THE DALLES — Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden held his 1,111th town hall at The Dalles High School (TDHS) April 23. Residents from around the Gorge as well as TDHS students gathered in the auditorium for their chance to ask a question.
The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays opened the town hall by welcoming the crowd and recognizing present local officials, including Wasco County Commissioners Scott Hege and Phil Brady. Columbia Gorge Community College President Kenneth Lawson was also in attendance.
Wyden thanked everyone for attending before calling The Dalles Economic Development Officer Dan Spatz to the front, where he was given an American flag that had been flown over the state capitol.
“This is one good guy,” Wyden said. “He’s been an incredible community volunteer.”
Spatz said he was “shocked, surprised, humbled and grateful” for the honor.
Wyden gave a special gift to Dan Spatz, The Dalles Economic Development Officer.
Noah Noteboom photo
Wyden took about 25 questions during the event and continued discussions with constituents afterwards. Most centered around the Trump administration.
Employees from the Columbia Gorge Food Bank expressed concerns that access to food for low-income individuals and families may be cut. Hispanic and Latino students wondered how to protect their friends and families from racial profiling and potential deportation. Citizens asked about transparency within the federal government; others asked about Medicaid, freedom of speech, rescinded federal grants, and education.
Wyden promised to stay in touch with those who asked questions, even offering an internship to a student who asked about low test scores and access to public education.
The Dalles High School senior Ian Judah asked about freedom of speech.
Noah Noteboom photo
Wyden continues to denounce the Trump administration and said at the town hall that he is working with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) to introduce a bipartisan resolution that would end the national emergency declaration used to impose tariffs on imported goods.
Following his town hall in Wasco County, Wyden and his team headed to Umatilla County in Pendleton for another town hall that day. He visited Grant, Harney, Lake, Klamath and Douglas counties from April 24-26.
Wyden has committed to holding at least one town hall in every Oregon county each year since taking office in 1996. His first town hall ever was held in Fossil in Wheeler County.
Commented