Know Your Candidates 2026: R.W. Smith, Clackamas County Commissioner, Position 4
Clackamas County commissioner candidate R.W. Smith said he opposes proposed data centers because of their potential water use, heat and pollution impacts. He also criticized county officials for a lack of transparency and insufficient studies on the facilities' effects.
R.W. Smith, a candidate for Clackamas County commissioner, said he is running on a platform of greater transparency and oversight. He criticized the county commission for closed-door decision-making and changing positions when residents oppose county initiatives.
Smith said he opposes data centers being considered in Clackamas County because of concerns about water consumption, heat and potential pollution, particularly as drought and declining Mount Hood snowpack could reduce available water. He argued that studies on those impacts have not been completed even as the county continues moving forward with the proposals.