parks it has and needs to build a volunteer force like the one existing at the Tigard Library.

The Mayor also addressed questions about the Max Line SW Corridor that is currently in the planning phase.  According to Mr. Snider, the project route as outlined is too expensive for the stated budget and as a result, the line might not be built all the way to Bridgeport Village.

Jason Snider has a bachelor’s degree in biology and is the General Surgery Administrator at Kaiser Permanente NW.  He is a certified paramedic and served as a reserve police officer.  He has been involved with Tigard Youth Football and has served as a youth soccer coach.  He served on the Tigard City Council beginning in 2013 and was elected Mayor in 2018.