Governor Kate Brown has announced the appointment of Connie Seeley as Special Advisor for COVID-19 Vaccination Implementation, effective Friday, December 11. In the role, Seeley will serve as a senior advisor to the Governor on COVID-19 issues, with a focus on directing the implementation of Oregon’s vaccine distribution and public communications plans, as well as coordinating efforts across state government, and with local, state, and federal partners.
Seeley had previously worked as a legislative director for Kate Brown in the state legislature.
“I appreciate Connie’s willingness to step up for the critical task of ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are available and distributed across the state as rapidly as possible,†said Governor Brown. “She has the expertise in health care and governmental relations to help coordinate this vast and important vaccination campaign, making sure that COVID-19 vaccinations are equitably available to everyone in Oregon, particularly to historically-underserved communities that have felt the disproportionate impact of this pandemic and existing health disparities––including Black, Indigenous, Latino, Latina, and Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Tribal, and Oregonians of color.â€
Seeley is joining the Governor’s Office on temporary assignment through an intergovernmental agreement with her current employer, Oregon Health & Science University. She has over 20 years of experience in the public sector, including organizational governance, administration, governmental relations, public affairs, and crisis communications. She is the chief administrative officer, executive vice president, and chief of staff of OHSU, where she has worked since 2010. She also has 13 years of experience working in the Oregon Legislature. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon.
Seeley joins the Governor’s health policy team, which includes Linda Roman, Health Policy Advisor, Jackie Yerby, Policy Advisor for Health Care Licensing and Behavioral Health, and Tina Edlund, Health Care Finance Advisor.
A group of Republican legislators have asked Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to join the lawsuit filed by the State of Texas in the US Supreme Court asking the court to throw out the results of the presidential election in four states. Each of these states went to Biden.
The letter signed by 12 Republican legislators, and addressed to the Oregon Attorney General, reads:
We the undersigned urge you to join the growing list of states joining the lawsuit filed by the State of Texas in which they have argued that electors from Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin should not be allowed to cast their votes in part because those states unconstitutionally changed their voting procedures during the coronavirus pandemic to allow for increased mail-in ballots.
According to the complaint, filed in the US Supreme Court:
"...[T]he 2020 election suffered from significant and unconstitutional irregularities in the Defendant States:
Non-legislative actors’ purported amendments to States’ duly enacted election laws, in violation of the Electors Clause’s vesting State legislatures with plenary authority regarding the appointment of presidential electors.
Intrastate differences in the treatment of voters, with more favorable allotted to voters – whether lawful or unlawful – in areas administered by local government under Democrat control and with populations with higher ratios of Democrat voters than other areas of Defendant States.
The appearance of voting irregularities in the Defendant States that would be consistent with the unconstitutional relaxation of ballot-integrity protections in those States’ election laws. All these flaws – even the violations of state election law – violate one or more of the federal requirements for elections (i.e., equal protection, due process, and the Electors Clause) and thus arise under federal law."
We believe that fair elections are vital to our democratic republic and that the submission of electors by these four states should be at least postponed.
--Staff Reports
The FDA’s advisory committee has voted to approve an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 vaccine for kids, ages 16+ and adults. This gives the go ahead for the manufacturer to distribute the vaccine should the FDA as a whole agree which they have not ignored in the past. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or ACIP committee previously voted last week to prioritize healthcare workers, long term staff and residents to receive the vaccine.
Public testimony was heard, discussion on two topics were completed over the course of the long day from 9-6pm.
Discussions were short as commenters were allowed two minutes. Dr. Gruber from Pfizer gave a presentation on the efficacy and safety. The efficacy was touted as 95% and approval was based on two endpoints; participants having at least one symptom plus a central lab positive PCR test.
The data presented only included trial data analyzed up until November 14 and had glaring omissions. For example, there were ZERO black participants in the vaccine group and only three Hispanic. How is that sufficient data on a demographic that has reportedly been disproportionately affected by COVID-19? Will Governor Brown’s Vaccine Workgroup approve the vaccine in spite of these gaps as she has said she will prioritize solving COVID-19 inequities? Oregon’s vaccination plan includes fighting for, “populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and with historic disparities in vaccination rates, including seasonal influenza, will need specific interventions to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccine in culturally appropriate settings.
These populations include, but are not limited to:
Black and African American communities
Latino, Latina and Latinx populations
Migrant and seasonal farm workers and other agricultural and food processing workers
Some side effects reported are appendicitis, Bell’s Palsy and severe anaphylaxis. 60 days of following trial participants seemed insufficient to many commenters and a few panel members. However, there was also concern that millions of people would not get the vaccine if there was a perception of harm as was announced with two healthcare workers experiencing a severe reaction. Had they not had an epi pen they could have died. Dr. Paul Offit suggested a study to follow up with individuals who have peanut and egg allergies but was dismissed since egg protein is not an issue for this vaccine.
Aside from diversity issues, questions remain on the lack of long term data in minorities and all patients, whether the vaccine will cause an enhanced immune response in elderly patients and how long the vaccine works. There is a concern in pregnant women that due to DNA replication occurring during pregnancy, that the messenger RNA could alter chromosomes. The FDA published its findings including side effects that are so far known in a recent report.
Rep. Bill Post and E. Werner Reschke mull the implications
State Representative E. Werner Reschke has presented his case that the state has not met the criteria for a catastrophic session based on Article X-A of the Oregon Constitution. These two State Representatives offer an in-depth perspective in this 47 minute video.
The Northwest Observer reached out to Representative Bill Post and asked him for his perspective on this issue, and he said, “When I was doing a radio talk show, The Bill Post Radio Show, in 2011, I did live shows at the Legislature and tried to warn the legislators that though it might sound like a good idea, it was not. It would be misused one day. Then later when it was a ballot measure, I warned the listeners not to vote yes on the measure as it sounds good but would be misused one day. Well 'one day' is potentially here now!â€
Those involved have threatened and assaulted people
Over the past three months, people have been illegally trespassing on properties on Mississippi Avenue, including in a house and on privately owned lots.
According to call log data, over the three-month period, from September 1 to November 30, 2020, at least 81 calls for service were placed for issues related to these properties and the immediate area. Calls for service included, but were not limited to: fights, disturbances, shots fired, burglary, thefts, vandalism, noise violations, trespassing, threats (including by armed individuals), and for illegally blocking traffic, sidewalks and access to homes. Throughout this period, Portland police officers spoke with many community members about their concerns and the threatening behavior and intimidation they experienced in the neighborhood around these properties.
And now there is a dangerous no go- zone established by far-left extremists in what some are referring to as the "Red House Autonomous Zone"(RHAZ).
Police completely left the area right before 10 a.m. on Tuesday and almost immediately, people removed a portion of the fence and entered the private property.
Portland Police returned and attempted to disperse people from the property, however, people began throwing objects at police vehicles and officers, broke police vehicle windows and flattened tires on two police vehicles. Officers disengaged and people entered the private property again. A crowd of people eventually used fencing and other materials to block North Mississippi Avenue and began stockpiling rocks. Portland Police have remained out of the area and are monitoring the situation for the time being.
Since that time and overnight, the extremists have set up additional barricades and fortifications in this area. They have also stockpiled weapons.
Those involved in the occupation have threatened and assaulted people, and their actions indicate the intent to continue to do harm to the community.
"We want a peaceful and safe resolution to the occupation of public space on North Mississippi Avenue," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "We are greatly concerned about the fortification of barricades, stockpiling of weapons, armed sentries, attacks on journalists and threats to kill officers in graffiti in this public space. Our goal is for this to resolve peacefully to increase safety for all involved. I encourage those involved to reach out to our Demonstration Liaison Officers so we can discuss a peaceful outcome."
This criminal activity has had a significant impact on the safety of residents in that area and the livability of the neighborhood. Traffic and transit cannot pass. Emergency vehicles, including Fire & Rescue and paramedics, may be delayed or prevented from reaching people in need. Residents cannot move freely to and from their own homes. People have reported crimes within the occupied area, including assaults. Portland Police recommend that anyone without a need to be in the area avoid it.
Those in the area immediately impacted along North Mississippi Avenue between North Skidmore Street and North Prescott are severely affected. Anyone there should exercise caution and stay inside if they feel unsafe. Witnesses to crimes in progress in addition to the occupation are asked to report it to police.
They were served a citation for a $500 fine to be assessed each day
Springfield restaurant, Along Came Trudy, drew large crowds in protest to the Governor Brown's recent shutdown orders. Owner Trudy Logan opened Along Came Trudy for indoor dining against the Governor’s orders and the community came out in support.
On December 4th, The Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Administration served a citation for a $500 fine to be assessed each day that she remains open. Her liquor license was suspended and her lottery contract was revoked. Trudy maintains that If she complies and closes her doors, she will have to close permanently as many other small local businesses have already done.
Trudy continues to give back to the community on a daily basis. They are taking every precaution to ensure that the facility is safe and clean, even making adjustments to help maintain clean air quality, but no amount of safety precautions seems to matter when carrying out the Governor’s orders.
Trudy intends to keep the Along Came Trudy open Monday through Friday 7:00am to 2:00pm. They will be providing an option for dine-in (as space permits) and take out. However, she is asking for support to pay legal fees and fines.
What it will take to get students back into classrooms?
Portland Public Schools has sent an announcement to its families and staff, inviting them to a virtual panel discussion on Monday, viewable on their YouTube channel on the link below, about COVID-19 and school re-opening plans. The announcement, sent via email, reads:
Dear PPS Families and Staff,
You are invited to visit the PPS YouTube channel Monday evening for Schools, COVID and Shared Understandings, a two-hour virtual panel discussion where the Board of Education and our larger community will hear from public health experts and district leadership on the district’s planning and decision-making for school re-entry. The discussion will address questions including why we are in Comprehensive Distance Learning now and what it will take to get students back into classrooms. Our public health experts will also have the latest information about COVID vaccines.
Schools, COVID and Shared Understandings
Virtual Panel Discussion
Monday, December 14
6:00-8:00 p.m. PPS YouTube channel
Oregon Republican Senator Dennis Linthicum has issued a statement about the unconstitutional government response to COVID-19 that has led to the destruction of Oregonians’ livelihoods while big government has grown exponentially.
“Oregonians’ constitutional rights are under attack with the never-ending statewide lockdowns
that cause significant destruction. Governor Kate Brown and her bureaucratic demolition crew
continue to ladle cash and benefits to their own, while penalizing small business owners,
especially those in the food service industry. Oregonians across all economic classes are being
horrifically harmed by the governor’s crafty, pernicious, and unconstitutional mandates.
“Every business is essential because every business employs people who rely on their jobs to
feed their families. With COVID-19 as the scapegoat, the government has created arbitrary rules
that determine winners and losers in its preparation to invade every aspect of Oregonians’ lives,
eliminating free enterprise and American liberty in the process. Logical, data-driven and
science-based policy decisions, rationally understood, would not put Oregonians in this
predicament, especially when the infection fatality rate is startlingly low.
“Led by Gov. Brown, the government has prioritized its gluttonous coffers over the hardworking Oregonians who pay their salaries.
“The detrimental impacts inflicted by Gov. Brown’s public health and government chums will
take decades to repair and the only solution is to free Oregonians so they may to get back to their
own lives.â€
With Governor Kate Brown's mandated shutdowns of businesses extended now til at least the end of the year 2020, many Oregonians are reportedly beginning to question whether the state will ever cede it's newfound powers that have materialized from the Coronavirus epidemic.
It seems that opportunists among those in power in Oregon are now wanting to see how much farther that power can be taken. Two legislative concepts have been introduced which will be considered in the third special session of 2020.
These concepts will become bills if passed by the Oregon legislature and will supposedly be passed in order to help stabilize the renting and housing market in Oregon which has been devastated by Kate Brown's moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
Both of these bills, LC0017 and LC0018 will likely be passed by the legislature with the attachment of the Emergency Clause, making them go into effect immediately.
In co-operation with county emergency management agencies
An Oregon Special Session Legislative Concept(LC) has been proposed which would direct the Oregon Business Development Department to establish program to create the Oregon Critical Disaster Preparedness Stockpile to ensure robust stock of emergency supplies and equipment.
LC0003 would direct the Oregon Homeland Security Council, in consultation with Oregon Health Authority and relevant state agencies, to develop a list of essential equipment, materials, supplies,distribution channels and manufacturing capabilities for stockpile, including personal protective equipment, communicable disease testing equipment and all-hazards emergency surge supplies.
The program would be administered by the department in co-operation with county emergency management agencies and the Office of Emergency Management.
The often used emergency would be declared in the state legislature, making this law effective immediately upon it's passage.
Restaurant industry needs help amid Oregon lock-down
In what will be Oregon's third special legislative session of 2020, a first ever "Catastrophic Special Session" may soon be called for by Oregon's governor in order to address some of the complications which have arose during the prolonged state lock-down mandates of 2020.
A number of Legislative Concepts(LCs) have been released by the Oregon House Legislative Director, including LC 10 which will allow holders of full on-premises sales license to sell and deliver mixed drinks in sealed containers for off-premises consumption. The so adopted rule will require one substantial food item ordered for every two mixed drinks. In other words, up to two alcoholic beverages may be allowed to be sold alongside one "substantial" food item for delivery.
This seems like common sense legislation to many observers, and some would say it is long overdue considering the difficult year that 2020 has been for food and service businesses as well as consumers in Oregon. With dine-in services mandated closed by one-size fits all government policies, the businesses who do manage to stay open and operate are innovating in any way they can to exist under such totalitarian policies of the state. If the legislature decides to allow these cocktail deliveries it made give some freedom to these industries that certainly need it right now.
The Emergency Clause would be used in this legislation in order to have it go into effect immediately.
This proposed law would sunset 60 days after date on which the declaration of the state of emergency as issued by the Governor is no longer in effect.
Oregon's Governor Kate Brown has yet to officially declare the Catastrophic Special Session, but the likelihood of that happening is great, according to insiders.
Oregon lawmakers are again proposing a mandatory vaccine bill for children. Why now? The regular session is scheduled to begin January 19, 2021 and a previous iteration failed in 2019. The bill draft known as Legislative Concept 1701 for mandatory vaccines in order to attend school is available to read here. A few clues are in the verbiage of the bill as you read on. The summary follows:
Removes ability of parent to decline required immunizations against restrictable diseases on behalf of child for reason other than child’s indicated medical diagnosis. Allows child who is not immunized or exempt for reason of indicated medical diagnosis to attend school that provides education pro- gram through online courses. Prohibits child from attending in person specified school-related events, meetings and opportunities. Allows Oregon Health Authority to recommend diseases in addition to restrictable diseases against which children may be immunized.
Directs boards that regulate certain licensed health care practitioners to review documents completed by licensed health care practitioners granting exemptions from immunization requirements because of indicated medical diagnosis. Defines “licensed health care practitioner.†Requires boards to annually report to authority on results of review. Requires authority to re- port annually to Legislative Assembly on reports submitted to boards.
Directs authority to establish outreach and education plan regarding disease control in schools.
Allows child who is not immunized to continue attending school in person until August 1, 2022. Allows child who is not immunized and has schedule for immunizations approved by authority to continue attending school in person after August 1, 2022.
Declares emergency, effective on passage.
Anyone surprised there is an emergency clause?
What this means is that your child cannot go to school unless he has received all 69 doses on the childhood recommended schedule. There were only five on the schedule when parents over 40 were vaccinated. Remember, we previously reported on the CDC’s ACIP committee voting to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the adult schedule for healthcare workers and long term care staff residents. When will the ACIP vote to add this to the childhood schedule? The inequity of this bill would be detrimental to many children including underserved and minorities. Access to services for those with disabilities has been lacking with the current lockdowns and will further be denied with the passage of this bill. Families now struggling with distance learning would continue to be left behind. All children have a right to a fair and equitable education. No vaccine is 100% safe or effective and since it is not a fail safe, children should not be punished for missing even one vaccine on the schedule.
Bill sponsors would have you think that this is not a mandatory vaccine bill, but one could argue that without choice, there is no freedom. Democrat and previous bill sponsor, Representative Marty Wilde even said as much when he lobbied against Measure 106, “Choice without access isn’t a real choice.†Or does that only apply to abortions?
Make no mistake this is a mandate bill. Coercive measures like this bill draft are being used to force a medical procedure.
Medical Exemptions for previous harm or injury or family history of adverse events is as elusive as Oregon’s sasquatch and this bill draft would further tighten the screws in its formation of a special medical board to approve of medical exemptions. It removes the doctor patient relationship and puts medical decisions into the hands of unelected bureaucrats like self proclaimed economist, Pat Allen, Director of Oregon Health Authority. In Oregon, the OHA limits their medical exemptions to anaphylaxis, encephalitis, or immunodeficiency only for the live virus vaccines like MMR & Varicella. These are the children they claim need our “herd immunity†help and they have only approved .00013% of them. That is the real risk number. 2.4% of non medical exemptions are mostly students who have experienced any of the red box side effects but were told their injuries don’t qualify. 2.6% of the non medical exemptions are mostly siblings or children who experienced those injuries. Those who need medical exemptions cannot get them no matter what their doctors say.
For some, lack of choice is the crisis. This is the real emergency.
Some side effects reported are appendicitis, Bell’s Palsy and severe anaphylaxis. 60 days of following trial participants seemed insufficient to many commenters and a few panel members. However, there was also concern that millions of people would not get the vaccine if there was a perception of harm as was announced with two healthcare workers experiencing a severe reaction. Had they not had an epi pen they could have died. Dr. Paul Offit suggested a study to follow up with individuals who have peanut and egg allergies but was dismissed since egg protein is not an issue for this vaccine.
