Glad to finally see signs of recognition of Multnomah County’s failed approach to deflection, but feigned outrage should be left aside.

This is not a surprise. I was the only consistent no vote on the County Commission against this flagrantly poor design and singularly expensive execution.

It’s only now, after the press is covering this 18-month and $15 million debacle, that some are expressing politically motivated shock and proposing the same things I was championing last year while in office.

The goal – of deflection and overall addictions policy – is to help people regain their lives. To do this, you have to get them in the front door and support them through their journey with a continuum of housing tied to treatment, recovery support, and long term sobriety services. Only when they reach stability can you claim success.

I wanted then – and now – to do the things that actually help people. And if we just look down I-5 to Lane County, it turns out it’s cheaper and faster to set up systems that get value for money and actually save lives.