OREGON FOCUS: Blogs, Jeff Merkley, Kate Brown, Neighborhood Leaders, Groups and Events

OBAMA'S OREGON NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS: (as of Oct. 31st, according to Editor and Publisher):

The Ashland Daily Tidings
Corvallis Gazette-Times
East Oregonian (Pendleton)
The Daily Astorian (Astoria)
Mail Tribune (Medford)
The Oregonian (Portland)
The Register-Guard (Eugene)
Statesman Journal (Salem)


OREGON SECRETARY OF STATE:

The Florida 2000, Georgia 2002 and Ohio 2004 elections have taught us that partisan, corrupt secretaries of state can help steal an election. Or at least can prevent a proper recount. So from 2006 on the Secretary of State Project (SoS) has focused on electing fair, honest secretaries of states around the country...and they did well in 2006, electing Jennifer Brunner in Ohio, for example.

Building on their 2006 success, the SoS Project is strategically focusing on a handful of key races this year, including county-level races, to ensure fair, clean elections in 2008 and beyond. Oregon is one state where they are active in 2008. In Oregon, Democrat Kate Brown is running against GOP nominee Rick Dancer.

From Kate's website:

Senator Kate Brown began her career in public service over sixteen years ago. First elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1991, Kate served two successful terms in the House before being elected to the Oregon State Senate in 1996. In 1998, Senator Brown was elected Democratic Leader, where she successfully led the Senate Democratic Caucus from a 10-20 Minority to an 18-12 Majority.

With Democrats squarely in the majority, Kate Brown was elected by her caucus to serve as the Oregon’s first woman Senate Majority Leader in 2004...

Senator Brown has served as Chair of the Senate Rules and Elections Committees for years, stewarding landmark initiative reform legislation and moving Oregon to the forefront of transparent campaign finance reporting.

In 2001, the Republican controlled Legislature passed redistricting plans for legislative and congressional districts that Governor Kitzhaber vetoed. As Democratic Leader, Kate Brown took charge of offering an alternative plan for our Congressional districts – one that the Oregon courts adopted in its entirety.

In the 2005 legislative session, Brown led successful efforts to make Oregon’s state government open and accessible by taking legislative committee meetings to communities around the state, ensuring funding for a comprehensive review of Oregon’s ethics laws, and spearheading legislation creating a searchable online database of campaign contributions and expenditures, which The Oregonian called the best campaign finance disclosure law in the country.

Additionally, Brown led the Senate Democrats in their efforts to reduce the skyrocketing costs of health care, ensure that Oregon’s education dollars reach the classroom, and protect Oregon’s uniquely livable communities.
With her strong record of public service, integrity and fairness, Kate Brown has been the recipient many awards and distinctions including:


* National Public and Community Service Award from the American Mental Health Counselors Association
* Elected Chair of the Council of State Governments West.
* “Profiles in Courage" Award from Basic Rights Oregon
* Legislature of the Year Award from the Oregon Psychological Association
* Award for Outstanding Achievement by the Oregon Family Support Network
* Woman of Achievement Award from the Oregon Commission for Women.

Kate Brown has been endorsed by Barbara Roberts (Former Governor and Secretary of State), Working Families Party, SEIU Locals 503 and 49, Oregon Small Business for Responsible Leadership, Carpenters Local 1065, and many, many others. Visit her website and learn more about her. And volunteer if you can. The secretary of state race is one we should be focused on in each and every state of the Union!


OREGON SENATE:

Oregon is one of our pick-up opportunities for 2008. Jeff Merkley has come up from behind and now is the frontrunner in this race by some 4 points. Merkley has MAJOR union support as well as the support of the Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, 21st Century Democrats, and Council for a Livable World, among MANY others. You can read Merkley's stands on the issues here.

Here is Merkley discussing the Middle Class:



Jeff Merkley's proposals for rural towns. You can read about it here.

Go here to volunteer to help Merkley win.


You can help win both the Presidency and the Senate by donating through my Oregon Act Blue Site.


BLOGGING OREGON:
BlueOregon is a place for progressive Oregonians to gather 'round the water cooler and share news, commentary, and gossip.

Loaded Orygun: Progressive Oregon

Blog for Oregon: DFA in Oregon


Here are some stories of interest:

Measure 64

Measure 59: info on Oregon's Measure 59

Measure 58: info on Oregon's Measure 58

Measures 57 & 61: I should note that MANDATORY sentencing usually just leads to overcrowded prisons, while ALTERNATIVE sentencing has led to a considerably decreased recidivism and crime rates. I have discussed this issue with the Brooklyn, NY District Attorney Charles Hynes, and he has had some excellent results with alternative sentencing as opposed to mandatory sentencing. Just my 2 cents from a continent away.

Measure 56: info on Oregon's Measure 56

Gordon Smith - gambling with Social Security in Oregon

Gordon Smith: Bought by big oil. Here's the video:



Oregon's Ballot Measures: Here's a rundown on Oregon's ballot measures


Alternative Energy in Oregon:

Here are some biodiesel cooperatives in Oregon. If you own a diesel truck or car, please check them out.

Corvallis Biodiesel Cooperative
Corvallis, OR
Check out their website.

GoBiodiesel Cooperative
Portland, OR
email: outreach_at_gobiodiesel.org
Or check out their website

Grease Works! Biodiesel Cooperative
Corvallis, OR
email: info@greaseworks.org
Or check out their website

Here are some other alternative energy resources in Oregon:

OREGON ALTERNATIVE ENERGY: Keep updated on what is going on with alternative energy and transportation in Oregon

The Portland Alternative Energy & Global Warming MeetupGroup
Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of Alternative Energy as well as talking about Global Warming, where are we and where are we going and what can we do. We'll talk about what solutions are available as well as the different things we can do to mitigate Global Warming. Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment. Join us to meet new people and make new friends. Everyone is welcome. Go here for more info.

GreenPDX: Portland Green Home & Green Building Meetup Group
Whether you are interested in building, buying, or renovating, this group aims to educate themselves about techniques for making and keeping Portland the leader of high efficiency building and eco-friendly lifestyles. Go here for more info.

NORTHWEST SOLAR EXPO:
April 28 - May 3, 2009
Oregon Convention Center, Portland

No matter what your budget is there is a clean energy solution available today. From utility portfolio options, to energy efficiency, to generating your own clean energy, a solution within your budget exists today to respond to the energy concerns we are all facing.

Join us at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland and check out the latest clean energy options for your home or business.
The Professional Solar Training Conference
will feature training for those already established and those looking to join the solar industry. Many of the Professional Courses are approved for NABCEP continuing education credits.

The Solar Expo will offer workshops, exhibitors, and seminars to homeowners and business owners interested in clean energy solutions for their homes and buildings.

Expo Includes Professional Solar Training April 28 - May 1, 2009.
Pre-registration required. Followed by Public Expo open to all May 1-3, 2009. All residential workshops included with $12 admission

Go here for more info.


Here are progressive events and groups in Oregon:

Harney County "Alternative Energy Club"
Third Thursdays, 7pm; Harney County Library, Burns OR. Contact Claire Larson 541-573-6680.

Wasco County Dems' Monthly Meeting
Second Tuesday of every month at The Dalles-Wasco County Library. Questions? Call 541.298.4700.

Deschutes County Dems Monthly Meetings:
Second Thursday of every month
7 to 9 p.m. (6:30 social) at Bend's Community Center, 1036 NE 5th Street

Umatilla County Democratic Women These Dems meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm, generally alternating between Pendleton and Hermiston. The Chair is ElRae Wells Ph. 276-7943 (call for more info).

Umatilla County Dems now meet at 6pm on 2nd Thursdays at Pendleton's BMCC Sci-Tech Bldg in Rm 204


Here is a Democracy for America Group in Oregon:

Tigard DFA
1st Wednesday of the month, 7:00 PM
Silver Palace
Tigard, OR
We are a motivated band of progressive activists who meet occasionally for political discussions and activism.
Phone Number: 503-620-3536


And for those who like to combine socializing and politics, here are Drinking Liberally groups in Oregon:

Corvallis, Oregon
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm
* Squirrels, 100 SW 2nd St (non-smoking, good food)

Portland, Oregon
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 - 10:00 pm
* Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St (Upstairs)
* Hosted by Nicole Vanderhoof, James Riddle and Bill Nothstine, portland (at) drinkingliberally.org

St. Helens, Oregon
* Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
* Red Line Sports Bar & Grill, 2098 Old Portland Rd (Back Room)
* Just drop in - all welcome
* Hosted by Julane Grant, sthelens (at) drinkingliberally.org