Hi Jonathan,

Since you suggested a little promotion would be OK, here's the website of a great candidate for Bend City Council, Peter Gramlich:

https://www.gogramlich.com/

Peter is a friend and an ally in our local anti-war efforts. I view Peter as an 'up-and-comer'. Look for his rise in state politics in the coming decade.

Thank you for posting this, Jonathan.

City and County races are so important because local government delivers the lion's share of services that Federal and State Governments fund.

From public safety, to child and aging services; City and Metro recycling programs to Urban Growth Boundaries; local government matters.

And as progressives, we can make a significant and noticeable difference to the outcomes we want by; knocking on doors, volunteering for a campaign, donating money, or making phone calls for local candidates throughout Oregon...who share progressive values.

Jonathan, I truly applaud the work OLCV has done and continues to do for local issues, and local races. Thank you.

-R

Absolutely Essential

Spot on, Jonathan. The national and state races are critical, and a lot of fun to watch, but we can't lose sight of the fact that some of the most critical work on the ground gets done by local government.

I'm not sure most people think "local government" when they think environmental protection. Global warming and renewable energy are such big issues, I think it's natural to think about them in terms of national- and state-level policy. So we need organizations like OLCV to be highlighting how critical local decisions can be to the environment.

On a different note, let me add my perspective on the importance of local government, having focused most of my attention on economic policy in recent months.

We're facing a major economic crisis that is likely to get worse before it gets better. It's going to mean increased hardship for millions more Americans. When it comes to essential services for these Americans -- health, shelter, food -- local government is the where the rubber meets the road.

The challenges for budget-strapped local governments in this tough economy are going to be enormous. And we need first-rate leaders and engaged communities to confront those challenges.

I join Jonathan in urging everyone to spend time researching the local races and sharing your perspective with friends and family.

P.S. Jonathan -- I see OLCV does not list an endorsement for the county district in which I live (Mult. 3). Does that mean OLCV supports both Shiprack and Delman, neither, or something else?

First, I'll give my plug for two city candidates (in two different cities) that I think deserve support.

Amanda Fritz has earned our support for election to the Portland City Council. She has been active in community affairs in Portland for many years, and has worked hard to improve the local environment in her neighborhood, as well as support good environmental issues across the city. She has proven herself a hard worker who takes the time to be well versed in all aspects of an issue, so that she can most effectively advocate for the needs of the community.

Jenni Simonis deserves support for election to the Gresham City Council. The other candidate (David Widmark) has served the city well, and will continue to volunteer and work on good issues even if he is not elected to a full term in the council. Jenni will bring a new perspective to the council that is currently lacking. She will represent areas of the city that are not currently represented, and she brings in the perspective of a young mother who, with her husband, are working hard to make a living and raise their daughter. Jenni is a staunch environmentalist, and worked hard to organize against Wal-Mart in Gresham, and to represent the interests of working people at the city and the state. I know that she will bring fresh ideas and a strong commitment to improving Gresham to the city council.

Second, I want to point out several races that everyone, even OLCV, overlook. The Soil & Water Conservation Districts. There are Soil & Water Conservation Districts in every county in Oregon, each with an elected board of either five or seven members. The Soil & Water Conservation Districts work directly on issues impacting the local environment, working with landowners to protect and improve stream quality and watershed health. These positions should be give some thought.

This year the West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District has four positions on the ballot (for a seven member board), three of which have only one candidate filed, and one position with no candidates filed.

The East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District (with a five member board) has four positions on the ballot. Two positions have only one candidate filed (both of whom are very good candidates), but the other two positions require notice, because they actually have more than one candidate each.

For those of us who live in the East Multnomah SWCD (all of Multnomah County east of the Willamette River) I recommend voting for Clair Klock and Peter Finley Fry. I have known Clair Klock for several years. He owns a blueberry farm in the Corbett area, has worked for Soil & Water Conservation Districts for many years, and is strongly committed to supporting environmental protection and working to improve the environmental health of our region. I do not know Peter Finley Fry, but I like what I have read about him so far, and considering that the other candidate for the position is Ron McCarty, I would feel much more comfortable electing Peter.

When voting "down ballot" be sure to go ALL THE WAY down the ballot and make an informed choice in the Soil & Water Conservation Districts too.

Jim,

I am the Multnomah County Field Organizer for OLCV. In response to your posting on soil and water, I totally agree with you. The local county chapter will be considering doing these endorsements in the next election cycle. We know how important these positions are. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

Hi Jonathan,

Since you suggested a little promotion would be OK, here's the website of my candidacy for Nadia Sindi County commissioner www.nadiasindi.110mb.com.

I'm running as a "WRIT IN" since I was cheated in the primary. My name was not on the ballot.

thanks.

Here's another little promotion piece for my candidacy for Mayor of Ashland. You can visit my website at www.stevehauck.net

Thanks