"Responsible Leadership: Critical for Oregon now more than ever." - Oct 2024
In October 2024 the Willamette Women Democrats welcomed the Democratic candidates for statewide offices in our second election-focused program. Candidates for secretary of state, Tobias Read, state treasurer, Elizabeth Steiner, and attorney general, Dan Rayfield shared with us their visions for Oregon moving forward over the next four years.
“Flip the House: Two Exceptional Candidates for Congress” - Sept 2024
In September 2024 the Willamette Women Democrats kicked off their 2024-2025 program year with an election-focused program featuring two new candidates for U.S. Congressional Districts 3 and 5. Dr. Maxine Dexter and Rep. Janelle Bynum shared why they chose to run during a time when Congress is viewed as dysfunctional and has low approval ratings. The candidates also discussed their priorities if elected.
“Oregon Health Care—Taking its Temperature and What You Should Know” - May 2024
In May 2024 W2D welcomed Dr. Bruce Goldberg who has led Oregon’s transformation of health care over the past decade. He discussed how the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is coordinating and improving care for our most vulnerable people, while at the same time saving money with the innovative use of federal waivers.
"You're invited: We chose great candidates for you to meet" - April 2024
W2D warmly welcomed five candidates for county office in the tri-county metro area:
Angie Brandenburg for re-election as Sheriff of Clackamas County
Vadim Mozyrsky for Multnomah County Commission, District 1
Caprice Massey for Sheriff of Washington Co.
Craig Roberts for Chair of Clackamas Co. Commission
Jason Snider for Washington County Commissioner, District 3
Candidates introduced themselves and presented their priorities and what they hope to accomplish.
Angie Brandenburg for re-election as Sheriff of Clackamas County
Vadim Mozyrsky for Multnomah County Commission, District 1
Caprice Massey for Sheriff of Washington Co.
Craig Roberts for Chair of Clackamas Co. Commission
Jason Snider for Washington County Commissioner, District 3
Candidates introduced themselves and presented their priorities and what they hope to accomplish.
“Ensuring a safe, stable place to live: progress is indeed happening” - March 2024
In March W2D welcomed Rose Money of Family Promise of Tualatin Valley; Angela Martin of HereTogether Oregon; and Dominique Donaho of Clackamas County Housing and Community Development Division. All three are actively involved in addressing the homelessness crisis in various ways, such as: housing production, networking among service providers, and providing a variety of services to meet the needs of those on the brink of homelessness or already in crisis.
Governor Kotek: “A Daunting Task: Tackling our Big, Systemic Issues” - Feb 2024
"Measure 110 needs fixing: options are on the table - Jan 2024
In January W2D warmly welcomed Sen. Kate Lieber and Rep. Rob Nosse to discuss possible legislative reforms to make Measure 110 more responsive to the multi-faceted problems of addiction and public drug use. Both speakers have been very active in public outreach. They reported what they have heard from behavioral health experts, law enforcement, and the general public and how their ideas can contribute to a cohesive strategy.
New Leaders Make Their Mark - Nov 2023
In November W2D warmly welcomed Sen. Mark Meek, Rep. Dacia Graber and Rep. Ben Bowman. They are in the early part of their political careers yet have already made a mark for their accomplishments in the Oregon Legislature. With very different professional backgrounds, real estate and small business owner, firefighting, and education, these legislators bring their enthusiasm, expertise, and tenacity to improving the lives of Oregonians. With citizen distrust in government on the national level seeping down to infect the local level, our Democratic legislators are doubling down on delivering important progress on today’s pressing issues.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE - Oct 2023
In October, W2D welcomed Mike Schmidt the Multnomah County District Attorney. DA Schmidt addressed the challenging issues our public safety community faces: gun violence, homicides, increased car and retail thefts, drugs, and insufficient staffing for police and public defenders. These problems are not unique to Multnomah County and are faced to varying degrees throughout Oregon and the nation.
Leadership Matters - Sept 2023
In September W2D welcomed Speaker Dan Rayfield, who set legislative priorities and established a tone for mutual bipartisan respect in the Oregon House of Representatives. Speaker Rayfield’s leadership in lawmaking is essential at this critical time when persistent challenges facing Oregonians need innovative solutions. His presentation highlighted the successful Democratic legislation signed into law. He discussed how leadership must navigate the minefield of competing ideas and multiple personalities combined with the challenges of limited time and limited spending.
Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum: Committed to Justice for All Oregonians - May 2023
Now halfway through her third term, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum gave a retrospective on her major accomplishments, including big victories against Monsanto, imposter scams, and a $701.5 million dollar settlement for Oregon against opioid companies, distributors and pharmacies. She also discussed her 2023 key legislative initiatives and brought us up-to-date on multi-state cases involving Oregon. Under her leadership, the Oregon Dept. of Justice advocates for and prioritizes protection of all Oregonians, especially the most vulnerable.
Tolling: Part of a New Model to Finance Our Transportation Needs - April 2023
Rep. Susan McLain discussed funding today’s transportation system, including construction projects, operations and maintenance, now and in the future. The current funding model used for decades leaves a large gap between an adequate transportation system and what we have now. Our speaker examined the use of tolling and other options envisioned to close that gap, along with updates on the current projects planned and underway in the tri-county area.
"Open Primaries, Rank Choice Voting. What is in the works" - March 2023
Michael DeWolf spoke about our current closed primary election system that has changed little since the early 1900s. Proposed reforms will include a large group of non-affiliated and minor party voters, 42% of the electorate and the largest group of registered voters in Oregon, who are currently excluded from voting in our publicly-funded primaries. He discussed the proposed Oregon Election Reform Act and initiative petition 19, as well as explained rank choice voting, how it works, and its benefits. The Oregon Legislature is currently considering adopting this style of voting.
"Measure 110: Addiction Services: Views from the Inside on How It Is Working" - Feb. 2023
Tera Hurst, Janie Gullickson, and Julia Mines discussed the progress to date for providing treatment for addiction that Oregonians voted for in 2020. Since then, programs have begun to meet the many needs of those who require support to recover, rehabilitate and reenter the community. Life-saving services, including peer support, harm reduction, low-barrier treatment, and housing and employment assistance are being made available in every county in the state. Come hear what is happening in the tri-county area from three women who are doing this critical work on the ground. Our speakers bring personal experience with addiction as well as organizational work and academic preparation to this unique field.
"New Leaders, New Faces, New Talent at the Oregon House" - Jan. 2023
The Oregon House has experienced more than the usual turnover in representatives, bringing the challenge of a steep learning curve for the newly elected, but the advantage of new energy, ideas, and mandates from their constituents. Democratic House Majority Leader Julie Fahey and Assistant Leader Dacia Grayber spoke about how Democrats will fulfill their priorities and meet citizen calls for solving tough and growing societal problems.
"Journalists Cover Politics: More Decisions than just 'Fair and Balanced'" - Nov. 2022
Editors Lynne Terry of Oregon Capital Chronical and Dana Haynes of Pamplin Media Group spoke about how their media cover political issues, elections, politicians and candidates. While working to inform their readers and balance their political coverage with all other news, keep their business afloat, and participate in and compete with social media for attention, the press must attend to more considerations than just “fair and balanced.”
“Election outlook: cloudy or clearing skies with sun breaks?” - Oct. 2022
Willamette Women Democrats welcomed political scientist Rachel Bitecofer to talk about how professional political scientists, strategists, polling centers, analysts, and media coverage affect campaigns, in particular for the Democrats.
“Meet Four Exceptional Congressional Candidates”- Sept. 2022
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) joined three Democratic candidates: Val Hoyle for Congressional District 4; Jamie McLeod-Skinner, District 5; and Andrea Salinas, District 6. All gave their important credentials in public service and their priorities, if elected, to serve in Congress.
“What Do the Primaries Portend for the Consequential Midterms This Fall?”- June 2022
Assoc. Professor Jim Moore
Assoc. Professor of Political Science and well-known analyst of all things political in Oregon, Jim Moore, returned to W2D to analyze the results of Oregon’s primary and what voters’ choices portend for the midterm elections. Prof. Moore put the election results in historical context, but noted a changing mood among the electorate as national issues continued to break.
“Empowering Change: Higher Ed in Prison (Right Here)”- May 2022
Assoc. Professor Deborah Smith Arthur & Lanelle Rowe
Assoc. Prof. Deborah Smith Arthur of PSU helped design and launch a freshman-level, one-year inquiry course for women incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, OR. Lanelle Rowe was among the first cohort of students to take the course, investing in her own future by finding a new pathway upon her release.
Virtual Program Archive
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