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Hello Senate District 19 and beyond,
Once every two years, we get an opportunity to participate in our democracy through voting for the candidates and policies that most align with our personal values. It's a sacred and empowering responsibility. Many who came before us fought hard for the enfranchisement we now enjoy. Tens of millions of Americans will be casting ballots between now and November 5, and I am excited to be among them.
Oregon has an excellent system of voting that is safe, secure and easy to use. Ballots have been mailed statewide and I would encourage everyone who is registered to vote and receives a ballot to make your voices heard. There are ballot drop sites in every county, or you can put your ballot in your mailbox, as long as it is postmarked by Election Day.
In recent years, Oregon has seen great voter turnout thanks to our mail voting system, and I hope we can all do our part to participate in our democracy again this year.
While election season is a great opportunity to engage with our community politically, there are always opportunities to engage with each other in different settings.
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
I had the great pleasure of participating in an annual tradition like no other last weekend, the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta hosted by the City of Tualatin. Since 2004, people have been climbing into gigantic pumpkins and paddling their way along the Lake of the Commons in front of thousands of people.
I was also excited to be one of the judges in the kids Halloween costume contest, alongside City Councilor Valerie Pratt and Officer Eric French. We had some tough decision to make with all the magnificent costumes! This is a great tradition for our community to come together and enjoy the autumn season.
 Hanging out with my fellow judges and Regatta coordinators at the festival -- a very fun way to spend a weekend.
Reading to Maplewood Elementary Students
Earlier this month, Maplewood Elementary School in the Portland Public School District held its annual reading event, where members of the community visit a classroom to share a book and talk about their careers. I read "Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin to a 5th grade classroom and got a lot of great questions about Oregon and U.S. government.
I come from a family of educators and my sister Rebecca happens to teach 1st grade at Maplewood, so it's always a treat to be back inside a classroom talking to the next generation of leaders.
 Here reading "Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin to a group of 4th grade students.
Oregon Advocacy Commissions Summit
The Oregon Advocacy Commissions held their joint summit this month and I was thrilled to join them as a guest speaker with Sen. Michael Dembrow and Sen. Aaron Woods. The OACs include the Oregon Commission on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs (OCAPIA), Oregon Commission on Black Affairs (OCBA), Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs (OCHA), and the Oregon Commission for Women (OCFW).
These dedicated advocates do essential work ensuring that the perspectives and lived experiences of all Oregonians are reflected in our work at the Capitol building. I can't thank them enough for the work they do.
 It was an honor to be invited to speak to the OACs and talk a little bit about how we can all work together to improve the lives of Oregonians across the state.
Willamette Falls Tour
I was thrilled to join Rep. Jules Walters and former Gov. Kate Brown (current president of the Willamette Falls Trust) on a tour of Willamette Falls on a beautiful and sunny Oregon day. Willamette Falls is the North American continent's second largest waterfall by volume and was a critical part of life for indigenous tribes in the region.
There is a lot of work happening around the Falls to try to create public access for everyone and healing this natural wonder of Oregon.
 Rep. Jules Walters, former Gov. Kate Brown, my chief of staff Barry Pack, and myself with the iconic Willamette Falls in the background.
Oregon Capital Chronicle: Gov. Kotek asks for second federal disaster declaration this year
Gov. Tina Kotek has appealed to the Biden administration to declare a disaster in Oregon to provide funding for ranchers, businesses and community members who suffered a historic fire season this year.
OPB: Coos Bay looks to shipping as its future economic engine after decline of timber
For decades, it seemed like Oregon’s south coast city of Coos Bay couldn’t catch a break — at least not economically.
Willamette Week: Downtown Portland Gets 50 New Drug Treatment Beds
The Oregon Change Clinic, the drug and mental health nonprofit founded by state Rep. Shannon Jones Isadore (D-Northwest Portland), is moving its headquarters to Portland’s West End with plans to add 50 drug treatment beds.
Oregonian: More residents now say Portland area is on the right track, The Oregonian’s poll finds
The share of residents who say the Portland area is heading in the right direction has risen since April, as extreme negativity about downtown Portland has ebbed and some locals perceive decreases in homelessness, according to a recent poll commissioned by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Replies to this message are sent to an unmonitored mailbox.
If you would like to contact the Senate President's Office, send an email or call and either myself or a staff member will assist you. If you are a constituent coming to Salem and want to arrange a meeting, I'm always happy to meet, so please let us know well in advance as my schedule fills up quickly.
email: Sen.RobWagner@OregonLegislature.gov
phone: 503-986-1600
address: 900 Court St NE, S-201, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/wagner
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