I want to take a moment to recognize the enormous effort that went into supporting our endorsed candidates across Linn County, including the GAPS board to the LBCC seat in western Linn County, to the two Linn-Benton-Lincoln ESD positions that together cover nearly the entire county. Additionally, many Neighborhood Leaders worked hard to support a group of women candidates for the Lebanon school board and aquatic district. While these candidates were not formally endorsed by the party, the efforts of those volunteers likewise have earned well-deserved recognition and thanks.
  Thousands of volunteer hours went into this, from door-knocking, to writing letters and postcards, contacting friends and neighbors, and sharing information online. At every step of the way, the dedication of our candidates and our volunteers has shone through.
  I know the outcome for one GAPS board position was disappointing for many of us who care deeply about our public education system. We have heard some frustration around endorsements, so I want to share a bit about our process.
 The Linn County Democrats Campaigns Committee worked closely with several candidates over the past several months. All three of our endorsed GAPS candidates spent that time meeting with members, attending events like the GAEA / GA-ACE forum, building their campaign teams and developing campaign plans.
  In the case of the GAPS Zone 1 position, Deanna Varner filed on the day before the filing deadline. We invited her to speak with us at our endorsement meeting and welcomed the chance to hear from her, but this was our first opportunity to connect. While many members liked what she had to say, the timing made it difficult to fully evaluate her alongside Kristopher Schendel, whom our membership then voted to endorse.
Our endorsement was never about opposing the educators or their priorities. We deeply respect our educators and believe we’re aligned in our commitment to strong, inclusive public schools. We did the best we could with the information and relationships we had at the time.
  Now, more than ever, we need to come together. Moving forward, we’re committed to listening, learning, and continuing to build stronger coalitions in our community, including our education partners. Let’s refocus on the values we hold in common and keep showing up.
  Finally, I want to thank everyone who supported our students, educators, and community in this election.
To all of you who volunteered your time and energy: Thank you!
Gratefully,
Ben Watts
Chair, Linn County Democrats

As we enter the second 100 days of the second Trump administration, protests against the chaos, confusion and cruelty of the awful executive orders and federal policies must and will continue. That includes the honk-and-wave protest from 4 to 6 p.m. every Friday in downtown Albany. Bring your signs and opinions to any of the four corners of the Ellsworth Street-Fourth Avenue intersection. Albany Regional Indivisible put out the original call for the weekly action and has renewed that call. ​

​April 30
  Over the first 100 days of his presidency, Trump and his evil co-conspirator Office of Management and Budget Director, Russ Vought, have mounted a five-fold assault on us and on our democracy by:

1.   • Attacking the courts
2.   • Attacking Congress's power of the purse
3.   • Flouting laws that dictate management of the executive branch
4.   • Attacking freedom of speech and due process for all
5.   • Attacking other centers of power and leadership, including universities and law firms

  Their campaign has one single purpose: convert our We the People republic into a strongman state.
In addition, Trump's chaotic economic policies are driving hardship for Americans by raising prices of goods — Trumpflation! — and undermining businesses, big and small.
And don't think for one second that any of this is about to end because Trump is charging full force ahead. Deportations to El Salvador. Detaining students exercising free speech. Eroding trust in our democracy. Extorting law firms. Suppressing the press. He's not stopping his tyrannical tirades.
  This is a constitutional crisis. Our separation of powers and checks and balances are in the crosshairs. We must respond vigorously and passionately. The moment demands bold resistance from every corner.
  Count me in. I'll do everything in my power to expand the resistance.Please do everything in your power to join that effort. That means getting off the couch and into the streets, it means holding your elected officials accountable, and it means joining an affinity group. Being angry and frustrated alone is depressing, but being angry and frustrated in partnership with others is energizing and effective.
  Onward,
  — Jeff