In this unfolding political year, two local politicians who have already secured their seats in the Oregon State Legislature: Representative Lew Frederick (Democrat, Representative District 43) and Senator Chip Shields (Democrat, Senate District 22) have accepted invitations to be our featured speakers at the upcoming October 8th general meeting, which begins at 7:00pm and is held at Bethany Lutheran Church (corner of NE Skidmore Street and 37th Avenue, just across from Wilshire Park, with entrance to the meeting room down a walkway on the Skidmore side of the church). The two legislators will begin with opening remarks about the districts they represent, the issues they feel strongly about, and their assessment of the positives and negatives of legislative life. A question and answer session will follow.
Senator Shields was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004 and to the state Senate in 2009. Prior to that, he founded Better People, a Northeast Portland non-profit job placement center for people with criminal records. Better People has reduced the number of repeat offenders in Oregon by helping people find living wage jobs, maintain sobriety, and turn their lives around. In the 2007 and 2009 Legislative Sessions, Senator Shields chaired the Public Safety Subcommittee of Ways and Means and recommended cost-effective crime reduction strategies to the legislature. Another of his priorities has been to reduce the cost of health care, and through his efforts health insurance companies now have to justify premium increases at public hearings.
Representative Frederick was elected in 2011. Prior to that, he was a spokesperson for the Portland Public Schools and played a leadership role in the fight for access to a complete and comprehensive education for every child close to home. During the 2011 and 2012 Oregon Legislative Sessions, he served as Co-Vice-Chair of the House Education and Human Services Committees and served on the Join Committee on Legislative Audits and Information Management and Technology. Additionally, Representative Frederick has placed a priority on increasing economic opportunities and protecting and improving our environment, both locally and globally.
It will also be an evening of remembrance for Gwen MacPherson, who served on the BWNA and CNN (Central Northeast Neighbors) boards, and passed away from cancer in early August. In many ways, Gwen was the heart and soul of BWNA, serving as Treasurer, organizing activities, and helping out whenever there was a need. Her BWNA and CNN colleagues will present a special honor in her memory.
Additionally, there will be a crime report by local officers (followed by Q & A) and updates on various Beaumont-Wilshire concerns, including the proposed apartment complex on Fremont, the preserving of the mural at the Wilshire Park pavilion, late-night noise at McPeet’s, aircraft noise from National Guard training flights, and traffic calming issues. Residents are encouraged to participate in discussions and to air new concerns as well.
Snacks and refreshments will be available for your noshing pleasure.