Friends,
Between now and Election Day in May, we will highlight the 30 Emerge Oregon alumnae appearing on primary ballots throughout the state.
In previous emails we focused on our alumnae at the top of the ticket, those running for re-election to the Oregon State Legislature, first-time candidates for the state legislature, and county commission candidates.
Today we focus on our first-ever candidates for county auditor and county clerk as well as our board member, Christine Lewis, who is running for Metro.
In addition, we also would LOVE to acknowledge several women who attended one of our one-day “Taste of Emerge” trainings who have since decided to run! Those women include:
Michelle Blum Atkinson, Oregon House District 6, Medford
Eileen Kiely, Oregon House District 53, Central Oregon
Karen Rippberger, Oregon House District 55, Central/Southern Oregon
Amy Thuren, Jackson County Commission, Position 1
Lanita Witt, Jackson County Commission, Position 3
We love that these women have stepped up to serve their communities – and after this week’s second annual boot camp, we’ll have more candidates running for office in November to announce!
Finally, a reminder that ballots will be in your hands this week. Vote, get them in the mail or drop them off – and tell your friends, too!
Sincerely,
Emerge Oregon
Jennifer McGuirk, Multnomah County Auditor:
“As Auditor I will see that the county is transparent and accountable in how it spends taxpayers dollars, and bring a new, needed approach that supports equity and community involvement in the Auditor’s work. We need to go further in our mission, and follow the money and people in order to improve on the results of our work.”
Pamela White, Clackamas County Clerk:
“I LOVE democracy and truly believe that our government is OF, BY, and FOR the people. I am running for Clackamas County Clerk because the work of the clerk is foundational to this amazing form of government. Whether it is elections integrity, record keeping accuracy, or the recording of marriages and property sales, I bring years of executive management experience and personal integrity to the table. That along with my passion for making democracy accessible to all citizens makes me the right woman for the job!”
Kelsie McDaniel, District Attorney, Union County:
“As your District Attorney, I aggressively seek justice, stand up for the rights of victims and work to make Union County the best place it can be to raise our families. I filed for re-election the first day I could because I am honored to serve the citizens of Union County and ask for the continued support of my community.”
Christine Lewis, Metro Council, District 2:
“I am running for Metro to help our local communities work together on major challenges such as transportation, land use, and livability. As Metro considers advancing policy solutions to the region’s housing crisis, the stakes are extraordinarily personal for many of us, our friends, and neighbors. I am bringing my experience working on these issues and my track record of getting things done in government to this race and to build a Metro Council that connects with and convenes local governments, businesses, constituents, and communities who are all too often otherwise left out.”