Preparing for the May Special District Election — and Beyond!
By Chris Cobey, Voter Service Chair
In Multnomah County, there are 70 seats in 22 districts up for election in May, plus at least one county-wide ballot measure. (As of Feb. 8, just 11 candidates had filed.) The filing deadline is March 16.
Volunteer opportunities abound!
Student Mock Election
In cooperation with LWVOR and Portland Public Schools, LWVPDX will coordinate the involvement of middle and high school students of Multnomah County in a May student mock election. Participating students will study the candidates using VOTE411 and other sources, then cast their ballot on two or three ballot issues and candidates. Mimi Alkire and Chris Cobey will lead this effort — but they very much need additional volunteers to help. League volunteers could partner with students and teachers on voter registration and education, or assist with election logistics. If you are interested, let us know at voterservice@lwvpdx.org.
Voters' Guides
If framing possible questions for candidates or ballot measure advocates gives you a kick, and you’ve either done it before or expressed your interest, watch for an email soon inviting your participation. We will use these questions in our voting resources: VOTE411, the Video Voters’ Guides, and Voter Forums. Your participation can either be via email or in a Zoom session in the next few weeks. If you haven’t done this before but would like to, let us know with an email to voterservice@lwvpdx.org.
Forums
Thanks to Barbara Byrd, who will head up the Voter Forums function for the May election. If you are willing to moderate or help with logistics for one or more of the Forums (including time-keeping), please contact Barbara. All forums will be conducted via Zoom. Barbara’s email can be found in the membership directory.
PSU Study
The League will assisting academics at PSU and elsewhere on a short study on youth participation in elections, focusing on college-age voters and the May 16 election. If you’d like help, drop an email to voterservice@lwvpdx.org.
In Case You Missed It
Thanks to Janet Youel and her team, and Mary McWilliams, for finalizing the post-election update of our Directory of Elected Officials, now available at our website.
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YOUTH OUTREACH
LWVOR Youth Council director Diana DeMaria of the Clackamas County League, Mimi Alkire, and Chris Cobey (pictured) pitched League membership at the Pacific Northwest Winter Congress of the Junior State of America in Portland earlier this month.
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DEI: Resources & Reflection
To continue our education and elevate the voices of underrepresented groups, the League will regularly share resources on issues of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). In honor of Black History Month in February, we are focusing on Black history and justice.
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Watch
Go: Local Events
Follow: Local Organizations
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DEI Committee Sets Goals
Earlier this month, a new volunteer committee met to discuss ways LWVPDX can advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our League. Learning from the work at LWVOR and other Leagues, such as the one in Tucson, AZ, we hope to explore options for activities the League could undertake this year, like book groups and partnerships with other civic organizations. To learn more about our DEI work, contact Audrey Zunkel-deCoursey at atlarge4@lwvpdx.org.
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LWVPDX Charter Implementation Committee Ramps Up
By Janice Thompson, Action Vice Chair
A robust group attended January’s inaugural meeting of the LWVPDX Charter Implementation Committee (CIC). This is an ad hoc working group formed to monitor the two-year transition process. Its goal is charter implementation that achieves the full potential of Measure 26-228’s significant election and governance improvements.
CIC members joined one or more of the League's teams tracking the following charter reform entities and processes:
- Government Transition Advisory Committee (GTAC)
- Independent District Commission (IDC)
- Independent Salary Commission (ISC)
- Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)
- Budget
When advocacy is needed, it is vetted by the League’s action chair and approved by the League president. For example, at a mid-January City Council hearing, the League expressed disappointment in the delayed launch of the GTAC. The League later testified in support of an early February council resolution outlining critical elements of charter reform steps that must occur no later than January 2025, as well as priorities in the city’s work over the next two years.
Charter implementation will frequently involve several interconnected entities and processes. Timelines are tight, especially related to the independent commissions setting salaries of Portland’s elected officials and drawing new council districts. Some implementation steps are starting now and will continue over the next two years, while other tasks will take place in 2024. The League will play a critically important role — thanks to all volunteers helping to gear up the work of the Charter Implementation Committee!
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DECEMBER WINNER
Wendy Swanson
Thanks for reading!
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Are You A Life Member?
By Mary McWilliams, Membership Chair
Welcome
Welcome to the following new members who have joined since the January newsletter issue:
- Robert “Rob” Levine
- Meredith Savery
- Arlene Sherrett
Thank you to the 275 new or renewed members for our 2022-23 League year!
Life Members
If you think that you may be eligible as a Life member this year (or coming up in another year soon), please contact membership@lwvpdx.org. LWVPDX knows when members joined our League, but we don’t know if you were previously a member in other Leagues and for how long. So, we need your help with this information!
A Life member is someone who has been a League member for 50 years, in any League. Membership need not be consecutive, just 50 years in total. We honor these Life members at our annual business meeting in May. Life members are also indicated in our yearly “Members & Leaders Directory,” and their dues are waived.
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Save the Date: Annual Membership Meeting in May
Save the date for our LWVPDX Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 24, in the late afternoon. It will be in person at the Laurelhurst Club in SE Portland. This is when we will vote on the slate of officers and directors, the budget, program for the coming year, and bylaws changes. We will get to enjoy each other’s company, share a meal, and do some fundraising to support the coming year’s programs, too. Please plan to attend this fun and important gathering. More information is to come!
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Portland Police Accountability: Continuing the Conversation
By Nancy Donovan, Member Education Chair
Recap: Community Education Program
If you missed this excellent program on “Progress and Challenges for Portland Police and Policing Alternatives,” please consider watching it, and feel free to share the webinar with your friends, family, and colleagues. We had a large audience of 70 attendees for the live program, which was recorded and will be posted on our website later this week.
The Justice Interest Group and Community Education Committee presented the program as a follow up to our 2021 study “Portland Police Bureau: Oversight and Accountability.” In the study we focused on disciplinary process, accountability, investigation of complaints about officer conduct, police training and use-of-force policies.
During the program, James Ofsink and Audrey Zunkel-deCoursey recognized the leadership of the late Barbara Ross, who chaired and led the study team with tenacity and energy.
We want to thank our amazing team who planned this program. Members of the Justice Interest Group were crucial in selecting panelists and steering the program in the right direction. They include Debbie Aiona, Nancy Donovan, Trish Garner, Carol Landsman, Kim Mason, James Ofsink, Deb Wallace, and Audrey Zunkel-deCoursey. We’d also like to recognize President Debbie Kaye, and members of the Communications team, Amber Nobe, Paulina Leperi, and Margaret Noel.
Sincere thanks to our excellent League presenters: Debbie Kaye, for her introduction and closing remarks, Trish Garner, who gave a brief overview of our 2021 police study, James Ofsink our moderator, and Audrey Zunkel -deCoursey, who facilitated audience questions.
As background, the first two panelists talked about the 2012 lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against the City of Portland, alleging a pattern or practice of unconstitutional use of force by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) against individuals with actual or perceived mental illness.
Rev. Dr. LeRoy Haynes, Jr., chair of the Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform, said his organization has focused on this issue for the last two decades. He said that the PPB has made limited progress in transforming its operations and culture to adequately implement the changes required in the DOJ’s settlement agreement. He emphasized the importance of police accountability.
Mr. Juan Chavez, project director and attorney for the Oregon Justice Resource Center, spoke about the difficulties with the 11-year-old settlement agreement and the city’s current state of non-compliance. He said the PPB is violating the Fourth Amendment in the reasonableness of searches and seizures and issuing warrants. He encouraged attendance and public comment at the upcoming Feb. 28 Status Conference.
Dr. Gina Ronning, member of the Portland Police Bureau’s Training Advisory Council (TAC) and Focused Intervention Team Community Oversight Group (FITCOG), provided updates on both programs’ successes and challenges. She covered a wide range of issues, including the role of advisory committees, community engagement, training, and tracking progress and outcomes. The FITCOG focus for the year is to review training and reduce negative outcomes on the street.
Kaia Sand, Street Roots Executive Director and columnist, provided an overview of Portland Street Response (PSR). The service responds to non-emergency calls involving people experiencing homelessness or mental health crises. According to The Oregonian reporting, unhoused people make up half of all PPB arrests. PSR intervention has reduced the need for police response to non-emergency calls and reduced transport to hospitals by helping and treating people on scene by trained responders.
Our next community education program will be in April on the topic of mental and behavioral health and related housing and homeless challenges. We are inviting experienced leaders to address this important topic in our community — stay tuned for more details!
Up Next: Discussion Units
This month, Discussion Units will continue the discussion on police accountability. In preparation, participants should watch the recording of our recent community education program (summarized above) if you didn’t watch it live on Feb. 8. The video recording and associated podcast version will be available later this week; you can find them posted on our website, YouTube channel, and podcast page.
Discussion Unit meeting dates and times are listed in the calendar. If you are not already in a Discussion Unit and would like to be, select a group with a time convenient to you and contact Carolyn Buppert at units@lwvpdx.org and she will connect you with the unit leader.
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New City Auditor Takes the Reins
By Debbie Aiona, Action Chair
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January Action Committee Report
January guest speaker Auditor Simone Rede was elected in May 2022 and took office at the beginning of 2023. Prior to running for office in Portland, Ms. Rede worked in the Metro government auditor’s office. She explained that the public is fortunate to have so many independently elected auditors promoting open and accountable government in Oregon. The Portland City Auditor's Office fulfills a number of functions, outlined below.
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- Archives & Records Management: Preserves the city’s history and trains city employees about records storage, management, and retention.
- Audit Services: Conducts performance audits of city operations and makes recommendations to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of city bureaus, offices, and functions.
- Ombudsman: Ensures city government treats residents fairly. The ombudsman investigates complaints and makes recommendations.
- Council Clerk: Administers City Council business, serves as the repository for city contracts, and maintains City Charter and Code.
- Elections: Oversees city elections, certifies candidates and ballot measures, and enforces campaign finance regulations.
- Lobbying & Political Consultant Regulations: Requires lobbyists and political consultants to register and report on their activities to influence decision making.
Auditor Rede reported that there is no shortage of challenges as she begins her term in office. Filling vacant positions in a number of key roles is a priority. She also wants to develop a budget that will serve to elevate the community’s voice and create clear pathways to share ideas about audits that focus on underserved members of the public. She said she also wants to ensure there are resources available to facilitate the transition to our new form of government and continue to deliver high-quality services.
The selection of issues for performance audits is based on the risks involved. For example, the office currently is auditing the Joint Office of Homeless Services and shelter system. This clearly is an issue of critical importance due to the high number of unhoused people in the city. The office maintains a schedule of upcoming audits so that the public will know what is on the horizon. They also accept suggestions for city functions that merit a closer look. Issues of immediate concern can be submitted to the city’s Fraud Hotline.
The League and Auditor Rede share many of the same priorities, such as transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. We are working with her now on a charter amendment that would add a Transparency Advocate to the auditor’s office. Read more on this below.
Recent Action Committee Activity
City Transparency Advocate
In conjunction with Open Oregon, the Greater Oregon Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and ACLU Oregon, the League testified before the Charter Review Commission and City Council urging referral to voters of a charter amendment that would institute a transparency advocate in the city auditor’s office. League representatives also participated in meetings with City Council staff to encourage referral of a charter amendment to the May 2023 ballot. The Transparency Advocate would work with the city ombudsman to help ensure access to information, serve as a resource to city employees and the public, and have the authority to conduct investigations and make reports regarding access to information.
Joint Terrorism Task Force
The League testified before Portland City Council at a hearing where the police bureau presented its annual report on its work with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The League has shared its concerns for more than 20 years about risks to Oregonians’ First Amendment rights when the Portland Police Bureau partners with the FBI. State law provides strong protections for those rights, unlike federal law. As an organization that promotes informed and active participation in government, we cautioned City Council about close collaboration with an agency that does not offer those same protections when it conducts investigations.
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February Action Committee Meeting
- Topic: Multnomah County Library Bond Measure Progress Report: Building Libraries Together
- Speaker: Katie O’Dell, Library Capital Bond Deputy Director
- When: Friday, Feb. 24 | 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Bond Deputy Director Katie O’Dell will share information on the progress to date and next steps on this major upgrade to our Multnomah County Libraries. All League members are welcome! This is a Zoom meeting. If you are not on the Action Committee email list and would like to attend, please contact Debbie Aiona at action@lwvpdx.org.
Multnomah County voters approved a $387 million bond measure for our library system in November 2020. The proceeds are being used to:
- Build a large library in East County
- Expand, rebuild, or renovate seven branch libraries (Albina, Belmont, Holgate, Midland, North Portland, Northwest, and St. Johns)
- Upgrade internet service at all locations
- Create a central materials handling and distribution center
- At the libraries not listed above, update and improve with fresh paint, new furniture, and more.
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Results of Our Annual Program Planning
By Judy Froemke, Member Education Chair
Last month, 61 League members attended several program planning discussion groups to make suggestions for the 2023-24 LWVPDX program year. We looked at 15 LWVPDX positions and 24 LWVOR positions.
- There were several issues referred to our existing Interest Groups on education, housing, and justice for their considerations.
- Separately, another group plans to meet informally to discuss fiscal policy, with the aim of forming a future Interest Group; learn more here.
- There were no recommendations for a new study.
- There were 12 positions recommended for an update and two positions recommended for restudy. However, League members volunteered to work on only two of these proposed changes.
- Out of the Public Education discussion, Linda Mantel has submitted a statement updating the Public Postsecondary Education, a LWVOR position.
- Out of the Mental/Behavioral Health and Housing discussion, Jason Renaud is working on a statement updating the Community Residential Facilities, a LWVPDX position.
The proposed updates will be sent to the LWVPDX board for referral to either our membership at the annual meeting coming up on May 24, or to the state League for consideration.
Thank you to all the discussion group leaders and the program planning committee, and all the members who participated!
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Discussion Topic: Money Matters!
By Virginia Hammon, LWVPDX Member
 A few of us would like to start an informal discussion group on “Money Matters” and invite your participation. Bring your questions about money and fiscal policy and join us! Help us begin a discussion about why money matters, organize our thoughts, and put together a request to the LWVPDX Board for a possible Interest Group. If you haven’t time for a discussion group but do have questions that you’d like us to address, please send them to us.
In planning for an Interest Group, this initial discussion will focus on which national, state, and local League positions we want to examine and which resources, books, and/or speakers we could use to learn about the pros and cons — benefits and problems — involved in changing our money and debt systems. For example, the group could consider why deficit spending and inflation are necessary in the system today; what the debt ceiling debate is about; whether the demands for austerity make sense; and, how we could spend more for the common good. If you are interested in helping to plan for a potential “money matters” Interest Group, contact Virginia Hammon (see your Member Directory for email).
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LWVOR ACTION
League members Rae Ann Thompson and Barbara Stalions interview Rep. Zach Hudson, who represents Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, Gresham, and Portland, at Stomping Ground Coffee Shop. These volunteers answered the call from LWVOR to connect with our elected state leaders and gather information ahead of this year’s long legislative session. Thank you to all our members who volunteered to do this important work!
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Opportunities with LWVOR and LWVUS
LWVOR Legislative Action
With Oregon’s six-month legislative session well underway, LWVOR is busy advocating in Salem. The state League sends weekly Legislative Reports during the session, which you can subscribe to here. LWVOR Action work is all volunteer-run; there are more than 2,000 bills already filed this session, and your help is needed! Worthy causes go unaddressed for lack of League volunteers. If you see a need listed in the Legislative Reports and can offer your help, please contact lwvor@lwvor.org.
LWVUS Transformation Committees
Following approval at last summer’s national convention, the structural organization of the League is fundamentally transforming. Starting now, applications will be accepted for four key national working groups. These groups will answer vital questions to guide the next phase of the work: the Business Model Working Group, the Data Working Group, the Functional Specification Working Group, and the League Capacity Working Group. Applications are open from now until Feb. 24. Learn more about each group by clicking its link, and please consider applying and/or encouraging others to apply.
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Show your love for the League with a gift today, and you will always be our Valentine!
Our hearts would be glad if you would go to our giving webpage and donate online, with a check, or with a monthly donation. And to make your money go twice as far, don’t forget to ask your employer to match your gift.
We'll post this valentine on our social media channels Feb. 14 ... please share with your network!
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Love the League / Love, the League
By Linda Mantel, Development Chair
We love the League! And we are so pleased that you do, too.
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, the League’s 103rd birthday, AND Statehood Day in Oregon! In February, we also celebrate Black History Month, presidential birthdays, and American Heart Month. And, we love and celebrate you, our members and donors — you can view a list of last year’s donors here.
As you see elsewhere in this newsletter, your League is hard at work supporting and promoting the Portland City Charter reforms, planning our member and public information programs for the year, and preparing information to help guide you through the school board and other elections coming up this spring.
Although our League members are all volunteers, we depend upon and pay for the services of professionals to provide information in the form of videos, printed materials, podcasts, and broadcasts. And, we have an office with an outstanding manager, Nikki Jardin, who helps us communicate with you regularly. Your contributions help us provide information to you and community members all year round and promote our goal of educating voters.
Our hearts would be glad if you would go to our giving webpage and donate online, with a check, or with a monthly donation. And to make your money go twice as far, don’t forget to ask your employer to match your gift.
Thank you for your outstanding support of LWVPDX. You will always be our Valentines!
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LWVPDX Endowment Fund Part 3: Current Guidelines & Goals
By Phil Thor, Endowment Chair, and the Endowment Committee
This is the third installment of a four-part series on the League of Women Voters of Portland Endowment Fund. Part 1 reviewed the establishment and history of the endowment. Part 2 explored endowments for nonprofit organizations.
LWVPDX Endowment Fund Guidelines
The Endowment Fund Guidelines were originally adopted in 1987; various amendments or revisions have been made since then. Each time changes were proposed, they were reviewed at the LWVPDX Annual Convention, now known as the Annual Membership Meeting, and were voted upon by the membership.
Some of the more significant past changes include the following.
- Designating a committee Treasurer.
- Reiterating that “unusual donations may be received” and “all monies received shall be invested with security of principal and total return as the highest priorities,” which was further elaborated.
- Changing the committee’s name from “Trust Fund” to “Endowment Fund.”
- Adjusting the “distribution rate for a given fiscal year” (to support needs), which was originally set with a requirement that it “shall not exceed 8%” (and later reset at 7%). This fixed percentage requirement for the distribution has since been eliminated. It was replaced in 2014 with the following statement: “The distribution rate will be set by the Endowment Committee in accordance with prudent and current best management practices and Oregon Revised Statues 128.318 and 128.322 or the current Oregon statutes regulating endowment funds.”
- Adding responsibilities to the Endowment Committee, namely to “oversee management of Sara Frewing Memorial Fund” and “as requested, reviews tax returns.” More recently, the oversight of the Ethel Noble and Darlene Lemley bequest funds was included.
- Incorporating other minor revisions, editorial corrections, and the like.
Current Endowment Fund & Committee Guidelines
Now let’s deconstruct the current guidelines governing the committees’ operation and fund oversight.
- Committee Makeup: A chair, a treasurer, and at least two members appointed by the LWVPDX Board, serving 2-year terms; the League Treasurer serves ex-officio.
- Responsibilities & Authorities: Oversee fund management; manage investments that support the Education Fund; implement the policies of the League Board of Directors, membership, and fund Board of Trustees; report funds status quarterly; and make an annual report to the membership.
- Donations: Can receive only non-tax-deductible donations (donor-designated contributions and bequests, undesignated bequests, and other contributions).
- Investment Objective: To retain and when possible, increase the fund’s value while producing a reasonable return for distribution (the word “value” replaced “purchasing power” after the last Annual Membership Meeting; read more on this below). Therefore, the fund will be invested with “long-term growth and total return as the highest priorities.”
- Maintain Original Donations: The committee will “strive to maintain a fund value of at least the amount of principal that was originally donated.”
- Guidelines: The Board of Directors shall set a general guidelines policy for the Endowment Fund.
- Socially Responsible Investing: To the extent practicable and fiscally prudent, all new investment should be directed toward funds categorized as meeting environmental, social, and governance criteria.
- Distribution: Will be set annually in January by the committee in accordance with prudent and current best management practices and Oregon statutes. The committee will use the “average endowment balance,” which is the average of the total endowment balance for the 13 previous quarters. A portion of the annual distribution may be declined if other funds are available.
- Exceptional Circumstances: The League can borrow from the Endowment Fund, if after all other funding options have been exhausted, the Board of Directors approves the action, a plan to repay the borrowing is accepted, and the action is reported to the membership within 30 days.
- LWVPDX Dissolves: Per the Bylaws, if LWVPDX dissolves, all money and securities shall be paid to the LWVOR after the state and national per-member payments and other obligations have been met. All other property under control of the Portland League shall be donated to a person, organization, or corporation at the discretion of board.
Recent Guideline Amendment Debate
At the 2022 Annual Membership Meeting, a few revisions were proposed and voted upon. While most received unanimous approval, one revision drew some opposition. This revision was approved as proposed by a majority vote, but the membership requested the Endowment Committee examine the concern and report back. The debate was directed at the modification of the investment objective for the Endowment Fund, specifically replacing the words “purchasing power” with the word “value.” The entire provision as revised in 2022 now reads as:
“The Endowment Fund may receive non-tax-deductible donations in the form of (1) donor-designated contributions and bequests, (2) undesignated bequests, and (3) other contributions designated by the Board. The investment objective of the Endowment Fund is to retain and, when possible, increase the purchasing power [value] of the fund, while at the same time producing a reasonable return for distribution. Therefore, the Fund will be invested by the Endowment Fund Committee with long-term growth and total return as the highest priorities. Endowment Fund moneys will not be co-mingled with the League’s general operating funds. In addition, the Endowment Fund will strive to maintain a fund value of at least the amount of principal that was originally donated.”
From the Endowment Committee’s perspective, it is reasonable to invest the funds to maximize its current “value,” thereby providing the highest possible contribution to the annual operating budget for LWVPDX. Remember, the annual budget draw is directly tied to the fund value for the past 13 quarters. Additionally, endowments and the committee accept the fact that the “purchasing power” of the original contributions is most likely never able to be “retained” or “when possible, increased” because inflation has occurred since the endowment was established, and all but $1,000 of the originally donated corpus (i.e., the principal) was made prior to 1996. Recall, purchasing power of an asset declines with annual inflation on a compounded basis.
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To see a larger version, click on the graph image.
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To illustrate, on the graph above, the disparity between the corpus (or uninflated principal, which is the red dashed line) and the inflated principal (the green double line) is displayed. The inflated principal line represents what the value of the fund would need to be to have the purchasing power equal to what was originally contributed, any point in time.
The solid blue line shows the Endowment Fund value over time. There was a period between 1992-93 and again 1995-2001 where the fund’s value was close to or exceeded the inflated principal, or the hypothetical purchasing power of the sum of the contributions. Likewise, the fund touched this hypothetical level again several times in quarters between 2003 and 2007 and was approaching it again by the end of 2021. But for most of its existence, and particularly since 2007, the fund has been managed for value, without regard to its purchasing power or the loss of that purchasing power. If purchasing power had been an important criterion, then greater attention to the annual withdrawal amount would have been necessary.
Part 4 concludes this series with options to modernize further the Endowment Fund and its management, including new guideline for clarifying its primary and secondary objectives, sustaining and, perhaps, increasing the purchasing power of the fund and concluding with the Endowment Committee’s recommendations. Look for this article in the next The Voter.
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"East Anglia," Stained and Painted Glass, Judith Wyss, 1966
Thanks to Linda Mantel for donating this art piece to the LWVPDX office. She recently purchased it from Blackfish Gallery and then donated it to the League in honor of Judith Wyss and The Wyss Foundation’s generous support of the League.
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Thank You to Our 2022 Donors!
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Individual Donors
Debbie Aiona
Anonymous
Lynn Baker
Victoria Balenger
Kim Ball
Wiley Barnett
Alice Bartelt
Carole Beauclerk
Linda Bebernes
Judith Beck
Peggy Bengry
Stanley Berman
Doreen Binder
Dady Blake
Nell Bonaparte
Chris Booren
Shirley Boyd
Rebecca Brandt
Carolyn Buppert
Beth Burczak
Merrily Burger
Ann Burton
Katherine Busch
Barbara Byrd
Marlene Byrne
Janet Cartmill
Julie Chapman
Patricia Chor
Pamela Clark
Thelma Lester Clark
Christopher Cobey
Elaine Cogan
Liz Conroy-Yockim
Betty Cornelison
Ann Cowger
Carol Cushman
Marian Davenport
Anne Davidson
Judy Davis
Margaret DeLacy
Jerry Dickason
Elizabeth Domike
Barbara Dudley
Ann F. Dudley
Alice Duff
Elizabeth Duffett
Fran and Tom Dyke
Pamela Echeverio
Susan Ehrman
Deborah Farrington
Christine Farrington
Rita Fawcett
Margot Fetz
Linda Fields
Marianne Fitzgerald
Meri Foeller
Judy Froemke
Sheryl Fuller
Mary Fulton
Ruth Gallagher
Helen Gibbins
Jane Gigler
Geoff & Susan Gilbert
Ellen Goldschmidt
Katie Goodwin
Lorraine Griffey
Geraldine Grover
Marsha Gulick
Bill Harris
Pam Hayes
Mary Hepokoski
Diane Herrmann
Kathleen Hersh
Deborah Herzberg
Jan Hively
Tena Hoke
Sue Holmes
Kris and Steve Hudson
Linda Hutchins
James Jandacek
Pat Janesh
Martha John
Elizabeth Joseph
Maraline Karty
Debbie Kaye
Molly Keating
Betty Kendall
Adam & Jaimee King
Molly Kohnstamm
Claire Kordosky
Ruth Kratochvil
Barbara Kutasz
Theodore Labbe
Carol Landsman
Barbara Lawson
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Gloria Lee
Sharon Little
Marnie Lonsdale
Evelyn Lowry
Gwen Luhta
Dee Lynch
Linda Mantel
Kenneth Mantel
Linda Mather
David Maynard
Melinda McCoy
Marion McNamara
Paulette Meyer
Alice Meyer
Donald Mickey
Jean Miley
Frances Moore
Kay Moran
Patti Morris
Samuel Murphy
Maud Naroll
Paula Neher
Christine & Tom Neilsen
Elaine H. Nelson
Anne Nesse
Elaine Nishimura
Margaret Noel
Mary Nolan
Jorja Orr
Patricia Osborn
Marilyn Owen
Corinne Paulson
Lane Poncy
Betsy Pratt & Phil Thor
Katelyn Randall
Connard Rasmussen
Barbara Rhyne
John Richardson
Ruth Robinson
Trudy Robinson
Kurt Rosenberg
Shelly Rosenberg
Eve Rosenfeld
Barbara Ross
Deborah Runciman
Susan Sater
Sue Ann Saupe
Meredith Savery
Judy Schroeter
Mary Ann Schwab
Katherine Shallenberger
Colleen Shoemaker
Doug & Sherin Shumavon
Ellen Simmons
Barbara Slaughter
Dianna Smiley
Olivia Smith
Boyd Smith
Barbara & Bill Stalions
Connie Stephens
Barbara Stevenson
Jennifer Stout
Carol Sweeney
Sully Taylor
Nora Terwilliger
Pat Tesch
Janice Thompson
Kay Tousley
Lyn Trainer
Roz Tucker
Norman Turrill
Cheri Unger
Edward Vaughn
Judy Walton & Steven Frenkel
Donna Ward
Rebecca Lowe Warren
Tobin Weaver
Joella Werlin
Art & Carol Wilson
Janet Wolf
Linda Wood
Julie Young
Keith Zilk
Audrey Zunkel-deCoursey
Organizations/Foundations
Hennebery Eddy Architects
JW Hands Foundation
Kroger
Edward & Helen Oppenheimer Foundation
Paloma Clothing
Carol & Velma Saling Foundation
The Wyss Foundation
Vernier Science Education
Wihtol Family Charitable Fund
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Volunteer Roundup
LWVPDX is always looking for volunteers! Volunteer opportunities announced in this issue are listed below; read the linked article and contact the listed League leader for more information.
- Support our Voter Service efforts for May elections | Read more
- Join the discussion on "money matters" | Read more
- Help track the state legislature this session | Read more
- Join a LWVUS transformation committee | Read more
- Share your love for the League | Read more
We do not share personal contact information in this newsletter; if a listed contact does not have a LWVPDX email address, you can look up their contact information in our membership directory, or contact the office at info@lwvpdx.org or (503) 228-1675. If you are looking for a different type of volunteer opportunity than those listed here, contact a member of the board.
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Calendar at a Glance
February
- Feb. 14: Happy 103rd birthday, League of Women Voters! Learn more
- Feb. 15: LWVPDX Board Meets | 5pm via Zoom.
- Feb. 16: Discussion Unit 4 | 1pm, leader Lynn Baker.
- Feb. 18: Discussion Unit 5 | 10:30 am, leader Linda Mather.
- Feb. 20: Discussion Unit 7 | 1pm, leader Ryann Enger.
- Feb. 20: Housing Interest Group Meeting | 5pm via Zoom, leader Donna Cohen.
- Feb. 24: Action Committee Meets | 1:30pm via Zoom, leader Debbie Aiona.
- Feb. 27: Discussion Unit 2 | 10am, leader Barbara Byrd.
- Feb. 27: Discussion Unit 3 | 5:30pm, leader Olivia Smith.
- Feb. 28: Discussion Unit 6 | 9:30am, leader Elizabeth Domike.
March
- March 6: Education Interest Group Meeting | 1pm via Zoom, leader Fran Dyke.
- March 13: Next Newsletter Issue | Check your inbox!
- March 15: LWVPDX Board Meets | 5pm via Zoom.
- March 16: Discussion Unit 4 | 1pm, leader Lynn Baker.
- March 16: May special district election filing deadline.
- March 18: Discussion Unit 5 | 10:30 am, leader Linda Mather.
- March 20: Discussion Unit 7 | 1pm, leader Ryann Enger.
- March 20: Housing Interest Group Meeting | 5pm via Zoom, leader Donna Cohen.
- March 23: Justice Interest Group Meeting | 5pm via Zoom, leader James Ofsink.
- March 24: Action Committee Meets | 1:30pm via Zoom, leader Debbie Aiona.
- March 27: Discussion Unit 2 | 10am, leader Barbara Byrd.
- March 27: Discussion Unit 3 | 5:30pm, leader Olivia Smith.
- March 28: Discussion Unit 6 | 9:30am, leader Elizabeth Domike.
- Note: No Community Education event is planned for March. Stay tuned for April program details.
Back to Top
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Board of Directors
> Debbie Kaye, President,
president@lwvpdx.org
> Marion McNamara, Vice President,
vpadmin@lwvpdx.org
> Chris Cobey, Voter Service Chair,
voterservice@lwvpdx.org
> Judy Froemke, Member Education Chair, membered@lwvpdx.org
> Anne Davidson, Secretary,
secretary@lwvpdx.org
> Adrienne Aiona, Treasurer,
treasurer@lwvpdx.org
> Debbie Aiona, Action Chair,
action@lwvpdx.org
> Nancy Donovan, Community Education Chair,
communityed@lwvpdx.org
> Margaret Noel, Communications Chair, communications@lwvpdx.org
> Amber Nobe, Newsletter Editor,
newsletter@lwvpdx.org
> Carolyn Buppert, Discussion Units Coordinator units@lwvpdx.org
> Linda Mantel, Development Chair,
development@lwvpdx.org
> Audrey Zunkel-deCoursey, At Large, atlarge4@lwvpdx.org
> Trish Garner, At Large, atlargetg@lwvpdx.org
> Paulina Leperi, At Large, atlargepl@lwvpdx.org
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Off-Board Leaders
> Mary McWilliams, Membership Chair, membership@lwvpdx.org
> Ann Dudley, Nominating Committee Chair,
nominating@lwvpdx.org
> Betsy Pratt, Budget Committee Chair, budget@lwvpdx.org
> Phil Thor, Endowment Committee Chair
> Beth Burczak, Speakers Bureau Chair, speakers@lwvpdx.org
> Kathy Casto, Voters' Guide Editor,
votersguide@lwvpdx.org
> Barbara Byrd, Forums Chair
> VACANT, Video Voters' Guide
> VACANT, Voter Registration Chair
> Carolyn Buppert, Twitter
> Katie LeRoux, Facebook
> Amber Nobe, Instagram
Interest Group Chairs:
> Nancy Donovan & Fran Dyke, Education
> James Ofsink & Kim Mason, Justice
> Donna Cohen, Housing & Homelessness
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About The Voter
This email newsletter is sent to members and subscribers on the second Monday of the month, 10 times each year (Sept-May and July).
Our mission is to keep readers informed about LWVPDX Member & Community Education, Voter Service, and Action activities, as well as general business and member news. You can view past issues here.
Thank you to the League leaders and volunteers who provided photos, wrote for, and edited this newsletter! And, thank you for reading! Each month a random (member) reader is selected for a raffle prize in gratitude for your engagement with the League.
If you have questions or suggestions, please contact the Newsletter Editor.
If you have recently changed your contact information, please contact the Membership Chair.
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