Supporting Constituents

I enjoy helping constituents, from helping a local child care business owner who pointed out costly state forms and mailings, and lactation consultants providing services to new moms, to pushing for safety improvements on Delta Highway.

I spend time talking with and listening to the concerns of people here at home.  Some of those meetings have been the spark that spurred legislation that I passed. Here are a few examples: a constituent whose family heirloom necklace was stolen in a home burglary led to a bill covering theft and pawn shops, Looking Glass, Pearl Buck Center, and CASA experiences led to a series of bills to streamline criminal background checks; 4J School Board member observations led to a bill about education services, and manufactured home park residents subjected to unfair business practices led to bills protecting their rights as tenants of rented space who own their own home.

Listening to the Community

I engage with constituents at occasional informal conversations at neighborhood coffee shops and town hall meetings, and take the time to meet with local businesses and groups around the community. To stay updated on community events, sign up for my newsletter here.

A sample of groups I’ve met with:

• Youth organizations such as the Northwest Youth Corps, Oregon Student Association, and OSPIRG (Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group)

• Local manufacturers, from wood products, biotech, and game software to chocolates, granola, and craft distilleries

• Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation, Women's Professional Network

• School classrooms, school gardens, and school health centers

• Ambulatory surgery centers; residential care and treatment facilities for youth and adults

• Volunteer leaders and key advocates for AARP, CASA, Ophelia's Place, WomenSpace, Relief Nursery, Kids' First Center, and many more.