According to Pastor Paul Cantrell, "Prayer connects us to our God where all things are possible." He is inviting all persons of faith to meet in front of the Oregon State Capitol March 11th through the 17th where the faithful will pray and praise for seven days around the clock 24 hours a day.

"We welcome all Oregonians who understand the power of prayer. You may come as a church, prayer group, worship leader, or as an individual," Cantrell Continued. "I woke up one morning divinely prompted to bring 7 days of prayer to the state capitol. We are in a spiritual battle, and with Him what seems impossible becomes possible."

Cantrell is asking interested parties to contact him at jesusoverjericho@gmail.com to join the prayer event. He says that the group has obtained permits, music, tents and supplies for our seven days of praise. He is asking those who would like to contribute to these incurred costs and fees, please consider a donation by contacting Pastor Paul Cantrell.

Cantrell offers two selections from the Bible as inspiration. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood". - Ephesians 6:12


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-09 20:43:56

Drew Layda, a Republican candidate for Oregon's legislative House District 31 has been speaking out against what seems to be a dishonest move on the part of Democrat Brad Witt, who recently announced that we would not run for re-election for representation of Oregon House District 31.

HD 31 is all of Columbia County and portions of Multnomah and Washington counties.

Witt resides in Clatskanie, and has represented the district since his appointment in January 2005. He announced that he would not run for re-election following his sexual harassment scandal which led to him being stripped of his committee assignments. However, on March 8th, the second to last day to file to run for office, Witt filed to run for a completely different district. His new district that he wishes to represent is House District 19, comprising of Salem

The Republican candidate Drew Layda sent a letter to four effected county clerks (Columbia, Multnomah, Washington & Marion), the Secretary of State elections division, the Chief Clerk of the Oregon House of Reps & the House Majority & Minority leaders.

The letter reads as follows:

"We had noted that Brad Witt, currently seated State Representative for Oregon House District 31, has declared candidacy for Oregon House District 19 on March 7th, 2022."

"How can Rep. Witt be eligible to do both at the same time? If he is eligible by standard of inhabitancy to be a declared candidate for House District 19, is he not ineligible by standard of inhabitancy to continue serving as State Representative for House District 31?" "On December 27th 2021 Rep. Witt Amended his Candidate Committee PAC address from 21740 Lindburg Rd. Clatskanie OR 97016 to 348 18th St. SW Salem OR 97301, an address outside his elected district, and amended the election/office section from House District 31 to House District 19." "This means the currently seated State Representative for House District 31 does not have a Campaign Committee PAC associated with the office they currently occupy, and hasn’t since last year."

"On March 3rd 2022 at 5:06PM, Rep. Witt filed his candidacy for House District 19, declaring his residence address was 348 18th St. SW Salem OR 97301: arguably since at least late December."

"As Rep. Witt has declared he moved his residence to House District 19, he is no longer eligible to serve as House Representative for House District 31, and has not been since at least December 28th 2021." "If Rep. Witt plans to finishes his term as State Representative for House District 31, he should not be eligible to declare a candidacy for House District 19." "I would ask that the County Clerks involved, the Secretary of State, Chief Clerk of the House, work together to make a Determination of Inhabitancy of Rep. Witt as per ORS 249.052, to clarify which of the House Districts, HD19 or HD31, he is eligible to seek or hold office in." "If I am mistaken, and this is somehow an allowable practice, my suspicious concerns into the fairness and integrity of our elections process will be further enhanced."

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-09 19:43:53

Last Update: 2022-03-09 20:48:32

District Judge Marco Hernandez ruled that the “love letter” law passed in the 2021 session, violates the First Amendment by restricting free speech.

Oregon became the first state to pass a law preventing real estate agents from forwarding personal letters to sellers that can include heartfelt messages, details about people’s lives along with photographs and videos earning the tag as ‘love letters.’

Buyers explaining why they want a particular home, have become a common tool in hot housing markets.

Rep. Mark Meek (D-Gladstone), Portland real estate firm owner, introduced HB 2550 after his clients opted to sell their home to someone who submitted a love letter despite receiving more lucrative offers. Maybe it was his disappointment of a lower commission because the Total Real Estate Group in Bend didn’t agree with him and brought a lawsuit. But he garnered support in sponsoring the bill from Governor candidate Tina Kotek.

They argued that the letters leave the door open for discrimination, which is banned under the Fair Housing Act.

The ban requires a seller’s agent to reject “any communication other than customary documents” from a potential homebuyer, including letters, photographs and video.

The law does not ban a buyer from submitting the same type of material directly to the seller themselves, which creates an awkward situation.

Pacific Legal Foundation filed the lawsuit alleging that there’s no evidence the letters have led to actual discrimination and is based on speculation. The lawsuit states, “Homeowners develop an intimate attachment to the homes where their lives have played out, watching children grow, nurturing relationships with neighbors, and experiencing the tragedies and triumphs of everyday life. Likewise, homebuyers look not just for the best deal, but also for a space they can call their own for years to come.” The brief continues, “The State of Oregon, however, has banned such letters, rendering this financially and emotionally significant decision into an impersonal process little different from purchasing groceries at the self-checkout machine.”

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Pacific Legal thought banning letters would have an adverse effect and increase the likelihood of discrimination placing the broker in the middle. “Likewise, the love letter ban may make it more likely that problematic communications simply occur over the phone rather than in writing, making it more difficult to police against possible discriminatory conduct on the part of sellers.”

Federal judge Hernandez isn’t the only judge litigating measures from the 2021 session.

The Emergency Board appropriated $60 million last year with equity goals that resulted in several law suits, some of which are ongoing.

This short session, Legislative Council (LC) opinion suggested it is possible that part of a similar bill will be ruled unconstitutional, which will expose the state to more lawsuits. In all these cases, bills were passed anyway. How can Legislative Council reduce litigation if their opinions are ignored?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-09 10:39:02

Last Update: 2022-03-09 10:48:46

Effective March 11, State Senator and Oregon Republican Party Chair Dallas Heardhas resigned as Chair of the Oregon Republican Party citing frustration with internal battles in the party. In a letter released to party members, Heard said:

It is clear, no amount of political success, hard work, honesty, and self-sacrifice will ever be enough to garner the lasting support of a strong and consistent majority of people who currently represent this party across the state. I can say I have given my best to save the state I love, but when a true servant leader recognizes that his people would rather attack and question him rather than follow, it is time to say goodbye. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you amazing men and women that gave your all to help me save this party and move Oregon forward. I bitterly regret that my body and soul were not able to withstand the endless assault.

The Party had stable leadership under the previous Chair, Bill Currier, but his leadership style caused factions to sprout and after two failed recall attempts on Governor Brown, he was voted out of office in favor of Heard.

Heard called out for party unity, saying:

I will say that ignoring the wickedness within our organization would be a mistake. It must be exposed and removed if this party is to be relevant in supporting Republican candidates in a meaningful way that leads to actual election victories. I hope you find a way to purge this darkness from the ORP and I will be praying for your success and protection.

The party will be led by vice-chair Herman Baertschiger until a new chair can be elected.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-09 09:21:18

Various boards, committees and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County.

Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. Committees themselves do not pass ordinances to establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations.

In many cases, members must be residents of Washington County. Serving on an appointed board or commission is an opportunity for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.

Per Board of Commissioners procedures, the County Administrative Office will solicit applications from individuals for a six-week period. Staff will keep the Commissioners apprised of applications received and approaching deadlines. As specified in the revised Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Process, there will be an opportunity for the Board to discuss appointments at a work session prior to scheduling any formal action. The application deadline is April 5th or open until filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the Boards and Commissions website.

Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council – 9 positions available now Description: Planning for future services and reviewing current programs are two key roles for these 19 volunteers (13 regular and 6 alternate members). Their community ties and personal or professional familiarity with issues facing seniors and veterans make them an invaluable resource for Washington County Disability, Aging & Veterans' Services and the Board of Commissioners. The Council advises the department on policy, programs, and actions affecting the delivery of services and generally serves as an advocate for veterans and the elderly. Member Description: Nineteen members (13 regular and 6 alternate) including: consumers over age 60, minority, an elected official, veterans healthcare provider, veterans provider, general public, under 60 veteran and rural Term: 3 years Time Commitment: 5 to 10 hours per month Meetings: Usually the third Thursday of every other month, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Contact: Janet Long 503-846-3081

Behavioral Health Council – 2 positions available now and 3 positions available after Mar 31, 2022 Description: The Behavioral Health Council advises the Behavioral Health Division, and identifies community needs, recommends funding priorities, and helps select and evaluate service providers. The County's emphasis on contracting with community agencies for social services makes the work of this volunteer advisory council critical. Member Description: Comprised of nineteen members including recipients of service, advocates, professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests in the county. Term: 3 years Time Commitment: 2 to 3 hours per month Meetings: Fourth Wednesday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am Contact: Aika Fallstrom 503-846-4576

Columbia Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) – 2 positions available now Description: The Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) is a private non-profit organization established to assist in diversifying and strengthening the economy and livability of Northwest Oregon. The District covers all of Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties and the western part of Washington County (including Banks, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, and North Plains). Col-Pac’s mission is to promote and sustain healthy communities in the district through retention, diversification and expansion of the economic base. The goal is healthy and thriving communities. A strong and diversified economic base that provides family-wage jobs is a significant component and contributor to healthy communities. Col-Pac's economic development activities focus on blending the natural resource-based industries in the region with new economic development opportunities that historically have not been part of the area's economy. As an economic development district, Col-Pac provides capacity building, coordination and establishment of basic economic development foundation building tools for NW Oregon. Member Description: Governed by a 17-member volunteer Board of Directors, Col-Pac consists of local public and private leaders including representatives from county commissions, cities, ports, the private sector, workforce, and the minority community. Col-Pac also has a seven member Loan Administration Board that oversees the District's Revolving Loan Fund. Term: 2 years Meetings: March of each year Contact: Matt Craigie 503-846-8295

Farm Board of Review – 1 position available now and 1 position available after Jun 30, 2022 Description: The Farm Board of Review is an advisory panel to the County assessor. The Board meets every other year to inform the Assessor regarding farm land rents and other information pertaining to the valuation of farmland for property taxation as provided by Oregon law. Member Description: Five members with a knowledge of agricultural land rents and current farming practices who are residents of the county. Two members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the County Tax Assessor. The other member is appointed by these four members. Term: 2 years Contact: Garrison Winkle-Bryan 503-846-3929

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Metzger Park Local Improvement District Advisory Board – 6 positions available now Description: Maintains a proud tradition of overseeing the only park in the County supported through a Local Improvement District. The Board plans and helps with park maintenance needs, deals with the administrative issues involved in running an active urban park. Member Description: Nine members (seven regular and two alternates) who own property within the Metzger Park Local Improvement District. Term: 3 years Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month, 4 times per year Meetings: Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. Contact: Carl Switzer 503-846-7001

Northwest Area Commission on Transportation (NWACT) – 2 positions available now Description: NWACT is an advisory body chartered by the Oregon Transportation Commission. NWACT addresses all aspects of transportation (surface, marine, air, and transportation safety) with primary focus on the state transportation system. NWACT considers regional and local transportation issues in northwest Oregon that affect the state system. NWACT plays a key advisory role in the development of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which schedules funded transportation projects. NWACT establishes a public process for area project selection priorities for the STIP. Through that process, they prioritize transportation problems and solutions and recommend projects in their area to be included in the STIP. Boundaries include: The entirety of Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties and the western portion of Washington County including the cities of Banks and Gaston. The Washington County area includes Highway 47 to the southern city limits of Gaston excluding the city of Forest Grove, the east on US 26 and including the Dersham Rd interchange. Member Description: Two Citizen-At-Large representing western Washington County (including Banks and Gaston), selected by the county’s commissioners. Members are non-elected citizens selected from private interests including but not limited to freight, trucking, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation system, public interest advocacy groups, environmental, land use, local citizens, business, education, minority organizations, public safety providers, non-profit organizations, etc. Term: 2 years Time Commitment: 1 to 2 hours per month Meetings: Fourth Monday, 7:00 p.m. Contact: Christina Deffebach 503-846-3406

Park and Recreation Advisory Board – 1 position available now and 3 positions available after Jun 30, 2022 Description: Provides advice on the maintenance, operations, and capital development needs of County parks, including Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake. Member Description: Nine members who are residents of the county. Traditionally members appointed from all Commissioner districts. Term: 3 years Time Commitment: 2 to 3 hours, 6 times per year Meetings: Third Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Contact: Carl Switzer 503-846-7001

Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee (RROMAC) – 3 positions available now Description: RROMAC studies rural road operations and maintenance concerns in Washington County, works with County staff to develop program and funding alternatives and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. Member Description: Twelve members who reside or have business interests in the county, all of whom serve as regular members and are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. In addition, there are two ex-officio members: one Commissioner appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and the LUT Operations Division Manager. Members represent different groups with an interest in rural roads. Term: 4 years Time Commitment: Two hours per month Meetings: Second Thursday, 7:30 a.m. Contact: Sherri McFall 503-846-7615

Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) – 1 position available now Description: URMDAC advises the Board and staff on matters related to road maintenance provided by the Urban Road Maintenance District (URMD). URMDAC reviews and makes recommendations regarding URMD's level of service and annual work program, assists in evaluating the cost effectiveness and efficiency of URMD, assists in informing URMD activities and advises on continuation of URMD and/or other long-range funding opportunities for road maintenance. Member Description: URMDAC is comprised of ten (10) residents of the Urban Road Maintenance District, all of whom serve as regular members and are appointed by the Board. In addition, there are two ex-officio members: one Commissioner appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and the LUT Operations Division Manager. Members represent different groups with an interest in roads within the Urban Road Maintenance District. Term: 4 Years Time Commitment: Two hours per month Meetings: Third Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. Contact: Sherri McFall 503-846-7615


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-08 17:43:39

Last Update: 2022-03-08 18:27:17

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and current US domestic energy policies have sent crude oil prices skyrocketing above $120/bbl, the highest price since July 2008. The high price for fuel is a concern around the nation.

The soaring oil prices have sent gas prices to new record highs, breaking records set in 2008. All 50 states are seeing dramatic increases in gas prices. For the week, the national average for regular jumps 54 cents to $4.17 a gallon.

The Oregon average shoots up 55 cents to $4.59.

A year ago the national average for diesel was $3.01 and the Oregon average was $3.05.

These prices eclipse the old record highs set in 2008 when the national average peaked at $4.11 on July 17, and the Oregon average peaked at $4.29 on July 3.

President Biden has finally announced a U.S. ban on Russian oil imports. The President said this has strong bipartisan support in Congress as Americans rally to support the Ukrainian people, and that this and other sanctions have effected the Russian economy.

But Biden says there will be costs as well here in the U.S., including even higher gas prices which continue to hurt American families.

The United Kingdom also announced it will phase out Russian oil imports by the end of the year. The European Union has also outlined a plan to stop using Russian energy at some point.

About 8% of oil used in the U.S. last year came from Russia, while about 25% of Europe’s oil is imported from Russia. The U.S. is the largest oil producer in the world. Other top producers are Saudi Arabia and Russia.



Last week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced a coordinated release of crude oil from its 31 member countries’ strategic reserves, including the U.S., Germany, Canada, South Korea, and Mexico, to help counter the impact of rising crude prices. On Friday, IEA said member states committed to releasing a total of 61.7 million bbl from their strategic reserves to reassure markets roiled by the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This amount—half of which is expected to come from the U.S.—is the largest coordinated release since IEA was founded in 1974.

“Drivers are experiencing pain at the pumps, and its impossible to predict how high prices might go, as a war rages in Europe. Besides the tragic human toll, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is having economic consequences here at home and around the world,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

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Traditionally, gas prices jump in March and April, as the switch to summer-blend fuels occurs and the spring and summer travel season heat up.

U.S. gasoline demand rose slightly from 8.66 million b/d to 8.74 million b/d. Total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 500,000 bbl to 246 million bbl last week, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The increase in gas demand and a reduction in total supply contribute to rising pump prices. But the major driver is rising oil prices.

Consumers can expect gas prices to keep climbing as long as crude prices rise.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-03-08 15:24:28

Last Update: 2022-03-08 17:30:12

Senator Bill Kennemer (R-Canby) announced he has filed for reelection to represent the people of Senate District 20.

Appointed in 2021 to finish the term of former Senator Alan Olsen, Senator Kennemer has since successfully secured funding for wildfire recovery efforts in the district and $95 million for the Clackamas County Courthouse remodel. He introduced legislation to give voters a voice on tolling, fought government overreach, and supported common-sense public safety measures.

“Oregonians deserve to have legislators they can trust to serve our community,” Kennemer said. “Instead, Portland-style politics have found their way to Clackamas County and my constituents are frustrated by the votes in Salem to toll our freeways, allow early release of violent criminals, and raise billions of dollars in backdoor sales taxes at a time while people are struggling with inflation and affording basic necessities.”

Kennemer said he believes voters in his district are concerned about restoring balance in Oregon’s policy debates and prefer to be represented by a senator who will work to solve the issues Clackamas County voters care about with a commonsense approach. “The costs Oregonians are seeing at the pump and at the grocery store aren’t just national politics. Votes like a CAT tax on gross receipts of sales on household goods, construction materials for housing, and prescription drugs are making Oregon unaffordable.”

Kennemer noted that many of his constituents feel one-party dominance has emboldened government overreach in ways that make life hard for everyday Oregonians. “Letting criminals out of prison early has made Oregon less safe. Shutting down small businesses unnecessarily during the pandemic has created an employment crisis. And our kids need unprecedented support in schools to get back some semblance of normalcy they’ve lost in the last two years of lockdowns. We need balance in the legislature to ensure this never happens again,” he said.

A consistent refrain from voters in Senate District 20 is that Portland’s crime issues have crept into Clackamas County and that reduced sentencing, early prisoner release, and commutations of prisoners’ sentences by Governor Kate Brown have made people more afraid. “My community has made it clear they support law enforcement and want a legislator who will push back on the majority party’s preference of supporting criminals over crime victims. It is a clear distinction in this campaign.”

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Kennemer said that his community is also concerned about transportation, and in particular, freeway tolls that will disproportionately impact Clackamas drivers at a time when gas taxes keep rising and gas prices are pushing towards $5 dollars a gallon. “It’s a shame that Democratic lawmakers in Salem think the only way to build our transportation infrastructure is to punish Clackamas drivers with freeway tolls.”

Kennemer’s depth of experience advocating for the people of Clackamas County is significant, having represented them as a state representative, county commissioner, and state senator. A complete list of community involvement is attached.

Bill Kennemer is married to Cherie McGinnis, and they share four married children, fifteen grandkids, and four great-grandkids. Bill has been involved in community, sports, and local church activities in Clackamas County for over 40 years. Bill and Cherie live in rural Oregon City.

The newly reapportioned Senate District 20 includes Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, and parts of Happy Valley.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-07 17:46:42

The Clackamas Caucus is made up of 14 Representatives and Senators from the metro area with districts fully or partially in Clackamas County. They are bipartisan, comprised of ten metro area Democrats and four Republicans in districts bordering metro. They sent a letter to Oregon’s Congressional delegation on March 2nd “to respectfully ask for help and support to elevate their concerns with the Oregon Transportation Commission, ODOT”. The Caucus has “serious concerns about the Oregon Department of Transportation’s current proposal to exclusively toll I-205 ahead of the rest of the Portland metro region” according to their letter. Tolling I-205 is a consequence of the passage of HB 2017 in the year 2017.

The letter goes on to describe the negatives of tolling, most of which were raised as objections by primarily opponents of tolling back when HB 2017 was being debated. According to the Caucus letter, they include “no transportation alternatives for drivers that want or need to avoid a toll along I-205 except to drive on local roads. Little to no transit exists along this corridor, and no meaningful plan has been proposed to address this gap. Additionally, many local residents will not have the benefit of altering their schedule to avoid peak-pricing proposed by ODOT. Drivers don’t choose when their kids are dropped off at school, when they must show up for work, and when congestion happens around them. This plan will increase costs on everyday Oregonians at a time when inflation is already making life unaffordable for too many”.

For one Clackamas Caucus member, Rep. Jeff Reardon (D-Happy Valley) this must be painful. Reardon is the only member of this Caucus that voted for the bill he now finds has unintended consequences. Reardon’s constituents have had time to wake up to the reality of this environmental lobby darling and the impact this bill will have on their daily lives. Many realize that adding lanes to a short stretch of I-205 with a two lane bottleneck will do far more to relieve congestion than a plan to punish motorists with tolling.

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Washington legislators have objected to the effect tolling would have on their citizens traveling in Oregon. They are serious about imposing a 6% tax on all fuel refined in Washington that is sold to petroleum distributors in Oregon if tolling goes into effect.

What members of the Caucus are learning is that once they make a law and turn it over to state bureaucracy for implementation it can take on a life of its own. In this case they are finding ODOT and the Oregon Commission on Transportation doesn’t need them as much as the legislators need the environmental lobby for political survival.


--Tom Hammer

Post Date: 2022-03-07 12:12:04

Last Update: 2022-03-07 15:17:53

Awash in federal cash and buoyed by rising state revenues and higher taxes, the Legislature is winding down it's biennial short session and Legislators are spreading cash around. Traditionally, Republicans have been the party of smaller government, but that era may be waning, as evidenced by the pride with which Republicans announce largesse for their district.

Maybe one can't blame them for taking the money. After all, things do need to get done, built and maintained in their districts. All this crowing does make one stop and think what, if anything, was done to secure the money and why do they think it's something that their constituents support? These examples may leave you scratching your head.

Among Representative Breese-Iverson’s (R-Prineville) claimed accomplishments for House District 55 in Central Oregon includes an investment of $4.4 million for the Crook County Courthouse.

In reference to the budget, Representative Jessica George (R) was able to secure funds for two projects in House District 25 (Keizer, St. Paul and Newberg) to support local infrastructure, including infrastructure improvements at Old Renne School to the tune of $750,000 and the McKay Road roundabout for a cool $3,000,000.

Rep. Kim Wallan (R-Medford) reports that she worked to secure a total of $4.85 Million in state funding for a variety of local projects, including $3 Million to complete the Rogue X Sports Complex in northwest Medford, which was approved by voters in May 2020. Inflation and supply chain delays have resulted in significant cost overruns, setting the project behind schedule. These state funds will help the city obtain the materials needed to complete construction of the indoor-outdoor facility.

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Representative Jack Zika (R-Redmond) secured funding for vital investments in House District 53 in Central Oregon, including Deschutes County, the City of Bend, and the City of Redmond, including $950,000 to the City of Redmond for the Skyline Village Affordable Housing project and $1.5 million to the City of Bend for shelter services and infrastructure, hygiene services, and homeless outreach and $350,000 to Oasis Village to support transitional housing.

The list goes on. Maybe all of these projects are worthy of support, but who is standing for smaller government?


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-06 11:18:48

Last Update: 2022-03-06 11:24:05

Oregon's Governor Kate Brown has now appointed Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie (Tawk Sawn-o-lay Gilespee) as director of the newly established Governor’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement.

In June 2021, the Legislature passed SB 778, which approved the creation of the new office for statewide immigrant and refugee programs and organizations.

Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie’s appointment is effective March 7.

“In Oregon, we have a long tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants from around the world into our communities,” said Governor Brown. “The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, with Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie as director, will help Oregon continue to be an inclusive place for all who call our state home – including and especially our immigrant and refugee communities. Toc’s long history of social justice advocacy work and refugee resettlement combined with her lived experience as a refugee will serve Oregonians very well. I also would like to thank Senator Kayse Jama for his continued advocacy of refugee and immigrant families, and working tirelessly across the aisle to pass Senate Bill 778."

Soneoulay-Gillespie claims to be a social justice advocate.

She was a refugee from Laos who resettled to the United States with her parents.

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Soneoulay-Gillespie currently serves as the Director of Community Health for Health Share of Oregon.

She was a council member on the Governor’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council from 2019-2021 and is currently a Commissioner on the Oregon Commission on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs. Prior to this, she worked as a social services manager for CareOregon.

From 2013 to 2017, Soneoulay-Gillespie worked as the Director of Refugee Resettlement for Catholic Charities. Prior to that, she was the Program Manager of Youth and Family Services for Impact NW. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology/sociology from Eastern Oregon University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Alaska Anchorage.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2022-03-05 12:33:17

Last Update: 2022-03-05 13:09:48

Oregon House Democrats passed HB 4002 establishing maximum hours for farm-workers before overtime must be paid. The bill specifies 55 hours per workweek for years 2023 and 2024, reduced to 48 hours in years 2025 and 2026, and 40 hours thereafter.

The Business and Labor committee, made up of four Republicans and six Democrats, which were from Metro and Eugene without any agriculture interest in their districts, passed the bill on party lines.

Republicans have been negotiating for a year and proposing several compromises and two amendments, but was not able or willing to find a compromise.

Representative Anna Scharf (R-Amity) defended farmers posting, “We wanted an Oregon solution that recognizes Oregon’s unique agriculture industry. The Democrats refused to negotiate and rammed a bill through that will result in lost jobs for farm workers the loss of family farms to out of state capitol investment firms coming in to buy them out.”

In a vote explanation Scharf says, “This bill will only harm the workers that the supporters of the bill said it was designed to help. Farms cannot afford the overtime costs associated with this bill and will cut workers hours, cut positions, and automate additional processes eliminating jobs permanently.”

Representative Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro) feels the need to defend her yes vote saying, “The current range-worker exemption provides those who work with livestock the flexibility they need to care for animals around the clock and avoids the complexity of tracking their hours. This was a necessary addition to the bill and its inclusion is one of the reasons I voted yes.” McLain goes on to say, “After implementation, we will need to carefully follow several of the tax provisions to ensure that the tax credits provide adequate and timely assistance to the farm and ranch families who need it most, and to ensure that future Legislators are allocating sufficient tax dollars to meet demand.”

Representative Paul Evans (D-Monmouth) thinks the bill is imperfect with best intentions, but still voted yes because it helps correct an 80 year wrong when “a decision was made to build the original sin of racism into the economic ecosystem of American Agriculture.”

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Evans also suspects that, “It will not fulfill the hopes of the advocates. It will not likely translate into significantly increased incomes for most agricultural workers – employers, especially the good ones, will find other ways to survive – as they must.”

That logic says one thing, the agriculture businesses will depend on Oregon taxpayers to pick up overtime pay for employers that have the means to wait for tax credits and it will increase as regular work hours decrease. What of small farmers struggling? Is this bill a death sentence? What about small farms owned by the underprivileged?

Both California and Washington implemented overtime requirements without tax credits. Asking taxpayers to front $120 million over six years to one segment of Oregon’s economy will only open the idea of a tax credit to other businesses to further redistribute wealth, essentially destroying the American dream.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-05 06:50:31

Last Update: 2022-03-04 11:48:35

Oregon Senate Republicans voted to advance a measure that would modernize Oregon’s curriculum transparency laws.

SB 1575 would require district school boards to post course titles, textbooks, instructional materials, syllabus and applicable state academic content standards on the school district's website.

School board meetings all over the state are seeing an increase in parent participation over critical race theory (CRT) and sexual identity course content. Parents feel they have been blindsided by content of what their children are being taught in school.

The law allows the district school board to establish supplemental courses that are not inconsistent with the prescribed courses. They may adopt courses of study in lieu of state courses of study upon approval by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. SB 1575 would make the information available but it doesn't ensure prior notice be given parents before adoption.

ORS 336.465 outlines the rights of parents to examine “instructional materials to be used in any class, course, assembly or school-sponsored activity.” Despite this promise of transparency, parents often have no practical way of exercising this right.

Outdated procedures often require parents to travel to district facilities or school buildings during limited hours (typically during working hours). This is a barrier for many parents.

“It’s time to bring Oregon’s value of transparency into the 21st century,” said Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), author of the bill. “Current law already gives parents the right to see what materials are being used to teach their kids. For decades, we have recognized parents’ right to know. This bill would create a streamlined process for parents to exercise that right.”

Thatcher continued, “The internet gives parents and students access to near unlimited information at their fingertips. Students use computers to complete assignments and even to participate in the classroom. Our transparency laws need to be updated.”

According to a recent national survey, 85% of voters agree that parents should be allowed to see all curriculum, books, and other materials in classes their children are taking. Seventy-one percent believe parents should have a ‘significant’ role in their children’s’ curriculum development process.

The motion to withdraw from committee on Education to debate SB 1575 on the Senate floor failed along party lines, 9-16, with all Democrats voting no. The bill will remain dead in the Senate Education Committee.

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

Senators that voted against supporting parents’ right to have access and review curriculum materials are: Rachel Armitage (D-Scappoose), Peter Courtney (D-Salem), Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), Lew Frederick (D-Portland), Sara Gelser Blouin (D-Corvallis), Jeff Golden (D-Ashland), Chris Gorsek (D-Portland), Kayse Jama (D-Portland), Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), James Manning Jr (D-Eugene), Deb Patterson (D-Salem), Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene), Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro), Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (D-Portland), Kathleen Taylor (D-Portland), and Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego).

These same Senators voted for SB 1521 reducing the value of parents’ voices at school board meetings giving the school district superintendent unfettered power over the school board.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-05 06:47:36

Last Update: 2022-03-04 14:03:35