Hey Oregon Friends!
Even though I live abroad, I still have the nifty opportunity to vote! And since Oregon is nice and forward thinking when it comes to things like voter turnout and ease of registration, I'm even allowed to vote via email since I'm a U.S. citizen resident abroad, so I've been staring my ballot down for the last few days, and as some of you know, I get a little obsessive over voting, but have finally made some decisions regarding our fine state, and how I think it oughtta be run.
Here's the breakdown:
US Senator: Jeff Merkley.
Yes, he's a big(ish) name, but I've been watching this guy for the last few years, and he seems to have taken Oregon to the capitol. He's developing a reputation as quite the progressive (for a US senator) and has gone to bad for things like extensions of unemployment, regulating Wall Street, tougher enforcement of environmental protections and better health care for Americans. Sure, there's always the Pacific Green Party candidate Christina Jean Lugo to vote for....but Merkley's done good. I'm happy to have him represent me for another term.
US Representative District 3: Earl Blumenauer.
This one's easy for me. I interned for Blumenauer in 2007 and learned that he bikes to work or takes the bus almost every day. He's huge into environmental protection, actually DOES give a shit about his constituents, treats his staff quite well and is always open to hearing from the people he represents. Add to that the fact that he launched his political career by helping shut down the Mt. Hood Highway project, and I'm gonna say he's one damn good rep. all the way.
State Governor: John Kitzhaber.
I'm not nearly as gung-ho about Kitzhaber as I am about Merkley and Blumenauer, but Dennis Richardson is NOT the person I want running my state. Particularly as Oregon has a lot of opportunities over the next four years to rethink the way we do higher education, recycling, electricity production, etc. Not the sort of thing I'm gonna leave to the party of "hand it to the white upper-class businessmen then shut-up." Although, ironically. Both parties still mostly run white upper class men for all positions.
State Senator, 20th District: Jamie Damon.
I've known Jamie since high school. We haven't always gotten along, but I know she means well, works hard and will absolutely represent rural Clackamas County FOR rural Clackamas County. Who could ask for more?
State Representative, 39th District: Bill Kennemer.
He's running unopposed, so it doesn't much matter who I write in, but even though he's a Republican (which I am decidedly not) his voting record indicates he's willing to reach across the aisle, and limited interactions with his staff at the plethora of fairs I worked this summer convinced me that they were by no means a distasteful bunch.
Judge of the Circuit Court, 5th District, Position 8: Heather Karabeika
Karabeika is also running unopposed, however she has done some awesome work advocating for an expansion of legal aid so more folks can be represented more thoroughly. So why not?
County Clerk: David Robinson
I dislike it when my tiny county makes national news for repeated errors in the election process. Plus, although it may have just been poor timing, the fact that Clackamas County officiants started using rubber stamps on marriage certificates the same week that equal marriage took effect in Oregon (see the Oregon Dems website) is just a little "meh" at best and distasteful at worst. I don't know if Robinson will do better, but at least it'll be a different approach.
County Treasurer: Shari Anderson
Running unopposed, but I like that she preferentially invests county money in local and regional banks, and the fraud hotline is cool.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District Director Pos. 2 At Large: Roger Fantz
Seems open to dam removal and REALLY into sustainable farming.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation Director Zone 1: Write-In
I picked someone I knew from the area who would do the job well, Jesse didn't even bother to answer the county questionnaire.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation Director Zone 3: Jeff Becker.
Running unopposed, but big into organic stuff and farmers markets.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation Director Zone 4: Joan Zuber
She was appointed back in February, has done a decent enough job as far as I can tell and to top it off, she is one of only a handful of female faces in the district's leadership. Provides tiny slice of a diverse viewpoint in a place where diversity is lacking.
Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation Director Zone 5: My mum
No compelling reason to vote for the only candidate running. It's not like he'll lose. And hey, why not?
Measure 86: Yes.
This measure allows for a state debt funded pot to help provide Oregonians pursuing secondary education with more opportunities to succeed. I'm ALWAYS for higher education being more accessible. ALWAYS. Plus, Portland City Club agrees.
Measure 87: No.
Despite the fact that a lot of papers and such are coming out to say "yes" to 87's "unleashing" of Oregon State Judge's, I'm okay with the continuing separation of powers. Even if it means they can't necessarily serve on the National Guard, or get paid to teach at public universities. They can do both of those things if and when they retire.
Measure 88: Yes.
Just because the immigration system is broken, doesn't mean that all folks living in Oregon shouldn't be licensed to drive.
Measure 89: No.
It's symbolic. But it already exists.
Measure 90: No.
No, no, no, no and no. Yes our election system is broken, but no this ain't the way to fix it. The Pacific Green Party might never end up the ballot if we lose our primary system, and what happens if we end up with a Dem/Dem election? Or a Rep/Rep election? NOT COOL.
Measure 91: Yes.
It's 2014. Time to stop treating a joint like they treated a beer in 1929.
Measure 92: Yes.
Yes. GMO's aren't probably as scary as some people think, but what's wrong with a label? It provides for consumer choice and helps us all know what we are eating.
Then there are the itty bitty ones, but know that I'm a fan of public funding for things like education, but not for pest control. And if you haven't yet. VOTE. It's important, and in some states this election will really have the potential to change things locally and nationally.
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