Candidates Visit Eastern Oregon and Judy is There

A few weeks ago Chuck Butcher (far right in the photo), the Baker County Democratic Chair, arranged to have some of our state candidates come to Baker City for people to meet and greet. The Baker Elks Lodge was loud with the blues, fragrant with food and teaming with lively discussion as we heard from three excellent candidates.

Jeff Merkley (center of photo), Oregon House Speaker and candidate for U.S. Senate, arrived at about 7:30 after stops in The Dalles and Pendleton. I was impressed, not only with what he accomplished in the Oregon House, but with his willingness to come to all corners of the state to learn about the issues firsthand. He would do well for us in Washington D.C.

Also lively and present was U.S. Senate candidate Steve Novick. Steve has been a friend of labor for many years and has LOTS of energy to get the job done. It amazes me that he graduated college at age 18 and went on to Harvard Law school. Clearly this man is brilliant. I must admit to having a soft spot for Steve. Growing up with an older brother with one arm and other health issues (he's now a HS Social Studies teacher in Casper, WY and VERY active in WEA) I know that living with a "difference" gives a person a unique drive and perspective. He has proven that several times over already. Steve would also get the job done for education in D.C.

Last but not least, state Senator Vicki Walker, one of several vying for Secretary of state, was there and on fire. She is another education friendly candidate who has proven what she can do. Vickie has emailed and called a number of us in Eastern Oregon asking to meet with members and has already filled out OEA's candidate questionnaire. This is a lady who wants the job! I need to hear from Kate Brown and Rick Metsger before making up my mind but they'll have to work hard to out do Vicki Walker.

All of these candidates are the "real deal." Those of us who have to travel long distances to reach Salem appreciate it when the candidates take the time and effort to come to us. Presence counts! I look forward to hearing each of them speak at the OEA PIE Convention. Like you, I'll be listening carefully between now and then before making a choice who to support in the primary.

Oh say, can you see?

Being a singer and a music teacher I occasionally get requests to perform. I've sung for weddings and funerals but one of the most important things I can do as a musician is to sing the National Anthem. I've sung for the opening of the Oregon House of Representatives in 2005 and for the opening of the Oregon Senate in 2007. One of my proudest moments with OEA was singing the National Anthem at the 2007 OEA RA. That made me proud to be an American and a member of the Oregon Education Association.

1,374 Miles in one week

This is an email I sent to
some friends after the OEA
Session in Review at
Salishan Lodge in August.
I stayed on the road
for a "campaign sweep"
across much of Region III.

Hi, All!

This is Just a quick note to let you know how my trip went. I traveled 1,374 miles from start to finish and got home late Tuesday night. I saw lots of wildlife but avoided hitting any. Vern and the cats were happy to have me home.

The Eugene meeting (South Coast UniServ retreat) went well. There were 3 members from Coquille, 2 members from Siuslaw and 2 members from Reedsport as well as Lynda Sanders, the board director. I enjoyed visiting with folks and asked about the South Coast area since I've never been there. Interestingly, the first 5 people I spoke with were raised in the area
and came back to teach. It sounds like they love it there and have a real devotion to the area. That sounds a lot like Eastern Oregon.

I hung out with Judy Richards at Talent for a few days. She graciously offered to let me stay with her while I visited Vern's Mom and sister (I spent some good family time there and picked blackberries on the Rogue River . . . I have good cobbler in my fridge!). June Buck joined us for dinner one night and we had a good chance to visit about OEA politics. I hope to return to Medford soon.

I felt good about the Klamath-Lake UniServ Council retreat. Bonita Fillmore let me stay with her (she said later that I am the first non-family person to stay with her in probably 30 years!) and gave me a nice tour of the town as well as giving me a feel for the local politics. Never having been there I enjoyed that and feel like I learned a lot about the way Southern Oregonians think in Klamath County. The folks at the retreat were really warm and welcoming and I felt good about the opportunity I had to speak. Larry, Gail and Kelvin were all there and we were each given the task of giving an example of something our UniServ Council does that is effective. Larry then talked about the legislative session, Gail about the OEA Foundation and Kelvin about the Senate commission on which he serves. I expanded my discussion to LCT and urge members to contact their legislators and just keep picking away at them to let them know we're all watching. I knew more people there than I thought I did and am continually amazed at how many people I’ve met at OEA functions over the years.

I got to Redmond for the Cascade UniServ retreat just as things were breaking up (it was a tight squeeze for me to try to be at Klamath Falls and Redmond on the same day!) but I got to visit with 3 presidents who were still there. One was from Culver (she'd been at the new president's training and remembered me) and another was from Warm Springs. Ken Steiger gave me their meeting dates for the year, fresh from the retreat, and I wrote them into my planner.

Overall I thought the trip was useful for my campaign and very enjoyable for me. It was fun to meet some great people and to have an excuse to see more of Region III.

I hope you're all well and enjoying the last few days of summer. It is slipping away fast and the classroom is calling loudly now. Take care and I'll keep you posted as things develop.



Judy

The Race Begins

As a long time OEA member and leader I have had many experiences in the world of education. We continue to be subject to the political climate, the economy and social changes that affect our students and communities. In April of 2007 I decided to take a more active role. I announced my candidacy for Region III Vice President.

Why? I have been a local leader for a number of years and involved at the state level as well. As a veteran educator it seems to me that the time is right to serve OEA's members in a new way on a larger scale. The last few elections within OEA have been divisive. This is a time when we need to look to each other for strength and solidarity, particularly if we want to move Oregon forward in education funding and programs to help our students and our members. This is not a time to fight among ourselves. We need to listen to each other and grow into an even stronger Association.

During the course of this campaign I hope to learn more about the issues that Region III's members hold dear and to find some common ground with all members.