Oregon Public Broadcasting

Former Hillsboro mayor Tom Hughes leads former 1000 Friends of Oregon Executive Director Bob Stacey in a tight race for Metro Council President.

The third candidate, Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, is not far behind.

The winner of the race will take the helm of Metro at a crucial time for the three-county agency that manages garbage collection and a number of facilities in the metro area, including the Oregon Zoo and Convention Center. 

Metro also plays a role coordinating transportation policy for the three county area. That role will be in the spotlight as planning for a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia River continues.