The most prevalent nonpartisan positions are the judges. They include Supreme Court Judges, Judge of the Court of Appeals, Judges of the Circuit Court, County Judges, and District Attorneys.

But the office that always hits voters by surprise is the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).

The surprise comes when the elected candidate is announced after the Primary Election.

The law is different for nonpartisan offices that can be settled in the Primary, or may appear in the General Election: ORS 249.088 Nomination to Nonpartisan Office. This office can be won at the Primary Election if; only one (1) candidate files for this office in the Primary or two (2) or more candidates file for this office and one (1) receives the majority of votes (50% +1) A candidate will be nominated at the Primary Election and go forward to the General Election if; two (2) or more candidates file for this office and no one receives the majority of votes at the Primary. The top two (2) vote getters are then nominated to go forward to the General Election. The least contested are judges for reason.

To run for judge, you need a certain level of education to qualify. Judges historically retire mid- election so the Governor can appoint a replacement.

In the last few months, we have seen a number of retirements that have been quickly filled by Governor Kate Brown. That has been projected as a deterrent for candidates to run against the Governor appointee.

This election there are only four Circuit Court positions that have two candidates, two county judge positions, and three District Attorney positions.

On the other hand, the BOLI position is very competitive with seven candidates. BOLI is charged by statute with promoting the “health, safety, and general well-being” of more than 2.1 million workers across our state.

The BOLI candidates are:

Aaron R Baca - small business/farm & labor contractor, Western Reforestation, Silviculture & Fire Hazard Reduction. He states, “My goals for improving the workforce and addressing the needs of Oregonians would start with expanding the apprenticeship program.” He sees a need for wildland firefighters and skilled emergency responders.

Brent T Barker - small business/commercial real estate, Oregon Principal Broker with Coldwell Banker Commercial specializing in acquisition, development and marketing. His priority is employee safety. “We want to provide a real service to every business and every worker in the state…continue the collaborative training and education initiatives.”

Cheri Helt - business owner/ Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails Restaurant and Bistro 28, Bend-LaPine School Board member, former legislator. “I have always stood up for our working families, valued community and charity, cared for our environment, operated with decency, believed in the Constitution and balanced the books at home and in my business with fiscal responsibility.”

Chris Henry (also known as Kit) – third generation union trucker/Yellow Freight. In 2018 he won the Primary for representative of District 40 under the Independent Party, but withdrew to pursue the Governor race for the Progressive Party in the General Election. His stance on Facebook is to strengthen union labor and the middle class and seems to be advocating to make Oregon the nation’s first Card Check State.

Casey M Kulla - farmer and small business owner, Master’s in forest ecology and a Bachelor’s in biochemistry. Won Yamhill County Commissioner in 2018 with support from three unions. “My driving priorities have been the health and safety of every person and the health of our local economy and businesses. As a commissioner, I build relationships, take risks, make hard decisions, and lead with courage and kindness.”

Robert Neuman - general laborer. His position is to make it easier for people to apply for jobs that they are qualified for. “Many positions go unfilled for months. This ends up having a detrimental effect on the economy overall as well as employment.”

Christina E Stephenson - civil rights attorney; worked with the Oregon AFL-CIO in passing Oregon's landmark Workplace Fairness Act; and worked with AAUW, Family Forward, and others to draft a strong Equal Pay Act in Oregon. Her reason for running is to make good on the promise for a state “where everyone can live and work free of discrimination…to level the playing field for workers and employers alike.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Most all of the candidates expressed a priority in workforce training and educating workers on their rights. But none of them stood out in defense of small businesses, and how penalties are over-burdening small businesses that don’t intentionally break rules. Stephenson said, “businesses that don't play by the rules shouldn't have a competitive advantage in this state; that is why she has worked to level the playing field for responsible businesses.”

Do we want BOLI to be a strong arm or a defender that collaborates to resolve issues?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-10 12:44:03

Last Update: 2022-03-10 13:05:02