The Oregon League of Conservation Voters is having trouble making a decision about who to endorse in this year’s race for Governor.
So it’s taking the unusual step of endorsing two candidates. That may not be a bad thing.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters is having trouble making a decision about who to endorse in this year’s race for Governor.
So it’s taking the unusual step of endorsing two candidates. That may not be a bad thing.
Photo by Chris Phan
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters says it’s endorsing Jeff Cogen as the new chairman of Multnomah County, and Karol Collymore for a seat on the county commission.
In a statement released this morning, OLCV praises Cogan for his efforts on sustainability, the environment, climate change, the local food economy and open spaces. “Jeff understands how clean energy and innovation can create good jobs and a stronger, more fair economy,” says OLCV PAC Board Chair Charlie Burr. “Jeff is a proven leader and environmental champion.”
Starting tomorrow, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters is going to tell us which candidates its endorsing this year.
The names will be released Tuesday and Wednesday on the OLCV home page.
The endorsements cover about 20 state House and Senate races, county commission races for Clackamas, Jackson, Lane, Marion, Multnomah and Washington counties, city council races in Beaverton, Eugene and Portland, plus a race for the Portland area Metro Council.
But, we’re going to have to wait a little while longer for an endorsement in the Governor’s race. There’s a debate on environmental issues among the three top candidates for Governor on March 30th. OLCV is one of the groups sponsoring the debate and will hold off on making an endorsement until afterwards.
Thursday’s green agenda in Salem includes the first hearing on a proposed bisphenol A (BPA) ban, and a possible vote on a bill to ban offshore oil and gas drilling near the Oregon coast.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters says its focusing on three environmental bills on the upcoming special session of the Legislature.
They include a ban on BPA, a ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, and a plan to help Oregon’s largest metro communities reduce greenhouse gases.
From www.bobstacey.com.
One of the state’s most politically active conservation groups is endorsing Bob Stacey in the race for Metro Council President.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters praises Stacey as a, “decisive leader with a vision to protect the environmental integrity of the region.”
The choice probably wasn’t all that easy to make. The other two candidates they considered have received OLCV endorsements in the past.
With less than three hours to go, some updates to pass along about the rallies and protests planned outside Keller Auditorium.
At least three groups plan to protest outside Gore's speech tonight.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters has joined the cause to support for former Vice-President Al Gore. Get more information on the OLCV blog page, “Drown Out The Tea Party”. Environment Oregon has sent out messages via Twitter and Facebook.
All the new posts and tweets point in one direction, the Repower America sign up page. So far, this page still says the rally starts at 6:00pm outside Keller Auditorium at SW 3rd Ave and Clay. But Andy Grow of Climate Solutions says they’re hoping people will start showing up about 5:30pm.
NOTE: Please be careful about what you read in the comment section of the blog. Some anti-Gore groups have been posting misinformation about where the rallies will be held. Until further notice, use the Repower America link as your best source.
Some of this last minute support appears to have been motivated by some anti-Gore graffiti that sprayed painted on the outside of Keller Auditorium.
At least three groups plan to protest Gore’s appearance, including MoveOnDotGore, Americans For Prosperity, and PETA.
Gore’s speech at Keller starts at 7:30pm.
The Oregon League of Conservation Voters has a new Executive Director. Jon Isaacs, a former staffer for Senator Jeff Merkley, takes on the leadership position this fall.
According to the OLCV, Isaacs ran Merkley’s campaign against Senator Gordon Smith and after the election managed his office here in Oregon. He also worked for a variety of political groups in the state and in Washington, D.C..
In the press release, Isaacs says, “I consider OLCV to be one of the most important and impactful organizations in Oregon politics. I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity. Oregon – and the country – needs a powerful, aggressive, savvy and ultimately successful environmental movement. The stakes are just too high for anything less.”
Isaacs replaces Jonathan Poisner, who served as OLCV Executive Director for 12 years. During Poisner’s tenure the group’s annual budget grew from $200,000 to $1.1 million. He announced his decision to leave the group back in April.
Meanwhile, Environment Oregon is still looking for an Executive Director. The job listing can be found here.
The state’s two largest mass transit programs are getting some help from the Oregon House.
TriMet and Lane County Transit will get some additional money from an increase in payroll taxes in the areas they serve. The tax will increase from .7% to .8%. The Senate has already approved the bill, so it now goes to Governor Kulongoski for his signature.
Raising the tax was one of the priorities for several environmental groups in Oregon, who want to increase spending on mass transit. On the Oregon League of Conservation Voters blog, the group’s Evan Manvel writes, “Oregonians desperately need transportation choices, especially those one million Oregonians who are too young, old, poor or infirm to drive. This bill helps provide those choices.”
Faced with strong opposition to climate change bills in Salem, a coalition of groups is trying to re-energize support with big rally tonight.
PGE and Pacific Power are fighting Senate Bill 80, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee wrapped up two days of hearings this week. Now we’re hearing there are behind the scenes negotiations that could lead to new amendments to the bill. A committee vote could come next week.
At tonight’s rally, speakers will give an update on SB 80 and other climate change legislation. Former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury will be the main speaker. Tresa Horney of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters says they want to make sure people realize the sense of urgency behind getting these bills passed.
The event starts at 6pm at the United First Methodist Church, 600 State Street, Salem.
