Ricci is a newly elected Precinct Committee Person (PCP) in HD 38. She is a retired rehabilitation manager at Providence Health and Services with a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. During her career she was involved with the American Physical Therapy Association Government Affairs Committee statewide and nationally. This involved working with lobbyists and legislators in Salem and Washington DC to get bills sponsored and introduced that moved the profession forward, protected beneficiaries and improved access to essential healthcare for all. She says, “I found the work to be exciting, inspiring and worthwhile and miss that involvement since I retired.” Ricci is also involved with Health Care for All Oregon, a group advocating for universal health care and a single payer system. We asked her a few questions about why she is a Democrat.

Why did you become involved in the Democratic Party of Multnomah County?
I am interested in politics and a lifelong Democrat. Since retirement I am interested in more involvement, especially with the current state of unhealthy partisanship among our elected officials.

Why do you think it’s important for Democrats to become involved at the local level?
I think we have more impact locally. This is our home, and the issues we face are personal and urgent for a successful future for our community. 

What are some of the priorities for our state and for Multnomah County this year?
Homelessness, crime and gun violence, basic human rights for all and healthcare reform. 

What is making you hopeful right now?
Not much seems hopeful right now, but I am old enough to know that we have faced hard problems before and were able to solve them and come out better. We just need leaders who are able to make things happen.

What advice can you provide to your fellow Democrats in Multnomah County?

Be patient. Politics is a slow process for a reason. Ideas and actions must be vetted to ensure that all possibilities are explored and the best decisions are made.