The next Oregon statewide primary election will be on May 21, 2024.
For this primary election, every registered Multnomah County voter will receive a ballot and can vote for ballot measures and for nonpartisan candidates running in their districts. Voters who are registered as either Democrats or Republicans can vote in the partisan primary of their party for US President, US Representative for their district, and Oregon State offices.
The Portland Mayor, Auditor, and City Council will be elected in November 2024, using ranked choice voting.
To learn about the candidates and measures for this election and to find further guidance to help inform your decisions, click the right-pointing arrow (
) to expand a section.
Candidates
US President
Democrat
Joseph Biden
Website joebiden.com/
Facebook www.facebook.com/joebiden
Instagram www.instagram.com/joebiden/
X (Twitter) @joebiden
Marianne Williamson
Website marianne2024.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/williamsonmarianne/
Instagram www.instagram.com/mariannewilliamson/
X (Twitter) @marwilliamson
Republican
Donald Trump
Website donaldjtrump.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/DonaldTrump/
Instagram www.instagram.com/realdonaldtrump/
X (Twitter) @TrumpWarRoom
Q&A
What steps should be taken to address the high cost of living and depressed wages in America, including for families, people with disabilities, and people that are economically disadvantaged?
Joseph Biden – President Biden and Vice President Harris will continue to invest in the American people and fight to lower costs for families. They will continue working to eliminate junk fees and call on corporations with higher markups to pass savings onto consumers. President Biden and Vice President Harris are also pushing Congress to lower the cost of housing, lower prescription drug prices for more Americans, expand access to affordable, high-quality child care and long-term care, extend the enhanced Child Tax Credit, ensure access to paid family and medical leave for every American, make preK free and college more affordable, and more. Additional information can be found in this letter: http://tinyurl.com/BidenHarrisLetter
Donald Trump – This candidate has not yet responded.
Marianne Williamson – My Economic Bill of Rights Plan includes 10 transformational changes. Right to a living wage: On day 1, I will issue an executive order that provides a living wage to all public and private sector employees paid with federal contracts will receive a living wage. The right to a voice in the workplace through a union and collective bargaining. The right to universal quality healthcare. The right to a cost-free higher education. The right to good, affordable housing. The right to a clean environment and a healthy planet. The right to a meaningful endowment of resources at birth. The right to sound banking and financial services. The right to an equitable and fair justice system. The right to cultural and civic involvement in democratic life.
What steps will you take to ensure all Americans have access to quality and affordable health care, including reproductive care and prescription drug coverage?
Joseph Biden – The Biden Administration is lowering prescription drug prices – President Biden was the first president to take on Big Pharma and win. He has capped the cost of insulin at $35 for seniors and finally allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices — starting with some of the costliest, most widely used drugs used to treat blood clots, cancers, diabetes and more. The Biden-Harris Administration is also defending in court a woman’s ability to access medication abortion, fighting to ensure that women receive the medical care they need in emergencies including miscarriages, working to protect the right to travel across state lines to access care, and strengthening privacy protections for patients and doctors. http://tinyurl.com/BidenHarrisLetter
Donald Trump – This candidate has not yet responded.
Marianne Williamson – I favor a Medicare for All-style universal healthcare system, like those enjoyed by citizens of every other advanced democracy. My administration will also shift the focus away from a “sick-care system” to a healthcare system that actively invests in the building blocks of a healthy life by addressing root causes of our problems. I will also establish a Department of Children and Youth, taking our children from a national afterthought to a central position in the re-imagination of our nation. I will also center the rights of women. We will restore the right to abortion, provide reproductive care, close the gender gap in Social Security benefits, enact paid family and medical leave through the FAMILY ACT, and much more.
What will you do to support an economy and job market that are strong and inclusive of all people?
Joseph Biden – President Biden and Vice President Harris came into office with a vision to grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up—not the top down. They’re focused on an economy that builds more in America, invests in American workers, and promotes competition to lower costs – and their economic vision is working. Additional information can be found in this letter: http://tinyurl.com/BidenHarrisLetter
Donald Trump – This candidate has not yet responded.
Marianne Williamson – My administration will make massive investments in our country on the scale of our mobilization during WWII. We will do it by creating millions of well-paid, unionized jobs building the housing, infrastructure, clean energy, education, childcare, and healthcare systems we need to create a fundamental U-turn. Supporting unions, instead of shutting them down the way Joe Biden did, gives the People a seat at the bargaining table. This empowers workers to improve conditions for all. But life happens. We will also ensure there is a robust social safety net there to catch people when they stumble, with extra emphasis on supporting the most vulnerable.
What are the most important steps you will take to create an accessible path to citizenship, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients?
Joseph Biden – President Biden and Vice President Harris are also using all the tools at their disposal to build a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. While Donald Trump has repeatedly said that immigrants are poisoning the nation’s blood and is calling for an extreme immigration plan that would wreak havoc across communities while doing nothing to keep us safe, the Biden-Harris Administration has both increased legal pathways for migration and increased border enforcement. And, since Day One, President Biden has called on Congress to take action to build an orderly and humane immigration system. Additional information can be found in this letter: http://tinyurl.com/BidenHarrisLetter
Donald Trump – This candidate has not yet responded.
Marianne Williamson – I firmly reject border walls, family separation, and dehumanizing rhetoric. I embrace immigrants and their pursuit of the American Dream, including Dreamers, as embodiments of our highest aspirations as a nation. I support comprehensive immigration reform and will provide a timely, ethical, transparent, and straightforward path to citizenship. I will protect the DACA program, expand protections for DACA recipients, ensure they have access to ACA/Medicaid coverage, update the registration date of the 1929 Registry Act to 1/1/2022, and restore Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which expired in April 2001, allowing people who have approved petitions to apply for their Green Card upon payment of a fine for the filing fee.
What measures do you support to expand voter access and restore trust in our elections?
Joseph Biden – As president, Joe Biden has made the defense, protection, and preservation of American democracy the central cause of his administration. This starts with strengthening and fighting for our democratic institutions and free and fair elections and President Biden is using every tool at his disposal to do so – including through an Executive Order directing all agencies to promote voting and voter registration, calling on Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to establish national baseline standards for access to the ballot. Additional information can be found in this letter: http://tinyurl.com/BidenHarrisLetter
Donald Trump – This candidate has not yet responded.
Marianne Williamson – I have a number of proposals, from getting money out of politics, to restoring the right to vote to the 5 million plus Americans with a felony conviction, abolishing the Electoral college, creating an automatic voter registration system, establishing Election Day as a national holiday, returning power to the Legislative branch, increasing the number of Supreme Court justices to 15 (with 10 or 20 year terms, instituting ranked choice or STAR voting, and much more.
US Representative
District 1
Democrat
Suzanne Bonamici
- CONTACT PHONE: 206-661-8791
MAIL: PO Box 1632 Beaverton 97075
- WEBSITE: bonamiciforcongress.com
CAMPAIGN PHONE (PUBLIC) 503-208-1228
- CAMPAIGN EMAIL
- info@bonamiciforcongress.com
Experience/Qualifications
My first job was in my mom’s small business, and I worked in retail for several years. I then worked my way through community college, college, and law school. I’ve been a paralegal at Legal Aid, a consumer protection attorney, active community volunteer, and state legislator. My advocacy for public education inspired my first run for office, and now I am a national leader on the Education and Science Committees. I’ve spent my career fighting for a better future for Oregonians.
See Suzanne Bonamici’s answers to our questions in the Q&A
The following Democratic candidates have not yet responded
Jamil Ahmad
Courtney Casgraux Moore
Republican
Bob Todd
- WEBSITE
- http://www.bobtodd.com
- CAMPAIGN EMAIL
- bobtoddforcongress@gmail.com
- CAMPAIGN TWITTER HANDLE: @bobtoddcongress
See Bob Todd’s answers to our questions in the Q&A.
Q&A
How would you change Social Security to improve its long-term viability?
Bob Todd (R) – I would make sure that the Social Security Insurance Fund was used solely for its intended purposes.
Suzanne Bonamici (D) -Everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect as they age, which is why a secure retirement and earned benefits like Social Security are important. I have strongly opposed efforts to privatize Social Security and end Medicare as we know it, efforts that would impose extra costs on older Americans. I am a vocal advocate for giving Social Security recipients a cost-of-living adjustment, so their payments keep up with rising costs of housing, medication, and other basic needs. We can bolster Social Security by raising or lifting the cap. I am a cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act, which includes increasing benefits for current and future beneficiaries and creating a new minimum benefit so no one retires with poverty-level benefits.
What Changes in national immigration policy, if any, would you support?
Bob Todd (R) – I would make it a felony to cross the border illegally and a forfeiture of any future citizenship. I believe in international intervention and prevention of the cause of the illegal immigration, and massive immigration law reform to make it more equitable for everyone
Suzanne Bonamici (D) – We need compassionate and comprehensive immigration policy. Immigrants make our country better, and I do not support the hateful targeting and harmful rhetoric directed toward the immigrant community. I support protecting Dreamers and their families, a path to citizenship, and improvements to the asylum system, including the removal of any unfair, burdensome, or unnecessary restrictions to those coming to our country who are seeking asylum.
What changes, if any, would you support in Congress to address the issue of climate change?
Bob Todd (R) – I would push for an international ban on weather modification in the same stream of thought as has been done with nuclear and biological weapons treaties.
Suzanne Bonamici (D) – The climate crisis is an existential threat and a national emergency. Congress must take meaningful action to reduce emissions and transition to a clean energy economy. Because the climate crisis disproportionally affects low-income and BIPOC communities, we need a just transition with the creation of more good jobs – including for people historically left behind. I will continue to work in Congress to take urgent action to reduce emissions and protect our planet for generations to come. Additionally, I have championed legislation to address ocean acidification and marine debris, and I’m working to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.
District 3
Democrat
The following candidates have yet to respond.
Ricardo Barajas
Nolan Bylenga
Maxine E Dexter
Susheela Jayapal
Michael Jonas
Eddy Morales
Rachel Lydia Rand
Republican
Gary L Dye
Joanna Harbour
Teresa Orwig
Q&A
If a candidate is not included, that person has not yet responded.
What changes, if any, would you support in Congress to address the issue of climate change?
Maxine E Dexter (D) – As a lung and critical care physician, I witness the direct impact of climate change and poor air quality on people’s health every day. In Oregon, where heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, and cancer rank among the top five causes of death, the correlation between air pollution and these diseases is undeniable. In the state legislature, I secured massive wins transitioning Oregon to 100% renewable energy and banning “forever” PFAS chemicals and single-use plastic containers In Congress, I will champion a swift transition to 100% renewable energy sources to mitigate our reliance on fossil fuels. I will invest in rebuilding America’s crumbling electrical infrastructure to expand high voltage transmission capacity, invest in expanding clean domestic manufacturing to make Oregon and the United States leaders in innovative, green manufacturing, and hold corporations accountable for environmental pollution and secure funds to clean up polluted sites like the Willamette River.
Gary L Dye (R) – I would let the free market and private organizations handle it. Place emphasis on plug-in hybrids and nuclear energy as solutions to global warming.
Susheela Jayapal (D) – I support a Green New Deal. We must move away from fossil fuels. That means we have to stop extracting it, and stop building new fossil fuel infrastructure. And we simultaneously must create the green new infrastructure required for moving to renewable energy. This is going to require investments in large scale mitigation and resiliency projects, upgrades to public infrastructure, modernization of millions of buildings to cut pollution, investments in public health, protections for public lands, regenerative agriculture investments that support local and regional food systems, and more. I’ll work to ensure frontline communities are the first to get relief from new policies and investments, including working directly with frontline communities in my own district. And finally, we cannot talk about climate change without including housing, which is why I’ll fight for Senator Bernie Sanders’ Green New Deal for public housing and push to create zero-carbon, highly energy-efficient homes.
Michael Jonas (D) – The climate crisis poses significant threats to our planet’s stability and the well-being of future generations, with far-reaching implications for our environment, economy, and society. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect our planet for future generations. Therefore, I am committed to advocating for bold climate policies that prioritize renewable energy, environmental conservation, workforce training program development, and lift marginalized communities. By investing in sustainable practices and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change and
safeguard our natural resources.
Eddy Morales (D) – My priorities around climate change seek to combat the crisis while centering justice, equity, and bringing a comprehensive approach. We can mitigate the impact of climate change while still ensuring frontline communities are supported. To me, that requires: A Green New Deal, investments in lasting, and sustainable infrastructure, Protecting natural resources and
biodiversity, Building our climate resilience. Read more at: https://eddymorales.com/
issues/climate/
Rachel Lydia Rand (D) – Forcing employers to allow employees to work from home if possible.
Stimulus to encourage semi-electric 2 and 3 wheel bicycles. I’m proposing a universal food stamp benefit as a pathway into a new economy based on climate change action. See my website www.dottrombone.com/politics for more details.
What, if any, changes would you support in gun safety laws?
Maxine E Dexter (D) – As a Moms Demand Action volunteer and Everytown for Gun Safety endorsed candidate, my commitment to combat gun violence is both personal and professional. As a mother, I’ve experienced the terror of not being able to contact my daughter during UVA’s mass shooting. As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of gun violence on families and communities. My legislative work has focused on enacting common-sense gun reforms to safeguard children, families, teachers, and neighbors. I made Oregon the ninth state to outlaw ghost guns and implement safe storage laws. I’ve successfully secured $47 million for gun violence prevention programs. In Congress, I’ll expand background checks, close the “Charleston loophole,” enhance state Red Flag laws, establish community funds for violence intervention, prevent abusers with restraining orders from having firearms, and push for the reinstatement of the bipartisan Congressional assault weapons ban.
Gary L Dye (R) – Do not allow any guns/weapons that are not available to local, state, and national police forces, including the national guard.
Susheela Jayapal (D) – Gun violence in our communities is absolutely unacceptable. Too many of our children live in fear in their own schools, too many communities have been torn apart by gun violence, and too many of our elected officials are in the pocket of the gun industry lobbyists. There are common sense regulations that we must have on their sale, including universal background checks, to prevent them from falling into the hands of criminals or the mentally disturbed, red flag laws, and banning military style assault weapons. There are also some new technologies worth exploring, such as smart technology that prevents anyone other than the registered owner of a gun from firing it. The federal government could incentivize manufacturers to install these technologies. It’s also stunning that gun manufacturers are the only business in America that can’t be held accountable for their behavior. In Congress, I would push for and vote to repeal the law, pushed by the NRA, that gives them this protection.
Michael Jonas (D) – Gun Safety (does community policing go here? Or police reform) “Gun Safety Reform”, “Common Sense Gun Laws”, “Violence Prevention”, “Responsible Gun Ownership”
Gun Safety Measures: Advocating for universal background checks, responsible gun ownership, and safe storage to reduce gun-related accidents and violence.
Assault Weapons Ban: Supporting a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines to reduce the potential for mass shootings.
Closing Gun Sales Loopholes: Advocating for regulations that close loopholes in gun sales, including those at gun shows and online, to ensure background checks for all buyers.
Community-Based Violence Prevention: Investing in community programs and public health initiatives to address the root causes of gun violence and provide alternatives to violence.
Eddy Morales (D) – Gun violence is a uniquely American problem, and one that we can fix – we just need leaders in Washington to start prioritizing our lives over NRA donor contributions. It’s also one that is deeply personal to me. I mourn the loss of my two brothers and several close friends by committing to end the gun violence epidemic. I’ll proudly earn an ‘F’ rating from the NRA’s PAC and never accept a penny from them because I firmly believe in: Establishing universal background checks and Red Flag Laws, Banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, Promoting responsible gun ownership,
Funding research, intervention, and survivor support resources. Read more at: https://eddymorales.com/
issues/guns/
Rachel Lydia Rand (D) – I’m a proponent of keeping a civil society while we address climate change. Today’s slogan is “bicycles not bombs”.
What, if any, changes would you support in congressional action on voting rights?
Maxine E Dexter (D) – As a firm believer in democracy’s power, I’m committed to ensuring every American’s right to vote is defended robustly. In the Oregon Legislature, I’ve focused on protecting our electoral system against threats, particularly from MAGA extremists, by passing laws that shield voters, election workers, and uphold electoral integrity. I’ve successfully advocated for counting ballots postmarked before election deadlines and eliminated loopholes allowing politicians to hide their income sources. In Congress I’ll fight to end Citizens United to remove big money from politics, pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to guarantee voting access, enact the For the People Act to reduce money’s influence, combat gerrymandering, and implement stringent ethics for officials. I advocate for expanding national vote-by-mail, abolishing the Electoral College, and granting statehood to Washington D.C., underscoring my commitment to making democracy more inclusive, transparent, and fair for all Americans.
Gary L Dye (R) – Require voter ID; only citizens should be allowed to vote. Signature validation on all mail-in voting.
Susheela Jayapal (D) – The health of our democracy is the most important thing we have. MAGA Republicans have attacked our country at its very core, questioning the validity of our elections and attacking fundamental freedoms – whether it be their relentless assault on voting rights, a dangerous anti-science LGBTQI+ agenda that puts the lives of trans kids and same-sex marriages at risk, telling women what to do with their bodies, giving corporations more rights than people in our campaign finance systems, or banning books in our libraries. In Congress, I will work to pass policies that safeguard against voter suppression, gerrymandering, and any other barriers that infringe upon the fundamental right to vote. It also means I’ll push for the restoration of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act and support legislation like the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. And I’ll advocate for taking Oregon’s innovations national, by supporting national automatic voter registration and national vote by mail.
Michael Jonas (D) – “Fair Elections and Civic Empowerment”, “Democracy Renewal”, Inclusive
Democracy for All”, “Transparency and Voting Rights”
Democracy Renewal Initiative: Signifying the campaign’s commitment to renewing and strengthening democratic processes.
Fair Elections and Civic Empowerment:
Emphasizing the campaign’s goal of ensuring fairness in elections and empowering citizens.
Inclusive Democracy for All: Reflecting the campaign’s core message of inclusivity and equal access to democratic processes.
Transparency and Voting Rights: Conveying the campaign’s focus on transparency and protecting voting rights.
Eddy Morales (D) – My work is grounded in ensuring everyone has access to our democracy. During my time at the Voto Latino, Center for Community Change, and Democracy Alliance, I worked to engage and increase the political power of the growing Latino population and the Rising American Electorate (the new American majority composed of women, people of color, youth, and immigrants) in America. I worked to bring vote by mail to Honolulu and establish Permanent Early Vote List in Arizona to increase Latino turnout. As
Treasurer at Democratic Party of Oregon I learned what it takes to protect our democracy, increase voter turnout, and ensure every voice is heard: We need to make it easier to participate in our democracy, not harder, We must protect and fully restore the Voting Rights Act, We must combat voter suppression efforts, We must keep our elections reliable and secure. Read more at: https://eddymorales.com/
issues/voting/
District 5
Democrat
Janelle Bynum
Website: https://www.janellebynum.com/
Jamie McLeod-Skinner
Website: jamiefororegon.com
Republican
Lori Chavez De-Remer has not yet responded
Q&A
If a candidate is not included, that person has not yet responded.
How would you change Social Security to improve its long-term viability?
Janelle S Bynum (D) – For starters, I will never support privatizing Social Security or raising the retirement age. As the President said, Social Security is a “sacred trust,” and protecting its viability is critical for seniors and future generations. That starts by requiring millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share, generating additional revenue without burdening regular taxpayers. Also, protecting and enhancing benefits for those who rely on Social Security is crucial including accurate cost-of-living adjustments and additional support for low-income and vulnerable individuals. In Congress, I’ll put my experience to work and fight for a Social Security system that is fair, sustaibable and protected for generations to come.
Jamie McLeod-Skinner (D) – Social Security is our nation’s most important and effective income security program. People who work pay into the program and it prevents retirees from becoming destitute. That’s the deal people invest in. Republicans are constantly trying to cut this program that enables retirement with dignity. I oppose cuts to Social Security and would instead support caregiver credits, improved survivor benefits, and eliminating the taxable maximum income. I would roll back the Trump tax cuts, because the assumption was that they would be funded with cuts to Social Security. I also support making healthcare and prescriptions more affordable for all Oregon families so that Social Security dollars go farther for individual recipients.
What changes in national immigration policy, if any, would you support?
Janelle S Bynum (D) – It’s past time for Congress to act on immigration, but with Donald Trump calling the shots for MAGA Republicans, real progress on immigration reform has been blocked. My approach emphasizes creating a pathway to citizenship, protecting rights of asylum seekers and implementing humane and fair immigration policies. I want to ensure that our border operations have the resources they need and that our immigration system can process hearings that are fast, fair and final. As a State Representative, I have engaged with local communities and organizations and will continue to do so in congress to work towards crafting comprehensive immigration policy prioritizes compassion, fairness, and pragmatism.
Jamie McLeod-Skinner (D) – We need comprehensive immigration reform for our families & economy. Examples include:
• Provide DACA recipients, who have lived & worked as Americans since childhood, with an expedited path to citizenship;
• Flexibility in the guest-worker program to address the workforce shortage in several sectors, including our farmers needing to harvest crops to put food on our tables;
• Allocate more resources to expedite the processing of immigration & asylum applications to address current challenges at our border. These costs will be offset by benefits to our economy & reduction in other program costs. There is widespread agreement across the political divide on many of these issues, though Republicans in Congress are using it as a political wedge.
What, if any, changes would you support in Congress to address the issue of climate change?
Janelle S Bynum (D) – The climate crisis is at our doorstep and our state is constantly under the threat of wildfires and extreme weather. In the state legislature, I’ve worked to do something about it, supporting innovative policies that not only protect our environment from climate change, but create new jobs. I’ve voted to strengthen clean air laws and permanently ban offshore drilling along our coast, and I’ve worked to expand investments in renewable energy and a green economy. There’s so much more work to be done. In Congress, I’ll be a fierce advocate in the fight against climate change.
Jamie McLeod-Skinner (D) – I’m the only candidate in this race with experience addressing the climate crisis in policies, programs, and implementation in communities. As an Environmental Planner for a regional water agency, I served 2M people in urban and rural areas and incorporated climate change measures into that work. I’ve developed partnerships to reduce GHG emissions in the construction industry, and I’ve led recovery in an Oregon city that lost 1/3 of its homes & businesses to urban wildfire. In Congress, I’ll pursue investments in a renewable energy grid, increased storage capacity, emergency response measures, transition to 100% Clean Energy, and modifying the Stafford Act to better protect diverse communities & families impacted by the climate crisis.
State Senate
District 14
The following candidates have not yet responded
Democrat
Kate Lieber
Republican
Shane Bolton
District 21
Kathleen Taylor has not yet responded
District 22
Michael Saperstein, Republican, has not yet responded.
Lew Frederick, Democrat
District 23
Khanh Pham
Podcast Interview
Video Interview
District 25
Raymond E Love, Republican, has not yet responded.
Democrat Chris Gorsek
Q&A
- What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change?
Chris Gorsek (D) – The legislative process can help with implementing adaptable regulatory frameworks amidst global innovations. Strategies like increased efficiency by expanding the use of existing corridors like using freight rail for transit. We can promote efficient standards without inflating costs through regulatory exemptions and expedited permitting. Provide research grants to fund advancements to both power generation and efficient transmission. Support investments in reliable renewable energy sources like distributed storage and drilled geothermal systems. Continuing and expanding incentive programs already in place. Flexibility within regulations ensures swift integration of emerging technologies and policies.
2. Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to perform state and congressional redistricting, and why?
Chris Gorsek (D) – Again the legislative process is effective in addressing unintended consequences and unfair advantages through debate and close consideration. We need to consider redistricting innovations, like independent commissions, that offer advantages such as reduced partisan influence, increased transparency, fair representation, and constitutional compliance. However, challenges like a lack of adversarial incentives that might lead to less vigorous debate exist. Strategies to mitigate these have to be implemented by including diverse perspectives, public input, clear criteria, and replicating adversarial dynamics can offset the impact of reducing the stakes for participants. Balancing independence and effectiveness is the key to success.
3. Would you support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Chris Gorsek (D) – I understand the minority party’s concerns because with each election brings the possibility of losing the numerical advantage. But, our current circumstance shows how unvetted laws from ballot measures can have unintended consequences. Disqualifying Republicans from reelection deprives us of valuable institutional memory. Changing this quorum requirement would solve the problem by incentivizing the legislative process. Requiring stakeholders to improve laws rather than abandoning their positions avoids consequences that benefit no one. The short lived satisfaction of disciplinary sanctions resulting from rule violations will never make up for the loss of thoughtful and experienced lawmakers.
State Representative
District 28
Democrat
Dacia Grayber
Website: www.daciafororegon.com
The following candidate has not yet responded
Republican
Charles (Chick) Mengis
Q&A
1. What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change?
Dacia Grayber (D)- We must continue to build upon the good work of the carbon emission goals and not only make it easier for individuals to reduce their carbon emission (like with EV rebates, etc), but also to look at system issues. Using incentives to reward businesses that make voluntary carbon reductions and ensuring that our biggest polluters are kept in check is paramount. My personal lane of course is wildfire… we must continue to be national innovators in wildfire response– for example, pre-positioning of resources has proven incredibly helpful. Now we must address more root causes, and look at how we can safely and effectively reduce fire damage.
2. Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to perform state and congressional redistricting, and why?
Dacia Grayber (D) – Although we will not be redistricting again for another 9 years– we just finished this– I would support an independent commission if we have the example of a Western state where this has effectively happened without a challenging lawsuit. I do not think we’ve found a perfect balance with this yet.
3. Would you support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Dacia Grayber (D) – Absolutely. We are one of only a handful of states that still has the 2/3 requirement, and as we’ve seen several times, that allows for the legislative process to be held hostage. Regardless of political party, that’s wrong.
District 31
Democrat
Jordan Gutierrez
Website: VoteJordan31st.com
Republican
Darcey Edwards
Website: www.darceyfororegon.com
The following candidate has not yet responded: Aaron L Hall
Q&A
1. What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change?
Darcey Edwards (R) – Oregon has one of the most beautiful and diverse geographies and natural environments in the world. Often, our climate policies are the environmental benchmark for other states. We must consider protecting our environment and reducing our impact on the climate while carefully and realistically balancing it with our need to build affordable homes, bring new industry, support economic drivers, maintain smart timber policy, and more. I do think the legislature is a good place to start, but these conversations must include local, regional, and state officials, energy providers, business owners, land use experts, natural resource leaders and conservationists. We have to drive towards solutions by working together.
Jordan Gutierrez (D) – Though I believe that human development across the globe has effected climate change as we know it today, I’m also honest enough with myself to know that Oregon’s already minuscule carbon output is inconsequential to what we are all living through today. One of the best things Oregon can do to fight climate change is by expanding tree-planting programs as well as the planting heavy carbon-eating crops like industrial hemp, both of which have the ancillary benefit of reducing landslides, a very real and unfortunate reality of climate change we see all too often in our state. This problem is very real, but I believe the resources available to the Oregon Legislature to solve it are extremely limited.
2. Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to perform state and congressional redistricting, and why?
Darcey Edwards (R) – I support an independent redistricting commission or committee. Allowing partisan politicians to draw the lines themselves for their voting districts in a state with partisan elections is a huge conflict of interest. The process for redrawing district lines should be as neutral as possible.
Jordan Gutierrez (D) – We have seen in states as politically opposed in their political temperament as California and Idaho have adopted supposed “independent redistricting” commissions and in both cases, all such a reform did was put a veneer of non-partisanship on a still markedly partisan process, with both State’s still containing extremely partisan gerrymandering in the majority of their legislative districts. For that reason, and many others, I think it is better to maintain the process as it is now, warts and all, so the people of our State can watch the legislature’s work fully aware of the partisan nature of the exercise and judge them accordingly rather than adopt a phony “non-partisan” system to deceive Oregonians.
3. Would you support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Darcey Edwards (R) – No. I support the constitution as it stands, which requires three-fifths majority of the legislature for tax increases, and two-thirds majority for conducting business.
Jordan Gutierrez (D) – I think Measure 113, which forces legislators with repeat unexcused absences to give up their right to seek re-election, should have a chance to work before we decide to amend the State Constitution yet again regarding such a partisan issue. State Courts have upheld the constitutionality of Measure 113, and since that ruling, there have been no legislative walkouts. That said, if the problem of legislative gridlock by partisan walkout persists, I would certainly consider an Amendment lowering quorum to 36 members in the House and 18 in the Senate, but not to a bare majority. I believe that if a single party is to control the entire legislative process, without the input of any opposition, that they should at least have a mandate
District 33
Democrat
Shannon Jones Isadore has not yet responded.
Pete M Grabiel
WEBSITE
CAMPAIGN PHONE (PUBLIC)
971-248-4909
CAMPAIGN EMAIL
info@petegrabiel.com
YOUR EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
I’m a practicing Oregon attorney with extensive experience as an environmental lawyer working around the world on climate change issues. Working closely with the Obama Administration and the United Nations, I had a hand in crafting the landmark Kigali Amendment, which significantly limited the global use of HFCs (a kind of greenhouse gas). I built a broad-based coalition to achieve this policy goal, and now I’m ready to take that experience to Salem to protect Oregon’s natural environment.
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/electpetegrabiel/
Brian Duty
Republican
Stan Baumhofer and Dick Courter have not yet responded to our questions.
Stan Baumhofer’s campaign email is SWBPDX@GMAIL.com
Q&A
What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change
Pete M Grabiel (D) – I would immediately move to pass legislation that enshrines the climate mitigation work of the Climate Protection Program into law. The Climate Protection Program was an Executive action undertaken because efforts to pass more comprehensive climate legislation were frustrated when Republicans walked out of the session in 2019 and 2020. As an Executive action undertaken by the Governor and administrative agencies alone, the Climate Protection Program can be undone by the Executive action of a subsequent Governor. Our climate policies need to be safeguarded through legislation. Now that Oregon has passed a measure punishing lawmakers to walk out of the legislature, we should move climate legislation forward and revisit the cap-and-trade.
Brian Duty (D) – I am proud to be the climate candidate in this race with official endorsements
from the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and The Street Trust Action Fund. I support an environmental justice approach to climate change,
which combines a rapid transition away from fossil fuels with policies that uplift communities most impacted by the climate crisis and other systemic
inequities. We need a green infrastructure revolution, bringing housing, transportation, and industry to net carbon neutrality, while also providing hundreds of thousands of good-paying, union jobs. We must sufficiently fund our natural
resource agencies, invest in wildfire prevention and mitigation, pass robust clean water policies, and rapidly phase out single-use plastics.
Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to redraw state and congressional election districts? Please explain your answer.
Pete M Grabiel (D) – Yes, I would support an independent redistricting commission to draw new district lines in a fair, non-partisan way. I believe voters should choose their politicians – not the other way around. We have seen examples around the country of how extreme “gerrymandering” has disenfranchised minority communities and led to inequitable representation at the state and congressional levels.
Brian Duty (D) – Gerrymandering is wrong. Period. I support the implementation of independent redistricting commissions because no political party should be able to manipulate the outcome of our elections. It is deeply inappropriate to have elected officials drawing their own districts. An independent commission would take that power away from these partisan officials and give it to neutral actors who can make unbiased decisions.
Unfortunately, ending gerrymandering alone will not fix our democracy. We must also protect voting rights, especially for BIPOC communities, restore voting rights to disenfranchised individuals, pass automatic voter registration, protect mail-in voting, and pass robust campaign finance reform legislation.
Would you support lowering the legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Pete M Grabiel (D) – Yes, I would support reforming Oregon’s quorum rules to match those of the 45 other states that require a simple majority to conduct legislative business. It is unacceptable that a small minority of legislators has killed critical environmental protections and common-sense gun laws by walking off the job and disrupting our democratic processes.
Brian Duty (D) – Democracy operates on the principle of majority rule, not minority rule. The reality of democracy is that you win votes and you lose votes, but you take a principled stand and continue fighting for what you believe in. Walkouts, caused by Oregon’s abnormal quorum requirement, are inherently undemocratic because they allow a minority to halt legislation from even being considered by the legislature. I reject walkouts by either party and would not participate in them as a representative. Oregon should join the vast majority of other states by establishing a simple majority (50% + 1) for quorum.
District 34
Democrat
Lisa Reynolds
Website:
www.lisafororegon.com
Republican
John Verbeek
Facebook page: Facebook.com/JohnVerbeekForOregon
Q&A
1. According to the Annie E Casey Report, Oregon’s schools are lagging. What would you propose to improve our public education system?
Lisa Reynolds (D) – As a pediatrician and an early childhood policy lead, I do think we need more investment in the preschool years, to improve Kindergarten readiness, We need more social-emotional support in the schools (including in pre-schools), as we know kids are struggling with behavioral health issues. And we need more funding for teachers and ancillary staff, so that we can give children more attention. I would like to review the school funding formula and strive for the quality education model “per student” funding goals. This must come with data collection so that we understand what is and what is not working for kids. And we do need to hold schools and districts accountable for implementing evidence-based curricula and interventions.
John Verbeek (R) – More support for students and their teachers, diminish the overwhelming political influence – but not their collective bargaining rights – of the people in between (“Big Ed.”), and expunge wokeness. (I realize not everyone in HD 34 wants to build his or her life on Christian ethics, but be aware wokeness has no moral basis except for the attack itself, with feelings and intellect.) I see a parallel challenge in our health care system with Big Health standing tall in between a patient and his or her medical practitioner. A lot of money goes to these middlemen and please notice their endorsements of my opponent. I rather have legislative hearings about the curricula they push.
2. What would you propose to address access to affordable housing and access to mental health and addiction services?
Lisa Reynolds (D) – We have historically underinvested in both of these sectors, and are desperately playing catch up. But we are investing more than ever in these sectors. We need to fund more affordable housing and we need to subsidize rent to get and to keep people housed. We need to provide wrap around services when needed for behavioral health challenges. Over the past several years, the state has allocated record funding for addiction treatment, including for youth. Still, it is crucial that we work to prevent addiction, with upstream investments starting in childhood. We must treat parent behavioral health issues, reduce poverty (and the toxic stress that comes with it), and improve access to safe and stable housing and healthy nutrition.
John Verbeek (R) – These are two different issues. First, in HD 34, public safety is a bigger concern and therefore maintaining proper funding of the Sheriff’s Office. My opponent does not do enough – if anything – for public safety. Second: Many Christians work and volunteer in this field and their freedom of speech should not be infringed upon in respect to the underlying basis to encourage hope. Treatment with pharmaceuticals can be used in that realm, but our current delivery system seems limited to coping with problems, not an instrument to resurrect lives. Money is an answer, but we are seeing to overcome addiction it is only part of the solution. What if a person does not want to be healed? I do appreciate in our state we do not mandate treatment!
3. What funding source should be used for after-school and summer programs for children in low-income families?
Lisa Reynolds (D) – School districts are the conveners of these programs, and the state should fund them, in addition to the baseline K-12 funding.
John Verbeek (R) – We should take a hard look how our state spends our money, for re-allocation of some of it. Moreover, our state budget has far outpaced inflation during the past two decades. This is not sustainable. Perhaps the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) could be a better stimulant, especially helping parents, whom their children see are working hard, by taking responsibility to work with employers to improve work-place safety in mental health care for example. Work with – but not vilifying – employers to perfect working conditions in which workers thrive, are reliable and productive because they don’t have to worry as much about the well-being of dependents they love. I rather have legislative hearings about that than more bills.
District 38
Daniel Nguyen, Democrat, has not yet responded.
District 41
Republican
Elvis Clark
Website: eclarkmilwor@yahoo.com
The following candidate has not yet responded: Democrat
Mark F Gamba
Q&A
1.What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change?
Elvis Clark (R)- The state’s climate related laws are too costly and may not actually be helpful. Electric utilities like PGE are raising rates sharply to meet the state climate mandates, but at a certain point the public will turn against these costly mandates (as is occurring in Europe already). Once more, solar and wind which are the basis of Oregon’s climate mandates require more overhead transmission lines. This increases the chances of transmission line related wildfires, which themselves release greenhouse gases. Locking up Oregon’s forests also raises the danger of wildfires, foregoing the sustainable sequestering of carbon in the form of lumber – a forest product helpful to building houses. Portland’s tree planting programs are a better way.
2. Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to redraw state and congressional election districts? Please explain your answer.
Elvis Clark(R) – Support. Parties exert too much power in influencing Oregon’s elections. One of these partisan methods is to change Oregon and Congressional district boundaries (every ten years with the Census at the behest of the party that holds majority in the Oregon legislature and/or Secretary of State Office).
3. Would you support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Elvis Clark (R) – No. A 60% Quorum threshold has merit. It is a way to better manage against impulsive legislation that may need further public vetting, or allowance of the Citizen Initiative process. A 50% Quorum would give too much power to the party with a majority in the legislature. Both parties have used the 60% Quorum requirement to give themselves greater voice when in the minority.
District 42
Rob Nosse, Democrat, has not yet responded.
District 43
Tawna Sanchez, Democrat
Podcast Interview
Video Interview
Tim LeMaster, Republican, has not yet responded.
District 44
Democrats Christine E Nair and Travis Nelson have not yet responded.
District 45
Thuy Tran, Democrat, has not yet responded.
District 46
Democrat
Willy Chotzen
Mary Lou Hennrich
Q&A
If a candidate is not included, that person has not yet responded.
What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue
of climate change?
Willy Chotzen – I’m running for the State House to ensure we address climate change urgently and equitably. As a father to two young children, I want my kids (and all of our kids and grandkids) to grow up on a safe and healthy planet. We must act quickly to combat climate change. I believe the state should take a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change, including: *Strengthening conservation efforts
*Investing in multi-modal transportation infrastructure
* Ensuring an equitable transition to
renewable energy
We are already feeling the impacts of a changing climate, from wildfires ravaging our forests to unpredictable weather patterns affecting our agriculture and communities. To combat this crisis, we need courageous and inclusive leadership.
Mary Lou Heinrich – I am a supporter of the Climate Protection Program and its current restart thanks to the rule-making the agency has undertaken. I believe in aggressively meeting the challenges of climate change, including areas where it worsens inequity. Oregon should be making the shifts to a green economy with a just transition, so we can live up to our hundred percent Clean Energy For All law passed in 2021 along with other legislative achievements in recent. We should do this in a way that is union-powered or prevailing-wage-powered. It can be a win-win for jobs, individuals, families, and communities.
Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to
redraw state and congressional election districts? Please explain your answer.
Willy Chotzen – I wholeheartedly support this idea. Our democracy thrives when every voice is heard and every vote counts, but partisan gerrymandering undermines these principles by allowing politicians to manipulate district boundaries for their own political gain.
An independent commission would help ensure fair and impartial district maps that accurately represent the diverse voices and interests of Oregonians. Additionally, placing this process in the hands of a commission composed of nonpartisan experts and community members would help restore the trust in our electoral system. To protect the integrity of our democracy and prevent the kind of partisan manipulation that leads to uncompetitive districts and disenfranchisement of voters, we must act now.
Mary Lou Heinrich – I would not be opposed to an independent commission. However, I believe the current legislative process for redistricting Oregon has worked fairly well.
Would you support lowering the legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Willy Chotzen – I support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members. We deserve a legislature that works for the people. Recent legislative walkouts have highlighted the need for reform to ensure that our democratic processes are not disrupted by political gamesmanship. We need to pass a simple majority quorum so that a small fraction of legislators can’t hold our government hostage. Lowering the quorum requirement would help prevent future gridlock and ensure that the business of the people can proceed even in the face of partisan obstructionism.
Mary Lou Hennrich – Absolutely! Most other states have a simple majority quorum requirement and I believe Oregon should as well.
District 47
Andrea Valderrama, Democrat, has not yet responded.
District 48
Democrat
Hoa H Nguyen
Elizabeth A Petersen
Republican
John Masterman and Andrew Morrison have not yet responded.
Q&A
1. What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue
of climate change?
Hoa H Nguyễn (D) – It is imperative that our state takes bold steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as transitioning to a sustainable future is crucial for the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Establishing ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals is a vital first step toward mitigating the impact of climate change. Implementing policies that promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and improving energy efficiency across various sectors will significantly contribute to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and fostering a cleaner environment. Protecting our forests and natural lands is equally important, as they serve as carbon sinks and play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Therefore, it is imperative.
2. Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to
redraw state and congressional election districts? Please explain your answer.
Hoa H Nguyễn (D) – As a Democrat, I strongly support the creation of an independent redistricting commission to perform state and congressional redistricting. I believe fair and impartial redistricting is essential for ensuring that our elections are truly representative of the people. When politicians are allowed to draw their districts, they can gerrymander them to give their party an unfair advantage, which undermines the integrity of our democracy. An independent redistricting commission would be free from partisan interests and would be tasked with drawing districts that are fair and competitive. This would give all voters a more equal say in our elections and help to restore faith in our political system.
3. Would you support lowering the legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Hoa H Nguyễn – I would support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members. The current two-thirds requirement has led to legislative gridlock and walkouts, which have prevented the majority party from carrying out its business. A simple majority quorum would ensure that the majority party could always conduct business, regardless of whether members of the minority choose to be present. This would help to end the near-annual legislative walkouts that have become a hallmark of Oregon politics in recent years. I believe that a simple majority quorum is a more democratic and fair way to conduct business. It would give the majority party the ability to govern, while still allowing the minority party to ha
District 49
Democrat Zach Hudson
Website: electzachhudson.com
Republican Terry A Tipsord
Candidate has not yet responded.
Q&A
If a candidate is not included, that person has not yet responded.
What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change?
Zach Hudson – There are many things we can do to combat climate change. I would support upgrading building codes, increasing electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives, supporting renewable energy projects, expanding public transportation and phasing out fossil fuels.
Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to redraw state and congressional election districts? Please explain your answer.
Zach Hudson – I would support it so long as it was
well planned. It’s very hard to design something to be nonpartisan and independent. How would the commission be selected, and how would that selection itself be unbiased? There is a lot to consider.
Would you support lowering the legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Zach Hudson – Absolutely. Most other states only require 50% of a legislative body to be present to hold a vote. Oregon’s 2/3 quorum requirement allows a minority of the legislature to block a vote whenever they don’t like a bill. That’s not majority rule.
District 50
Ricki Ruiz, Democrat
Podcast Interview
Video Interview
Campaign email: Info@Ricki4Oregon.com
Paul Drechsler, Republican, has not yet responded.
Q&A
1. What changes, if any, would you support in the state legislature to address the issue of climate change?
Ricki Ruiz (D) – As your State Rep, I’m committed to tackling climate change with common sense and innovation. Let’s find ways to create jobs with renewable energy, foster a thriving business environment, and cut emissions without burdening our businesses. Energy efficiency saves money and reduces waste, benefiting all Oregonians. Let’s prioritize fairness and engage with communities most impacted by pollution. Together, with pragmatic leadership and innovative solutions, we’ll build a brighter, more sustainable future for Oregon.
2. Would you support or oppose the creation of an independent redistricting commission to redraw state and congressional election districts? Please explain your answer.
Ricki Ruiz (D) – As someone who supported the new districts in 2021, I value the collaborative effort behind crafting our current electoral boundaries. While I support this work, I also see the need for ongoing reform to strengthen our democracy. That’s why I advocate for an independent redistricting commission to oversee future efforts. Independent oversight enhances transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring electoral boundaries prioritize all Oregonians’ interests. Establishing such a commission is a proactive step to safeguard the integrity of our electoral system and empower Oregonians for generations to come
3. Would you support lowering the legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members? Why or why not?
Ricki Ruiz (D) – I support lowering the state legislature’s quorum requirement to 50% of its members. We must prioritize constituents’ interests and commit to addressing pressing issues. Lowering the quorum sends a clear message: legislative participation is fundamental. It prevents disruptive walkouts and strengthens democracy. Despite partisan divides, we must work together to serve Oregonians. This aligns with the intent that Oregonians had when they approved Measure 113 in 2022, and aligns our constitution to most states, promoting accountability and effectiveness. Let’s put walkouts aside and do the work Oregonians elected us to do.
District 52
Jeff Helfrich, Republican, and Nick Walden Doubloon have not yet responded.
Judges
All of the judicial positions (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Oregon Tax Court, and Circuit Court) are unopposed in this election. Except for those below, these candidates have not responded.
Oregon Judge of the Supreme Court Position 2
Rebecca A Duncan
Website: JusticeRebeccaDuncan.com
Q&A with Justice Rebecca A Duncan, Position 2
What would you like the public to know about the qualities necessary for a good judge?
Rebecca Duncan – Judges must be committed to the rule of law; they must act impartially, dispassionately, and with respect for all who come before them. They must be dedicated to ensuring the integrity of the legal system and our structure of government, with its separate branches and system of checks and balances. Judges have the responsibility to resolve the matters that come before them calmly, carefully, and clearly.
Judge of the Oregon Tax Court
Judge Robert Manicke
Campaign email: manickefortaxjudge@gmail.com
Q&A with Judge Robert Manicke
What qualities and experience best qualify you to serve as a tax court judge?
Robert Manicke – I have been serving as Oregon’s Tax Court Judge since January 1, 2018. Before that, I practiced tax law for 25 years. I focused mainly on state and local tax cases and advice. I represented businesses, individuals, nonprofits and state and local government entities.
What are the main types of cases heard in the Tax Court?
Robert Manicke – The Tax Court hears Oregon property tax cases, Oregon income tax cases, and other cases involving taxes imposed by Oregon. Since 2023, we also hear cases involving taxes imposed by Oregon cities, counties, and other local governments.
What, if any, changes would you like to see in Oregon’s Tax Court system?
Robert Manicke – I am constantly trying to improve access to the court. For example, in 2021, at our request, the legislature lowered the filing fee in the Oregon Tax Court Magistrate Division, from $281 to $50. I also seek to preserve the court’s impartiality and expertise.
Video Interview with Cheryl Albrecht, Multnomah County Court Position 31
Q&A with Michael J Riedel, Circuit Court Judge, 4th District, Position 16
Explain your view of the relative roles of punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation in sentences for conviction of offenses affecting the homeless.
The role of a judge is to serve our community by ensuring access to justice and conducting fair and impartial proceedings consistent with the law and unique facts of each matter. It’s the civic responsibility of a judge to be fair, humble, a good listener and empathetic. A judge should apply a common-sense interpretation of the law in their decision making while safeguarding fairness, equity and justice for all parties.
How would you suggest voters evaluate Circuit Court candidates?
Experience and background are important considerations. This position is assigned to family and juvenile court. I have nearly 20 years of courtroom experience between family law and service as a Deputy District Attorney, including juvenile matters. For the past 17 months, I’ve had the honor of serving Multnomah County as a full-time Circuit Judge Pro Tem. Additionally, my personal background has prepared me to serve with fairness and compassion. Coming from an economically difficult childhood, working alongside my hearing-impaired father as a janitor at a young age and being the first in my family to attend college have all instilled in me the importance of empathy, respect, patience, listening and explaining decisions in this role.
When, if ever, is it appropriate for a court to punish a defendant convicted of a crime of domestic violence by prohibiting possession or use of a gun?
There is always room for growth and improvement in the court’s service to the community. Continued work increasing access to justice and implementing the concepts of procedural justice are essential in providing high quality service to the public.
Q&A with Melvin Oden, Circuit Court Judge, 4th District, Position 23
Explain your view of the relative roles of punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation in sentences for conviction of offenses affecting the homeless.
I believe every person deserves to be treated with respect as a human being, regardless of their housing status.
When, if ever, is it appropriate for a court to punish a defendant convicted of a crime of domestic violence by prohibiting possession or use of a gun?
Treatment courts have a valuable role to play in reducing recidivism.
Metro Councilor
Metro Councilor positions for Districts 3, 5, and 6 are unopposed in this election. However, Duncan Hwang, running for Metro Councilor, District 6, has answered LWV questions on Vote411.org.
Duncan Hwang’s answers are copied below.
Website: duncanformetro.com
Q&A
- What will be your policy priorities if re-elected and why?
Duncan Hwang – I am focused on addressing our housing and homeless crisis by expanding funding for affordable housing and ensuring our local jurisdictional partners are using resources from Metro effectively. I am also focused on transportation and transit. I am honored to co-chair the planning committee working to bring high capacity transit to 82nd Ave. I am also working on biking and safety infrastructure in East Portland and in deep SW Portland. Finally I am working on implementing community visions at the OMSI District, Albina, and in East Portland.
2. What is your reaction to Metro’s 2023 Regional Transportation Plan?
Duncan Hwang – This was a plan that is federally required and compiles all the projects funded and otherwise throughout our region. I am excited for major new transit projects such as on 82nd Ave or TV Highway and we continue to work on curbing unnecessary freeway expansion with our state and local partners.
3. What role would you support for Metro to play in addressing the supply of housing in the region?
Duncan Hwang – We are exploring ways to fund more affordable housing development that doesn’t raise current taxes. We’re also focused on land readiness throughout the region so the infrastructure is in place for more housing production at all income levels.
Multnomah County Commissioner
District 1
Chris Henry has not yet responded.
Kevin Fitts
Meghan Moyer
Vadim Mozyrsky
Margot Wheeler
Q&A
If a candidate isn’t included, the person did not respond in writing. Take a look at their podcast and video interview above.
What will be your policy priorities if elected, and why?
Kevin Fitts – Multnomah County is facing multiple, very visible crises at the intersection of mental health, addiction and homelessness. My policy priorities are mental health, addiction and housing. My record shows tangible results in driving progress on these issues. I’m running for County Commissioner because I have the work experience and productive working relationships with key stakeholders to revitalize the energy among leadership and their community partnerships. As a person with lived experience of these challenges myself, I will bring a fresh perspective to supplement my deep policy knowledge. dditionally, as a community builder at heart, I will work tirelessly to forge a holistic, vibrant, economically sustainable future for Multnomah County.
Meghan Moyer – My first priority will be to fix our broken mental health and addiction services system. By increasing funding, improving access, and integrating these services into broader healthcare, we can provide comprehensive support for those in need. I also recognize the burden of childcare costs, and will advocate for the expansion of affordable, high-quality childcare to support working families. And I will focus on investing in infrastructure to stimulate economic development and create family-wage jobs. We need to invest in structural improvements and new technologies to create a sustainable foundation for economic growth and job creation. By investing in infrastructure, we’re investing in every community member’s opportunity and well-being.
Vadim Mozyrsky – 1) Make faster progress to end homelessness. Unsheltered homeless people need access to services to deal with poverty, addiction, and mental health challenges. I will rapidly expand temporary shelters and sanctioned camping sites to provide care while banning camping everywhere else. I will move with urgency and hold our government and contractors accountable for results. 2) Improve public safety. When you call 911, you expect a fast response. The county must move immediately to fix the ambulance crisis. I will work with the DA, law enforcement partners, and judges to deter crime and keep our neighborhoods safe. As an experienced public servant and administrative law judge, I can make these systems finally work for our community.
Margot Wheeler – My priorities are streamlining County operations, improving spend transparency, and eliminating program underperformance. Multnomah County needs to utilize tax dollars efficiently and for the purposes they were intended. Multnomah County has a duty to be accountable for program administration to deliver impactful results. I will prioritize monitoring performance of contracts with service providers and make sure contracts and payments are executed in a timely manner.
Are you satisfied with the board’s current handling of the 24-hour mental health crisis and sobering center? If not, what changes would you support? Please explain your answer.
Kevin Fitts – Overall, I have been unsatisfied with the delays caused by lack of collaboration among key stakeholders. It’s good to see progress recently, though. The recent action of sharing the draft plan with the press before the plan is finalized, may encourage faster stakeholder input. The Facilitator Operator Procurement and Community Impact Survey sections of the draft plan shared publicly are still so vague, though– those elements are really important. I support finetuning center performance measures. Soliciting more input on performance measures
from consumers with lived experience of withdrawal recovery could be useful. Performance measures about staff safety solicited from unions could also be added. Moving forward with urgency is important.
Meghan Moyer – I support the concept of a 24-hour mental-health crisis and sobering center, but I would advocate for distinct areas for those facing mental health emergencies and those using the sobering center, recognizing the unique needs of those two populations. The sobering center must have medical oversight, and we need to carefully and compassionately evaluate the duration of holding individuals. It’s also essential to provide the appropriate treatment and support post-detox. I’d like to see the county follow the Deschutes model for the crisis stabilization center, which offers a secure environment to stabilize, meet basic needs, and facilitate connections to services and professional support.
Vadim Mozyrsky – I’m happy that after four years of inaction, the County Commission is finally moving toward opening a sobering center. However, the sobering center will not be completed until late 2025 at the earliest, so as County Commissioner I will work to establish a stop-gap facility utilizing county workforce and space so that individuals experiencing acute drug addiction have a place to stabilize. Moreover, we need a better plan for a continuum of care including residential withdrawal management, transitional housing, ongoing psychiatric services, and recovery housing. I will use my experience building private-public partnerships to stand up this continuum of care and ensure that those needing help are not left on the streets.
Margot Wheeler – Multnomah County has not utilized resources and assets. We have a huge deficit in mental health services and substance abuse treatment. There is a lack of detox beds and in-patient treatment which is fueling the decrease in livability in our community. Unity Center for Behavioral Health and local emergency rooms are acute care options that provide only short-term intervention. Multnomah County needs comprehensive supportive care to stop the cycle of addiction and homelessness. My plan to improve public services: Review current providers and executed contracts to gauge capacity and effectiveness Maximize funding for effective providers to increase capacity Enforce current agreements
What role do you think Multnomah County should play in addressing the supply of housing in the County? Please explain your answer.
Kevin Fitts – In general, policy change ideas are in
flux until the outcome of the Supreme Court’s pending consideration of Grants Pass v. Johnson. For now, I support Oregon’s HB 3115 as policy guidelines. I also support improving coordination
between housing providers, houseless services and behavioral health. Mental health and addiction difficulties are often major elements in people losing their housing. A coordinated network
of crisis response services should also include eviction prevention services as an integral piece that is even included as part of the 988 crisis system planning and implementation. I also support resources for the expansion and additional
marketing about the County’s eviction prevention services, so more people know they exist.
Meghan Moyer – To effectively address homelessness, we must significantly expand our housing-with-support options for those with mental health, disability, or addiction challenges requiring comprehensive support. Our current infrastructure is not even close to providing enough of these crucial spots. Long-term care for individuals unable to self-care and living on the streets is essential, along with sober housing, detox beds, women’s shelters, and more transitional housing to progress individuals from shelters to stability. We need to ensure that on-demand mental health and detox treatments are the norm. By providing strong and compassionate intervention as early as possible, we can help avert the cycle of repeated hospitalizations and incarcerations.
Vadim Mozyrsky – Multnomah County must work with the City of Portland as a partner, not an adversary. I’ve been endorsed by three leading candidates for Mayor – because they know that I will be able to work collaboratively to solve homelessness, while demanding accountability of anyone that holds us back from succesfully tackling this crisis. Washington and Clackamas Counties have been able to reduce chronic homelessness. Multnomah County can, too: Open more shelter beds, end unsanctioned camping, and provide a continuum of care using the proven Built for Zero methodology. I will improve coordination and accountability with the 100+ service providers funded by the county to help people off the streets and into stability and recovery.
Margot Wheeler – I plan to address homelessness by improving the contracting management process with service providers and increasing the services provided directly by Multnomah County. I will work together with the County Departments, the State of Oregon, City of Portland, and private organizations like Bybee Lakes Hope Center (Wapato) to maximize joint efforts to reduce homelessness in our community. Prioritizing safety and accessibility is critical for the revitalization of our beautiful county. It is unacceptable to continue facilitating unsanctioned camping and drug use. Allowing individuals to remain on the street when they cannot care for themselves is inhumane. It is the responsibility of local government to address the needs of the community.
District 2
Sam Adams
Jessie Burke
Nicholas (Nick) Hara
Dr. Carlos Jermaine Richard
Shannon Singleton
Q&A
If a candidate isn’t included, the person did not respond in writing. Take a look at their podcast and video interview above.
What will be your policy priorities if elected,
and why?
Sam Adams – Too often, Multnomah County decision-making lacks focus, urgency, partnering, and accountability. That is why I’m running. Take the urgent need to end homelessness and expand mental health treatment. It’s not because of a lack of money right now. Taxpayers have raised their own taxes pouring more than half a billion dollars into ending homelessness. But we aren’t getting adequate results. Why!? A key reason is because we have a patchwork system with scant accountability. You can read more here. Quick summary of key reforms: – Require joint budgeting, oversight, and accountability for the upwards of $650 million in homelessness, housing, mental and addiction health programs now budgeted mostly separately by the County, Home Forward, and cities. – Establish a single care tracking system for people who need services. We need one system to access all services, so clients can get the services they need, caregivers can follow up with clients, and taxpayers can see if services are actually being delivered. – Start NOW to replace the drug and alcohol sobering center. For five years, outreach workers and first responders have no place to drop off those in crisis. – Require a yearly public report card of joint efforts, not just siloed ones. You should be able to see what is being done—if joint accountability measurements exist (currently not many do), if these goals are being met, and what actions are being taken to meet or exceed them.
Jessie Burke – 1) Creating a central database of available shelter beds that is public-facing. 2) We need to drastically increase the number of walk-in shelter beds. Currently most are reservation based with 2-3 week waiting lists.
3) We must use SMART Goals for every budget line item (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Timeline). The public is getting restless with increasing taxes and what seems to be no returns on investment.
4) We must develop more tools for our first responders to assist those living outside. This includes the central database of available shelter beds, advocating at the State for a definition for gravely disabled, funding for individuals in need of care facilities or adult foster care.
Nicholas (Nick) Hara – Informed public & accountable government. I want to make it easy find, access, and understand what we do with taxpayer dollars. I will update our county’s out-of-date technical infrastructure. This would the commission’s work and lower barriers to public participation. Green New Deal for Multnomah. The changing climate coincides with a renewed need for better public investments after decades of neglect. I see a Multnomah that prioritizes housing availability and affordability, livable wages, new green jobs, and future-proof infrastructure investments. Impactful progressive policies. Tough questions lead to better outcomes. It’s harder to say “we don’t know” and seek out meaningful change than to cherry-pick data to justify one’s cause.
Carlos Jermaine Richard – As Multnomah County Commissioner for District 2, my priorities would center on: o Youth and Working families o Community safety & livability o Homelessness o Addiction services & Mental health o Fentanyl crisis o Immigrant & Refugee services o AMR Response Times As Commissioner for District 2, I would center equity and the voices of the ethnic and diverse communities most impacted by the on-going issues that affect community livability and safety. I would support and advocate for the revitalization of the business community in downtown Portland. I would also continue to support and advocate for the immigrant and refugee community to obtain stable and permanent housing.
Shannon Singleton – I have three priorities: housing, healthcare/behavioral health and safe communities. Multnomah County sits at the center of these three priorities. I have decades of front line experience, working directly with people to get into treatment, find permanent housing from a shelter or the streets, and providing mental health services. I know what works. We need to shore up our courts and frontline public safety services and get to the bottom of what’s driving troubling incidents in our jails.
Are you satisfied with the board’s current handling of the 24-hour mental health crisis and sobering center? If not, what changes would you support? Please explain your answer.
Sam Adams – I am unsatisfied with Multnomah Couty’s four-year delay in reopening the sobering center. First responders and civilian outreach workers have no appropriate place to take people experiencing acute drug reactions. I support the proposal by Commissioner Julia Brim-Edward’s plan to start the process now to site, staff and open a new center in months not years.
Jessie Burke – I work in Old Town. I am surrounded by people in constant mental health crises, and nearly everyone needs to be in a sobering center, but instead they roam the streets. So my guess is this facility is voluntary, not mandatory. What I would change is that we have to stop normalizing public use of drugs, and stop normalizing people being high walking the streets, or people in a mental health crisis to become the community’s responsibility. We all care, but this is not something the public is trained to do. We must begin enforcing some basic standards of behavior in the public realm, and give first responders the tools to transport those in mental health crisis or high on drugs to care.
Nicholas (Nick) Hara – After 3 years without results the county restarted the sobering center procurement process with a another 3-year timeline. Every day without a functioning facility puts lives at risk. We are in the midst of a 90-day fentanyl emergency, yet one of our most critical services, a sobering center, is MIA. There is no way to get back that lost time, but we can try to make up for it. To me, that is not additional micro-management of the health department, but efforts to enable existing facilities to create more beds immediately. For the future county can design contracts to better articulate baseline standards, tighten timeframes, and give frontline workers the resources necessary to assist those in need.
Carlos Jermaine Richard – I believe the most pressing needs in behavioral health at this juncture are inclusive of: o Limited services for kids and youth o Declining services in rural communities o Limited long-term spaces for individuals facing serious behavioral health issues o The mounting issues of substance abuse rampant in the community The issue of behavioral health services is further exacerbated by the homeless crisis, fentanyl crisis, and the lack of investments needed to scale up and expand services. Filling the needs of the behavioral health gap would be inclusive of: o Expansion of behavioral health services to include early detection and prevention o Explore additional funding to hire more staff to provide direct support for community members
Shannon Singleton – Honestly, I’ve never had a client who needed an incentive to get sober, but now that this law is in place I welcome the opportunity to create a deflection system that actually works for the people we serve. What I have experienced is that we build programs in ways that make it almost impossible for people to use them. That has to stop. I had a client at JOIN who asked me to help her get into detox. You had to arrive early to get a bed so I picked her up at 4am at her camp, went to the center, waited in line, and she didn’t get in. The next day, we did the same. The third day I went to pick her up and she said she didn’t want to be disappointed again and didn’t want to go. She later died on the street. We need to do better and I know we can.
What role do you think Multnomah County should play in addressing the supply of housing in the County? Please explain your answer.
Sam Adams – It’s not because of a lack of money right now. Taxpayers have raised their own taxes pouring more than half a billion dollars into ending homelessness. But we aren’t getting adequate results. Why!? A key reason is because we have a patchwork system with scant accountability. You can read more here. Quick summary of key reforms: – Require joint budgeting, oversight, and accountability for the upwards of $650 million in homelessness, housing, mental and addiction health programs now budgeted mostly separately by the County, Home Forward, and cities. – Establish a single care tracking system for people who need services. We need one system to access all services, so clients can get the services they need, caregivers can follow up with clients, and taxpayers can see if services are actually being delivered. – Start NOW to replace the drug and alcohol sobering center. For five years, outreach workers and first responders have no place to drop off those in crisis. – Require a yearly public report card of joint efforts, not just siloed ones. You should be able to see what is being done—if joint accountability measurements exist (currently not many do), if these goals are being met, and what actions are being taken to meet or exceed them.
Jessie Burke – We must prioritize bond measure dollars for chronic homelessness needs first and foremost. Currently a majority of the dollars are being spent on preventing homelessness by investing in affordable housing, which is why the voter is not seeing much change outside.
We must create a central database of available shelter beds accessible to the public.
We must drastically increase the number of walk-in shelter beds.
We must be able to use housing funding for adult foster care and long-term care facilities.
And we must have public, nonprofit and private sector all building housing simultaneously.
Nicholas (Nick) Hara – Housing first is a proven way to end homelessness. Where I see room for improvement is in implementation. Data-informed policies include ground truth. New insights lead to new questions in a cycle of actionable steps. For example, JOHS reports that the average tenure of front-line service staff is less than 1-year. Pay is below a living wage for most staff, making it difficult for them to stay. We cannot expect to solve homelessness when we cannot pay the people who are supposed to solve it a living wage. Multnomah can change the contracting process to mandate at least a living wage for all staff funded under county programs. I will seek out similar reforms that elevate my commitment to solving homelessness beyond lip-service.
Carlos Jermaine Richard – The current plan fails to address one imperative question: How? o What is the economic plan and how will this impact working families? o What are the benchmarks to determine if the new housing strategy is effective? o What real lessons were learned from the Housing Multnomah Now Initiative? o How will the new strategy prevent past mistakes? My vision will be inclusive of leveraging resources from internal county departments (JOHS, DCHS, etc.) that currently work with homeless communities, provide rent assistance, and outreach services. I would create a financial accountability committee empowered to review and analyze how the budget for homeless services are utilized with benchmarks and key performance indicators to measure success
Shannon Singleton – We need more of everything, and it needs to be coordinated. We need more housing, we need more shelter, we need more behavioral health interventions and retention services. We have an opportunity in this moment, with the Supportive Housing Services measure in place, to make great strides. It will take focusing on making progress, instead of bickering over the best way forward. We know what works. What we need to do now is show voters progress, and build trust with the people sleeping on our streets that we are serious about turning the corner on homelessness. I want to be clear. This will be hard and it will take time.
District 3
Julie Brim-Edwards
Website: juliabrim-edwards.com
TJ Noddings
Q&A
What will be your policy priorities if elected,
and why?
Julie Brim-Edwards – Eleven months ago, you elected me to a partial term to get the County back on track. County leadership had failed to effectively act on the crises in our neighborhoods. If elected, my priorities remain: a) Fund and expand shelter beds and alternative housing to transition people off the streets to basic services, safety, and provide a path to housing. b) End unsanctioned camping. c) Lead the work to re-open a 24/7 Drop Off Sobering Center with connections to detox/drug treatment. d) Improve neighborhood safety, by prioritizing critical community corrections funding and first responder staffing to reduce response times to emergencies. e) Ensure accountability, transparency so tax dollars are effectively spent. f) Advocate for East Portland!
TJ Noddings – LOWER THE RENT: Demand local rent control to cap rent & utilities such that anyone working full time on minimum wage can afford an apartment with 30% or less of their income.
END EVICTIONS: 90% of evictions in Multnomah are for nonpayment. Only 7% of tenants have representation vs. 82% of landlords. We must provide an eviction lawyer to all.
DECOMMODIFY HOUSING: By creating a public social housing developer, the county should aim to become the #1 provider of housing rather than private equity.
A HOME FOR EVERY UNHOUSED
PERSON: Converting vacant offices & other quickly developable permanent housing projects
BUILD TENANT POWER: Pass a Renters’ Bill of Rights to cap fees, ban rent hikes when code violations exist, and other protections.
Are you satisfied with the board’s current handling of the 24-hour mental health crisis and sobering center? If not, what changes would you support? Please explain your answer.
Julie Brim-Edwards – No, much more needs to be done. When I was elected 11 months ago, Multnomah County’s mental health system had been underfunded with revolving leadership. There continues to be a lack of access to mental health services, unprecedented numbers of drug-related deaths, unsafe conditions, and individuals without access to addiction treatment. As a County Commissioner, I am pushing for and have supported: creation of a countywide, holistic plan for drug addiction treatment that runs the entire continuum, from prevention to treatment and recovery; expansion of capacity for detox and treatment beds, both inpatient and outpatient; and I led the planning and design work for a new 24-7 Drop Off Sobering Center and helped secure funding for it.
TJ Noddings – Absolutely not. We have been without a center for 4 years already and the current commissioner in District 3, Julia Brim-Edwards, in charge of planning & designing the new center has failed to put forth a plan that addresses our serious and immediate needs. The first 15 beds are projected to open in July 2025, more than a year from now, but folks living on the streets & going through crisis do not have that long to wait. The 90 day declaration of fentanyl emergency will soon be over. We must open an immediate temporary center with longer limits on stays while we develop the larger permanent facility.
What role do you think Multnomah County should play in addressing the supply of housing in the County? Please explain your answer.
Julie Brim-Edwards -The County had been slow to act and locked in a rigid ideology of thinking that there was one way to address this humanitarian crisis while record number of individuals were homeless on our streets. More urgent action was needed. When I joined the Commission last summer, I pushed hard for immediate action on the millions of unspent funds and to fund–which we did–hundreds of new shelter beds and alternative shelter types to transition people from the street and camps to shelter, basic services, safety and a path to housing. Investments were made in day centers, sober and recovery housing, and treatments beds. That needs to be prioritized. Mental health and addiction treatment services must be integrated with supportive homeless services.
TJ Noddings – Research shows that the #1 cause & predictor of houselessness is a region’s cost of housing. We cannot build lasting change while the private market raises rates every single year. We must keep people that are already housed in their homes, and move unhoused & unsheltered folks into permanent affordable housing immediately.
In the meantime, we must also stop the disruptive and abusive street sweeps that make it impossible for houseless folks to achieve stability. We need public access to more clean, safe restrooms and showers. We need more permanently subsidized housing vouchers for folks with fixed or no income. We need to fund more case managers & outreach to connect folks with the resources that exist but are
underutilized.
.
District 4
Vince Jones-Dixon
Brian Knotts
Timothy O Youker
Q&A
What will be your policy priorities if elected,
and why?
Vince Jones-Dixon – I’m running to be your County Commissioner to bring urgency and accountability to our emergency and safety net systems. The lingering challenges from the COVID pandemic and the surge in fentanyl and other drugs are threatening many in our community.
My top priorities are:
- Real solutions to prevent and manage homelessness
- Mental health and addiction services
- Community Safety
Our community deserves:
- Emergency services that provide essential care and respond quickly.
- Easy access to information regarding services for those in need or at risk.
- Efficient and accountable government that uses its resources effectively.
Brian Knotts – I want to focus county government on its core competencies; namely, public safety and infrastructure. These are things every county resident uses and needs. The roads, in particular, have been allowed to deteriorate over the past 15 years. This will require significant investment, but it is not optional. We cannot rely solely on road taxes for this.
My other priority is going back to the drawing board with our homeless situation and re-evaluating the current approach. We must consider incentives and disincentives whenever we design a solution, and how they will affect the success or failure of the program.
Timothy O Youker – The County, City of Portland, Gresham Non-profit are housing allot of homeless people, including imagrants from other countries in temporary housing. This temporary housing I found out, has extended to 6 months to over a year in our homeless villages. The State of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation is available to all resident’s with a disability. As Commissioner I would love to hand out Vocational Training vouchers to the public, Mt. Hood Community Collage, PCC has Vocational Training, NW Collage of Construction hasa program. I have noticed every person housed are waiting for Direction. We also need more treatment/Self help programs close to were people are housed. I am on public transportation everyday talking to the public.
Are you satisfied with the board’s current handling of the 24-hour mental health crisis and sobering center? If not, what changes would you support? Please explain your answer.
Vince Jones-Dixon – Facilities for mental health and addiction services need to be expanded in the locations they are most needed. Those in crisis need safe spaces to receive support. The County needs to adequately connect people with these services, and support the hard-working staff dedicated to providing care. I absolutely support and would prioritize re-establishing a sobering center, but if this is going to take up to two years as has been predicted, we need to be nimble and find solutions in the meantime. One example the county can follow is the work done by the Oregon Change Clinic.
Brian Knotts – I am glad that they decided to re-open the sobering center. It should never have been shut down in the first place. I think these programs are, in large part, tied into the homeless situation, and as I have said, the whole approach needs reexamination and reevaluation. Keep what works, reform or reengineer what isn’t working.
Timothy O Youker – I don’t understand why the courrent Multnomah County Commissioner’s are just housing people. I believe a the courrent board members are waiting for their term in office to end. I have no idea why the board of Commissioner do what they do.
What role do you think Multnomah County should play in addressing the supply of housing in the County? Please explain your answer.
Vince Jones-Dixon – A major element of addressing housing affordability includes creating opportunities for better jobs for the community. The County needs to prioritize its ability to create jobs, spur entrepreneurship, and facilitate bringing in federal funding that can support all elements related to alleviating the housing crisis.
We also must support those who are deling with the housing crisis on the most direct level by ensuring the County is doing everything in its power to help those living on the streets. face an immediate need for an accurate count of shelter beds s power to help those living on the streets. face an immediate need for an accurate count of shelter beds so we can make this information readily available to first responders.
Brian Knotts – I think the courts need a county facility that is not jail, but is similar in some ways, but dedicated to providing rehab for people who have committed serious crimes as a result of their addiction. We need to re-affirm the concept of shelter, as opposed to “housing first” which is unattainable and causes delays in helping people out of their immediate situation. We also need to find ways to discourage people from turning down shelter due to no-drug policies.
Timothy O Youker – The homeless solution is currently not working. Management is not moving forward with treatment and education. Residents in the small villages are not moving forward, because all the treatment program for addiction are full. People need more options. If the City ore the private contractors are not able to manage the homeless villages. The County needs to take over and over see the Management of the villages. The County needs more case workers finding education learning needs of everyone involved. Summer only tents, rotation to small houses Vocational training for the disabled. Mental Health, education, case worker support helping everyone.
.
District Attorney
Nathan Vasquez
Website: www.voteforvasquez.com
Mike Schmidt
Website: mikeschmidtforda.com
Q&A
- What do you suggest should be the three most important factors for voters in making their choice between the candidates for District Attorney?
Mike Schmidt – 1. Accomplishments: I partnered with police to reduce auto theft, and led on a state law change to fix Measure 110 and stop public drug use. And I’m standing up to the gun lobbyists and partnering with OHSU to study gun violence as the major public health epidemic that it is. 2. Supporters: I’m proud to be endorsed by trusted progressives- from Willamette Women Democrats and Basic Rights PAC, to Former Governor Barbara Roberts and Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. Meanwhile, my opponent, Nathan Vasquez, takes money from NRA champion Betsy Johnson and donors with ties to MAGA extremists. 3. Platform: I’m the only candidate in the race with a clear platform. Read more at mikeschmidtforda.com/priorities
Nathan Vasquez – 1. How many years of experience do the candidates have standing up for victims? 2. How many types/levels of crime have the candidates prosecuted cases? 3. When was the last case prosecuted?
2. What is your view of the appropriate relationship between the District Attorney’s office and the Portland Police Bureau?
Mike Schmidt – I’ve proudly partnered with police, launching an auto theft task force which reduced auto thefts, and a retail theft task force to crack down on shoplifting crime rings. I helped secure funding for Portland Police to stop dangerous street races. The District Attorney and the Portland Police must work together to keep us safe- and they are also separate entities for a reason. They are part of a system of checks and balances that prevents corruption of power. I believe we need to support our dedicated police officers who serve the community and keep us safe, and we also must hold our police to the highest standard, demanding full accountability for officers who break the law and violate their powers- because nobody is above the law.
Nathan Vasquez – While the Portland Police Bureau and the District Attorney’s office often must work together on cases, it is important that the District Attorney’s office stay at an arm’s length so that they can be fair dealers in enforcing the law no matter who the plaintiff or defendant in a case.
3. What will be your policy priorities if (re-)elected, and why?
Mike Schmidt – In my second term I will focus on these priorities: Working with police to enforce new laws against open public drug use and get people off the street and into treatment. Working to reduce gun violence through both prosecution and prevention. Building new programs focused on helping domestic violence survivors. Rejecting Trump & MAGA extremists by protecting immigrant communities and prosecuting hate crimes. Expanding groundbreaking treatment courts I started in my first term, which are proven to prevent future crimes. Standing up for abortion rights- regardless of who is elected President and if MAGA Republicans pass a national abortion ban.
Nathan Vasquez – ACCOUNTABILITY: 1. Rebuild Relationships with All Partners in the Justice System 2. Prioritize Enforcement of Drug Trafficking and Open Air Use 3. Enforce Failure to Appear in Court MEASURE 110: 1) Criminalization of hard drugs at the Class A misdemeanor level to provide accountability for treatment 2) Detox centers for those in crisis 3) Residential treatment beds so no-one is waiting on the streets to die or languishing in our jails, 4) Diversion programs that reward progress with the removal of criminal penalties, 5) Transportation and housing options for those seeking sobriety outside of high drug areas; particularly downtown portland, 6) Case supervisors to provide thoughtful monitoring and referrals to work, housing and sobriety.
Secretary of State
Democrat
James Jim Crary Email: craryja@gmail.com
James Manning Jr Website: votejamesmanning.com
Tobias Read Website: Tobiasread.com
Dave W Stauffer Facebook: www.facebook.com/Staufent11/videos/37402565216689
Paul Damian Wells Website: lincolnprimary.org
Republican
Brent Barker Website: brentbarkerfororegon.com
Dennis Linthicum has not yet responded
Tim McCloud Email: timmccloud4or@protonmail.com
Q&A
What qualifications and experience make you the best candidate for Secretary of State?
Brent Barker (R) – Prior Governmental Experience: Named 2009 US-Asia Expo Ambassador for Arizona by Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) International Trade Council. Received 2015 Commendation Award for Public Service by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Precinct Committee Person (PCP) and Oregon Delegate. White House Executive Office of the President (EOP) Office of Advance. 2022 Candidate for the Oregon Commissioner of Labor and Industries (BOLI). 2024 Candidate for Oregon Secretary of State.
James Jim Crary (D)– I am the only candidate who has laid out exactly what I will do when elected. Specifically, I will add a new tab on the SOS’s website that will allow any registered voter to ask questions of any or all of the candidates that the voter can vote for. With the new tab:
* Voters can ask candidate(s) questions 24/7/365 from any smartphone, laptop, or desktop.
* All Qs & As will be in writing and open for all to see• After the election, all Qs & As will be archived and kept for future reference.
* Voters would vote, not upon negative ads, but instead upon who had the best answers to the voter’s questions. If voters voted for people who had the best answers to their questions, we would get elected officials who will address the problems we face.
Dennis Linthicum (R) – Candidate has not yet responded.
James Manning Jr (D) – I am a public servant, not a politician running to restore trust and integrity to the Office of Secretary of State. I will defend our democracy, preserve Vote by Mail, and ensure our Elections workers are protected and our data is secure. As a former U.S. Army Assistant Inspector General I will use the power of the audit -as I have nationally and internationally in the Army – to provide a transparent accounting of our departments, divisions, agencies, state-run programs. In the Senate, I have worked to pass landmark legislation around healthcare for all, education, social justice reform, and vital workers’ protections that have benefited Oregonians in all corners of our state. As always, my door is open to all Oregonians.
Tim McCloud (R) – I have career experience in the governmental, nonprofit and business sectors, which includes small business ownership. I also have an education background in Small City Management and Public Administration and have chaired several government commissions and committees. I have experience working with, and managing staff and facilities for Oregon’s most vulnerable populations. This includes foster youth, as well as both child and adult homeless populations, intellectual and developmentally disabled individuals; and youth in the court systems. Currently I work in Business Development and Information Systems management.
Tobias Read (D) – My experience turning good ideas into results as a statewide leader sets me apart in this race, With Oregon saves, I transformed a concept into a program now serving more than 120,000 people who have saved over $240, Million dollars for retirement. As Treasurer, I’ve led a staff of nearly 200 people while managing a portfolio of $130+ billion dollars. I’m running for Secretary of State because our democracy is at stake-with increased attacks against election workers and widespread misinformation, it’s critical that we restore public trust in our elections process. Having a Secretary of State that voters trust will improve the effectiveness of everything else that we do.
Dave W Stauffer (D) – The Secretary of State is also the Chair of the Board of Sustainability and Environment. (See Oregon Revised Statutes–ORS– Chapter 814). I have five patented (U.S. Patents) environment-saving inventions that can greatly improve Oregon’s environment with regard to water shortages, drought, wildfires, air pollution, rush hour traffic jams, and cutting down utility bills for house heating and house air conditioning, I also have a patented invention that will produce pollution-free electricity from Pacific Ocean waves, and another invention that will change intermittent electricity from wind-powered propellers (working 40% of the time) to consistent wind-powered electricity that works 100% of the time. I am the only candidate who has any plans to improve Oregon’s environment.
Paul Damian Wells (D) – I’m not qualified for this position, but I am the only candidate that’s actually committed to free and fair elections. We don’t have free and equal elections in Oregon. We have partisan elections. Independent and third-party candidates are systematically disenfranchised, and over 43% of registered voters are legally barred from participating in the primary.
What are your priorities for the State Land Board?
Brent Barker (R) – As to the state Land Board and Sustainability – there is one question: Where are the job creation INCENTIVES that collaborate with the public/private forest management to reduce fire risk and improve economic vitality? This is my priority pertaining to all Land Board decisions. As a student of Law at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law my focus is on Dispute Resolution, problem solving and solutions. Pointing the finger at others and telling them how wrong they are will only end in disaster. We must come together, find strength in unity in our diversity of values. When your values are clear – decision making is simplified.
James Jim Crary (D)– I want to use public land, that is not suitable for agriculture or forestry (but which receives a lot of annual sunshine), to install solar panels that will generate enough electricity to offset the electrical bills for every Oregon public school and public university. This will:
* Substantially reduce the on-going operating cost of such institutions ( as they would no longer have monthly electric bills).
*Address climate change in a tangible and dramatic fashion; and
*Bring Economic development and good paying jobs to Oregon.
Dennis Linchicum (R) – Candidate has not yet responded
James Manning Jr (D) – As a member of the State Land Board, I will ensure that our public lands, waterways and state forests are not for sale. I have earned the exclusive endorsements of the Sierra Club, 350 Salem OR, and Congressman Peter DeFazio because my commitment to our environment and preserving our precious natural resources for future generations remains unwavering.
I prioritize vital protection of our public lands, and critical collaboration and increased communication with Tribal partners. As Oregon’s next Secretary of State I will lead with integrity, combat the climate crisis, and follow the science.
Tim McCloud (R) – Regarding the majority of decision making related to Oregon’s Common School Fund, there is significant room for improvement. I look forward to analyzing the most recent (Unreleased) budgets, and from there, as the Secretary of State, working towards moving Oregon into a position of fiscally responsible stewardship for statewide schools funding. Next, I will step into the role of protecting Oregon’s waterways, natural resources, wildlife, and the public right-of-access to state lands. Most important is to keep the State Land Board accountable to the people of Oregon, not foreign investments and special interests.
Tobias Read (D) – The primary obligation of the Land Board is to maintain the “greatest permanent value” of our resources. I’m proud to have maintained the balance between conservation and economic development as a member of the Land Board for the last seven years. Our creativity helped convert the Elliott into North America’s largest research forest. I will continue to advocate for innovative solutions while maintaining our long-term focus. A key element of this work is to consider the impacts of our decisions on the people who live, work, study, and recreate in these spaces, now and in the future. As a member of the State Land Board, I regularly speak with stakeholders throughout our processes and will continue to do so as Secretary of State.
Dave W Stauffer (D) – I have an environment-saving invention that can get water to State lands that suffer from droughts and lack of water. I will implement those inventions through the State Land Board to better manage State lands and generate money from State Lands for schools.
Paul Damian Wells (D) – None and I don’t think this is a priority for Oregon voters. I am writing this in March and the nominations for U. S. President have already been locked up. The Oregon Primary is still two months away. No Oregon voter had any input at all in the selection of the only two viable candidates that will appear on the general election ballot. This is great for the DNC and RNC but completely unacceptable for Oregon.
What would be the impact on election processes and resources of adopting ranked-choice voting?
Brent Barker (R) – Ranked Choice or Star Balloting adds another level of complexity to our matching counted mail-in-ballot voting system. The Secretary of State follows the rules provided by legislature and the Oregon Voter at the Elections Division. Our Organic Voting Proposal:
- Statewide Holiday for all State and Federal Elections
- Tax credit to employer that provide 1/2 and full day paid holiday to employees
- Statewide In-Person Voting
- Valid Government Issued ID Required
- Mail-In-ballots for Military
- Voter Registration Rolls are all Reset to Zero (requiring new registration)
- Equal observers of major parties required at all voting stations
- Hand count tally results with observers
- Ballots are archived – for automatic recounts of 51%
Dennis Linthicum (R) – Candidate has not yet responded
Tim McCloud (R) – In a democracy, the ‘golden’ rule is one person one vote. Ranked-Choice Voting, also known as ‘preferential voting’ or ‘STAR Voting’ as it will likely appear on the Oregon ballot, dilutes and destroys voting power. It is confusing and will easily be manipulated. The underlying framework of Ranked-Choice Voting allows government statisticians to rig the vote until they get the answers they ultimately decide. All behind closed doors, of course. By shifting voters from Candidate to the next, voters become ‘hostages’ in the candidate ‘selection’process. This is because candidates that are preferred very least, hold the greatest chances for being ‘elected’. This is a process that mostly benefits special interests.
James Jim Crary (D) – I am a huge believer in, and advocate for, ranked-choice voting (RCV) because RCS:
* Ensures that the winning candidate has majority support among the voters (rather than allowing someone to win with a PLURALITY if there are multiple candidates splitting the vote).
* Saves costs associated with holding separate primary and runoff elections (as it combines both into a single voting process).
* Eliminates the need for a separate runoff, reducing voter fatigue and increasing participation.
* Candidates in RCV systems often seek to appeal to a broader range of voters beyond their core base, as they need to attract second and third preferences from voters supporting other candidates. This promotes more positive campaigns.
James Manning Jr (D) – While cost is a concern, if Oregon voters approve adoption, my priority will be implementation of RCV that is transparent and clear, ensuring trust in our system and the process. Collaborating with our Elections Division, County Clerks, and the Oregon Legislature to get this right is key.
Tobias Read (D) – Over the past six months, I have met with 23 of Oregon’s county clerks to hear about their experiences managing our elections. The clerks have been very clear that they would need significant support from the state to successfully implement ranked-choice voting, as it would drastically alter our current system to be centralized with a singular statewide count. Without the proper infrastructure, this process could take significantly more time to deliver results than our current system. As Secretary of State, I will work closely with the county clerks and leaders in the state legislature to ensure that any changes made to our elections system are matched with the resources required to implement them successfully.
David W Stauffer (D) – Over 150 years ago, Alexis de Tocqueville (from France) observed that Americans were apolitical–that is, they don’t do anything in politics except vote once every 4 years. They rely on parties and party leaders to elucidate on what they believe and want. Ranked-choice voting would confuse these voters because they would have so many different leaders and political thoughts that there would be less consensus to vote for one candidate and the candidate that got elected would not necessarily represent the political stands of the majority of the people.
Paul Damian Wells (D) – I fully support RCV. Gore lost to Bush in 2000 because of vote splitting. Would we have gone to war in Iraq had the election been fair? I also support Oregon Initiative 2026-025. This ballot measure would replace the existing closed Presidential primaries with a single 6-month long tracking pole. Voters could online and endorse a presidential candidate at any time during the poll. On August 1st, only the top five candidates advance to the general election. This process would give Oregon voters a real opportunity to affect the outcome of the U.S. Presidential race. This initiative also gives Oregon Electoral College delegates the authority to vote for the winner of the national popular vote. Trump lost in 2016 but was still elected
State Treasurer
Democrat
Jeff Gudman
Website: jeffgudman.org
Elizabeth Steiner
Website: elizabethfororegon.com
Republican
Brian J Boquist
Campaign email: boquist@aol.com
Q&A
What government reforms, if any, would you support to improve Oregon’s fiscal strength?
Brian J Boquist (R) – Oregon funds are not meeting their goals nor improving the deficit position. Nor are the funds performing even near to the market for some reason. It is not a matter of reform but a matter of research, review and changing the portfolio to improve returns and sustainability.
Jeff Gudman (D) – Contrary to most political campaigns, I have not been shy about my plans and agenda for the office. My campaign has distributed, both digitally and in hard-copy, my Platform for Oregon’s Financial Future, which examines in depth a number of reforms and projects I plan to implement as State Treasurer. Among them, in brief, are:
* Encouraging Kicker Reinvestment – providing broad based and consensus recommendations to the Legislature
* Property Tax Reform to Incentivize Housing – Rebalancing property tax formulas
* Developing Prioritization Criteria for our Debt Capacity – seeking the best use of funds
* Investment Transparency
For additional depth and information on any of these items (and others), check out my Platform at www.JeffGudman.org
Elizabeth Steiner (D) – The answer is twofold: supporting the strength of our state investments, and lifting up Oregonian’s financial security to enhance their economic well being. On the state side, I’ll protect our credit rating by improving the strength of our pension while investing according to Oregon values. To improve Oregonian’s fiscal strength, I will expand Oregon Saves, create a voluntary savings program to help Oregonians prepare for emergencies, and increase the use of 529 plans for the vast majority of Oregon children to save for higher education I also plan to partner with unions, faith communities, and other interested stakeholders to enhance financial literacy. Our state is strongest when everyone has the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
What is your vision on how, if at all, Oregon should use its power to invest its holdings in an effort to affect climate change?
Brian J Boquist (R) – PERS participants and recipients have requested the funds be invested to maximize investment returns. Proven investments in environmental holdings that meet this requirement should be considered when fiscally sustainable and viable.
Jeff Gudman (D) – When Oregon holds and investment, we have an opportunity to promote our values in the corporate governance of that entity. I propose the following actions:
* Create a syndicate of like minded institutional investors to ensure our holdings are meaningfully and prudently planning to move past fossil fuel reliance. I believe it is better to bring our values to bear in boardrooms.
* Daylight the financial risks of climate change by including a climate change risk factor in the State’s bond issuances.
* Examine the possible increased use of Oregon’s trust lands with regard to leveraging climate-friendly opportunities. For example, selling carbon credits for forestlands or increasing opportunities for constructing solar arrays in rangelands.
Elizabeth Steiner (D) – As Treasurer, I’ll act decisively to address climate change and mitigate climate-related risk. I strongly believe our state’s portfolio should be invested according to Oregon values. At this past session I chief sponsored the COAL Act, divesting Oregon from $1 billion in coal investments. I’m committed to moving Oregon’s investment portfolio to net-zero carbon emissions while maintaining fiduciary responsibility. I’m deeply appreciative of Treasurer Tobias Read for putting this goal in place and I’m interested in finding ways to speed up the timeline. I’ll also strengthen our portfolio against indirect climate risk to ensure worker pensions are protected, and I’ll use our strength as an investor to push brown companies to be greener.
What, if any, reforms to Oregon’s Public Employment Retirement System (PERS) would you support?
Brian J Boquist (R) – Diversity into more Oregon Based businesses and holdings reducing international risks such as seen in Europe at this time.
Jeff Gudman (D) – My first and primary priority is to protect PERS funds. In August 2021 I wrote about strengthening PERS by adding additional funds to the investments. In the current context that means injecting additional funds into the PERS now, in order to help control liabilities and employer contribution rates. If I wrong, and the system is in the process of long term healing, the injection of funds now will reduce future contributions anyway. If I’m right, this change will avoid some of the substantial increases. Pension reform isn’t a black and white issue. Our public employees deserve a retirement system they can count on. Contributions into that system are part of what we as taxpayers need to pay if we want quality services.
Elizabeth Steiner (D) – Oregonians who dedicate their careers to public service deserve a quality retirement. I don’t believe there should be further changes to current benefits. I’m grateful for the endorsements I’ve received from unions representing municipal workers, health care workers, fire fighters, teachers, and many others in the public and private sectors. Ai they know that as Treasurer, protecting and growing our state pension fund will be my top priority. I will make smart investments based on Oregon values, increase transparency in Oregon’s shareholder voting, increase worker engagement in where we decide to invest their money, and set stronger guidelines on environmental, social, and corporate governance reforms for the companies in our portfolio.
Attorney General
Democrat
Republican
Q&A
If a candidate is not included, that person has not yet responded.
What are your top policy priorities for the State Justice Department?
Michael Cross (R) – Let me be unequivocal: the paramount concern for Oregon’s Attorney General must be tackling crime head-on. Every Oregonian deserves to feel secure in their homes, workplaces, places of worship, and neighborhoods. It is unacceptable that fear has become pervasive under the current administration. Addressing these challenges requires a straightforward approach rooted in proven law enforcement strategies. We must send a clear message to those who would perpetrate harm or infringe upon the rights of others: crime will not be tolerated. All actions will be conducted in adherence to the law and Constitution, while steadfastly upholding the rights of individuals. Fentanyl and Human Trafficking as well as the sources will be eliminated.
Will Lathrop (R) – 1. Reduce the prevalence of drugs and hold drug traffickers accountable. Drug cartels are profiting millions of dollars by exploiting those struggling with addiction, crushing families across Oregon. The prevalence of fentanyl in our state has left a growing population vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. 2. Restore safe communities and support law enforcement. Oregon is suffering under a cloud of crime and people don’t feel safe. I’ve dedicated my career to protecting children and vulnerable populations from crime. As Oregon’s next Attorney General, I will work collaboratively with state, local, and federal law enforcement to keep our communities safe. 3. Restore trust in government and enforce Oregon’s corruption laws. We need to ensure there is accountability when taxpayer dollars are allocated towards solving a problem. As Oregon’s next Attorney General, I will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for misuse of public office and misuse of public funds.
Shaina Maxey Pomerantz (D) – My vision for the Oregon Department of Justice involves significant changes to enhance civil rights protections and combat systemic injustices affecting marginalized communities. As Attorney General, one of my primary initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated Civil Rights Division within the DOJ. This division would expand the current Civil Rights Unit’s mandate, providing crucial support to local counties in addressing civil rights violations and hate crimes promptly and effectively. In addressing the fentanyl crisis and the broader opioid epidemic, I am committed to using opioid settlements to support community rebuilding efforts and deflection programs. I will advocate for accessible recovery treatment, mental health services, housing support, and employment opportunities for individuals affected by drug addiction, prioritizing comprehensive support for families impacted by the ripple effects of drug-related issues and extending victim support services to all affected.
Dan Rayfield (D) – Three overarching goals will focus our work. First, we’ll work to protect Oregonian’s values & policies from national threats. Examples include threats to our reproductive health care, collective bargaining, & vote-by-mail system. The second is to expand the work of the Civil Enforcement Division to ensure enforcement of the laws that protect our values & protect vulnerable Oregonians. Modeling off of other states’ work, we envision this happening through creating a Working Families Unit to focus on protections like wage theft, misclassification, and child labor. Finally, we will focus on partnering with law enforcement & criminal justice reform advocates to keep our communities safe & help combat homelessness & substance abuse disorder.
How can the state Justice Department contribute to fighting drug trafficking and abuse?
Michael Cross (R) – Addressing the Fentanyl crisis demands a comprehensive and decisive approach. I will leverage the full spectrum of law Enforcement resources, from local to federal agencies, to combat this grave threat to public health. We need our laws to align with the severity of the crime. While legislative changes are pursued, I advocate for prosecutors to wield existing laws with rigor, ensuring that possession cases are charged with the potential harm posed by the quantity of Fentanyl involved. This means pursuing charges akin to attempted murder when evidence suggests intent to distribute lethal amounts. The penalties must echo the gravity of the crisis. We owe it to the countless lives lost and families shattered to fight with unwavering resolve.
Will Lathrop (R) – By statute, the Attorney General is in charge of investigating organized crime in Oregon which includes drug trafficking, human trafficking, organized retail theft, online exploitation of children, racketeering, money laundering, etc. The Department of Justice is supposed to build a collective strategy for law enforcement across the state and to collaborate with federal and international law enforcement agencies to reduce the inflow of drugs into Oregon. The Oregon DOJ has largely failed in that capacity over the last decade. I have dedicated my entire career to public safety and protecting victims from exploitation and violence. I am uniquely qualified to lead a collaborative, multi-state effort to greatly reduce the supply of illegal drugs flowing into Oregon and to hold drug traffickers accountable. My top priority will be to reduce the prevalence of drug trafficking in our state.
Shaina Maxey Pomerantz (D) – Oregon’s geographical features, including the 1-5 corridor and coastal access, make it a prime target for drug trafficking, in addition to human sex trafficking, necessitating proactive and strategic measures to curb illicit activities within our borders. While legislation like HB 4002 addresses aspects of drug abuse visible on the streets, the root of the problem lies in disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs into the state. To effectively tackle drug trafficking, we must strengthen partnerships with top state and federal law enforcement agencies to target and dismantle trafficking networks at their source. Additionally, through targeted campaigns, school programs, and strategic billboard placements, we can increase public awareness about the risks and consequence associated with drug-related activities.
Dan Rayfield (D)– The Attorney General plays a critical role in combatting drug trafficking and abuse. We will work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we can ensure a coordinated effort in disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks. This includes sharing intelligence, leveraging resources for complex investigations, and prioritizing the prosecution of drug dealers
What, if any, changes would you suggest to the conflict of interest rules applicable to the Attorney General?
Michael Cross (R) – My predecessor believed that she was the Governor’s “lawyer.” Shockingly she said those exact words in a zoom conference call? I was shocked. The State is the PEOPLE. It’s high time that the office started treating the job that way. I will have an open door policy and we will have operators standing by so citizens can report issues of transgressions from companies or even other departments in Government. I want the AG’s office to be your first call, if you can’t resolve an issue. It seems to me, that many cases can be quickly resolved without the need to spend thousands of dollars to hire an attorney. Oregonians cant always afford to hire an attorney to defend their rights, that’s why the AG needs to be their first call.
Will Lathrop (R) – Conflict of interest rules, as applied to the office of the Attorney General, are guided by a complex tapestry of (centuries old) common law, Oregon case law, and Oregon legislative statutes. When I am elected as the Attorney General, I will inherit that tapestry of rules, and will follow the law. I am hesitant to suggest changes to those rules because such changes are within the purview of the legislature and the court, and my advocacy could be seen, in and of itself, as a conflict of interest.
Shaina Maxey Pomerantz (D) – I firmly believe that as the state’s top legal official, it is essential to set high standards of integrity and openness. Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, whether actual or perceived, is paramount to upholding public trust in our elected leaders. Failure to disclose conflicts of interest can significantly impact public confidence in the integrity of our legal system. It is crucial that the Attorney General’s office takes swift action to address any legal improprieties and ensure adherence to ethical standards. The Attorney General’s office must enhance transparency efforts, educate officials on ethical responsibilities, and promote a culture of accountability and disclosure. While laws like Citizens United set legal parameters, I emphasize that Oregon citizens have the right to demand transparency and integrity in elections and the conduct of elected officials.
Dan Rayfield (D) – We’ve heard some concerns and many ideas regarding potential conflicts of interest issues when it comes to things like contracting, procurement, and case reviews. We are committed to conducting a comprehensive review of all of these processes to identity and implement structures to address any potential concerns.
Measures
Multnomah County
Measure 26-243: Bonds to upgrade levees, floodwalls, water pumps, natural floodplain restoration.
Explanation
Question: Shall Flood Safety District issue bonds to upgrade infrastructure, protect water quality, communities, businesses, environment from flooding and require independent oversight of the bonds?
Financial Impact: The measure authorizes up to $150,000,000 of general obligation bonds for flood control. The estimated annual tax rate for bonds would be 11 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home with an assessed valuation of $246,712, which is the average assessed value of a home in the District, would pay $26.27 a year.
Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real marketvalue which is the market price of the home. See explanation of “Property Taxes, Compression & Ballot Measures” on the LWVPDX website at https://lwvpdx.org/vote/property-taxes-compression-ballot-measures/.
If the bonds are approved, the tax will be included in property taxes that are not subject to the limits of Section 11 and 11b of Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If the levy passes, the funds will be used to improve flood safety along the Columbia River by repairing and improving old facilities and restoring natural floodplains. The funds can be used as a “local match” to access federal flood control dollars.
Probable Results of a No Vote: If the levy fails, funds will not be available to update and repair flood control facilities that are underbuilt for today’s flood threats and the increased risks from climate change; increased flood insurance costs may force homeowners and businesses to relocate.
Background: About 13,000 acres of Multnomah County is in a natural flood plain, protected by 27 miles of levees, flood walls, drains, pumping stations, and wetlands. The floodplain includes residential areas, Portland International Airport, and the largest industrial employment area in Oregon.
The Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality Management District was created by the Oregon legislature in 2019 to replace several smaller districts and manage the flood control system as a whole. This is the new district’s first request for issuance of bonds.
Summary: Deteriorating infrastructure has increased the risks of severe flooding along the Columbia River, which could release toxic chemicals, raw sewage, and other hazardous materials into rivers and streams and onto public and private property. The flood control system, much of which is over 100 years old, no longer meets federal safety and resilience standards, which means that property owners could face increases in flood insurance costs, or difficulty in obtaining mortgages.
Levy funds would be used in part to raise and repair sections of levees and floodwalls, upgrade pumping stations to increase capacity and provide back-up power in case of electricity failure. Projects would be designed to improve energy efficiency, climate resilience, and fish and wildlife habitat.
A project would also need to address the cultural history of the flood plain and equity issues.
Twenty-seven million dollars would be spent on natural protection from flooding through floodplain restoration and resilience projects to slow and store floodwater and improve flood safety outcomes.
Oversight of these bonds will come from an independent community oversight committee via annual reports and from an independent public accounting firm that will perform annual audits. An elected board of directors will oversee projects funded by these bonds, including managing annual budgets.
The owner of a home assessed at $246,712 would pay approximately $2.19 per month, or $26.27 annually. This is the average assessed home value in the district, according to the Multnomah County Assessor.
For and Against
For
- The bond funds are needed to reduce serious flood hazards that endanger important parts of our community.
- Much of the flood control system is over 100 years old and is inadequate to protect the extensive development that has occurred over that time.
- Climate change has also increased the number of extreme weather events, and therefore, the risks.
Against
As of April 2, 2024, there was no known public opposition to this measure.
Measure 26-244: Bonds to protect animal health; provide conservation, education; increase sustainability
Explanation
Question: Shall Zoo protect animal health; save water, energy; provide conservation, youth education; issue bonds estimated not to increase tax rate?
Financial Impact: The measure is a renewal of a previous bond passed in 2008. It is not estimated to increase tax rates. The estimated property tax rate from this bond is about 8.5 cents per$1,000 of assessed value to the tax bills of people living in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. In total, the measure could raise $380 million.
Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real market value (RMV), which is the market price of the home.
Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If the measure is passed, it would fund a second phase of continued improvements to the zoo, focused on areas including animal well-being, inspiring educational experiences, and infrastructure health. Some proposed investments include replacing outdated habitats for sea otters, penguins, giraffes and other species; increasing sustainability by reducing energy and water consumption; and improving accessibility for visitors through updates to key areas such as the zoo entry and pathways.
Probable Results of a No Vote: Without the additional funds provided by the bond, the Oregon Zoo would be unable to carry out the proposed projects listed in “Probable Results of a Yes Vote,” above.
Background: The Oregon Zoo was founded in 1888, and moved to its current location on the south end of Washington Park in 1959. An Oregon Zoo bond measure was first on the ballot in November 2008, and it was approved by nearly 60 percent of voters. In total, that measure raised $125 million to be spent on providing more space and improving the habitats of elephants, polar bears, chimpanzees, and other animals.
The 2008 bond resulted in improvements to about 40 percent of the zoo’s campus, with a strong track record of completing project plans on time and on budget. The Oregon Zoo Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee, in its 2020 annual report, outlined successes in the bond’s target areas. The report noted a focus on opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned enterprises. In total, $4.1 million in construction projects went to minority-owned businesses, $4.1 million to women-owned businesses, and $7 million to emerging small businesses.
The zoo is working on outlining all its priorities in a 20-year campus plan. The Metro Council approved the plan’s concepts in October 2023. After a review by the City of Portland, the plan will be presented to the Metro Council for final approval. This is expected to occur in the summer of 2024.
Bond investments are limited to physical infrastructure, such as buildings, facilities, pathways, plazas and significant landscaping. They cannot be used to support daily operations or staffing.
Summary: The following priorities will guide Phase 2 bond investments:
● Animal well-being: Enhance the lives of animals in the Zoo’s care.
● Inspiring educational experiences: Connecting community to the wonders of wildlife.
● Infrastructure health: Replace aging and/or failing infrastructure.
● Risk and readiness: High return on investment and project value.
● Strategic alignment: Alignment with conservation, financial sustainability, and staff experience.
● Community oversight: Inclusion of a community oversight committee.
For and Against
For
- Over one million visitors come to the Oregon Zoo each year, but revenue from ticket sales and memberships aren’t enough to fund major improvements to infrastructure.
- The Zoo’s campus plan would guide the allocation of revenue from the proposed bond, including modernizing outdated habitats, supporting its conservation education programs, and improving accessibility. There would be no increase in current tax rates.
- The campus plan was created after significant community engagement with groups including visitors, community organizations, staff, and experts in animal care and well-being. It was also validated with input from landscape architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, mechanical/electrical plumbing engineers, sustainability consultants, cost estimators and community engagement consultants.
- The bond would advance equity through a commitment to increase access to the zoo for people of color and other historically marginalized people. In addition to discounted tickets and other programs to ensure that more visitors are able to access the zoo, the bond would fund expanded contracting opportunities for firms led by people of color.
Against
- The concept of a zoo is wrong – it is a prison for wild animals. Access to the internet, movies, and videos gives people the ability to view wild animals in their natural settings. The days of circuses and zoos are ebbing. Some animals are mistreated.
- The Zoo’s current 640-acre campus could be used for other constructive purposes. Our limited bonding capacity should be conserved for transformative infrastructure investments, such as high-speed rail.
- Previous bond funds provided to the Zoo have been mismanaged.
- The Zoo’s attendance has been declining, the Zoo’s costs have increased, and the Zoo will make future requests for additional funding.
Video & Podcast of Ballot Measure 26-244 Forum
See the video of a Ballot Measure Forum on Measure 26-244 here. The podcast of this forum is here.
Measure 26-245: (City of Portland) Renew Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax for Street Repair, Maintenance, Safety
Explanation
Question: Shall Portland renew a four-year, 10 cents per gallon fuel tax for maintenance (paving, potholes) and safety (crossings, lighting, sidewalks)?
Financial Impact: The tax is estimated to raise $70.5 million over four years, beginning January 1, 2025. Positive financial impacts include performing earlier preventive maintenance, avoiding more costly future repair costs. Long-standing safety needs will reduce fatalities and injuries. New contracts will allow Portland to meet equity contracting goals. The Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT) will be a partner in the collection of the fees.
Probable Results of a Yes Vote: Portland’s 10 cents per gallon fuel tax will be renewed for another four years (January 2025 through the end of December 2029).
Probable Results of a No Vote: Portland’s 10 cents per gallon fuel tax will end on Dec. 31, 2024. Basic transportation improvements the tax would have funded will not be made by means of that tax.
Background: In 2016 (56% in support) and, again, in 2020 (77% in support), Portland voters approved a 10-cent-per-gallon fuel tax. The taxhas been used to repair and maintain streets and to make safety improvements. Such improvements include street repair, safe routes to schools, sidewalk completion, high crash corridor safety improvements, reducing bicycle/car conflicts, and intersection safety improvements. Spending from the program has been overseen by the Fixing Our Streets Oversight Committee, which is a Portland citizen oversight committee.
Summary: The tax raises funds for basic improvement of Portland city streets. The measure was placed on the ballot by the City of Portland. Accountability is provided by a citizens’ oversight committee. The Portland Bureau of Transportation estimates the tax, if renewed, will cost average Portland drivers with gas-powered vehicles about $2.50 per month.
For and Against
For
- Street repair and maintenance will be allocated $23.5 million for paving, with programs focused on busy and neighborhood streets.
- Fund allocation for safety measures is suggested at $9 million for safety on busy streets, $6 million for safety on neighborhood streets, $6 million for safe routes to school projects and $2.5 million for additional safety measures.
- Community street services include $17 million for potholes, gravel streets, pavement base repair, signal and street light maintenance and $6.5 million for basic safety improvements, including
intersection safety improvements and traffic calming. - Without this tax, listed projects may be delayed or never completed.
Against
- There is a lack of community involvement in determining the projects that are funded by the tax.
- Some of the projects do not benefit drivers because a portion of the fund is for enhancing bike lanes.
- Electric car owners do not contribute to the fund.
- Oregonians have the fifth highest gas prices among
all states.
Measure 26-246: Levy Renewal to Maintain Teachers and Classroom Support Staff
Explanation
Question: Shall the Portland Public School (PPS) District maintain teachers, classroom support staff; renew levy of $1.99 per $1,000 assessed value for five years beginning 2025? This measure renews current local option taxes.
Financial Impact: Levy rate remains $1.99 per $1,000 assessed property value, the same as the 2019 levy. The proposed levy will raise an estimated $101.5 million in 2025-2026; $103.0 million in 2026-2027; $106.0 million in 2027-2028; $109.3 million in 2028-2029; and $112.5 million in 2029-30. For a home at the current average assessed value of $275,706, the levy cost is $45.72 per month, or $548.65 per year.
Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real market value (RMV), which is the market price of the home. See explanation of “Property Taxes, Compression & Ballot Measures” on the LWVPDX website at https://lwvpdx.org/vote/property-taxes-compression-ballot-measures/.
Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If this measure passes, Portland Public Schools would be able to continue funding the teaching positions that have been in place since the current five-year period began in 2020. The number of positions funded each year is expected to be 660 teaching and classroom staff positions during the next five years. The rate per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value would remain the same at $1.99.
Probable Results of a No Vote: If this levy is rejected by voters, PPS could lose some or all of the 660 positions expected to be funded by the levy. If the levy fails, the rate of $1.99 per $1,000 of assessed valuation will no longer be charged to property owners.
Background: PPS has one of the largest annual budgets of any Multnomah County local government entity. Its last adopted budget (2023-2024) was $2.17 billion. This levy would be a renewal of an existing five-year local option levy which provides funding annually for approximately 660 teaching and classroom support positions in the Portland Public Schools. The previous levies were passed in 2019 (by 77 percent of the voters), 2014 (72 percent), and 2011 (58 percent). The levy rate has not been increased since at least 2011.
The Community Budget Review Committee, designated by the PPS board as the community body to perform the levy oversight function, found that all levy funds were being spent as approved by voters as of fiscal year 2022-2023. That is, the added teaching positions were helping maintain and lower class sizes that permit more individual attention for students, helping to support a well-rounded program, with enrichments for elementary and middle grades and electives in varied interest areas and disciplines for high school students, and providing funding equivalent to at least the 851 teaching positions initially projected.
According to the PPS District Notice of Measure Election for this levy, PPS currently serves over 44,000 students in 81 schools and other programs throughout the neighborhoods of Portland. PPS’s graduation rate of 84.5% remains above the statewide average, and has risen 26 percentage points since 2010. PPS is subject to regular independent financial and performance audits to monitor effective use of taxpayer resources.
● Continued investments are needed in our schools to continue to build career and technical programs, prevent class-size increases, and better support struggling students, especially coming out of the pandemic.
● The proposed levy renewal:
○ Funds teachers at every school in the District
■ Supports a well-rounded education, with enrichments for elementary and middle grades, and electives in varied interest areas for high school students.
■ Helps support career, technical, science, technology, engineering, and math programs, including computer science education, so students can graduate with the skills necessary to be career or college ready.
■ Provides academic supports, such as reading specialists for students working to recover from learning loss.
■ The levy is projected to fund teaching positions / classroom supports at every school in the district, approximately 660 positions annually over five years—nearly one-fifth of all teaching positions in the district.
○ Allows funding for other classroom support positions
■ The levy revenue could also fund other classroom support positions across the District, such as educational assistants, reading specialists, and special education certified personnel to help identify and support students with mental or behavioral health issues, academic issues, or other needs.
○ Continues to provide fiscal accountability and independent oversight
■ This local option requires independent community oversight so that tax dollars are used only for purposes approved by local voters; funds will be placed in a separate account to ensure their correct use and accurate reporting; no funds from this local option levy will be used for district administration.
Summary: Portland Public Schools’ local option levy was approved by voters in 2019 to provide funding for schools over five years. The renewed levy will provide an estimated $101.5 million in the first year, and is projected to fund approximately 660 teachers and classroom support staff annually over five years.
This renewed local option levy would fund teaching and other positions to:
● Support a well-rounded education, including career and technical programs and enrichments and electives, so students graduate with the skills they need to be career or college ready.
● Provide classroom supports, such as educational assistants and reading specialists for students struggling with academic or mental/behavioral health issues.
● Help maintain class sizes and prevent significant increases across the district.
For and Against
For
- In serving the students of Portland, the district continuously strives to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer resources. Through many years of volatile budgets and the pandemic, school district leaders have worked to preserve classroom education and class sizes.
- PPS has advocated for a greater level of state investment by the Legislature and worked to ensure that dollars are spent well and focused on the classroom.
- The levy rate has not been increased since 2011.
- Losing nearly 20 percent of our educators would have a devastating effect on our kids.
Against
- PPS enrollment is down, and the number of PPS employees has risen.
- The graduation rate is inflated, as the state has lowered graduation requirements.
- Portland’s high taxes are already driving taxpayers/ revenue out of the county.
- Most PPS teachers will be making more than $100,000 a year.
Measure 26-247: (City of Gresham) Five-year operating levy, retain, and hire firefighters and police officers.
Explanation
Question: Shall Gresham improve fire, police, and public safety responsiveness with a five-year levy, $1.35/$1,000 assessed value, beginning July 1, 2024?
Financial Impact: The average cost of the levy on a Gresham home would be $25.65 per month ($307.80/year) based on an average assessed, not market, residence value of$228,000, beginning July 1, 2024.
Note: Assessed value (AV) is the value used to calculate property tax. It is shown on the property tax statement. It is NOT the same as real market value (RMV), which is the market price of the home. See explanation of “Property Taxes, Compression & Ballot Measures” on the LWVPDX website at https://lwvpdx.org/vote/property-taxes-compression-ballot-measures/.
Probable Results of a Yes Vote: If the levy passes, funding will be used for staff and services in the following departments: police and fire. This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
Probable Results of a No Vote: If the levy fails, property owners’ tax rates will not change.
Background: According to information provided by the City of Gresham in proposing this levy:To meet the growing need and demand for additional fire and police services and to better serve and protect all Gresham residents, the City Council is asking voters to support a dedicated five-year levy to fund 13 new firefighters and 9 new police officers. If passed, voters will decide in five years whether or not to renew it.Gresham’s population has grown 19% over the past twenty years, while daily minimum firefighter staffing only increased 9%. Gresham has one less sworn police officer than twenty years ago.Over the same time, calls for fire service have increased 69% and shootings in Gresham have spiked 400% in recent years. The combination of rising need and fewer personnel means slower emergency response times and fewer patrol officers to prevent crimes.The current $15 per month Police, Fire and Parks fee only funds 9% of public safety services and is not enough to meet the growing demand for services. A dedicated levy will enhance fire and police protection and responsiveness. The levy will not replace the existing fee.An independent taxpayer committee will ensure oversight, accountability, and annual audits. Levy revenue will be placed in a dedicated and protected account overseen by a 7-member committee of Gresham residents. The committee will make annual reports to the City Council and levy spending will be audited each year. A dedicated levy will mean more neighborhood patrols to prevent, engage, and investigate drug related crimes and property and violent crimes that threaten community safety.
A similar proposed levy was defeated by a 51 percent “No” vote (476 votes) in May 2023 (Measure 26-239).
Summary: This levy will retain existing positions, fund 13 new firefighters and 9 new police officers. By law, the levy can only be used for police and fire services.
Estimated revenue from levy if adopted:
$12,100,000 in 2024/25
$12,450,000 in 2025/26
$12,800,000 in 2026/27
$13,200,000 in 2027/28
$13,600,000 in 2028/29
For and Against
For
- The demands on our first responders have increased as our community’s needs have increased. It is imperative that we begin to address our financial challenges and ensure our ability to keep our community safe.
- Even while higher taxes aren’t always welcome by property owners, spending money on public safety is pretty much as fundamental as it gets.
Against
As of April 2, 2024, As of April 2, 2024, there was no known public opposition to this measure.
Washington County and part of Multnomah County
Measure 34-332: Local option levy for fire and emergency medical services.
For additional information, take a look at page M-77 in the Multnomah County Voters’ Pamphlet.
Explanation
Question: Shall TVF&R levy $0.69 per $1,000 assessed value for five years, beginning Fiscal Year 2025-2026? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.
Summary: Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is seeking a levy for $0.69 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Levies must be approved by voters and are limited to a maximum duration of five years. For a property assessed at $305,000, the average in TVF&R’s service area, the levy would cost approximately $17.54 a month.
If the levy does not pass, funding for at least 92 of 450 firefighters and paramedics would be lost and staffing reductions would be required. If passed, levy funds will:
- Retain existing first responders and add 36 more.
- Improve service levels as emergency incidents are projected to increase over the next five years.
- Ensure prompt response times and reliability when multiple emergencies happen at the same time.
- Purchase specialized medical equipment such as cardiac monitors and defibrillators as well as critical firefighting tools including thermal imagers that aid in search and rescue and breathing apparatus worn by firefighters in burning buildings.
- Purchase vehicles used to fight wildfires, shuttle water, and transport patients.
- Add personnel who train and equip first responders. An estimate of the revenue raised for each year of the proposed levy is:
FY 2025-2026: $ 54,032,329
FY 2026-2027: $ 56,354,401
FY 2027-2028: $ 58,776,263
FY 2028-2029: $ 61,302,205
FY 2029-2030: $ 63,936,696
The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessors at the time of estimate and may reflect the impact of early payment discounts, compression, and the collection rate.
Voters’ Guides, video & podcast interviews, forums and MORE
Printed Voters’ Guide
Before all Multnomah County elections, the Portland League prepares independent, nonpartisan printed voting guides to give voters reliable information about candidates and ballot measures. League members ask the candidates substantive questions and publish their unedited responses in the guide. We invite all candidates to include their information in our printed Voters’ Guide. League members also research the ballot measures by reviewing extensive information about each measure and interviewing the organizations in support and opposition. We work hard to keep all the information in our Voters’ Guide fair.
Once published and distributed, printed copies of the League of Women Voters’ Guide are available in all Multnomah County public libraries, at the Multnomah County Elections Office (1040 SE Morrison Street, Portland OR 97214) and at the Voting Center Express in the Multnomah County East Building (600 NE 8th Street, Gresham OR 97030).
You can also read a PDF version of the Voters’ Guide for both Multnomah County and Oregon.
The League can create a custom guide for you! Go to VOTE411.org and enter your residence address to see information about candidates and measures on your ballot for the current election. For this and many future elections VOTE411.org has information in both English and Spanish. The same information that is in our printed Voters’ Guides is also on the VOTE411.org website VOTE411.org also has videos of the candidate interviews from our Video Voters’ Guides and videos that the candidates themselves add.
Video and Podcast Voters’ Guides
Our Video Voters’ Guides features eight- to ten-minute interviews with participating candidates, running for office in Primary, General or Special Elections in Multnomah County.
Find all the videos on our YouTube channel, or choose from the list below.
Find the podcasts here.
List of Video Voters’ Guide Interviews
- US Representative District 3 – Democrats
- Maxine Dexter
- Video https://youtu.be/hsi=BvUP9H3Ptu1dUE9h
- Susheela Jayapal
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966175
- Video https://youtu.be/lzqT8xy-58c?si=beJzof_wc_bbEkjZ
- Michael Jonas
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966254
- Video https://youtu.be/Auz6m3FHLY8?si=SK36oKQ2juma2Vr4
- Eddy Morales
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966228
- Video https://youtu.be/bTN33jdcO3s?si=mRUkHZ9FA-E3AtRi
- Rachel Rand
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966283
- Video https://youtu.be/V5o9RKE3WVo?si=ZsplUqq7QoAfkq2v
- US Representative District 3 – Republicans
- Gary Dye
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966305
- Video https://youtu.be/o7dtj_We3mM?si=K7QGPdXetxPgpHGK
- Joanna Harbour
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966345
- Video https://youtu.be/s_OOICAmZXk?si=-tcJmCd4mSRxGknY
- Teresa Orwig
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966327
- Video https://youtu.be/6yeYD9K0jKk?si=KR8eXaoQl7q61nrh
__________________________________
- State Senator
- Lew Frederick -District 22, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966366
- Video https://youtu.be/mbY7ZObev8Q?si=cd1g7pjGyoDL7PgW
- Khanh Pham -District 23, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966382
- Video https://youtu.be/QJb6Bk61t4U?si=9hm4MtYDqM6zgUo2
- Chris Gorsek -District 25, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966400
- video https://youtu.be/MyVAj7fXJqI?si=C9A_T7M80XdJmC_O
_______________________________
- State Representative
- Brian Duty – District 33, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966407
- video https://youtu.be/6mhhE_DUtcQ?si=MVUvnXkYCy43MyEB
- Tawna Sanchez – District 43, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966423
- video https://youtu.be/Oe7uYL-pdHE?si=wHbw-VPiBKk-F3x2
- Willy Chotzen -District 46, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14966447
- video https://youtu.be/2es1mB3cPAM?si=uiCp8GKAuLBv86zJ
- Mary Lou Hennrich – District 46, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14969877
- video https://youtu.be/roRDFwoyiKA?si=afskAHXr9FIkh7pf&t=1
- Hoa H. Nguyen -District 48, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14969928
- video https://youtu.be/QQKlVOJgb-A?si=OjxLFNS1GzaW4P4I
- Elizabeth Petersen – District 48, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14969955
- Video https://youtu.be/CVkV0eUSYOA?si=OfeLerU3KcIDe44
- Ricki Ruiz -District 50, Democrat
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14969991
- Video https://youtu.be/bC1F4oyNIwo?si=Aq1ETYBVIGQAGEou
- Judge of the Circuit Court
- Cheryl Albrecht – 4th District, Pos. 31
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970024
- video https://youtu.be/y0MuyAlAW44?si=d8JHCo-3_TPTDEQH
___________________________________
- County Commissioner – District 1
- Kevin Fitts – District 1
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970079
- Video https://youtu.be/s-J5sKY5QdM?si=oy_uvwGs2p69vvql
- Meghan Moyer – District 1
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970109
- Video https://youtu.be/PUIYGzqlumQ?si=6lFYYi0PR6WJoi7R
- Vadim Mozyrsky – District 1
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970137
- Video https://youtu.be/kWkD-jOZ8EY?si=9FKJ4kAqBnxNzEh5
- Margot Wheeler -District 1
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970175
- video https://youtu.be/qbUimc_L5x0?si=SzAXTfYsdLL7zwYr
_________________________________
- County Commissioner – District 2
- Sam Adams -District 2
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970214
- Video https://youtu.be/ow1KcwIFVMw?si=UoAm65dHwoqz8vl9
- Jessie Burke -District 2
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970657
- video https://youtu.be/HlTuAZvqh5M?si=87s5kGu3o-ocVjry
- Nick Hara -District 2
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970699
- Video https://youtu.be/Nr54pp2L0F0?si=q6x8lj7wy8w8HjkZ
- Carlos Richard -District 2
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970731
- Video https://youtu.be/kPh9ucXB5rU?si=Sj3FmucKS4ceWqvZ
- Shannon Singleton -District 2
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970761
- Video https://youtu.be/86i6tFCTRWg?si=_PwRNzEA0lqfZuZH
_________________________________
County Commissioner – District 3
- TJ Noddings – District 3
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970823
- Video https://youtu.be/yamGqBeqSoI?si=-Vfch-5a-pEE8rLM
_______________________________
County Commissioner – District 4
- Vince Jones-Dixon – District 4
- Brian Knotts -District 4
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970885
- Video https://youtu.be/9IkurKubT4M?si=ERE2bEmwVZkXFe-l
- Timothy O. Youker – District 4
- Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/1923318/14970900
- Video https://youtu.be/YuYiujRqIb8?si=DyFcVsD7Tk4Zgt2H
Videos and Podcasts of Voter Forums
For most elections, the League also conducts one or more election forums. These are recorded and the videos are posted on this website and on VOTE411.org.
Find the videos on our YouTube channel.
Podcasts of the forums are here.
In a forum, all the candidates for each position or advocates on both sides of each ballot measure are invited to answer questions. The candidates and speakers for each position (or measure) are asked similar questions and their responses are time-limited, so that they all have the same opportunity to respond. Voters are able to compare the candidates or the reasons to support or oppose each ballot measure. MetroEast Community Media helps us produce our Video Voters’ Guides and videos and podcasts of forums.
List of May 2024 Voter Forums
Secretary of State Voter Forum – Democratic candidates
Secretary of State Voter Forum – Republican Candidates
US House Representatives: District 5 Candidate Forum – Democratic This forum was produced in cooperation with the LWV of Deschutes County and the City Club of Central Oregon.
The Republican primary for US Representative District 5 is an uncontested race.
US House Representatives, Dist 3: Democratic Candidate Forum Video
US House Representatives, Dist 3: Democratic Candidate Forum Podcast
US House Representatives, Dist 3 Republican Candidate Forum Video
US House Representatives, Dist 3 Republican Candidate Forum Podcast
Multnomah Co District Attorney Forum Video
Multnomah Co District Attorney Forum Podcast
County Commissioner Dist 1 Forum Video
County Commissioner Dist 1 Forum Podcast
County Commissioner Dist 2 Forum Video
County Commissioner Dist 2 Forum Podcast
County Commissioner Dist 4 Forum Video
County Commissioner Dist 4 Forum Podcast
How the League prepares our election information
Our printed Voters’ Guides, online VOTE411.org guide, Video Voters’ Guides, Voter Forums and Podcasts require months of planning. They are also based on years of experience and knowledge about how to make sure our information is nonpartisan, accurate, and unbiased.
- First, we go to the websites of the Secretary of State’s Elections Office and the Multnomah County Elections Division. There we find out which offices will be filled in the next election. We can also learn which measures have qualified to be on local election ballots.
- About four months before the next election, a group of League members who follow current issues, are surveyed to propose and draft the candidate questions for each office. They consider what the candidates in the upcoming election will have to face if they are elected. Some questions are based upon public policy issues that the League is following, questions asked in previous election cycles, or current news reports. This group then frames questions that are open-ended and as fair as possible. The questions are approved by the LWV Board. These questions are sent to all the candidates for each office the day after the filing deadline. The candidates’ answers are included in our print Voters’ Guide, if submitted by our printing deadline. Their answers are also included in VOTE411.org up through Election Day.
- For ballot measure research, we recruit League volunteers who have an interest or expertise on the subject of the measure. These volunteers contact experts or government officials who work in the agencies the measure will affect. They learn as much as possible about the current situation and how the measure would change it. The ballot measure researchers also contact both the advocates who support the measure and those who oppose it. After the researchers write their draft reports, an editing committee reviews them. The editors suggest ways to improve the reports and make them as complete, fair and balanced as possible.
- After the filing deadline for ballot measures, candidate and ballot measure questions are reviewed and refined by interested LWVPDX members for use in the Video Voters’ Guides and the Candidate and Ballot Measure Voter Forums
In a forum, all the candidates for each position or advocates on both sides of each ballot measure are invited to answer questions. The candidates and speakers for each position (or measure) are asked similar questions and their responses are time-limited, so that they all have the same opportunity to respond. Voters are able to compare the candidates or the reasons to support or oppose each ballot measure. MetroEast Community Media helps us produce our Video Voters’ Guides and videos and podcasts of forums.
Oregon Student Mock Election
The Oregon Student Mock Election is an exciting experience-based educational program that involves participating students in the electoral process and demonstrates the importance of voting.
Students will vote for candidates and measures on an abbreviated Mock Election Ballot created just for them. All Oregon students, grades 6-12, are eligible.
LWV classroom-ready materials help students gain the knowledge they need to participate in democracy.
How to judge a candidate
How to judge a candidate, information from our national LWV Education Fund.
Book a speaker for your group
Volunteers in our Speakers Bureau are trained to share well-researched, nonpartisan information. Speakers can meet in person with a group of voters or provide an online discussion via Zoom. They can address:
- Voter registration and the mechanics of voting, including ranked choice voting. Our speakers also can help your audience register (or update their registrations).
- Importance of voting and civic participation.
- Local and state ballot measures (during election season). League speakers are trained to share balanced information that will help voters make informed choices on their ballots. Our presentations provide background information and discuss both pros and cons for each measure. For general elections, LWV speakers address between 20 and 40 groups of voters at churches, businesses, clubs and congregant living facilities.
To schedule a League speaker for your group, please contact our office at 503-228-1675 or info@lwvpdx.org. Helpful details to provide when you contact us include:
- Your Name, Phone Number, Email
- Organization/Group name (and Website if you have one)
- Proposed date, time, and location
- Size of group (and any other notes about the potential audience you would like to provide.)
- Topic(s) of interest
Mail your completed ballot or drop it off!
REMEMBER THAT WE VOTE BY MAIL. THE POSTAGE IS FREE. You don’t need a stamp, but your ballot must be postmarked before or on Election Day. Instead of mailing your ballot, you may drop it off at official ballot dropsite by 8 PM Election Day.