The Oregon Health Authority website states, “Vaccines are safe and effective” and then delves into the requirements from the FDA to have a vaccine undergo “rigorous safety testing” before being granted an “Emergency Use Authorization”. The last sentence in the “Safety” message box says: “Millions of Americans have now been vaccinated, and strict ongoing safety checks have revealed no concerns.”

However, on the FDA website, under the approval for granting the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, one of the stipulations is for Pfizer to “evaluate the occurrence of myocarditis and pericarditis following administration of COMIRNATY [Pfizer’s proprietary name for their Covid vaccine].” Pfizer is to submit their final evaluation report by Oct 31, 2025. With the multibillion-dollar vaccine business at stake one must wonder what their final evaluation report will say about myocarditis and pericarditis?

The New York Press News ran a news story on March 10, 2022, titled: “Pfizer vaccine side effects: New documents uncover a shocking 158,000 adverse events”. The information received from Pfizer because of a FOIA request indicated there were over 25,000 nervous system disorders reported, as well as 17,000 musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders and 14,000 gastrointestinal disorders. These effects were known before Pfizer applied for the EUA from the FDA. OHA says strict ongoing safety checks reveal no concerns.

The OpenVAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) database shows 24,156 reported cases of Myocarditis and Pericarditis in 2021, and 11,921 reported cases in 2022. OHA says strict ongoing safety checks reveal no concerns.

Of course, Oregon Health Authority -- which never issued any guidance or information that took into account natural immunity -- will be acting in lockstep with Governor Brown, the CDC, NIH, and the Biden Administration. They claim to “follow the science”. The question though is, are we really following the science, or engaged in a political shell game?


--Steve Howard

Post Date: 2022-03-15 18:17:52

Last Update: 2022-03-15 19:51:01

Editor's note: This is the fourth of a multipart series on HB 5202, the budget bill for the 2022 Legislative Session.

Gas prices has everyone concerned, but when the Whitehouse spokesperson was asked about the gas shortage, she responded with a grin, “we are obviously all in on meeting the President’s goals to get to 100 percent clean energy by 2035 and net zero carbons by 2050, and if you drive an electric car this would not be affecting you.” This statement comes after Elon Musk said that leaders of some countries have asked him to shut down satellite-based internet service and twitter inundated him to turn off all Tesla cars in Russia -- he refused. You may say that wouldn’t happen here, but we’ve already been warned of rolling blackouts when HB 2021 was passed during the 2021 Session. Can you imagine the control government would have if we all had electric vehicles? We already have smart meters on our homes.

As part of an overall statewide investment in climate, the budget adjustment bill, HB 5202, includes two separate one-time General Fund appropriations of $15 million to be deposited into dedicated funds for programs at the Department of Environmental Quality, directed by Richard Whitman. The first $15 million was deposited into the Zero-Emission Incentive Fund to provide additional funding for the electric vehicle rebate program known as the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program. This program was established in HB 2017 which passed during the 2017 Session and is funded from privilege tax revenue of approximately $12 million per year. With increased growth in the electric vehicle sector in recent years, the program is anticipated to be oversubscribed.

The second $15 million was deposited into the Medium and Heavy-Duty Electrification Fund, established in HB 4139 passed in 2022, sponsored by Representative Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis), as a new grant program supporting medium and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure projects. This one-time funding is intended to support grants to public or private entities for capital improvements and technical assistance to support the installation of charging infrastructure for zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Projects will be awarded through a competitive request with priority given to projects located in communities disproportionately impacted by diesel pollution or are connected to proposed or existing transportation corridor projects, and projects that demonstrate available matching funds.

A corresponding $15 million of Other Funds expenditure limitation was provided to expend the monies in the fund. Included in this amount are anticipated costs for administrating the grant program, including $373,329 in the 2021-23 biennium for one position and potential contracting costs.

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The DEQ and the Oregon Department of Transportation are directed to report back to the Joint Committee on Transportation by December 1, 2022, with an analysis of existing incentives available to support the transition to zero emission medium and heavy-duty transportation fleets. The agencies are further directed to research incentives offered in other states and to provide recommendations on expanding or creating incentives to support businesses in the transition to zero emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This effort should include analyses on incentives for both vehicles and electric charging or other fuel infrastructure.

Additionally, the DEQ was approved $517,000 General Fund to support laboratory operations across all three major program areas of Air Quality, Water Quality, and Land Quality. Also approved was $484,553 General Fund for information technology costs. That’s $5.5 million dedicated in the short session to convince you to buy an electric vehicle and put your transportation needs in the hands of government.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-15 06:42:23

Last Update: 2022-03-14 11:04:06

In what some are taking as a sign that COVID-driven, government grip is being loosened, Oregon Housing and Community Services will close the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program Portal and stop accepting new applications after 11:59 p.m. March 14, 2022. The portal reopened on Jan. 26, 2022, for a limited time after the Oregon Legislature allocated $100 million to support renters facing eviction. The state had paused accepting new applications on Dec. 1, 2021, due to dwindling federal funds. Andrea Ball is the Executive Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services.

Upon review, applications will be approved for payment or denied. This decision will be made based upon the highest need, not on a first-come, first-served basis. If a tenant has an incomplete application in the portal, they have until March 21 to complete it. As a reminder, tenants who submit new applications can access protections from eviction for nonpayment of rent while their application is being reviewed and processed.

During this historic crisis, the agency served as a national leader in providing rental assistance to more than 40,500 households, which means an estimated 104,600 people have been able to stay safely and affordably housed during the pandemic. Only two other states have provided a higher percentage of assistance, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Oregon ranks third in the nation in the percentage of emergency rental assistance funds paid out and obligated. More than $289 million has been paid in the past nine months.

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If a tenant has an incomplete application in the portal, they have until March 21 to complete it. This extension applies for applications that are incomplete at the time of closure. New applications will not be accepted after March 14. If an application is started today, tenants have one week to complete it.

Applicants can continue to log on to the OERAP portal to complete their application or check the status of their finished application. They will be alerted by email as their application advances. Tenants at immediate risk of eviction should apply for rental assistance right away to access safe harbor eviction protections and contact a legal organization.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-14 10:31:31

Last Update: 2022-03-14 10:34:49

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries has released two new Tsunami evacuation modeling reports covering Astoria, Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, and Falcon Cove in coastal Clatsop County. The reports are part of the Beat the Wave series of publications and complete the evacuation modeling for Clatsop County. Beat the Wave reports provide information about tsunami wave arrival times, evacuation routes, and minimum evacuation speeds that pedestrians must use to reach safety in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

A tsunami caused by an earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone could impact coastal communities in as little as 10 - 20 minutes, so moving to higher ground quickly is essential. In some cases, the only warning that a tsunami is imminent will be the shaking caused by the earthquake. The shaking may damage roads, bridges, and other routes residents and visitors might use to get to safety so the best way to evacuate will be on foot.

“Knowing about and practicing evacuation for locations in the tsunami zone where you live, work or play are critical for keeping you and your loved ones safe in a Cascadia event,” says Laura Gabel, Coastal Geologist with DOGAMI. “These reports and ‘Beat the Wave’ evacuation brochures are of great importance for assisting emergency managers, community leaders and the public prepare for Cascadia”.

In coastal towns like Astoria and Cannon Beach, many homes, businesses, and tourist attractions are located in tsunami inundation zones, making it very important for community members and visitors to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes. With the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, tourism on the Oregon coast will likely increase in the coming months and it is important to ensure that visitors and residents have the information they need to prepare for a possible tsunami.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-13 14:01:02

Last Update: 2022-03-13 16:31:31

Editor's note: This is the third of a multipart series on HB 5202, the budget bill for the 2022 Legislative Session.

Oregon’s short session passed two major bills that could impact election results. SB 1527, introduced by the Senate Committee on Rules and Executive Appointments, chaired by Senator Rob Wagner, reduces the number of electors who must be registered as member of a minor political party in order for that minor political party to retain political party status from one-half of one percent to one-quarter of one percent of total number of registered electors in state. It also authorizes the Secretary of State as the only one that certifies elections, sets election rules and audits for recount.

HB 4133 requires the Oregon Centralized Voter Registration (OCVR) system to enable an individual to register to vote entering only their final four digits of their Social Security number and to electronically submit image of their signature. Implementation is to be no later than January 1, 2026.

HB 4133 was not sent to Ways and Means for funding waiting to the next biennium. However, the Elections Division has selected a vendor that recently completed similar project to OCVR in Arizona and Washington. They requested $5,300,000 Federal Funds expenditure limitation increase to pay costs associated with the OCVR system project and it was approved. This project is part of a modernization effort involving the state’s centralized voter registration and elections management software.

The federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which passed in 2002, provided limited federal funding to be used by states to defray the cost of required changes to elections systems and processes made by the law. The state’s remaining HAVA funds are being used to pay the one-time OCVR replacement project costs

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HB 5202 provides $327,112 General Funds to support positions in the Elections Division, which changed position support funding from Help America Vote Act federal funding to the General Fund.

A good example of waste when the legislature gets ahead of the process is HB 5006, passed in 2021, which appropriated $2,000,000 General Fund to the Secretary of State for “grants to counties to address county elections offices equipment and technology needs.” At the time of passage, no formal plan for these grants had been developed. A new elections improvement plan passed that includes $120,000 grants for each county, along with new postal barcode scanners for a total cost of $1,160,000. Another $370,000 was approved for the Secretary of State to procure statewide elections services such as search engine optimization, and statewide ballot tracking, which are cheaper for the state to provide centrally rather than having each county attempt to procure their own equivalent services individually. Also approved was $470,000 to be held back as contingency funds for potential emerging elections needs. Any contingency monies remaining would be distributed equally among counties at the end of the biennium

The OCVR and passing SB 1527 giving the Secretary of State power over local elections is a primary concern of Janice Dysinger, Oregonians for Fair Elections. She believes this is a set up to adopt same-day-voting, which allows registration at the same time you vote. There are two other bills she thinks will return, lower the voting age to 15 and allowing prisoners to vote. Regardless of the number in opposition to all the election bills, the Oregon voting system continues to erode.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-13 06:50:03

Last Update: 2022-03-11 10:58:01

Sanctuary State has new meaning after Senator Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), co-sponsor, carried SB 1543 for the Senate floor vote that established the Universal Representation Fund. The fund is to provide a statewide, integrated, universal navigation and representation system for immigration matters.

“Unlike in criminal court, immigrants facing deportation and immigration court are not entitled to a lawyer. This will bring Oregonian residents before our immigration courts in equal treatment to those before criminal court systems by granting each person access to legal representation, regardless of their financial resources,” said Representative Teresa Alonso Leon (D-Woodburn), a co-chief sponsor of the bill whose family came to Oregon from San Jeronimo Purenchecuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.

The Universal Representation Fund is a statewide program that will embed qualified community-based organizations to act as navigators that would guide Oregonians at risk of deportation into the program, supported by a statewide call center. Attorney fellows would be embedded at community-based organizations throughout the state, providing legal services to community members at culturally accessible locations including affirmative services such as DACA renewals, naturalization and legalization services.

“As a member of the Latinx community, I have seen the struggles and strain that deportation has placed on immigrant and refugee communities across the state,” said Representative Andrea Salinas (D-Lake Oswego), a co-chief sponsor of the bill. “My personal history was at the forefront of my policy-making lens when I worked with several other legislators and organizations to bring this policy forward last session.”

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The budget allotted SB 1543 $10.5 million to the newly created Universal Representation Fund, and $4.5 million for the Oregon State Bar’s Legal Services Program to provide legal services to individuals on immigration matters. The State Bar program will work with Oregon’s immigration legal services providers and provide fiscal and regulatory oversight of legal services to individuals on immigration and related matters throughout the state.

This will not be a one-time allotment. This program is projected to be made permanent, increasing the state budget every biennium. It has the potential to explode. Neither SB 1543 nor the report behind the program limit the services to those residing in Oregon. “Individuals are ineligible if (a) earn more than 200% FPG, (b) have no connection with Oregon, (c) are eligible for service through other similar program (e.g., trafficking victims).” If all it takes is a lawyer to avoid deportation, it’s only fair to require assimilation and recognize that taxpayers are providing the legal services and other benefits.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-12 07:45:17

Last Update: 2022-03-12 07:50:29

Editor's note: This is the second of a multipart series on HB 5202, the budget bill for the 2022 Legislative Session.

Digging through the 100-page HB 5202 omnibus budget bill from the Joint Committee on Ways and Means -- co-Chaired by Representative Dan Rayfield -- and the changes to the 2021-23 legislatively adopted budget, one thing stood out. State School Fund shows a negative $97,592,219 of General Funds.

Adjustments to the State School Fund is offset to align with SB 5703, the lottery revenue forecast for 2021-23. Oregon State Lottery funds are projected for the biennium and SB 5703 adjusts lottery accounts with a 5.3% increase. That amounts to an increase of $60,982,219 Lottery funds for the State School Fund.

Other Funds make up the difference of $36,610,000. They come from adjustments in the most recent forecast of the Corporate Activities Tax, and Marijuana related revenue. Taken together, the State School Fund is unchanged for the 2021-23 biennium. This shifting of funds uses the remaining available Lottery Funds.

The biggest impact is the sale of Elliott State Forest, authorized by, which establishes the Elliott State Research Forest removing it from the Common School Fund. The Common School Fund consist of state-owned unclaimed properties and the Elliot Forest, and resources are to be used to the benefit of schools. HB 5202 appropriates a one-time General Fund payment of $121,000,000 for the Elliott Forest. It is intended to satisfy the financial obligations to the Common School Fund appraised in 2016 at a value of $221 million. In 2019, $100 million was paid to the Common School Fund from the proceeds of certificates of participation that were authorized for issuance. Based on this appraisal, decoupling the Forest from the Common School Fund is estimated to cost $121 million. Once separated, the Elliot State Forest will transfer oversight to the newly established Elliott State Research Forest Authority as provided in HB 1546.

Satisfying the financial obligations to the Common School Fund is one of the tasks that must be completed prior to that HB 1546 becoming operative on January 1, 2024. The Common School Fund was projected to produce $133,059,086 for biennium 2021-23. It’s hard to visualize how $221 million investment will return over 50% in interest.

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OSU currently estimates that they will need an initial investment of approximately $23 million for 2024-2026 for research equipment and the operational costs associated with starting up the research and operations programs. Federal funds are targeted for these costs, but if federal funds aren’t received, it is not known what entity would pay these costs. Additionally, OSU requests $17 million in capital costs for research and administrative facilities.

Up front, the Elliott State Research Forest has all the makings of another money guzzling department that will cost taxpayers a lot more than continuing it under the Common School Fund. It remains to be seen if OSU can make it productive, and whether the school fund investment will turn a profit.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-12 06:37:07

Last Update: 2022-03-14 10:42:23

Two Oregon state senators, representing American citizens with professional expertise in medicine, law, statistics and death certificate reporting, jointly filed a formal petition for a federal grand jury investigation into the CDC’s and FDA’s reporting on COVID deaths. The petition alleges that the CDC and FDA violated federal law by inflating COVID death data. According to some analysts, this inflation of death certificate reporting started a landslide of data degradation and destructive public health policies.

State Senators Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) and Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) jointly filed a formal petition for a federal grand jury investigation into both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 16 in the city of Medford. They have spoken in an exclusive briefing to Stand For Health Freedom about their letter and the petition calling for a thorough investigation. The project has been a months-in-the-making combined effort between scientific, legal and public policy experts. Their official letter shows a clear need to formally investigate the agencies for willful misconduct.

According to a paper published in the journal Science, Public Health Policy, and The Law, the CDC abruptly changed how death certificates were recorded for only one type of death—COVID-19—and circumvented multiple federal laws to do so.

Senator Linthicum said, “Plain and simple: the CDC acted illegally in March of 2020, which has led to these current ‘medical’ mandates stemming from the original lynchpin of corrupted data for COVID death certificates. Our health and the health of our children is our responsibility, not the government’s, yet the CDC, through pure data manipulation, has promulgated government overreach through incredulous policies in unimaginable ways through this wrongful slight-of-hand, creating a falsified reality that has no place in a free society.”

“Federal agencies like the CDC have committed atrocities in the name of ‘public health,’ resulting in extensive collateral damage that transformed society in ways that we are still grappling to understand,” said Senator Thatcher. “The CDC’s unlawful and questionable changes to death certificates related to COVID, the use of false-positive PCR tests and their callous indifference to individual rights—or science, for that matter—led to fraudulent data that was used to justify sweeping policy changes, not only in Oregon, but across the country. I refuse to stand by and watch as our constitutional rights and liberties are endangered by oppressive agencies, which is why I have chosen to take part in this effort to bring forth a petition for a grand jury investigation. Equal protection under the Constitution is still the right of every American.”


--Carla Dimmick

Post Date: 2022-03-11 13:48:43

Last Update: 2022-03-11 12:01:02

Editor's note: This is the first of a multipart series on HB 5202, the budget bill for the 2022 Legislative Session.

To the average Oregonian, there just isn’t enough time to scour through a 100-page bill and decipher if your interests are being protected. HB 5202 was the Emergency Board and budget reconciliation bill for the 2022 short session. The 100-page omnibus bill -- from the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, co-Chaired by Elizabeth Steiner Hayward -- makes changes to the 2021-23 legislatively adopted budget and implements 2022 budgetary decisions. The bill contains an 81 page summary of adjustments and rebalancing of agency budgets.

Overall, HB 5202 includes additional spending of $1.4 billion General Funds, $82.1 million Lottery Funds, $2.1 billion Other Funds, and $2.2 billion Federal Funds for a total of $5.8 billion. The bill makes various appropriations, dis-appropriations, and expenditure limitations. It also appropriates General Funds to the Emergency Board for six new special purpose appropriations and adjusts 12 previously approved special purpose appropriations in the amount of $419,778,807.

The state seems to be flush with money, but citizens aren’t feeling it and inflation is having an additional impact. While the increase in salaries for legislators stalled out, the emergency special purpose appropriations for state employees released $198.8 million to cover the union negotiated increase of 6.95% for 2021-22 biennium.

How flush the state is evident by approximately 164 projects funded with one-time payments from General Funds. But maybe what is more concerning are the programs that received additional funding that will increase the annual budget at a higher level.

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Voters should research the fiscal impact to the General Fund when passing a ballot measure. The Psilocybin Program was established by Ballot Measure 109 in 2020. The program was funded by a one-time General Fund of $4.1 million plus 10 positions to fund the second year of costs. This increase is in addition to first year funding of $2.2 million General Fund and 14 positions. That is a biennium budget going forward of over $10 million. Program services take effect January 1, 2023, at which time it will start collecting Other Fund revenues from licensing fees and tax revenue from the sale of psilocybin products. Just as cannabis has grown into a massive agency, psilocybin is headed toward the same outcome.

Likewise, Ballot Measure 110 passed by voters in 2020 deals with the use of illegal drugs that received funding for 77 additional positions for the behavioral health program appropriating an additional $130.2 million. Some additional funding comes from Other Funds, which only means the cost is collected from the public in less transparent ways outside of taxing. Removing criminal penalties for low-level drug possession has increased the need for a behavioral health program.

Remember the lottery incentives the Governor offered to get people to get vaccinated? Apparently, she didn’t follow through on funding payments. The bill uses $12.4 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds unspent by the Health Systems Division in 2019-21 to pay for one-time expenses related to the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These expenses include $3 million for vaccine incentives and lottery payments, which were announced in summer 2021; $9 million for incentives; largely hiring and retention bonuses, for the behavioral health workforce; and $0.4 million for health equity grants. These funds were transferred to OHA and are budgeted as Other Funds.

There is a lot to dig through so watch for part 2.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2022-03-11 10:21:02

Last Update: 2022-03-11 10:44:03

A convoy is planned for Friday, March 18 heading for the State Capitol in Salem. According to organizers who disavow all forms of violence and vandalism during this protest, the sole purpose of Occupy Oregon is to demand that all statewide mask and vaccine mandates be lifted permanently.

Oregon Citizens United says that "We believe that humans have the inherent right to choose what medical procedures they wish to take part in, we believe in bodily autonomy for all Oregonians. Our constitutional right for pursuit of happiness should not be infringed upon by declaration of emergency powers. We believe that the government has proven itself to be irresponsible with medical mandate powers."

"We believe in freedom and equal access under the law. We are a non-partisan group united by the conviction that we have the right to make medical decisions for ourselves and for our families without coercion from the government. We should not have to mask and/or vaccinate in order to maintain access to employment, schools, or public services."

There will be food and entertainment, featuring guest speakers: Marc Thielman, Dr. Henry Ealy, Attorney Stephen Joncus, Rhymewave Hip-Hop, and many more.

A press release from Occupy Oregon cited two sections of the Oregon Constitution:

Assemblages of people; instruction of representatives; application to legislature. “No law shall be passed restraining any of the inhabitants of the State from assembling together in a peaceable manner to consult for their common good; nor from instructing their Representatives; nor from applying to the Legislature for redress of grievances."
-Oregon State Constitution, Article 1 section 26

Natural rights inherent in people. “We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right: that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.”
-Oregon State Constitution, Article 1 section 1

--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-10 17:44:26

Last Update: 2022-03-10 23:00:07

Timber Unity PAC has called on Governor Kate Brown to use her executive powers to provide relief to commercial drivers and commuters, otherwise, food, materials, goods and services would be at risk for higher inflationary costs, and workers could face the inability to drive pay fuel costs to go to work.

“We’ve crossed the tipping point where companies are going to have to decide whether they can afford to keep their trucks and farm equipment running,” said Angelita Sanchez, Timber Unity PAC Co-Director. “This is especially of concern for transportation concerns as well as construction projects, where fixed prices of goods and services are bumping up against variable operating costs that are out of control. Governor Brown has it in her powers to immediately give drivers relief.”

Sanchez forwarded a letter to Governor Brown’s staff and general counsel for consideration. The proposal includes a temporary suspension of gas and diesel taxes, the ability for commercial fleets to use off-road diesel at a lesser price, and a halving of the weight-mile tax for trucks hauling consumer goods and commercial freight.

“This week, the Governor’s executive orders that businesses have been living under for two years for Covid-19 are coming to a close. They had a devastating effect of hurting small businesses. Meanwhile, the state collected record revenues,” Sanchez stated. “If you’re going to use a powerful tool like an executive order, please do it for good and give workers, families, and small businesses some immediate relief at the pump. We want to be able to get back to work.”

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Sanchez, who owns a small fleet of dump trucks, says the price of fuel will force her to park her trucks. “At $5.90 a gallon, it’s untenable to fill up my rigs and stay in business. The companies I work for, landowners, road builders and home builders, are already struggling with costs, so our rates are fixed. There are supply chain issues and well, it's just tough finding drivers right now to do the work. Farmers are having to make tough choices too. Without the Governor weighing in, many more businesses will close and workers will lose jobs.”

You can read the Timber Unity letter about the fuel crisis attached. Sanchez is hopeful the Governor will realize that a lack of action for the short-term will cause long-term employment repercussions. “We can give people a break on gas taxes, or the state can pick up the tab for unemployment when workers get laid off. It’s a choice. Let’s hope Governor Brown makes the right one.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-03-10 16:58:02

Last Update: 2022-03-10 23:01:16

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.”

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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