Filling out your ballot in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Banks or North Plains? Here's what you need to know

It's nearly a week before Election Day. Do you know what's on your ballot in western Washington County?

Key races include two contested races for the Washington County Board of Commissioners. In addition, voters within North Plains city limits will be deciding on a months-long battle over the urban growth boundary expansion, while Banks voters will determine whether to fund upgrades to the schools through a bond.

Ballots are due May 21. Here's what you need to know while filling out your ballot:

Washington County commissioner candidates

District 1

There are two contested races for the Washington County Board of Commissioners. The candidates for the District 1 seat (Aloha, Beaverton, Cooper Mountain, Garden Home, Whitford and portions of Raleigh Hills) are incumbent Commissioner Nafisa Fai and challenger Jenny Kamprath.

Here's what you need to know about the candidates:

Nafisa Fai:

Washington County commissioner since 2020, has been involved with Clean Water Services Advisory Commission, the board of the Five Oaks Museum (formerly Washington County Museum), the Oregon Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee.Worked in public health, including for the American Red Cross and Upstream Public Health.Said affordable housing, transportation and inclusion are, and will be, her top priorities.Has garnered nearly $34,800 in campaign support, having spent nearly $30,200 as of May 13. Top donors include Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors PAC ($5,000), Professional Firefighters PAC ($3,000) and Nike ($3,000).

Jenny Kamprath:

Homeowners association president for six years.Former small business owner.Said affordable housing and the urban growth boundary are the biggest issues facing Washington County residents.Has garnered just over $8,900 in campaign support, having spent just over $4,100 as of May 10. Top donors include Dan Harris ($3,000), Helen Heller ($1,000) and Washington County Republican Central Committee ($1,000).

District 3

The District 3 seat covers southeast Washington County and is currently occupied by outgoing Commissioner Roy Rogers. That race features former Tigard mayor Jason Snider and former Clatsop County commissioner Peter Huhtala.

Here's what you need to know about the candidates:

Peter Huhtala:

Former Clatsop County commissioner, has been involved with Lower-Columbia Solutions Group, Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan Advisory Committee and Columbia Pacific Economic Development District.Spent time in Washington, D.C., advocating for healthy marine environments and the fair treatment of sport and commercial fishing.Said cost of living and climate crisis are biggest issues facing Washington County residents.Filed a Certificate of Limited Contributions and Expenditures, which does not require public reporting of campaign financial information until transactions have exceeded $3,500.

Jason Snider:

Former Tigard mayor (2019-22) and Tigard city councilor (2013-19).Trained as a paramedic and has worked for Kaiser Permanente since 2003 — currently as the regional practice director of various surgery departments.Said lack of affordable housing and youth mental health and biggest issues facing Washington County residents.Has garnered nearly $43,200 in campaign support, having spent just over $32,600 as of May 10. Top donors include Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors PAC ($30,000) and Professional Firefighters PAC ($2,000).

MORE:

Measure 34-335: Banks fire district

People living in the Banks Fire District — which covers Banks, Buxton, Manning, Timber and nearby areas — will vote to renew a local option levy that funds fire and emergency medical services. If approved, the levy will continue to tax property at a rate of 97 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for the next five years.

Measure 34-36: Banks school district

Leaky roofs, heating and air conditioning unit malfunctions and limited classroom space prompted the Banks school board to ask for voter approval of a $49 million bond. If approved, the bond would increase property tax rates from $1.80 per $1,000 of assessed value to an estimated $2.99 per $1,000.

MORE:

Measure 34-327: North Plains urban growth boundary

The city of North Plains and its residents have been in a battle for months over whether to add 855 acres — more land than is currently in the city — into the urban growth boundary. The road to putting the ballot measure in front of North Plains residents has been long, hinging on petitions, bids before the Oregon Legislature and a quick court move.

But now, residents will be officially asked if the city’s ordinance that would expand the UGB for new industrial and residential developments will take effect.

MORE:

Measure 34-332: Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue

Residents in TVF&R’s district will vote on the passage of a local option levy to support the department’s operations for the next five years. If passed, the levy will tax property at a rate of 69 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. Funds will be used to hire and train 36 additional first responders, purchase specialized medical equipment and vehicles, and maintain and improve service levels and response times.

MORE:

Measure 26-244: Metro’s Oregon Zoo bond

Metro is seeking a $380 million bond to upgrade parts of the Oregon Zoo, including a new habitat to replace the aging penguinarium. The measure is filed with Multnomah County. If passed, the levy would tax property at an average estimated rate of 8.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

MORE: