Your voice

Specifically, I am referring to the woman in her 70s who came into my place of employment. Upon hearing two of my coworkers speaking in Spanish amongst themselves, she told them that they should go back to Mexico and went as far to complain to our management about these two young women. They both speak perfect English when dealing with customers, not that it should matter.

Upon seeing my coworkers so upset and finding out what was said, I went to this woman and stated that, in the United States, we all have the right to speak in whatever language we choose. Much to my surprise, this conservatively dressed, elderly woman who drives a very expensive car told me to do something to myself that cannot be printed in the newspaper!

Shame on you for that and shame one you even more for spreading hate. In these times of division, we all need to come together and try to love one another, despite our differing opinions.

Julie Trantham

Hood River

Denounce, don’t mock

Many liberals here have a lot to learn about making the world a better place. In a time of unprecedented attacks on difference, science, gender expression, and race, anyone outside a traditional heteronormative white Christian expression is at risk of attack. Yet so many liberals act as if the tools of oppression will tear down the master’s house.

Mocking Trump because of what he looks like is a pretty poor way to express disapproval of his political policies. At the No Kings protest, people held signs mocking Trump’s body as comically fat. Haha! Everyone knows overweight people don’t deserve respect! Y’all, that is the same eugenicist thinking that drives the GOP’s policies that destroy public health.

Obesity is a public health crisis caused by many factors including planning, transportation, systemic racism, classism, lack of mental health support, and a food system that prioritizes profit rather than nutrition, among others. Fatphobia faults individuals for existing in a system designed to destroy them. You don’t create a better world by mocking everyone who is not pretty in yoga pants.

Mocking Trump’s possible dementia as if it’s a comedy routine is no better. People mock Trump’s speaking and look very much like Trump mocking a disabled reporter. Haha! He’s feeble-minded and nobody who thinks differently deserves respect! You don’t get to mock Trump for dementia if you have respect for anyone with mental health challenges or neurodivergence. RFK Jr. suggested sending autistic people like me to workcamps. Your mockery feeds into this thinking.

There are plenty of actions to denounce: The destruction of science, national health, the environment, schools, other countries’ sovereignty. Denounce the building of concentration camps, not the shape of someone’s body. You don’t free women by mocking Kristi Noem’s complexion. You don’t free queer people by mocking her for her husband’s struggle with gender.

You will never get to freedom by denouncing those who are different than you. You will never get freedom by stepping on the faces of others.

All you get is a world where you are the oppressor.

Terra Metta

Hood River

Get back on track

Established in 2020, Oregon’s targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are:

• Reduce to 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and

• Reduce to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

Oregon is now seriously off-track to meet these targets, thanks in part to data center operations in the state. How to help Oregon get back on track? A few ideas:

1) We can stop trying to woo corporate entities with economic incentives such as tax breaks for bringing their businesses to Oregon. While this has been a long-standing practice in many places, there is now considerable research showing that this practice creates a net loss for the state/city/county shelling out its financial and natural resources.

What does this have to do with Oregon’s climate goals? PLENTY. Business development and administration that support those goals require money, whether funding energy efficiency and/or low carbon commitments, or launching new entities that bolster climate friendly practices. Where to find that money? Stop giving it away in the first place.

2) We can expect/force entities such as data centers that are carbon-intensive and/or are giant consumers of our natural resources to INNOVATE in order to work in our state and our communities without ruining them. Expecting/forcing innovation (aka expecting the business to solve its own challenges rather than externalizing them) has been critical in addressing other environmental crises. We don’t have to stand around with our hands in our pockets wondering what to do here. The state can and should tell the entity what is allowed, and the entity can either innovate to meet the requirements or take their high-carbon, resource-gobbling enterprise elsewhere. Before your knee jerks about the business going elsewhere (OH NO!!), consider that in its current form, we might be better off without it.

Bonnie New

Hood River

‘Never seen before’

On April 1, when President Trump gave an address on live TV to the nation to speak about the war in Iran, he repeated a phrase, “never seen before.” This was applied to comments such as the intense bombing and damages done to Iran’s military to effects of bombing activities, and the targets of future attacks such as civilian power grids, in direct violation of international law and the Geneva Convention. His use of other superlatives such as “best, biggest, worst, most terrible,” etc., is unprecedented in number and breadth, and not supported by any evidence; merely the words of the president.

This phrase could also be applied to other aspects of our president’s actions and behaviors. Under President Trump, we have “never seen before”:

• The prolific lying and disinformation spread by the president and his administration.

• An incredible number of executive orders that defy and ignore constitutional law, many of which have been overturned in the court.

• The firing of many inspectors general, replacing them with people Trump finds sufficiently loyal to him, instead of an intended standard of independence.

• Incredible numbers of misogynistic, racist, disrespectful, demeaning communications, completely unbecoming of anyone, much less a president.

• Attacks, abuse, incarceration, deprivation of fundamental rights, even killings, of American citizens for merely protesting, which is a constitutionally protected activity.

These are only a few behaviors that we have “never seen before.” Readers can identify numerous others. There is no precedent of such widespread, flagrant disregard of law and behavioral norms by elected officials, especially a president. I am tired of the degradation of our country’s loftiest aims. This represents the opposite of creating “a more perfect union.”

It is time for all Americans, especially those in Congress, to demand accountability, especially when actions are unconstitutional, unethical or immoral.  For ALL of us, regardless of party affiliation, and the many independents frustrated with either of the two major parties, it is our obligation to speak out, VOTE, and to make our positions clear.  It is my hope that every one of us will do so.

Dale Hill

Parkdale

Re-elect Brady

Phil Brady has earned another term as Wasco County Commissioner, and I feel it is important to say so. As a resident of South Wasco County, I have watched Commissioner Brady show up — not just for The Dalles, but for the smaller, often-overlooked communities that make up the southern half of our county.

Those of us who live in Maupin, Tygh Valley, Wamic, Antelope, Shaniko, Simnasho and the surrounding area know how easy it is to feel like an afterthought in county government. Commissioner Brady has worked to change that. His willingness to engage directly with rural communities reflects a genuine understanding of the challenges we face here.

One example of Brady’s commitment to South Wasco County has been his sustained support for the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic. When the clinic faced back-to-back failed levy attempts that threatened its future, Brady worked to stabilize funding and recruit new leadership to keep the clinic operating. For many families in our area, that clinic is not a convenience — it is the difference between accessing care and driving hours to find it. His persistence through those difficult years mattered.

Brady has also been a voice for the small and rural communities that dot our county. In Antelope, he helped secure grants for wildfire defensible space and supported renovation of the historic schoolhouse into a community gathering place. That kind of patient, community-centered engagement doesn’t always make headlines, but it makes a real difference on the ground.

Beyond South Wasco County, Brady’s record on broader county issues reflects the kind of thoughtful, collaborative leadership we need. He has championed affordable housing and helped grow behavioral health services.

Phil Brady’s roots run deep in Wasco County. He grew up here, built his career as a science teacher, and has devoted himself to this community for decades. He listens carefully, asks hard questions, and follows through. That is exactly the kind of representative South Wasco County deserves.

Out here, we know who shows up. Phil Brady does. Please join me in voting to re-elect him.

Kate Willis

Tygh Valley

Case for driving an electric car

As communities across the country grapple with rising fuel costs, air pollution, and the growing impacts of Global Warming, one solution is becoming increasingly clear: the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Electric cars offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. By producing zero tailpipe emissions, they reduce air pollution and improve public health, especially in urban areas where smog and poor air quality disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

When you factor in that EVs cost roughly 40% less to fuel, and with fewer moving parts, require about half the maintenance of internal combustion engines, eliminating oil changes and frequent brake replacements entirely, the total cost of ownership is now a clear win for the consumer.

Advances in battery technology have extended driving ranges, while the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is making electric vehicles more convenient than ever.

Many governments and utilities are also offering incentives that make the transition more affordable for everyday consumers.

Owning an electric car is not just a personal choice, it is a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future. By embracing this technology, we can reduce our dependence on carbon dioxide polluting fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Ron Sadler

The Dalles

Vote yes x2

The Gorge needs a new year-round pool, full stop. The proposed bond for the new pool needs support from the voters in the district and those of us who live outside the district need to pony up more to afford our visit. Also, full stop.

Currently, the pool attracts approximately 65,000 visits a year. The need for a bond to preserve a Gorge-wide asset is a given. Yes, it’s a tax but think of it as an investment in the future of families in The Gorge, not just the district. The levy preserves activities for all residents of the Gorge and helps to maintain the pool. Let’s look at some numbers:

• One drowning a year in the Columbia for the last five years.

We give free lessons to all students in the school district who are in kindergarten, second, and fourth grades. We do so for adults as well. Our goal is simple: to give all of them tools to survive and get help if they find themselves in trouble in the water.

• Four thousand kids and 900 adults per year.

The number that enroll in at least one community ed activity, and it could be anything from touch rugby to chess to corn hole to basketball, lacrosse, baseball, soccer and more. The creativity and dedication of the staff to an active lifestyle in the county is exceptional. All of it is affordable, thanks to you in the district.

So, the math is simple: No levy, no community activities to enjoy. No bond, no state-of-the-art, year-round pool for The Gorge. Absent these activities, what is a 12-year-old kid going to do after school and in the summer? I’ll let you fill in the blanks.

Mike Pendleton

Underwood

Gambee for commissioner

There’s nothing more crucial and more sacred to our democratic republic than safe, secure, and accessible elections. Lisa Gambee ensured we just that during the decade she served as Wasco County Clerk. Now she’s running for county commissioner (position 1), and there’s no one better suited to step into this role than Lisa.

She managed our elections (and plenty of other county clerk business) during the challenging COVID shutdown and she managed them during the turmoil of national false claims of election fraud. She did so with professionalism and grace, with the confidence of a leader who is organized, skilled at solving problems, and determined to get things right for the people she serves.

I first met Lisa when I attended a public demonstration on how voting and elections are conducted in the county. The presentation gave me great confidence in the security of our local elections, and Lisa’s clear explanations and thoughtful answers to our questions reinforced that trust. I later volunteered as an election observer for several elections, which gave me additional opportunities to witness Lisa’s outsanding work with her staff.

I also had the opportunity to work on a joint city and county ad hoc committee with Lisa for about a year and a half. She was, once again, professional, hard-working, and a very skilled leader.

I’ll be casting my vote for Lisa Gambee to be my next county commissioner and I hope you’ll do the same! (Plan to vote early if you mail your ballot back — the post office isn’t as efficient as it once was.)

Debi Ferrer

The Dalles

Acknowledge history

I have been seeing these “We are all immigrants” signs around town and at our Fourth of July parade. I want to remind everyone that we are not all immigrants. Some of us can trace our family back to before immigrants came to this country. My grandmother Bryant was born July 13, 1878, at Coalgate Indian Territory, as a Chickasaw native by birth. While I appreciate what this rallying cry represents — to make us acknowledge the nation’s history as an immigrant nation — I would also like for us to acknoweldge the other part of that history.

Bill Perkins

Hood River

To Bentz

Dear Rep. Cliff Bentz,

Donald Trump takes this country further into dark uncharted territory by bringing us to the brink of committing unimaginable war crimes.

How in God’s name can you live in good conscience by remaining silent?

Jim Appleton

Mosier

Brady works

Many live a rich life by sinking their roots ever deeper at home while others ripen their sensibilities through immersion in a different culture. Phil Brady has done both. This native son of The Dalles took a turn abroad and returned home to share what he learned. The journey reinforced his early inclination to serve; it also rewarded him and his family through coming to love a vibrant agrarian community that endures lack but celebrates family, work, and festival. Those years also gave Phil skills to use at this critical time when dialogue between our Latino population and public leadership is more needed than ever.

I’ve been impressed watching how Phil invested his first term as Wasco County Commissioner with a similar commitment and tone. He chose to focus on the most vulnerable, through working on affordable housing and public health. On the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, he helped materialize housing plans that will shelter homeless populations in The Dalles and Hood River. By securing basic affordable shelter and utilities, people will have better chances to find work, support a family and make joy a more reliable familiar in their lives. Through the Columbia Gorge Health Council he helped improve the local operations of Medicaid to be more readily accessible in times of poignant need.

I often hear Phil say that he enjoys going to rural Wasco County and that enhances my trust for his judgment. County government is one of our best means to mitigate America’s recklessly damaging urban-rural divide. Besides assessing and compromising on conflicting resource needs, the Commission also gets to support unique special needs. After Phil helped the town of Antelope secure requisite grants, they have repurposed public buildings as spaces to foster community spirit and better secured their status as Oregon’s first certified international Dark Sky Community. I love that Wasco County citizens can enjoy both a book-filled library and a starlit Main Street. All these excellent outcomes and more in just one term prove to me that we need to retain Phil Brady as one of our county commissioners.

Linda Kentro

The Dalles

No kings

Well how about that. Any doubt that Trump was a “tyrant” should be laid to rest. It was not enough that he sent “goon” squads out to illegally harass/arrest and kill citizens of this country or use inside confidential information to make his business profit. Anyone not understanding that several of his “Executive Orders” will profit his (and his rich buddies) investments is just plain “seeing, hearing, speaking no evil.”

But now wanting to bomb Iran and it’s people “back to the stone ages” along with his other “war crimes” is a whole different kind of “lunacy”! He is INSANE! He was before a national audience ranting, raving, and swearing about the Strait of Hormuz as well as his annoyance that America has made it clear since our founding that we don’t want no “STINKING KINGS”! I have never had a doubt that he wants to be more than a king per se. He want to be (and is succeeding) the new Hitler, Pol Pot, George III, just to name a few. This is insane thinking! He is a convicted FELON! This label was not given to him by accident. He earned it! As for the “best people” he knew for positions in his administration ... what did you expect? What law abiding citizen would want to work for a criminal? Wake up, people. One does not need a college degree in social behavior or civics to know a hard core criminal when they hear or see his actions. Trump and his racketeers rarely hide their actions. He himself, in January of this year, told faith community leaders people call him a king right now and that if he were, more would be getting done. This is TREASON! He swore to uphold the United States Constitution. We didn’t fight a revolution to keep a monarchy but to eliminate that type of government. He should be impeached for dozens of violations early in his second term but this issue is tops in my book. Prison for the insane, genocidal leaning tyrant!

Eugene Saldivar

The Dalles

Another for Gambee

Years ago, I was a newly appointed interim board member for the White River Health District. I had a host of questions regarding option tax levies and funding for special districts and a variety of other topics. I emailed my list of questions to County Clerk Lisa Gambee, hoping that she could at least suggest resources where I could find the information I needed. Within the hour, I received both a phone call and a detailed follow up email from Lisa wherein she was able to answer all of my questions and more importantly, she explained the information within the larger context of how our tiny district fit into both county and statewide policies. I was deeply impressed by her depth and breadth of knowledge, her clear and concise answers, and her kindness and respect.

Fast forward to the present day and Lisa Gambee is now running for Wasco County Board of Commissioners Position 1. I have read her responses to questions in the S. Wasco County Times and again her depth and breadth of knowledge and extensive preparation surpasses others.

Within her role as Clerk and as a resident of Tygh Valley, Lisa has worked with citizens in The Dalles and all of the smaller communities throughout our county. She understands and shares our concerns regarding the lack of affordable housing, increasing economic diversity in our smaller communities, wildfire threat and aging infrastructure (particularly water systems). Lisa has concrete solutions to these concerns should she be elected. For me, the choice is clear. I hope you will join me in voting for Lisa Gambe for Wasco Co Commissioner Position 1 in May.

Julie Whetzel

Maupin

Guarantees?

I hope the county got personal guarantees on the (Cascade?) Commons. If not, and she can’t get the needed financing, they could end up owning a derelict property that’s way over-priced. This could force the county to do what the city ended up doing on the old Tony’s Building after they bought the property but wouldn’t support an apartment developer and they ended up having to pay to demolish a derelict property that now sits empty. Or do what the Port of Cascade Locks did in their Industrial Park by investing in, building and owning a property without a tenant or owner. Any commercial leaseback needs to be thoroughly vetted and carefully done to assure the county and Urban Renewal District are well protected, and not be concluded without assurances that the additional financing and development will take place.

Gary Rains

Parkdale

Bond essential for water safety

We have great access to water all around the Columbia Gorge. As a former coordinator of an open water lifeguard program on the Clackamas and Sandy rivers, I know that strong swimming skills start with swim lessons in a pool.

If the levy is not passed, our essential community recreation programs would close at the end of this summer. This would include reducing pool hours, resulting in less opportunities for everyone in our community — especially children — to gain valuable swimming experience. Growing up, I had the benefit of participating in our community swim lessons, swim team, soccer league and summer camps. Maintaining our community rec programs ensures this will remain available for kids today.

If the bond does not pass, the pool would close with a major system failure. We need to be a proactive community and invest in this resource before that becomes a reality.

Finally, let’s consider the economics of these ballot measures. For an average Hood River County home, the bond costs $160 per year and the levy $82 per year. If you divide that up per month, it totals about $20 per household.

We’re in a challenging time economically, but this is an opportunity to see a real tangible investment in our local community. I think an average of $20 per month is worth it. Passing both the levy and the bond would help ensure we have access to programs and facilities needed to give everyone in our community the opportunity for a healthy and active life. From my past experience as a lifeguard, I know that the swim lessons and water experience at the pool may just end up saving some lives.

Sean Rawson

Hood River

Osborne for HD52

One of the most troubling things about our culture today is how America has been split into two camps, based on political affiliation. If something bad happens for society, we blame the other side, and perhaps call them evil or foolish. This recent development has turned the property lines of friendly neighborhoods into border walls, keeping the enemy on the other side of the fence. It has left seats empty at Thanksgiving tables across the country, and it makes us weaker, less humane and less vital as a nation. I long for a return to a world in which we can agree to disagree and then share a beer and a brat and move on with being in community together, as Americans.

I met David Osborne about 10 years ago when he was teaching a class at the Mt. Hood Grange Hall called, “Building a bridge between difference.” In the class, David spoke about the importance of listening to one another, not with your mind conjuring how you might respond and be right, but rather to truly listen with a genuine desire to understand the other person. If you want someone in Salem who is able to truly hear you, value your experience, and bring a nuanced view to Salem, David Osborne is your representative. If you want someone who can work across the aisle with folks who may have a different perspective, David Osborne is your guy. I believe that this type of leadership is what we need more than anything to start moving the needle toward a kinder, gentler, more human world.

In addition to being able to work across the aisle, David also has a deep and abiding love for the natural environment of the Columbia Gorge and the people and creatures who live there. David is running because he heard legislators say that we had to pick between healthcare and education. He believes this is not an acceptable choice. David is wicked smart, has a huge heart, loads of experience working with others toward a common goal and has my confidence and support.

Janette Kaden

Corbett

For Sanders

I am excited to cast my vote for Hank Sanders to serve as my State Representative in House District 52.

Hank is energetic, intelligent and represents the next generation of young leaders that we sorely need in this state. He stands with those who are vulnerable, is committed to taking action on climate change, and knows what it’s like to work hard to pay the bills. I am confident that Hank will do all that he can to move our state in the right direction — away from big money and towards the needs of working people. I encourage you to join me in casting a vote for Hank Sanders for HD 52.

Vicky Stifter

Hood River

Also for Sanders

Among the four Democratic candidates for House District 52, Hank Sanders stands out. At 25 years old, Hank will bring a new voice and new ideas to the Democratic Party and to the Oregon legislature and show younger voters that they have a stake in a political system that too often seems broken.

After launching a promising journalistic career outside the state, Hank realized that Oregon is where his heart is and decided to invest his future here. He is dedicated not only to preserving the state’s natural allure but also to making it more economically attractive to the young people we need to build a stronger economy for us all. (Oregon now has the oldest population in the West — not a good omen for the future.)

Rather than vague general pledges Hank has specific ideas for what he wants to accomplish in the legislature, actions we can take regardless of who controls the federal government. These include giving tax credits to child care workers to help make child care more plentiful and affordable; a state-sponsored “home hardening” program to help reduce wildfire insurance costs; and a state agency to assist Oregonians in navigating an increasingly complicated Medicare system that can prevent people from getting the care to which they are entitled. Such measures illustrate his practical approach to government, and they would benefit all of us, not just younger people.

Hank Sanders is the type of person that Democrats want to see more of in our political system. I invite you to join me in voting for him as the Democratic candidate for House District 52.

Buck Parker

Odell

Vote for Biechler

In our divided times, we are fortunate to have to many people willing to run for the nonpartisan positions of Wasco County Commissioners. This is an opportunity to elect the most qualified candidates without worrying about party affiliation, simply who will do the best job to represent all of us.

Listening to local interviews of candidates, I was impressed with Nichole Biechler’s ability to cross party lines. During that podcast, Nichole constantly reminded us that it is important to ensure that all interested parties have a seat at the table. Nichole is a fourth-generation resident of Wasco County. She lives and works here and is the single parent of two young children who are enrolled in our public school system.

Because of her work with Wasco County, NORCOR, and MCEED (where she serves on the budget committee), Nichole is very familiar with the budgeting process. I was especially interested in her comments regarding investing Google money for long-term growth — understanding that Google is under no obligation not to dismantle the structures that currently provide taxes. She also understands that grants are not sustainable funding, but simply a Band-Aid. She readily admits that she does not have all the answers. However, she also understands that collaboration is essential if we are to move forward and, because of her career, she understands how to identify the parties that should be involved.

When I was a teacher at Wahtonka High School, I had the privilege of getting to know Nichole as a student. She was hard working, kind, intelligent and open to the point of view of others. She participated in both softball and volleyball, and volunteered as a softball coach for community service hours. Nichole has always had a deep understanding of the definition of community and what a public servant stands for.

I believe that her insights as well as her spirit of collaboration and sense of integrity will encourage you to join me in voting for a woman who is rooted in the community, and who is committed to working for all of us for a stronger future.

Mary Beth Thouvenel

The Dalles

Yes to levy

Community Education will end in September if the Hood River Parks and Rec Levy does not pass. Programs like youth sports, summer camps, dance, chess, and rocketry — serving more than 3,000 local kids and adults — will disappear. These programs help kids build social, leadership, and cooperation skills that last a lifetime.

My kids participated in Community Ed sports 30 years ago, and now my grandchildren are thriving in these same activities. This is a program that connects generations.

The Parks and Recreation Levy (33 cents per $1,000 of assessed value) also maintains the Indian Creek Trail, pickleball courts, and 74 acres of parks that our whole community uses and cherishes.

Please join me in voting YES on May 19 to protect our parks and keep Community Education alive for future generations.

Nancy Johanson Paul

Hood River

Imagine a better world

We just sent four humans out in space farther than any have gone before. For this, we should feel proud and energized. It’s exciting to do bold and courageous things. Sadly though, this administration is more about the visuals, the power, the being first and the conquering, more than the scientific research that comes from all the tax dollars we spend on space research. The Trump administration has cut NASA’s budget by 50-68% and while they are still pushing for flashy moon landings and trips to Mars, the science that these missions can deliver-science that can help us solve huge problems we have right here on Earth, have been drastically reduced. Approximately 10,000 scientists have left the government by choice or by cuts because politics have interfered with the work they were doing. The brain drain we now have in our country should alarm all people as we have some very big Earthly problems — climate change leading to drought, wild fires, flooding, ocean warming, massive storms and extinctions, to name a few, that require these scientist’s brainpower to solve. Meanwhile, this administration that some of us elected to bring down costs and stay out of foreign wars, has done none of that. The amount we have spent already on the Iran war of choice alone (a war most likely waged at this time to distract from the Epstein Files) could have provided preschool for every child in the USA, fed, housed and paid for healthcare for countless numbers of people. But for important things like that, we don’t have the money ... Who makes these decisions? Why are we accepting them so easily? People of conscience regardless of party affiliation must stand together against this cruel, chaotic and dangerous regime! If you can’t see it, I’m sorry, you aren’t looking in the right place! “Imagine all the people, living life in peace! Yoohoo!” — John Lennon

Sarah Bellinson

Hood River

Support Ukraine, not Iran War

The more than $40 billion already spent on the Iran war, endorsed by Washington state’s only two Republican U.S. Representatives, Dan Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner, has only made our world’s democracies much more vulnerable.

Instead, that money should have been spent on Ukraine’s war effort against Russia that’s made our world’s democracies much less vulnerable.

Norm Luther

Spokane

Former Gorge resident

Vote Osborn

Democratic voters in Oregon House District 52 have a unique opportunity in the May primary to choose an outstanding candidate — David Osborn. David has a progressive vision for Oregon that honors several important values important to people in the Columbia Gorge and Mount Hood communities. Among these are affordable housing, a well-funded public education, environmental and climate enhancement, protection of our public lands, and equal access to health care. David’s vision differs markedly from those who see these as competing interests for limited state funding. He is committed to reversing the loss of billions of dollars in state revenue due to the Trump administration’s funding cuts. David’s pathway to state financial health includes tax fairness — ensuring that the wealthiest Oregonians pay their fair share for the common good. David knows how to tap into the enormous social capital in our Gorge and Mount Hood communities. From his experiences in community organizing, teaching, leading nonprofit organizations, and serving as a school board member he has the insight that people working together can build a society that works for everyone.

John Christensen

Corbett

Vote Rasmussen

I had the privilege of serving with Dawn Rasmussen on the North Wasco County School Board, where I saw firsthand the kind of leadership our communities need. Dawn is kind, positive, and energetic, with a genuine commitment to listening and bringing people together. She’s not a career politician — she’s a small business owner, a communicator, and a servant leader who understands the realities of rural Oregon. Whether she’s advocating for students, supporting Native American communities, or simply showing up and doing the work, Dawn leads with integrity and heart.

Dawn believes that being a “Representative” is a responsibility, not a title. She is focused on practical, people-centered solutions and is committed to steady, honest leadership over political theater. She cares deeply about the livability of rural Oregon and the future of our communities. In a time when trust in government feels strained, Dawn offers something refreshingly human: accountability, respect, and a willingness to listen. I encourage voters to support Dawn Rasmussen in the May Democratic primary for Congress District 2.

Rebecca Thistlethwaite

The Dalles