We need to support federal workers The Linn Benton Neighborhood Leader Team sent out following message in a Jan. 29 email:.
Shortly after the election we talked about how there would be a moment when they come for one of us, they come for all of us. This is that moment. We need to support federal workers. Federal civil servants are scrambling to keep critical programs running in the wake of the chaotic freeze/then freeze of the freeze/and now recission of the freeze (what’s next?) on federal grants and loans. They’ve also all received a “no-questions-asked” number to call to turn in their colleagues who are committing the cardinal sins of working on equity or green energy issues. And now they are reckoning with the Hobson’s Choice of leaving their jobs now, with a so-called “buy out”, or staying on to do the people’s work and potentially being fired. They have been given just over a week to make this monumental decision. This hurts all of us. Here are just a few ways each of us and our neighbors rely on federal employees:
Reach out: Many of us know people who work for the federal government, and people whose work is funded by the federal government. Reach out. Offer support. Offer an understanding ear. Ask how you can help. Write a letter to the editor of the Democrat Herald – Gazette Times. Voice your support for federal workers and the federal grant programs many of them administer. Educate readers about one or two ways they are personally being impacted. Specifically ask how Shelly Boshart Davis and Jaimie Cate plan to protect ranchers, farmers, small businesses, wildland fire fighters, veterans, seniors, etc. from Trump’s reckless and senseless attacks on the federal workers and funding we all pay for and depend on. Call your representatives: Voice your unwavering support for them standing up for our American values in every way possible. Share your concerns with your state and federal representatives. Ask them how they are going to support federal workers to keep these vital services in place and functioning. Continue networking: As we all know, the purpose of these cruel and chaotic actions are to make us give up. Supporting and encouraging each other (including to take a break when needed!) will keep us all strong. Let’s show these would-be emperors how true patriots act! Thanks to you all, and see you on Feb. 9 at the next Neighborhood Leader Zoom meeting. — Carrie, Steve, Linda, Mark, Carol, Brenda, Susan & Nancy Linn Benton Neighborhood Leader Team Merkley to hold three town halls Saturday, Feb. 1, |
| Sen. Jeff Merkley, at town hall appearances Saturday, Feb. 1, in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties, will update constituents on his work in Washington, D.C., answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America. “My office is committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering full participation for all,” Merkley said. “While there is no need to RSVP for the town hall, my team is ready to help should you need disability-related accommodations or have other access requirements to participate in the town hall.” Please contact Allison Burke, state operations manager for Merkley at [email protected] or 503-326-3386 to make accommodations requests by noon Wednesday, Jan. 29. *** Here is the schedule of the senator’s Saturday appearances:
|  Sen. Jeff Merkley
|
People's March
Marilyn Gryte and Dena Minato of Albany face passing motorists along Fourth Street before the start of the People's March in the Heart of the mid-valley on Jan. 18.
It was 35 degrees in downtown Corvallis on Saturday morning, but that didn't stop more than 200 marchers from warming up for anticipated resistance to coming policies from a second Trump administration. The People's March in the Heart of the Valley started in front of the Benton Country Courthouse, then wove through downtown streets, with people carrying protest signs and chanting, as well as walking dogs and pushing baby strollers. Participants also heard speeches and singers, and sipped hot chocolate near the end. The march came less than 48 hours before Trump's inauguration, an event that many of his opponents say they don't plan to watch.
 Corvallis resident Sue Jenkins, a retired school librarian, didn't march but let her thoughts be known about the threats to our democracy, in front of the Benton County Courthouse.  Claire Lingenfelter of Corvallis smiles at approaching eastbound vehicles at the corner of Van Buren Avenue and Third Street. |  One of many protest signs in the march. Video: Marchers head east on Van Buren Avenue during the People's March in the Heart of the Valley. |
Linn Dems honor outgoing Chair Jerred Taylor;
gavel is passed to newly elected Chair Ben Watts
 Susan Leonard praises Jerred Taylor for all his work as chair since 2019. The Linn County Democrats held their biennial reorganizational meeting Jan. 2 at Albany Public Library, electing Ben Watts as chair and celebrating outgoing Chair Jerred Taylor’s leadership over a six-year span that saw tremendous growth of the county party. Taylor urged the party to continue to grow and make a difference in Linn County. "I hope as we go into what is going to probably be a challenging couple years that we all continue to resolve to make our communities better, to focus where our energies are going to do the most good," he said. "So let’s make sure that we are doing everything we can to support one another, and let's fight and win . "Let’s continue to drive Linn County even more purple. Let’s keep going and make a difference to our communities. Thank you all.” After being elected by acclamation as chair and receiving the Linn Dems’ gavel from Taylor, Watts made a few remarks. ‘’We all share the desire to make our (Linn County) community better, to make it more inclusive, more equitable, more just for everybody,” he said. "We can be confident that, whatever we decide to do, we’re going |  Newly elected Chair Ben Watts and outgoing Chair Jerred Taylor shake hands, as Taylor is about to pass the gavel to Watts. The Crazed Weasels — Judy Arter and Loren Ford — sing about the coming years with their version of "Side by Side" by Kay Starr. to do it together, because what we do together is what makes us stronger in this community. ... “I thank all of you for the confidence you’re placing in me as we go forward from here." |
Linn County Democrats newly elected officers, delegates and alternates
| Officers
| State Central Committee
|
To view photos of the 2025-26 Linn County Democratic Central Committee officers and State Central Committee and Congressional District delegates and alternates, click the links below.
Biden delivers farewell address to the nation
|
• President warns that an ‘oligarchy’ of ultrarich in U.S. threatens future of democracy (Jan. 15, Associated Press)
• Key lines from Biden's farewell address (Jan. 15, CNN) • 'Oligarchies suck': Rachel Maddow on what Biden said for the 'first time' in his farewell address (Jan. 15, MSNBC) • Five things to know about Biden's address that also served as a warning to the country (Jan. 15, MCNBC) |
|
Jack Smith's final report
|
|
• Report sheds light on crimes Trump dodged (Jan. 15, Democracy Docket)
• Trump would have been convicted, if he hadn't been elected, DoJ report says (Jan. 14, BBC) • Top 5 takeaways from Jack Smith's final report nn Trump's Jan. 6 case. (Jan. 14, Axios) • Smith writes biting defense of Jan. 6 probe (Jan. 13, NBC) • Full text of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report (Jan. 7, U.S. Department of Justice) |
Albany councilors, mayor sworn in
 City Clerk Erik Glover swears in Councilor Michael Thomson. |  City Clerk Erik Glover swears in Councilor Carolyn McLeod. |
Two new Albany city councilors and a returning one — all of whom were endorsed by the Linn County Democrats in the Nov. 5 General Election — were were sworn in, as was Mayor Alex Johnson, at the Jan. 8 Albany City Council meeting. Michael Thomson (Ward 1B) and Carolyn McLeod (Ward 2B) are first-time councilors. Marilyn Smith (Ward 3B) is starting her second term. Johnson was reelected for his third term as mayor. Other members of the council are Steph Newton (Ward 1A), Jackie Montague (Ward 2B) and Ramycia McGhee (Ward 3B). In a 4-3 vote, Newton was elected Council President, who will fill in for the mayor when he can't be in attendance or is out of town. The council and mayor are nonpartisan positions, but all seven members are Democrats, and four of the councilors are Democratic Precinct Committee People. We wish them all well in 2025.
 City Clerk Erik Glover swears in Councilor Marilyn Smith |  City Clerk Erik Glover swears in Mayor Alex Johnson. |
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president,
humanitarian and Nobel laureate, dies at 100
|
|
|
• Jimmy Carter's funeral brings together 5 current and former presidents to honor one of their own (Jan. 9, AP)
• Former president built a legacy as a tireless champion for peace (Dec. 29, CBS News)
• Opinion: President Carter was faithful to the end (Dec. 29, MSNBC)
• Biden and former presidents remember Jimmy Carter's life and legacy (Dec. 29, USA Today)
• Rep. Barbara Lee remembers President Carter (Dec. 29, MSNBC)
• Graphic: The 10 longest-living presidents — and the shortest (Dec. 29, PBS News Hour)
• Portland couple remembers hosting President Carter in 1978 (Dec. 31, KATU TV)
• Gallery: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter through the years (Dec. 29, CNN)
• Former president built a legacy as a tireless champion for peace (Dec. 29, CBS News)
• Opinion: President Carter was faithful to the end (Dec. 29, MSNBC)
• Biden and former presidents remember Jimmy Carter's life and legacy (Dec. 29, USA Today)
• Rep. Barbara Lee remembers President Carter (Dec. 29, MSNBC)
• Graphic: The 10 longest-living presidents — and the shortest (Dec. 29, PBS News Hour)
• Portland couple remembers hosting President Carter in 1978 (Dec. 31, KATU TV)
• Gallery: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter through the years (Dec. 29, CNN)
News & Updates
Look here for news, commentary and updates from Linn Dems and ally organizations
RSS Feed