What are the different roles you have served in the Democratic Party?

Currently, I am a Precinct Committee Person, Vice Chair 1 for Multnomah County Democrats,  and a member of the State Central Committee Budget Committee. Recently, I was District Leader for HD 48/51, and campaign committee volunteer organizing voter registration and election volunteers for fall 2020.  I was also a  Platform and Resolution Committee member for the Multnomah County and State Committee and a member of the Oregon State Fair committee.

Why did you become involved in the Democratic Party of Multnomah County?

I’d long been active with the Democratic Party in Los Angeles when we moved to Oregon in 2013. Even while we were still living at a hotel, before we could move into our house, I attended the Summer Picnic in Gresham, met a lot of great people and signed up.

I’ve been a lifelong Democrat, active in anti war, civil rights and women’s rights as a young person. Always a voter, I’d returned to activism again in 2007 as it was clear voting was not enough to make change.

Why do you think it’s important for Democrats to become involved at the local level?

Decisions made at local city, school board, and county levels affect us personally. Are we educating and nurturing all our children to provide real opportunity? Are all our residents safe to live and work here? Can we pilot ideas that other cities and states can take up — for preschool? for climate? Special interests and monied interests will always invest in these races to advance their agendas, it’s up to us to advance the people’s interests.

What are some of the priorities for our state and for Multnomah County this year

The Governor’s race will be critical; It’s going to be a big task to pull our state together after the isolation and stress of the pandemic and the wide gulf between voters in our state.

Climate is hitting Oregon hard with drought and fires, we urgently need job creating solutions that can bring more of the state together to build resilience.

Our long and present history of systemic racism is still creating substantial harm.

One of my biggest hopes is that the City of Portland can restructure our government to serve us much better — with voting representation, constituent services and advocacy for every part of the city and professional, dedicated leaders for city departments.

What is making you hopeful right now?

Every day that I talk with a new volunteer, Neighborhood Leader or PCP and hear their commitment to democracy and making our lives better – how can I not feel renewed enthusiasm for the work?!