Serving the Cities - an inside look
Our November meeting looked at the role of city councils in our daily life. Thank you to Bridget Brooks, Heidi Lueb, Liz Newton, Maria Reyes, and Valerie Pratt for a thoughtful, passionate, fun look into what it is like to serve as a first term city council member. Tigard and Tualatin are so lucky to have these people serving us.
Some of the topics we talked about were the challenge of affordable housing in the context of broader social pressures on people in our community, the need to integrate all members of our community into the life of our towns, and the role city councils play in addressing the environmental crisis.
The council members urged all of us to become more involved on the local level, to attend meetings, join committees, and communicate with them about what we care about.
Combatting Hate, Racism, and Indifference in our Schools
With the spotlight on white nationalism in Portland, we need to look to our schools to foster a climate of safety and acceptance. But, even here, we see instances of racism and hate speech. The rise of social media has increased this threat. Our schools are working to proactively create a climate where every student feels welcome and where all know that hate and intimidation have no place in our community.
This program sponsored by the East Washington County Democrats explored what is happening in our schools and responses that are working. Jessica Acee of the Western States Center who was involved in creating the toolkit “Confronting White Nationalism in Schools” and Rob Parness, Equity Coordinator forTigard High School gave us insight into this difficult challenge in our schools and nation. We heard how our local schools are actively working to address this issue as well as nationwide concerns in these difficult times. As concerned citizens, all of us can make a difference in fostering a safe community for everyone.
This program sponsored by the East Washington County Democrats explored what is happening in our schools and responses that are working. Jessica Acee of the Western States Center who was involved in creating the toolkit “Confronting White Nationalism in Schools” and Rob Parness, Equity Coordinator forTigard High School gave us insight into this difficult challenge in our schools and nation. We heard how our local schools are actively working to address this issue as well as nationwide concerns in these difficult times. As concerned citizens, all of us can make a difference in fostering a safe community for everyone.
Bridging the Divide September 5, 2019
The speaker was Debilyn Molineaux, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bridge Alliance. She provided the following:
DOCUMENTS:
How to have a conversation with…
Conversation Guide: Guns and Responsibility
Quick Start Playbook on Engaging Conservatives
A Listen First Conversation
Engagement Streams, A Matrix of Proven Practices
LINKS:
Living Room Conversations offers online conversations and host trainings on a regular basis: https://www.livingroomconversations.org/events/
Living Room Conversations: If you are ready to host, over 100 topics are ready for conversations: https://www.livingroomconversations.org/topics/
National Conversation Project: To find and join conversations locally or online: https://www.nationalconversationproject.org/how_to_get_involved
Better Angels offers facilitator trainings: https://www.better-angels.org/what-we-do/#skills-training
Red/Blue Dictionary: https://www.allsides.com/dictionary
Ben Franklin Circles: https://benfranklincircles.org/join-a-circle
Youth Activists Speak Out May 2, 2019 meeting
Young people are speaking out and organizing. From climate change to gun safety, from education to running campaigns, they are telling our state and nation that their future is at stake and they expect to be heard. They bring new energy and ideas to policy development and political change. They are making a difference.
In May, we heard from a group of students from our community who are working on Ben Bowman's campaign for the TTSD school board. Their thoughtful, honest comments gave all of us hope for the future. Among other topics, they talked about the need for more civics education, the 16 year old vote - pro and con, racism and equity issues in our schools, and the need to listen more to students as we shape the future of our schools.
Thank to all of the students who joined us at this important meeting.
Memories of Art Carter - our website editor and executive board member
We were very sorry to hear of Art Carter's death. Art has been involved from almost the beginning in helping East WashCo Dems communicate with its members. Many of you joined and stayed involved because of his emails he sent out each month about the upcoming meeting. Art also started and maintained the website until recently.
A kind and soft spoken man, Art was accomplished in many things. I will include the autobiography he published on our website:
Originally from New York, I moved to Olympia, WA. where I attended St. Martin's College and joined the Young Democrats and campaigned for Gene McCarthy. Did a short stint of active duty in the Army Reserve and came back and finished my degree in Communications at The Evergreen State College.
Was hired by the Lacey Fire Dept. as a paramedic where I worked for 22 years. Went back to Evergreen part time while working(24/48 shifts) and received a 2nd degree in Computer Science.
We moved to King City in March of 2014.
Our thoughts go out to his family - he will be sorely missed.
A kind and soft spoken man, Art was accomplished in many things. I will include the autobiography he published on our website:
Originally from New York, I moved to Olympia, WA. where I attended St. Martin's College and joined the Young Democrats and campaigned for Gene McCarthy. Did a short stint of active duty in the Army Reserve and came back and finished my degree in Communications at The Evergreen State College.
Was hired by the Lacey Fire Dept. as a paramedic where I worked for 22 years. Went back to Evergreen part time while working(24/48 shifts) and received a 2nd degree in Computer Science.
We moved to King City in March of 2014.
Our thoughts go out to his family - he will be sorely missed.
February, 2019 climate change meeting
Thank you to Brian Ettling, Park Ranger and climate activist, for a great presentation on how climate change affects everyone. We learned how he reaches out to rural Oregon to talk about these issues. He also talked how the new legislation will create thousands of jobs, especially for vulnerable communities and how the Citizens' Climate Lobby is working throughout the nation.
With upcoming clean jobs climate legislation we all have a chance to urge or support our legislators to make Oregon a leader in this effort. We also need to talk to our rural friends and urge them to ask their electeds to support this.
With upcoming clean jobs climate legislation we all have a chance to urge or support our legislators to make Oregon a leader in this effort. We also need to talk to our rural friends and urge them to ask their electeds to support this.
Housing panel discusses future directions at
December meeting
Our December 6 meeting featured a powerful discussion on the problems of and possible solutions to the affordable housing crisis in Washington County. Mayors-elect of Tualatin and Tigard, Frank Bubenik and Jason Snider; Doug Plambeck, treasurer for Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH); Katherine Galian, Community Action director of Family and Community Resources; and Melisa Dailey, Washington County Housing Authority program coordinator brought us a wide ranging picture of how we need creativity and cooperation to approach this serious issue.
At this time, Washington County is 14,000 to 24,000 housing units short. While all are working to build units, this was characterized as putting a bandaid on a bleeding artery. Population continues to increase and federal dollars for affordable housing in the form of things such as block grants and housing vouchers have continued to drop.
The current bond measure that we just passed will go primarily to house those most in need. A major focus will be on those whose income falls under 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). These individuals and families, who are now homeless or living in transient housing most of the time, will need additional supports such as wrap around services that address everything from how to meet basic needs to mental health and addiction services. A second component will address the housing needs of those from 30-60% AMI. This includes many seniors, those on a fixed income, the working poor and those transitioning from homelessness. Finally, bond funding will create housing for those from 60-80% AMI. This includes many two income families who work low paying jobs. Much of the housing will have from two to five bedrooms to accommodate families in need.
But the bond is just a drop in the bucket. Other ideas and actions that were talked about include:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Tigard recently approved a code change to allow ADUs (self contained unit on the same property as a primary dwelling unit). We had some discussion of the danger of these being used for Air BnB rather than for permanent housing and the city is planning to monitor this to see if further regulation is needed.
- Building bigger developments - CPAH has to work with up to 16 funding sources to build one project. This is the same whether this is an 8 unit or a 100 unit development. But finding land for larger developments is difficult and expensive.
- Developers want to develop expensive housing - Homes in the new housing development in Tualatin are now selling for $500-$700,000. We need to find a way to incentivize more affordable housing. We could provide discounts to System Development Charges (SDCs) in exchange for building affordable housing.
- Need to plan for the future. Many of the panel commented that this was a problem we should have been addressing 30 years ago. We need to now begin land banking, realizing that the need is going to continue to grow. One suggestion was that we require developers to set aside some of the land the acquire in a land bank.
- Code reform - especially as we begin to develop housing around the Southwest Transit Corridor, making regulations less demanding will attract a broader range of developers to build affordable housing.
- Smaller homes - the trend to build mega-mansions doesn’t reflect the needs of much of the population.
- Thoughtful use of urban growth boundary - to allow for development where needed.
- Cooperation and communication between all of the entities involved - especially the cities within our area.
The audience brought forth further questions and the discussion continued after close of the program. Thank you to the participants and to all who joined us.
It was a great Crawfish Festival
Thanks to Dena Vogel, Christina Rainer, Laurie Volm, Joelle and Chris Davis, Linus and Corliss Carleton, Doug Plambeck and Gerritt Rosenthal for helping make the Tualatin Crawfish Festival Dems booth a success. And special thanks to all our electeds and candidates who turned out: Rachel Prusak, Rob Wagner, Margaret Doherty, Kathryn Harrington, Sarah Grider, Courtney Neron, Joelle Davis, and Frank Bubenik. We had the privilege of helping several voters update their voter registration from NAV or Republican to Democratic, recruited neighborhood leaders for four counties and talked to many voters about why this election is so important. Many future voters gleefully spun the wheel and won candy and stickers.
2nd Annual 4th of July Walk & Roll Parade and Festival
at the King City Community Park
We had a great response to our booth at the King City 4th of July celebration.
Thanks to Sarah Grider and Rachel Prusak, our wonderful candidates for joining us to meet and engage voters. Janet Ference, Carol Greenough, Diane Doctor, and Bridget Brooks all pitched in to make this happen. Welcome to all the new people who learned about East Washington County Dems at the booth. We look forward to having you join us at our meetings.
at the King City Community Park
We had a great response to our booth at the King City 4th of July celebration.
Thanks to Sarah Grider and Rachel Prusak, our wonderful candidates for joining us to meet and engage voters. Janet Ference, Carol Greenough, Diane Doctor, and Bridget Brooks all pitched in to make this happen. Welcome to all the new people who learned about East Washington County Dems at the booth. We look forward to having you join us at our meetings.
In June, our current and future legislators led an inspiring discussion of K-12 education in Oregon
Some of the things we learned: Margaret Doherty pointed out that we have to go beyond the statistics in assessing our schools. Oregon requires more credits to graduate that some other states that look better on paper. We may have fewer school days - but we calculate hours, not days. This allows rural districts to have longer school days and only go four days a week. Schools are increasingly asked to do more with no funding to support these programs. This is wrong.
Yes, we do need to boost our graduation rate - but our schools are doing many things well.
The place where there is a crisis point is that schools are serving students with so many needs. They are hungry, without a stable home, living with families experiencing a variety of traumatic events. These social ills carry over to the schools and we don’t have enough trained personnel to help students cope with trauma.
Ryan Spiker pointed out that corporations used to pay much more in taxes. He remembers when he went to school the basic necessities needed in a classroom and the extracurricular programs were available without cost to the students. He also raised concerns that Oregon has one of the top suicide rates for students in the country and we need to look at how we address the causes of this.
Rachel Prusak said that these concerns show that we need to focus on wrap-around services in schools including nurses in every school. Children need health care and mental health services in their schools. That requires building a fair tax base.
Rob Wagner followed up with pointing out that we are faced with a false narrative that schools are failing. This is used to push charter schools. That is not to say that we don’t need to improve, we need to find ways to get additional resources into the schools to provide trauma informed care. It is so important to elect new candidates like Rachel Prusak. Ryan Spiker, and Paul Diller as well as retaining current Democratic legislators because it truly matters to get a super majority to enact fair taxes so that people like Margaret and her committee, who know what policies can make a difference, can enact those.
Paul Diller’s two boys attend the local school and he is aware of how important this is to build community. He has talked to educators and sees revenue stabilization through property tax reform, reforming the kicker, and broadening corporate tax will be important to solve some of the problems in our schools. Common sense gun legislation is important for families to be comfortable having their children in the school environment. Schools need to be open to the community, not to be fortresses. Safe routes to school is also a crucial issue.
In sum, some of the most important themes of this powerful discussion were:
Yes, we do need to boost our graduation rate - but our schools are doing many things well.
The place where there is a crisis point is that schools are serving students with so many needs. They are hungry, without a stable home, living with families experiencing a variety of traumatic events. These social ills carry over to the schools and we don’t have enough trained personnel to help students cope with trauma.
Ryan Spiker pointed out that corporations used to pay much more in taxes. He remembers when he went to school the basic necessities needed in a classroom and the extracurricular programs were available without cost to the students. He also raised concerns that Oregon has one of the top suicide rates for students in the country and we need to look at how we address the causes of this.
Rachel Prusak said that these concerns show that we need to focus on wrap-around services in schools including nurses in every school. Children need health care and mental health services in their schools. That requires building a fair tax base.
Rob Wagner followed up with pointing out that we are faced with a false narrative that schools are failing. This is used to push charter schools. That is not to say that we don’t need to improve, we need to find ways to get additional resources into the schools to provide trauma informed care. It is so important to elect new candidates like Rachel Prusak. Ryan Spiker, and Paul Diller as well as retaining current Democratic legislators because it truly matters to get a super majority to enact fair taxes so that people like Margaret and her committee, who know what policies can make a difference, can enact those.
Paul Diller’s two boys attend the local school and he is aware of how important this is to build community. He has talked to educators and sees revenue stabilization through property tax reform, reforming the kicker, and broadening corporate tax will be important to solve some of the problems in our schools. Common sense gun legislation is important for families to be comfortable having their children in the school environment. Schools need to be open to the community, not to be fortresses. Safe routes to school is also a crucial issue.
In sum, some of the most important themes of this powerful discussion were:
- While schools face unprecedented challenges, they are also having much success. There is a move by the right to talk about how awful our schools are. That is not true. Oregon schools provide a good education to most students in an environment that demands more and more of educators. Our graduation rates are improving. There are many gaps, like those faced by other schools around the nation. We talked about these in the rest of the discussion.
- Support of public schools is paramount. Both some politicians and some corporations are pushing charter schools. However, this would undermine the role the schools play in providing excellent education for every student. Schools also play a central role in uniting our communities. They provide a common ground for all citizens.
- The place where there is a crisis point is that schools are serving students with so many needs. They are hungry, without a stable home, living with families experiencing a variety of traumatic events. These problems carry over to the schools and we don’t have enough trained personnel to address these issues. We need nurses, social workers, counselors and educators trained in how to respond to the trauma our students are experiencing.
- It is important not to blame or marginalize the students who struggle within our schools. Their struggles are a reflection of broader social problems. Also, working to support and integrate all students into the classroom leads to greater social and emotional learning opportunities for all students.
- A lot of this comes down to funding. The tax structure in Oregon deprives schools of the financial support they need to improve. Corporations pay a decreasing share of the cost of running the state. We need to work hard to elect and re-elect our senators and representative in Oregon so that we have a supermajority to address our current unfair and unsustainable tax structure.
At May meeting, High School Leaders discussed
gun safety actions
Moms Demand Action briefed us on state of gun legislation
Local members of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and student activists from Tigard High School came together at our meeting on May 3 to discuss the next steps in gun violence prevention.
Moms Demand Action works to stem the epidemic of gun violence in America. Founded in 2012 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, this nonpartisan network of grassroots activists has grown into a powerful nationwide organization, and they have effected change at the local, state, and national level.
Gun violence prevention laws in Oregon are stricter than many other states. Yet Oregon earns only an average grade of ‘C’ on the Giffords Law Center scorecard, which rates us 14th out of 50 on the strength of our gun laws. Our state has recently made national news, when new legislation was passed that strengthened the ban on ownership of firearms or ammunition by people convicted of stalking or domestic violence and those under restraining orders.
Still more can be done in Oregon to stem gun violence. The gun death rate in Oregon is no better than the national average. And a great deal more can be done on the federal level. Every day, 318 people in America are shot, and 96 people die from gun violence of one form or another. In light of recent mass shootings at a school, a workplace, a church, and an entertainment event, current polling shows that a majority of Americans support stricter gun laws.
At this meeting, Cheri Partain of Moms Demand Action presented the next steps in their work on legislation and public awareness, and offered ways to become involved in this movement. Student activists Baylee Bergquist, Meghan Turley, Jessica Woolfolk, and Olivia Young from Tigard High School shared their goals, concerns, and experiences in advocating for gun violence prevention.
A lively discussion and question period followed the presentations.
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Moms Demand Action works to stem the epidemic of gun violence in America. Founded in 2012 after the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, this nonpartisan network of grassroots activists has grown into a powerful nationwide organization, and they have effected change at the local, state, and national level.
Gun violence prevention laws in Oregon are stricter than many other states. Yet Oregon earns only an average grade of ‘C’ on the Giffords Law Center scorecard, which rates us 14th out of 50 on the strength of our gun laws. Our state has recently made national news, when new legislation was passed that strengthened the ban on ownership of firearms or ammunition by people convicted of stalking or domestic violence and those under restraining orders.
Still more can be done in Oregon to stem gun violence. The gun death rate in Oregon is no better than the national average. And a great deal more can be done on the federal level. Every day, 318 people in America are shot, and 96 people die from gun violence of one form or another. In light of recent mass shootings at a school, a workplace, a church, and an entertainment event, current polling shows that a majority of Americans support stricter gun laws.
At this meeting, Cheri Partain of Moms Demand Action presented the next steps in their work on legislation and public awareness, and offered ways to become involved in this movement. Student activists Baylee Bergquist, Meghan Turley, Jessica Woolfolk, and Olivia Young from Tigard High School shared their goals, concerns, and experiences in advocating for gun violence prevention.
A lively discussion and question period followed the presentations.
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HD37 Neighborhood Leader and PCP Brunch
On April 21st, we shared good food, good company and a chance to hear from and be inspired by our candidates and electeds: Rachel Prusak, Rob Wagner, Joelle Davis, and Frank Bubenik. Neighborhood leaders picked up their slate cards and will head out to be sure their neighbors have information and vote. Thanks to Bridget Brooks for hosting a great brunch and to Doug Plambeck for cutting all of the turf!
To all those who were there, thanks for your involvement. To all others, it isn't too late to get involved in the neighborhood leader program for the primary. A couple of hours can make a big difference.
Look out Tualatin and HD37, a Blue Wave is on the way.
To all those who were there, thanks for your involvement. To all others, it isn't too late to get involved in the neighborhood leader program for the primary. A couple of hours can make a big difference.
Look out Tualatin and HD37, a Blue Wave is on the way.
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East Washington County Dems April Meeting -
Meet the Candidates
At this meeting, we had a chance to meet candidates running for office in the May 15 primary election or the November general election, hear their stands, and ask questions. It was a good opportunity to meet these candidates in person to us choose who we think will be best for the job.
We thank these candidates for joining us:
Attorney Steve Burke is running against incumbent D. Charles Bailey for Judge in Washington County Circuit Court, 20th District, Position 6.
Rachel Prusak, a Nurse Practitioner and healthcare advocate, is running for Oregon House District 37, against incumbent Representative Julie Parrish.
Ryan Spiker is a military veteran and healthcare administrator, and he is challenging Representative Richard Vial in Oregon House District 26.
Paul Diller is a law professor at Willamette University, vying for a seat in the Oregon State Senate from District 13, opposing incumbent Senator Kim Thatcher.
Sarah Grider, a military veteran and educator, is also running in the Democratic primary for Oregon State Senate District 13.
Kevin Barton currently serves as Chief Deputy District Attorney, and he is seeking to replace retiring DA Bob Hermann.
Max Wall is an attorney and former Deputy District Attorney for Polk County, and he is also running for Washington County District Attorney.
We urge everyone to learn about these and other candidates and find ways to support them, through your time, donations, and vote.
Our Canvass for Kathryn Harrington in King City
Good company, good food and a sunny day made it a perfect canvass in King City on March 31. Neighbors were genuinely interested in learning about the county commission chair race - few people know who their commissioner or the chair even was. Several people had met Katherine and all of those said they were going to vote for her.
Kathryn Harrington is the only candidate for Washington County Chair endorsed by the Washington County Democrats, the Beaverton Education Association, the Willamette Women Democrats, and many more. She is running a grassroots-powered campaign, and is going to win by having one-on-one conservations with voters in all of Washington County. But she can't do it without your help -- reach out to her campaign and help. She is canvassing every weekend.
Questions? Call Sydney at 503-380-0639, e-mail sydney@kathrynforourcounty.com. or call Carol Greenough at 503-975-7808, gotv@aol.com.
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Get Trained, Reach Out, Elect Democrats
(and eat cookies)
We can learn from what has happened in Pennsylvania and other places. Working to get out the vote is the way to win.
We had a great turnout on Thursday March 29th at the the Tualatin Community Library. Carl Fisher gave an overview of how to be a Neighborhood Leader and all of the important elections we have coming up.
And, we need your help. Reaching out to our neighbors increases turnout significantly. In the recent election for ballot measure 101, the voter turnout in our district was 36%. In neighborhoods where we knocked on doors, delivered literature and talked to some people face to face Democratic turnout was 61%. Among people we talked to face to face, it was 71% (a 35 point increase).
Everyone can help in some way. If you are not sure what you can do, let us know, we will find a job for you. If you are already a neighborhood leader, confirm that you are ready to go again. If you re just curious, call and we can meet and talk about ways to get in and learn. We welcome you to join us.
For More information, Call Carol Greenough 503-975-7808 or email at gotv@aol.com.
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Canvassing for Rachel Prusak in Tualatin
On March 10, a large group of supporters gathered at the Oregon Nurses Association in Tualatin to reach out to neighbors and urge them to vote for Rachel to represent House District 37 in the Oregon House. Enthusiasm of people we talked to was high. People knew of Julie's choice to oppose funding for health care for hundreds of thousands or Oregonians. They were excited to learn that a nurse who works with people in our area in their homes would be speaking for us on health care and other progressive legislation.
This will be an expensive race. Even though Rachel Prusak is unopposed in the Democratic Primary, be sure to cast a vote for her. A strong show of support for her at this time will help her get the support she needs for the general election in November.