Tigard's City Council is now officially a seven-seat assembly, after welcoming two new faces for the first time in its history. Dr. Faraz Ghoddusi and Heather Robbins have stepped in to fill the newly added positions, joining forces to collectively steer the future of this city. This expansion from a traditional five-member council is a significant shift for the governance of Tigard.
During the first meeting of the year, a ceremony took place, officiated by Tigard Municipal Judge Emily Oberdorfer, in which the new councilors were sworn in. Dr. Ghoddusi and Robbins are set to serve two-year terms, alongside the re-elected members Jeanette Shaw, Jake Schlack, and Maureen Wolf, who are to securely hold their seats for four years. Mayor Heidi Lueb and Councilor Yi-Kang Hu continue their ongoing terms, rounding out the leadership team. The newfound members are getting ready to quickly get to work, as expressed in statements obtained by Tigard's official site.
Dr. Ghoddusi, a Family Medicine Physician helming the nonprofit Healthy Oregon, brings a rich tapestry of healthcare experience and a legacy of service from his time in the U.S. Air Force. "I am honored to serve the Tigard community and bring my background in healthcare leadership and public service to the City Council," he related to Tigard's official site. "Together, we will continue to bring more voices to the table to improve this city for all residents."
Robbins, a Physician Associate with a diverse skill set in general surgery, journalism, and chemistry, has shown her dedication to Tigard through her work with various local organizations, including the Tigard Audit Committee. She is firmly committed to leveraging her unique experience to address community challenges. "I’m excited to take on this new role and help ensure Tigard continues to be a place where everyone has the chance to thrive," Robbins explained. "By working together, we can make real changes that will improve our community for years to come," her statement to Tigard's official site underlines her enthusiasm.
The expansion of Tigard's City Council points to a drive for broadening representation and intensifying the dialogue around important community issues. As Ghoddusi and Robbins embark on their tenure, the focus is set on healthcare access, community welfare, and the incorporation of diverse perspectives. The path ahead for Tigard looks to be driven by collective efforts and an expanded collective vision for progress and inclusivity.
