Wyden-Bynum Town Hall  Sen. Ron Wyden gives opening remarks Feb. 7 during his Linn County Town Hall with Rep. Janelle Bynum at Linn-Benton Community College. Seated from left are: Jeff Davies, LBCC Board Chair; moderator Steph Newton; Albany City Council President; and Bynum, who represents Oregon's 5th Congressional District. First-time attendee: |
| Several hundred people turned out Saturday morning, Feb. 7, for Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Janelle Bynum's Linn County Town Hall at Linn-Benton Community College. It was Wyden's 1,149th town hall since he first entered the Senate in 1997 and the 25th for Bynum, now in year two of her first term. It was her second town hall in LBCC's Russell Tripp Performance Center in less than three weeks, having appeared there with Sen. Jeff Merkley on Jan. 18. Wyden and Bynum fielded questions and heard comments from the audience for more than an hour. The final person to take the mike was a woman who spoke to two of the day's top issues: ICE and detention centers. “I’m real concerned that we put in place these limitations (on ICE), but I need for there to be consequences for not obeying the law,” she said. “There needs to be some powerful teeth in those laws that are swift, not a long drawn-out process. “I’m also concerned about the billions of dollars that are going to the ICE detention facilities. In the privatization of these kinds of facilities, it’s all about what hotels call ‘butts in beds.’ You get paid for how many people you have. If you keep them longer, you will get paid more. There’s got to be some disincentive for hanging onto bodies in detention facilities. I don’t know how to do that.” Bynum said the courts have been too nice. “People should have been held in contempt and the lawyers should have been locked up,” she said. “I think the courts are starting to see this isn’t a game. The other day when the attorney (in Minnesota) said, 'I’m just tired' (because of the crush of immigration cases), that was a turning point. She basically admitted that the country has not set up a fair and judicious process for the people that they have kidnapped. It hasn’t happened. “It’s one thing to say that this is wrong. It’s another thing to say that your state is fertile ground for this type of behavior to happen. So we can’t let it take root in  Bynum and Wyden responded to questions and comments from the audience for more than an hour. | Video: At the banner drop on the Santiam Highway overpass Feb. 7, Linn County Democrat Susan Leonard reflected on some of what she heard earlier in the day at the Wyden-Bynum Town Hall. Oregon, and we shouldn’t let it take root in Alabama or Louisiana or Texas or Ohio.” Bynum said there are resistance tools to stop the opening of new detention centers and making ICE accountable. “That is how we use those neighbor networks, that’s how we use the Chamber of Commerce, that’s how we use zoning. These are the grassroots ways we have to fight hack.” she said. “I would encourage you to share your thoughts with the judicial branch because they are the ones right that can put and end to a lot of this.” Wyden, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, said following the money is also also key. “The reality is, the way that we have best fought corruption is to follow the money. I’m staying with this because the victims (in the Epstein case) are winning in court and they’re going to win because of the remedy you’re talking about — prosecution, the courts and the like. And we’ve got to do the same thing with D.O.G.E. ‘The point is, you’ve got to have remedies. You talk about the problem, but you’ve got to have the deterrent. With respect to Epstein and D.O.G.E. and some of these areas where there is big money, this is where there is opportunity (for uncovering corruption). That’s what the follow-up is all about and prosecuting people.” The woman who had the final turn at the mic started by saying this was the first town hall she had ever attended, and she praised Wyden and Bynum for being there. “I’m a little overwhelmed by how comforted I feel, in this time of kind of collective trauma of Trump, of seeing you here and being a part of this," she said. "I think we have the best congressional delegation of all of the 50 states. It’s just outstanding. I always feel fully represented, and I always feel our congressional delegation is listening. This is a hugely uplifting event.” *** Links to videos with the town hall's entire question-and-answer session are above. |
Robinson, Maluski running
for Oregon House seats
| Democrats Joanna Robinson of Albany and Ivan Maluski of the Scio area have filed as State Representative candidates for House Districts 15 and 11, respectively, in the May 19 Primary Election.. Robinson to focus on affordability Robinson, Linn County Democrats Campaign Co-Chair, announced her candidacy at the Linn Dems’ Central Committee meeting Feb. 5 at Albany Public Library. Robinson said the Campaign Committee had been working with a good prospective candidate for HD15, but that person chose not to run. “So I decided to throw my hat in the ring,” said Robinson, who served last spring as campaign manager for Stephanie Lunceford, elected in May to the Greater Albany Public Schools Board.. Although it’s her first time seeking elected office, Robinson said, “I know how to run a campaign.” Assuming she advances to the November General Election, Robinson’s opponent will be Republican incumbent Shelly Boshart Davis, who is seeking a fifth term as HD15 representative. “I think people are ready for change, Robinson said. “I want to represent working families and working people. I think we don’t have that kind of representation in this district, and it’s time that we did.” She is formalizing policy ideas focused on affordability — “how to lower costs and make life more affordable for people living here.” Robinson has lived in Albany for six years. She works from home as a project coordinator. She is also the mom of two twin toddlers. Her partner is working toward a mechanical engineering degree at Oregon State University. Robinson’s campaign phone number is 541-791-6260. House District 15 includes portions of Linn, Benton and Marion counties and the cities of Albany, Millersburg and Tangent. Maluski: ‘We need a new approach’ Maluski, a farmer and rancher, said on his campaign website that “Oregon should be a place where families can afford to live, rural communities are thriving, and everyone has access to quality, affordable health care |  State Representative candidates Joanna Robinson and Ivan Maluski and meaningful job opportunities. I’m running for State Representative in rural Linn County's House District 11 to make our state work for the people who live here — not for special interests or national political agendas. “For far too long, the legislators representing House District 11 in rural Linn County have been ineffective at delivering on these priorities for local folks like you and me. We need a new approach.” This is Maluski’s second campaign for House District 11. He came up short in 2024 in his run against Republican incumbent Jami Cate, who instead is vying this year for the Oregon Senate District 6 seat now held by Cedric Hayden. (Because of his previous Senate walkout absences, Hayden is disqualified from seeking reelection.) Sweet Home City Councilor Angelita Sanchez, has filed as an HD11 candidate in the Republican May 19 Primary, Maluski served from 2010 to 2014 as an elected director of the Colton Rural Fire Protection District in Clackamas County. He also spent nearly a decade as the policy director for Friends of Family Farmers, working to help independent family farmers and protect farmland. He is married and has one adult son. For more about Maluski, see his campaign website: www.ruralindependent.com House District 11 is located mostly within eastern Linn County with a small portion of southern Marion County and it includes the cities of Lebanon, Sweet Home, and Brownsville. The Primary Election filing deadline for state and federal candidates is March 10. The deadline for incumbent candidates is March 2. |
Linn Dems to meet Feb. 5, at library and on Zoom
The Linn County Democratic Central Committee will conduct our next regular meeting on 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5th PM(social time at 6:00 PM) at Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave. S.E., and on Zoom. Links to Zoom registration and the meeting agenda are below.
The meeting will include:
The meeting will include:
- Committee reports.
- Previous business and new business.
- Update on Polluter Pays legislation efforts.
- Jeff Merkley-Janelle Bynum Town Hall review.
'ICE Out' protesters
hit the streets in Lebanon, Albany
| More than 175 protesters in Albany and more than 100 in Lebanon took to the streets Jan. 31 for 'ICE Out' protests. The local turnouts were among massive protests against ICE around the state and the nation over the weekend. Mid-Willamette Valley for the People and East Albany Indivisible were the respective organizers for the Albany and Lebanon protests. (Thanks to East Linn Indivisible's Ruth Kish for providing photos from Lebanon and to Linn County Democrats' Mark Leonard for providing photos and video (at right) from Albany and to Mid-Willamette Valley For The People's Christopher Arnold for photos from Albany.) | |
Council adopts resolution supporting resources
for residents affected by immigration actions
 Carolyn McLeod The Albany City Council on Wednesday, Jan. 28, unanimously approved a resolution supporting community resources and information for Albany residents affected by immigration enforcement. Here's is what City Councilor Carolyn McLeod had to say about it in a Jan. 29 Facebook post: *** "Last night, the Albany City Council passed a resolution I was proud to introduce — written by a dedicated local community leader — affirming our city’s commitment to safety, dignity, and trust for all who call Albany home. "This resolution responds to recent federal immigration actions that have created fear, instability, and barriers to everyday life for many families. With nearly 8,000 Hispanic residents in Albany, these issues are not abstract — they affect our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends. Our city’s own mission statement calls on us to honor diversity, protect individual rights, and foster a community where everyone can thrive. This resolution puts those values into action. "It directs the City to strengthen communication about legal rights and available resources (in both English and Spanish), support partnerships with community‑based organizations, pursue grant opportunities, and ensure our staff have clear guidance consistent with Oregon law. At its core, it reinforces something simple but essential: public safety depends on trust, and trust depends on treating every person with fairness and humanity. "Thank you to every resident who showed up, spoke up, or stood in support last night. Your voices and your presence mattered. Albany is stronger when we show up for one another, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to do just that. "If you have questions about the resolution or want to stay connected to this work, I’m always here to listen." |  |
Letter from the chair
A poem to remind us of who we are
Ben Watts Dear Friends,
There are times when words fail us. Today, there is so much to say, but none of it feels adequate. I am reminded of when President Obama, preparing to speak after a mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, instead began singing "Amazing Grace." In that moment, he must have felt this way too, searching for words to convey the depth of his grief. And there was healing in the notes of that song, more than any speech he could have given. In moments like these, inspiration can come unexpectedly. It can surprise us.
Over the weekend, I was riding bicycles with my family around our neighborhood and someone had written on a wall, “What does it say on the Statue of Liberty?”
The answer is twofold. The first is simple, on the tablet in her hand it reads “July IV MDCCLXXVI”, Roman Numerals for July 4th, 1776, the founding of our nation.
On a plaque placed in 1903, there is also a poem named "The New Colossus," by Emma Lazarus. This poem is a statement of ethos. When paired with our founding date, it forms a guide of foundational principles, reminds us of who we say we are and who we aspire to be.
I've read this poem many times. But this was a moment when I needed it again, to share it with my kids. And now, if you’ll allow me, I’d like to close by sharing it with you.
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Sincerely,
Ben Watts
Chair, Linn County Democrats
There are times when words fail us. Today, there is so much to say, but none of it feels adequate. I am reminded of when President Obama, preparing to speak after a mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, instead began singing "Amazing Grace." In that moment, he must have felt this way too, searching for words to convey the depth of his grief. And there was healing in the notes of that song, more than any speech he could have given. In moments like these, inspiration can come unexpectedly. It can surprise us.
Over the weekend, I was riding bicycles with my family around our neighborhood and someone had written on a wall, “What does it say on the Statue of Liberty?”
The answer is twofold. The first is simple, on the tablet in her hand it reads “July IV MDCCLXXVI”, Roman Numerals for July 4th, 1776, the founding of our nation.
On a plaque placed in 1903, there is also a poem named "The New Colossus," by Emma Lazarus. This poem is a statement of ethos. When paired with our founding date, it forms a guide of foundational principles, reminds us of who we say we are and who we aspire to be.
I've read this poem many times. But this was a moment when I needed it again, to share it with my kids. And now, if you’ll allow me, I’d like to close by sharing it with you.
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Sincerely,
Ben Watts
Chair, Linn County Democrats
Candlelight vigil in Albany
honors the life of Alex Pretti
 Related stories • Controversial top Border Patrol official expected to leave Minneapolis as Trump sends Homan to the state (Jan. 26, CNN) • CNN video sheds new light on killing of Alex Pretti (Jan. 25, CNN) • Obamas call latest fatal Minnesota shooting a ‘wake-up call to every American, regardless of party’ (Jan. 25, The Hill) • Opinion: The real reason Trump and MAGA are so quick to blame Minneapolis shooting victims (Jan. 25, MS Now) • Opinion: Schumer's DHS funding pivot suggests he understands this moment (Jan. 25, MS Now) • Kotek, Oregon lawmakers respond after federal officers kill man in Minneapolis (Jan. 24, OPB) | More than 100 people gathered in front of the Linn County Courthouse on Sunday evening, Jan. 25, a candlelight vigil honoring the life of Alex Jeff Pretti, the 37-year-old Veterans Administration ICU nurse who was shot and killed by federal agents Jan. 24 in Minneapolis. The vigil included moments of silence, the singing of "We Shall Overcome," calls for actions ranging from continued protests and resistance to voting in the May Primary and November General Election. Mid-Willamette Valley For The People organized the vigil, calling it "a space for remembrance, grief, and solidarity. We gather to hold Alex’s life with dignity, to mourn together, and to stand for the value of every human life."  |
Protesters in Albany take to overpass, streets
in show of solidarity with Minneapolis
Saturday, Jan. 24, marked a day of protest in Albany as word spread about a Minneapolis man, 37-year-old registered nurse Alex Pretti, being fatally shot that morning by federal agents in the Minnesota city. The Albany Banner Brigade held its 12th banner drop, with a timely message for I-5 northbound traffic. Configured before the news broke about the fatal shooting, the message read: "WE'RE ALL MINNEAPOLIS" and it received many honks of solidarity from passersby. Twenty-seven banner brigaders participated. Later, Mid-Willamette Valley For The People put out word for an afternoon protest downtown. Despite the short notice, more than 45 people turned out. It was the third protest at Fourth and Ellsworth this week. The "Free America Walkout" drew more than 100 people on Tuesday, and the Honk & Wave protest Friday saw more than 60 people gather, one of the largest turnouts since the weekly protests started last February.
Related stories
• CNN video sheds new light on killing of Alex Pretti (Jan. 25, CNN)
• Obamas call latest fatal Minnesota shooting a ‘wake-up call to every American, regardless of party’ (Jan. 25, The Hill)
• Opinion: The real reason Trump and MAGA are so quick to blame Minneapolis shooting victims (Jan. 25, MS Now)
• Opinion: Schumer's DHS funding pivot suggests he understands this moment (Jan. 25, MS Now)
• Kotek, Oregon lawmakers respond after federal officers kill man in Minneapolis (Jan. 24, OPB)
• CNN video sheds new light on killing of Alex Pretti (Jan. 25, CNN)
• Obamas call latest fatal Minnesota shooting a ‘wake-up call to every American, regardless of party’ (Jan. 25, The Hill)
• Opinion: The real reason Trump and MAGA are so quick to blame Minneapolis shooting victims (Jan. 25, MS Now)
• Opinion: Schumer's DHS funding pivot suggests he understands this moment (Jan. 25, MS Now)
• Kotek, Oregon lawmakers respond after federal officers kill man in Minneapolis (Jan. 24, OPB)
Protesters gather at Fourth Avenue and Ellsworth Street for the "Free America Walkout."
'Free America Walkout'
More than 100 people turn out for the Jan. 20 protest in Albany
| The mid-afternoon weekday time didn't deter protesters who gathered Tuesday, Jan. 20, for the "Free America Walkout" along Ellsworth Street, from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue, in downtown Albany. Most of the more than 100 protesters were retirees, but more than a handful of them heeded the call to walk out of work. Free America Walkout protests were also held in Corvallis and around the nation. The Albany protest was organized by Albany Region Indivisible, which also hosts Honk & Waves protests from 3 to 5 p.m every Friday at Fourth and Ellsworth. The Women's March, primary national coordinator of Free America Walkout, posted this statement on its website: "One year into Trump’s second regime, we face an escalating fascist threat: ICE raids on our communities, troops occupying our cities, families torn apart, attacks | Video: Marcie Howard on our trans siblings, mass surveillance, and terror used to keep us silent. It is time for our communities to escalate as well. ... A free America begins the moment we refuse to cooperate. This is not a request. This is a rupture. This is a protest and a promise. In the face of fascism, we will be ungovernable." |
News & Updates
Look here for news, commentary and updates from Linn Dems and ally organizations
Archives
February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
August 2024
July 2024
June 2024
May 2024
April 2024
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
September 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
RSS Feed