Linn Dems to meet Thursday, July 3, on Zoom The Linn County Democrats will host our next central committee meeting on Thursday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom to accommodate the holiday weekend. Social time begins at 6. (To register for Zoom access, click the button below.)
We will elect our delegation to the Democratic Party of Oregon Platform Convention! We also need volunteers to sign up for the Linn County Fair and Albany Pride. Have a safe and fun 4th of July! Linn Dems elect full slate |
The Linn County Democratic Central Committee have a full slate of 21 delegates to the Democratic Party State Platform Convention, which runs runs Aug. 15-17 at Western Oregon University in Monmouth.
The Central Committee elected 19 nominees during its July 3 meetings, and the Linn Dems' Executive Team appointed the final two delegates — Anna Roller and Elspeth Stewart on July 15, the final day for delegate nominations to the convention. Here are some frequently asked questions about the convention: What does a delegate to the platform convention do? Delegates attending the platform convention will offer feedback and vote on the Democratic Party of Oregon's Platform and select Legislative Action Items. which will guide the priorities of the party. Does it cost money to attend? There is a fee for attending the convention, but the Democratic Party of Oregon offers scholarships for those with financial hardship. No one will be turned away for inability to pay. Where can I find the current Democratic Party of Oregon Platform? The current Democratic Party of Oregon Platform and Legislative Action |
Linn County Democrats'
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Stacey Bartholomew
Cindy Bethell Nichole Case Susan Heath Carl Henriksen Greg Ivers Mark Leonard Susan Leonard Genny Lynch Joanna Robinson |
Ashley Sisneros
Sheree Speaks-Mahi Rick Staggenborg Rodney Stewart Suzanne Stewart Terry Virnig Brandi Tucker Elaine Wilder Renee Windsor-White |
Celebrating Juneteenth
Videos from the celebration
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From left: Dr. Barry Jerkins, President of the Linn Benton NAACP Branch; a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the "Black National Anthem"; and Michael A. Johnson, who talked briefly before his keynote speech.
A Prayer for Juneteenth
Jason Dorsette Jason Dorsette, immediate past president of the Linn Benton NAACP Branch, emceed the organization's 13th annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 21 at Linn-Benton Community College. He opened the celebration with this prayer:
Gracious and Eternal Maker,
We gather today to commemorate Juneteenth—a day that marked the dawn of freedom for our ALL of our enslaved across this nation.
On this sacred day of remembrance, we bow our heads in gratitude and lift our hands to say THANK YOU!
We thank You for the strength and resilience of those who endured the darkness of bondage, those folk who held fast to hope when hope seemed lost, and those who never ceased to believe that freedom would come.
We acknowledge that the journey from slavery to true equality has been long and challenging.
We remember those who fought and died for civil rights, who marched for justice, and who organized communities in the face of hatred and violence.
We are grateful for organizations like the NAACP and others that have carried the torch of freedom forward through generations of struggle.
Today, and everyday, we commit ourselves anew to the work of justice. Help us to be bridge-builders in a politically divided world, to speak truth to power, and to stand with all who face oppression.
Grant us wisdom to educate, courage to advocate, and compassion to heal the wounds that still divide us.
Bless our young people with knowledge of their history and pride in their heritage. May they understand that they are the descendants of survivors, dreamers, and freedom fighters.
Bless our elders who have paved the way and continue to guide us with their wisdom and experience.
Bless our communities with unity, purpose, and the determination to create a more perfect union where justice truly rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
As we celebrate this day of liberation, remind us that freedom is not a destination but a journey—one that requires our constant vigilance, our persistent action, and our unwavering faith.
May the spirit of Juneteenth inspire us to continue the work of creating beloved community, where all people can live in dignity, equality, and peace.
In Your precious name we pray, AMEN!
Gracious and Eternal Maker,
We gather today to commemorate Juneteenth—a day that marked the dawn of freedom for our ALL of our enslaved across this nation.
On this sacred day of remembrance, we bow our heads in gratitude and lift our hands to say THANK YOU!
We thank You for the strength and resilience of those who endured the darkness of bondage, those folk who held fast to hope when hope seemed lost, and those who never ceased to believe that freedom would come.
We acknowledge that the journey from slavery to true equality has been long and challenging.
We remember those who fought and died for civil rights, who marched for justice, and who organized communities in the face of hatred and violence.
We are grateful for organizations like the NAACP and others that have carried the torch of freedom forward through generations of struggle.
Today, and everyday, we commit ourselves anew to the work of justice. Help us to be bridge-builders in a politically divided world, to speak truth to power, and to stand with all who face oppression.
Grant us wisdom to educate, courage to advocate, and compassion to heal the wounds that still divide us.
Bless our young people with knowledge of their history and pride in their heritage. May they understand that they are the descendants of survivors, dreamers, and freedom fighters.
Bless our elders who have paved the way and continue to guide us with their wisdom and experience.
Bless our communities with unity, purpose, and the determination to create a more perfect union where justice truly rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
As we celebrate this day of liberation, remind us that freedom is not a destination but a journey—one that requires our constant vigilance, our persistent action, and our unwavering faith.
May the spirit of Juneteenth inspire us to continue the work of creating beloved community, where all people can live in dignity, equality, and peace.
In Your precious name we pray, AMEN!
Albany, Lebanon 'No Kings'
protests draw hundreds
June 14
Millions of people around the country let their disdain for the Trump administration and its policies be known June 14 at more than 2,000 "No Kings" rallies. That included big turnouts at rallies in Lebanon and Albany. For the new East Linn Indivisible group in Lebanon, "No Kings' proved to be its largest rally yet with more than 250 people showing up for the early afternoon protest along Main Street at Academy Square. At 2 p.m. as the Lebanon rally was ending, the Albany 'No Kings' rally drew a big crowd on both sides of Ellsworth Street, from Third Avenue to Sixth Avenue. Organizer Bernadette Niederer of Albany Region Indivisible had expected several hundred protesters. She was surprised and delighted that more than 800 turned out, exceeding by at least 200 the estimated crowd for the April 5 "Hands Off" protest in the same location.
Millions of people around the country let their disdain for the Trump administration and its policies be known June 14 at more than 2,000 "No Kings" rallies. That included big turnouts at rallies in Lebanon and Albany. For the new East Linn Indivisible group in Lebanon, "No Kings' proved to be its largest rally yet with more than 250 people showing up for the early afternoon protest along Main Street at Academy Square. At 2 p.m. as the Lebanon rally was ending, the Albany 'No Kings' rally drew a big crowd on both sides of Ellsworth Street, from Third Avenue to Sixth Avenue. Organizer Bernadette Niederer of Albany Region Indivisible had expected several hundred protesters. She was surprised and delighted that more than 800 turned out, exceeding by at least 200 the estimated crowd for the April 5 "Hands Off" protest in the same location.
Videos from 'No Kings' rallies
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From left: Lebanon rally organizer Karen Schueller; Democracy chant at Lebanon rally; Albany rally organizer Bernadette Niederer; 'No Kings" chant at Albany rally; and honk and waves at Albany rally.
Lebanon Strawberry Festival Grand Parade
Linn Democrats and East Linn Indivisible join forces for a fun time
The Usual Suspects provided great music on our float
Check out the videos below, with Robert Waterhouse on fiddle, Louanne Fugal on bass, John Donoghue on mandolin, Guy Chilton on guitar and Bill Geibel on banjo. Thank you, Usual Suspects!
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May 20 Special District Election
It's official: Five candidates endorsed
by Linn County Dems score victories
Kris McLaughlin June 13 update:
The May 20 Special District Election concluded Thursday, June 12, with certification of the election by Oregon county election officers, including those in Linn and Benton counties. The final results confirmed what was known soon after the election: Five of the six candidates endorsed by the Linn County Democrats won their races and the Albany public safety local option tax, also receiving the Linn Dems' endorsement, passed.
Here's a recap:
• Kris McLaughlin never trailed in a close race against Tim Washko, winning the Greater Albany Public Schools Board At-Large Position 2 seat.
McLaughlin, a retired Calapooia Middle School teacher, defeated Washko by 98 votes — 4,866 (38.41 percent) to 4,768 (37.64) percent). Marcy Hermens finished distant third with 2,996 votes (23.65 percent).
In a Facebook post June 13, thank everyone who helped on her campaign and looked ahead.
"Now the work begins," she said. "It is my intention to do all I can to contribute to the smooth, effective operation of the board and create a more positive tone between district administration, school staff members, and the community. I encourage you to participate in this by keeping in touch with what the schools are doing — attending events, getting to games, enjoying concerts, attending meetings — and talking up the positive things you see. If you have children in school and you really like what is going on in the school or classroom, tell people about it. "
• GAPS Zone 2: Stephanie Lunceford won her race against Jenna Gould.
• GAPS Zone 1: Kristopher Schendel finished a strong second in the three-way race. Incumbent Brad Wilson won reelection, and Deanna Varner finished third.
• Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Zone 1: Bill Hays won a three-way race.
• Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Zone 3: Michael Thomson, unopposed, cruised to victory.
• Linn-Benton Community College Zone 5: Brad Longman defeated John Saran.
• Albany Ambulance, Fire and Police Local Option Tax passed by a 77 to 22 percent margin.
***
The Linn Dems didn't make endorsements for Lebanon school board or Lebanon Aquatics District Board, but Linn County Neighborhood Leaders canvassed for three candidates who defeated opponents backed by the Linn County Conservative Alliance. Winning those races were: Lorlee Engler, Lebanon Community School District Board, Zone 2; Nichole Piland, Lebanon Community School District Board, Zone 5; and Julie Miller, Lebanon Aquatics District, Position 4;
The Linn-Benton Community College Zone 2-3 (A) race was the closest one of all, with challenger Rachel Biscoe defeating incumbent Stacie Wass-Schoenborn by 26 votes out of a total of 9,022 votes cast.
The May 20 Special District Election concluded Thursday, June 12, with certification of the election by Oregon county election officers, including those in Linn and Benton counties. The final results confirmed what was known soon after the election: Five of the six candidates endorsed by the Linn County Democrats won their races and the Albany public safety local option tax, also receiving the Linn Dems' endorsement, passed.
Here's a recap:
• Kris McLaughlin never trailed in a close race against Tim Washko, winning the Greater Albany Public Schools Board At-Large Position 2 seat.
McLaughlin, a retired Calapooia Middle School teacher, defeated Washko by 98 votes — 4,866 (38.41 percent) to 4,768 (37.64) percent). Marcy Hermens finished distant third with 2,996 votes (23.65 percent).
In a Facebook post June 13, thank everyone who helped on her campaign and looked ahead.
"Now the work begins," she said. "It is my intention to do all I can to contribute to the smooth, effective operation of the board and create a more positive tone between district administration, school staff members, and the community. I encourage you to participate in this by keeping in touch with what the schools are doing — attending events, getting to games, enjoying concerts, attending meetings — and talking up the positive things you see. If you have children in school and you really like what is going on in the school or classroom, tell people about it. "
• GAPS Zone 2: Stephanie Lunceford won her race against Jenna Gould.
• GAPS Zone 1: Kristopher Schendel finished a strong second in the three-way race. Incumbent Brad Wilson won reelection, and Deanna Varner finished third.
• Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Zone 1: Bill Hays won a three-way race.
• Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Zone 3: Michael Thomson, unopposed, cruised to victory.
• Linn-Benton Community College Zone 5: Brad Longman defeated John Saran.
• Albany Ambulance, Fire and Police Local Option Tax passed by a 77 to 22 percent margin.
***
The Linn Dems didn't make endorsements for Lebanon school board or Lebanon Aquatics District Board, but Linn County Neighborhood Leaders canvassed for three candidates who defeated opponents backed by the Linn County Conservative Alliance. Winning those races were: Lorlee Engler, Lebanon Community School District Board, Zone 2; Nichole Piland, Lebanon Community School District Board, Zone 5; and Julie Miller, Lebanon Aquatics District, Position 4;
The Linn-Benton Community College Zone 2-3 (A) race was the closest one of all, with challenger Rachel Biscoe defeating incumbent Stacie Wass-Schoenborn by 26 votes out of a total of 9,022 votes cast.
Video remarks at the election night watch party
Clockwise from top left: GAPS Board candidates Stephanie Lunceford, who won her race, and Kris McLaughlin, who was leading hers and went on to win; Linn County Democrat Susan Leonard, who concluded the evening with an inspirational speech; Linn Benton Lincoln ESD Board winners Bill Hays and Michael Thomson; and Benton County Dems Chair Gabe Shepherd, speaking on behalf of GAPS Board candidate Kristopher Schendel;
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After her hourlong Town Hall on Monday in Albany, Rep. Janelle Bynum stopped for a quick photo outside the Timber Ridge School gym before heading to Portland for a night flight back to Washington, D.C.
Rep. Janelle Bynum: 'We're in a fight
for the soul of our country'
| It seemed only fitting that Rep. Janelle Bynum opened the second stop on her "Give 'Em Hell Tour" of the 5th Congressional District by leading the audience of more than 100 at Timber Ridge School in Albany in the same chant she led a few months ago at her Linn County Town Hall with Sen. Ron Wyden at LBCC. "Give 'em hell, Linn County!" Bynum implored. "Give 'em hell, Janelle!" the crowd roared. After two more rounds of chants, the congresswoman took a more serious tone at Monday's Town Hall. "We're in a fight for the soul of our country," she said, outlining what she's doing to fight policies of the Trump administration that attack "programs and services that we rely on — the very foundation of this country." "I’m fighting back," she said, "flying coast to coast. It’s 3,000 miles each way. I’m going twice a week and I’m standing up. So I’m bringing the fight from the streets and the roads and the fields of Oregon to the steps of Congress, to every committee room, every courtroom and every news room that I can. "That means when my Republican colleagues bring up their trash bill for a vote, I fight to change that bill and I speak out against it . When our president breaks the law or violates the constitution, I join forces with my colleagues to sue him and remind him that there are no kings here." |  She said the protests of Oregonians and people around the country are making a difference. "As a result of your efforts, we forced the rehiring of federal workers. We kicked Elon Musk out of our government, We forced Trump to backtrack on threats to Social Security and Medicare." "When Oregonians are angry I show up and listen. That’s why I’m barnstorming across this district to hear from all of you," she said. "Your voice fuels this fight. One of the most important things you can do is to tell me what’s on your mind." For the next 40 minutes, people did just that. To see Bynum's responses to the questions from the audience, click the link below. |
Videos: Rep. Janelle Bynum's June 2
Albany Town Hall Q&A
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| Part 1 | Part 2 |
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