HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER APPOINTS CAUCUS LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer announced her leadership team last week.

Representative Alek Skarlatos from Winston was elected deputy leader alongside Leader Elmer.

Representative Virgle Osborne from Roseburg was elected as whip​. The whip traditionally ensures the legislative process runs smoothly. They’re in charge of measuring how much support there is or isn’t for a bill, which helps the caucus make decisions that are in the                                                               best interest of Oregonians.

Representatives E. Werner Reschke from Malin, Anna Scharf from Amity, and Ed Diehl from Stayton were appointed as assistant leaders. They assist the leader and deputy leader with administrative tasks. Trying to organize a gaggle of politicians is no easy feat.

Representatives Vikki Breese-Iverson from Prineville, and Greg Smith from Heppner, were appointed as Ex-Officio members.

“Each member of this team brings a deep well of experience and character,” said Leader Elmer. “Their loyalty and wisdom are what steady us as we work toward practical, lasting solutions for Oregon.”

GOV. KOTEK STALLS SIGNING THE TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE TO DISRUPT BALLOT REFERENDUM EFFORTS

Governor Kotek is intentionally stalling efforts to refer her transportation package to the ballot.

After the Senate President signs the bill — marking its official passage — the Governor has 30 weekdays to add her signature. Weekday is the keyword here, because signature collectors will only have 90 calendar days to collect the 78,116 signatures necessary for a ballot referendum. The collecting process cannot begin until the governor signs the bill.

Voters have made it clear that they want a say on this piece of legislation. In fact, of the more than 6,000 pieces of public testimony on the transportation tax package, 93% of Oregonians opposed it. They expressed that the cost of living in Oregon is already barely manageable; and $4.3 billion in new taxes and fees over the next ten years would significantly hurt them and their families.

By sitting on the bill until the very last second, Kotek can shave off 43 calendar days from the time signatures can be collected — making it as difficult as possible to refer the bill to the people. As of the day I’m writing this, the bill has been on her desk for 15 weekdays, a good sign that Kotek plans on playing the long game.

This is hypocritical of the governor, who called an emergency Special Session over a holiday weekend, claiming the bill needed to be passed immediately to save Oregon infrastructure and jobs.

A strong leader would be confident enough her bill would pass, even if it ended up on the ballot. A good leader would stand on business, believing wholeheartedly that citizens would pass a ballot measure because it benefits them and improves their quality of life.

On a positive note, the referendum team is highly organized and ready to hit the ground running the second Kotek signs the bill.

BENCH DEDICATION CEREMONY AT STEAMBOAT INN

We attended a bench dedication ceremony at Steamboat Inn, North Umpqua River on Saturday, October 25th.

This handcrafted oak bench, constructed by local veterans, pays tribute to Frank & Jeanne Moore and the establishment of the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctury.  Installed at Steamboat Inn by the river this past April, a location long regarded as the gateway to the Sanctuary, the bench serves as more than a riverside seat.  It symbolizes legacy, healing, and the interconnectedness of community and land.

We will also remember John Waller, whose vision and storytelling played a crucial role in sharing the Moore's story with a broader audience, and whose inspiration and support were instrumental in shaping the bench project.  The full story about the bench can be found at:  https://sourceoneserenity.org/the-bench/.