I hope you'll support these candidates (and measures) on the ballot

As we come to the end of Oregon's 2020 Primary, I wanted to thank all of you for your support and encouragement. While we had no idea that this election season would be conducted under “Stay Home Stay Safe” orders, I am proud of how we adapted and used our campaign infrastructure to do welfare checks on thousands of Oregonians and to put together a comprehensive COVID-19 Resource Guide that has been shared widely.

Serving in public office gives me the opportunity to meet, connect with, and see many incredible individuals in our community and I thought I'd highlight a few of them that are running for state and local office and encourage your support if you live in their district.

Bob Stacey – Oregon's natural heritage has had few better friends than Bob Stacey. As a young lawyer, Bob was one of the first employees of 1,000 Friends of Oregon and later went on to be the Executive Director. At 1,000 Friends, he helped lead the fight to make our unique pioneering land-use system work, which protects Oregon's farms, forests, and special places. He was even a target of the poisonous fire of the Rajneeshnees! On the Metro Council, he has been a leader in smart transportation, protecting our environment, and addressing the affordable housing crisis. And I certainly appreciated his service as my Chief of Staff.

Ginny Burdick – I am a longtime fan of Ginny – I was one of the people who suggested she run for public office. We should all be glad she did – as a State Senator and Democratic Majority leader, she helped deliver a nationally noted progressive agenda including landmark legislation on education, the environment, health care, and reproductive rights. And she is Oregon's acknowledged leader on gun safety.

Mike Schmidt – This year's race for Multnomah County District Attorney is a rare opportunity to make a historic difference for a smart and fair approach to public safety. Mike is a true reformer who is serious about addressing the inequities of our criminal justice system. This is an incredibly important race and I am excited by the promise of Mike's candidacy.

Dr. Maxine Dexter and Christina Stephenson – It is unusual to encourage support for two candidates in the same race, but the voters of House District 33 have the choice between two highly qualified candidates in this race for State Representative. I have met both of these accomplished women and am impressed by the skills each would bring to the job.

Measure 26-210 – We are all painfully aware of the affordable housing and homeless crisis. While our region has made some steps in creating more affordable housing through the Portland and Metro housing bonds, there is a critical gap in the supportive services that are vital to bringing people from homelessness to greater stability. The Here Together measure will provide badly-needed funding for these services. As I work hard to re-engage the federal government in the affordable housing crisis on a national level, voting Yes on this measure is something we can do right here, right now.

Centennial School Bond – As a graduate of Centennial High School, this one is close to my heart. The average age of Centennial school district building is 54 years old and, with no bond-funded repairs since 2001, that age is really showing. This bond won't increase the tax rate people are paying today and it will make Centennial schools safer, healthier, and better for our kids. If you live in the district, please vote yes.

Whoever you decide to vote for, please remember to return your ballot by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. It is too late to put your ballot in the mail but you can drop your ballot off at any dropbox.

Thank you for your support,

Earl