Monday, September 21, 2020

2020 INCO ENDORSEMENTS

 INCO ENDORSEMENTS


The good news in this precarious year is that the November election presents unprecedented opportunity, especially for local voters. We can support policies and programs to benefit all Oregonians, not just campaign donors and corporate bottom lines. We can support public safety and the rule of law. We can strengthen Oregon’s role as a national leader for practical policies.

Each of us must vote and must urge others to vote, too. Here are Indivisible North Coast Oregon’s key endorsements: 

Debbie Boothe-Schmidt for State Representative

INCO endorses Debbie Boothe-Schmidt to represent House District 32 in the state legislature. Her election will help keep a Democratic, often progressive, majority state legislature. 

A Clatsop County resident, Debbie has the practical hands-on experience as a mother, union leader, and small business owner that Oregonians respect. She works quietly and calmly to serve her community. Debbie’s an advocate of public education, increased internet access in rural areas, and climate legislation. Her opponent, a 2016 Trump delegate, opposes climate legislation and the Student Success funding.   

Debbie and a Democratic legislature can continue to use science, common sense, and experience to aid recovery from the wildfires and rebuild our economy from the pandemic. Other key issues include education funding, climate change, and emergency preparedness. 

Shemia Fagan for Secretary of State

Here’s why this election is important: The 2020 Census could show that Oregon deserves another US Representative in Congress. If so, the state will need to be redistricted, which the legislature would do. 

However, if they can’t do it by July 1 - because of another Republican walk-out, for example - the task would fall to the Oregon Secretary of State. Shemia Fagan, a Democrat, as Secretary of State will prevent Republican attempts to suppress the vote and gerrymander new legislative and Congressional districts. She is determined to protect Oregon’s vote by mail and voter registration systems. 

Vote NO on Measure 4-205

Measure 4-205 would prohibit the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office from enforcing gun laws, including common-sense gun laws that the majority of Americans support. The measure would also subject county employees to fines and penalties for doing their jobs if they enforce these laws. 

Measure 4-205 is likely not constitutional, because it attempts to invalidate enforcement of existing federal and state gun laws. Measure 4-205 attempts to prevent the use of safety measures like background checks and Red Flag laws (e.g., where a court can order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may present a danger to others or themselves) that have been proven to save lives and are supported by the vast majority of Americans. 

One impact of Measure 4-205 would be the number of domestic violence restraining orders and red flag petitions could decline because persons who need protection think law enforcement won't remove firearms from someone, even when warranted. The presence of a firearm during domestic violence situations makes it 5 times more likely that a person will be shot and killed. 

This measure could create more dangerous situations, because self-appointed so-called "militias" think there is local support for their actions and that they will not be held to common-sense gun safety laws or held accountable for their actions. 

On average, one hundred people die from gun violence every day in this country, and hundreds more are wounded.  

INCO endorses Joe Biden for President and Kamala Harris for Vice President. For re-election, INCO endorses Senator Jeff Merkley, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, and Treasurer Tobias Read. 

INCO endorses Ballot Measure 107. 

Be a Voter

Ballots are due by 8 pm, Tuesday, November 3.

Postmarks don’t count. More information at https://sos.oregon.gov/voting-elections and at Clatsop County Elections, 503-325-8605. Ballot drop box locations at www.co.clatsop.or.us.


Saturday, August 8, 2020

 

WHO WILL LEAD YOUR TOWN?
Who will be the next leaders of your town? These positions in Clatsop County will be on the November 3 ballot. Check with your city to find out how to apply. Filing deadlines are soon. 

City of Astoria - Voting 
Ward 2                                                Tom Brownson - has filed to run for re-election
Ward 4                                                Jessamyn Grace West - not running for re-election
 
City of Warrenton - Voting 
Position 1                                           Pam Ackley
Position 2                                           Mark Baldwin
Position 3                                           Tom M. Dyer
 
City of Gearhart - Voting 
Mayor                                                 Matt L. Brown
Councilor, Position 2                         Reita Fackerell
Councilor, Position 4                         Daniel Jesse
 
City of Seaside – Voting 
Councilor at large, Wards 1 & 2        Randy Frank
Councilor, Ward 3                              Tom Horning
Councilor, Ward 4                              Seth Morrisey
 
City of Cannon Beach Voting 
Councilor, At Large 2 positions         Brandon Ogilvie, Nancy McCarthy

Monday, March 23, 2020

SWING LEFT

We're prioritizing the Swing Left strategy for the November 2020 elections. Resources here:

New Host Kit and Host Trainings: Virtual Letter-Writing Events 

Swing Left has built a virtual letter-writing party host kit and guide! We’re helping hosts transition to virtual parties with a variety of resources:

We will also be hosting national letter writing parties so that volunteers and hosts can join these parties and see how they work. We’ll provide more information on the Leader’s call on Thursday.

Other Updates
  • Phonebanking for Wisconsin's April 7th election for Supreme Court:  Sign up here, and you'll receive an email with training resources.  This race is key to un-doing gerrymandering in Wisconsin.
  • From Swing Left National Leadership: I hope you saw the emails from our National Field Director, Marisa Kanof, and Ethan Todras-Whitehill discussing the response to COVID-19.  You can read Marisa's email here and Ethan’s email here
  • COVID-19 messaging guidance:  Our communications team has provided this messaging guidance document to help you communicate with volunteers. We hope it will be useful for you. 
  • Stay connected with leaders and volunteers nationwide:  

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

When are the Democratic Debates?


First debates:  June 26 and June 27 at 6pm PDT (9pm EST)  

Second debates:  July 30 and July 31 at 6pm PDT (9pm EST)


For more details click here

Democratic Candidates

Want to see how Democratic Presidential candidates present themselves online and what they stand for?  Check it out......

24 Democratic Candidates as of May 28, 2019 in alphabetical order:










Kristen Gillibrand https://kirstengillibrand.com/








Beto O’Rourke https://betoorourke.com/

Tim Ryan         https://timryanforamerica.com/




Marianne Williamson       https://www.marianne2020.com/


When are the debates?  
First debates:  June 26 and June 27 at 6pm PDT (9pm EST)  
Second debates:  July 30 and July 31 at 6pm PDT (9pm EST)


For more details link to:  https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a26992483/democratic-candidates-primary-debates-2020-election/

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Update on 2019 Elections & Campaign Legislation in Oregon



Campaign Finance Reform

SB 1014 - Introduced Mar. 4, pending in Senate Committee on Campaign Finance - Establishes Small Donor Elections Program to enable candidates for office of state Representative and state Senator to receive 6-to-1 match on small dollar donations. Limits matching funds. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.


HB 2714 – In Ways and Means Committee -  establishes a campaign reform task force

HB 2708 – In House Rules Committee - Requires statement of economic interest to include certain information about sources of income for business in which public official or candidate, or member of household of public official or candidate, is officer or holds directorship if source of income has legislative or administrative interest and 10 percent or more of total gross annual income of business comes from that source of income.


HB 2709 – Public hearing 3/18 scheduled in House Rules Committee

Amends definition of "communication in support of or in opposition to a clearly identified candidate or measure" with respect to independent expenditures to explicitly adopt federal reasonable person standard. Lowers threshold for required filing of statement of independent expenditures to $250 per calendar year and requires statement to be filed within seven days after expenditure is made. Increases penalties from 10 percent to, depending on amount of contribution or expenditure, 20 percent or 40 percent of total amount of contribution or expenditure for failure to file required statements or certificates, for failure to include required information in statements or certificates, for incorrectly identifying expenditure as independent expenditure and for failing to timely file accurate statements for in-kind contributions. Requires person making independent expenditures of more than $250 in calendar year to maintain detailed accounts that are current not later than seven days after triggering required report. Requires account records to be kept for at least two years.

HB 2710 - In House Rules Committee - Requires that examinations occur four times per calendar year and determine whether committee accurately and timely complied with filing requirements during three months immediately preceding examination. Permits Secretary of State or Attorney General, upon reasonable suspicion of violation, to examine accounts of person, political committee or petition committee being investigated as result of elector filing complaint alleging violation of election law or rule. Permits Attorney General, during investigation of election complaint, to issue subpoena to compel production of relevant documents or information.

HB 2712 - In House Rules Committee - Prohibits candidate or principal campaign committee of candidate from expending campaign moneys for professional services rendered by certain businesses required to be listed on candidate's statement of economic interest. 
Creates exceptions.


HB 2595 – Passed House by 43-16 vote; pending in Sen. Rules Committee - Alters period during which former member of Legislative Assembly is prohibited from being paid lobbyist from sine die of next regular session that begins after person ceases to be member to one year after person ceases to be member.

HB 2277 - Public hearing held in House Rules Committee on Feb. 11- Revises and clarifies circumstances in which individuals, including public officials and elected public officials, must register with Oregon Government Ethics Commission and file lobbyist registration statement. 
Specifically exempts individuals who are not lobbyists and who meet with legislator in personal capacity from requirement to register or file statement.

HB 2278 - In House Rules Committee -  Includes within definition of "political committee" combination of two or more individuals, or person other than individual, that received contribution or made expenditure for purpose of supporting or opposing initiative petition, recall petition or referendum petition. 
Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.


SB 115 - In Senate Rules Committee - Directs Secretary of State to conduct evaluation on whether relevant sections in chapter 756, Oregon Laws 2013, improved transparency in campaign finance reporting and whether additional legislation is necessary. 
Requires secretary to submit report detailing recommendations by September 15, 2020. Sunsets January 2, 2023.

SB 478 - Public hearing held in Senate Committee on Workforce on Feb. 28 - Prohibits campaign moneys and public moneys from being used to make payments in connection with nondisclosure agreement relating to harassment in workplace. Prohibits public official or candidate from using moneys received from third parties to make payments in connection with nondisclosure agreement relating to harassment in workplace, if alleged harassment occurred when public official or candidate was acting as public official or candidate. Declares emergency, effective on passage.


SJR 13 - In Senate Committee on Campaign Finance - Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution to permit Legislative Assembly, or people through initiative process, to enact laws regulating use of moneys in political campaigns including by limiting contributions made in connection with political campaigns. Provides that amendment to Constitution applies only to laws enacted on or after December 3, 2020. Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at next regular general election.



Postage paid ballots

SB 5507 Sec. 8 - OR postage paid ballots – Assigned to Subcommittee on Capital Construction

Redistricting/Gerrymandering

SJR 8 - In Senate Rules Committee - Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing Redistricting Commission to adopt reapportionment plans for Senate, House of Representatives and United States Congress. 
Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing Redistricting Commission to adopt reapportionment plans for Senate, House of Representatives and United States Congress. Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at special election held on date of next primary election.

SJR 11 - In Senate Rules Committee - Proposes amendment to Oregon Constitution establishing independent redistricting commission to adopt redistricting plans for Senate, House of Representatives and United States Congress. Refers proposed amendment to people for their approval or rejection at special election held on same date as next primary election.


Transparency

HB 2234 - Public hearing held in House Rules Committee on Feb. 18 -  Establishes centralized candidate filing system to permit candidates for public office in county, city or district to file for nomination or election by using electronic filing system adopted by Secretary of State.


Promote informed voting

HB 2713-  In House Rules Committee - Requires Secretary of State or county clerk, rather
than filer, to designate argument filed for publication in voters' pamphlet as either
supporting or opposing ballot measure.

HB 2716 - Public hearing held in Rules Committee on 3/13 - Requires communications made in support of or opposition to candidate or measure to identify whether candidate, petition committee or political committee authorized communication. 
Takes effect only if House Joint Resolution 13 (2019) is approved by people at regular general election held in November 2020. Takes effect on effective date of constitutional amendment proposed in House Joint Resolution 13 (2019).


HB 2685 - Public hearing held in House Rules Committee on Feb. 18 - Requires person who files to run for public office to provide campaign phone number and campaign electronic mail address. Except for de minimis personal use, requires phone number and electronic mail address to be used exclusively for purpose of supporting person's candidacy.


HB 2513 - In House Rules Committee - Requires residential landlords to provide voter registration card to new tenants. 
Requires buyers' real estate licensees to provide voter registration card to home buyers. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.


HB 2343 - In House Human Services and Housing Committee - Allows political canvassing by manufactured dwelling or floating home facility tenants.

Undermining law

HB 2259 - In Joint Committee on Information Management and Technology - Removes requirement for Oregon transparency website to include links to administrative rules on state agency websites in addition to link to Secretary of State's website. 
Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.

HB 2260 - In joint Committee on Information Management and Technology - Modifies list of entities for which links must be provided on Oregon transparency website. 
Clarifies duties of State Chief Information Officer. Grants State Chief Information Officer authority to adopt rules necessary for administration of Oregon transparency website.


Registering more young people

HB 2707 - In House Rules Committee - Permits person who will be 17 years old on date of primary election and 18 years old on date of general election to vote at primary election for candidates of major political party with which person is affiliated if major political party has adopted rule to this effect. 


HB 2513 - In House Rules Committee - Requires residential landlords to provide voter registration card to new tenants. Requires buyers' real estate licensees to provide voter registration card to home buyers. Takes effect on 91st day following adjournment sine die.


Monday, February 25, 2019

ACTION ALERT: NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE


The National Popular Vote bill would guarantee the Presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 

This legislation has passed the Oregon House 4 times previously, is being re-introduced today with an unprecedented 42 sponsors, and is likely to finally get a vote in the Senate this year.  So, please
By the way - have you heard the exciting news? In Colorado, the legislature has passed the bill and sent it to Governor Polis (who has said he would sign it).  In New Mexico, the bill has passed the House and is in a Senate committee.  Hearings will be held this week in Maine and Nevada.  Bills are pending in 20 other states.  With the help of people like you, we will change how the President is elected.