Governor Tina Kotek, the surprise special guest at our annual summer fundraiser, "Wine in the Garden" arrived to a standing ovation from the Jackson County Democrats on August 3rd. The Governor attended alongside her wife, Oregon's first lady, Aimee Wilson. Governor Kotek gave an inspirational address and stayed afterward to visit with our guests.
But Governor Kotek was not the only statewide leader participating in Wine in the Garden this year. Dr. Rosa Colquitt, the chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon, served as our key note speaker.
Jackson County's own, Oregon State Representative Pam Marsh (whose district covers Southern Jackson County) spoke about the positive accomplishments from the recent historic Oregon legislative session.
If you were able to attend or make a donation that evening, please consider making a donation to the Jackson County Democrats. You are invited to use the ActBlue link: https://secure.actblue.com/
You can also donate by sending a check to:
Jackson County Democrats
PO Box 4474
Medford, OR 97501
Please include your address and occupation (or state retired if you're not employed) for campaign finance regulations.
If you would like to view photos from the event, please visit photographer Dasja Dolan's gallery at:
https://www.dasjadolan.com/
2024 may be five months away, but the Neighborhood Leader Program (NLP) is already getting ready to get out the vote for the May 21 Primary and Nov. 5 General Election.
Neighborhood Leaders from around the state will join Sen. Jeff Merkley for a special kickoff event on Wednesday, Sept. 20 via Zoom, at 6 pm. Current and past NLs are invited to attend â and anyone else who is interested in helping turn out the Blue Vote next year.
Jackson County NLP has about 200 NLs who call on fellow Democrats every election to ask them to turn in their ballots. Most NLs will tell you itâs an easy and fulfilling way to make a difference â and to feel a sense of agency. Contact us to find out more! Send an email to NLP@jcdemocrats.org.
A Close look at the numbers . . .
How can we help Democrats in Jackson County win the big races?
Letâs take a look at voter registration numbers so we can better understand what weâre up against. As you can see in the chart below, in order to win these big races in our area of the state (state legislative districts, county commission, and Congress), we canât depend solely on Democrats.
Source: Oregon Secretary of State.
Weâve got a plan . . . Will you step up to help?
The Jackson County Democratic Party is looking at three principal strategies to address this structural disadvantage: 1) continue to improve turnout by registered Democrats, 2) conduct outreach to non-affiliated and Independent Party voters, and 3) build our bench of qualified candidates. This work is challenging and time-consuming â and essential. If youâd like to help, send a note to David Sours at Chair@jcdemocrats.org.
Help us Build the Bench . . .
In the meantime, one way everyone can help is by encouraging competent people we know to run for the offices that often get overlooked: county assessor, county surveyor, city councils, Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation District Board, and Precinct Committee Persons (PCPs). These people make decisions that affect our lives, directly or indirectly. Letâs elect people we trust!
And who is someone competent, whom we might trust? Perhaps itâs you!
Nowâs the time to step up!
Weâre grateful anytime someone offers their services to the party. However, from past experience we know that the earlier someone expresses interest, the better we can match them with a job theyâll find fulfilling. To compete effectively in the 2024 election, we need committed volunteers NOW to help us get ready.
Therefore, if youâve been thinking about contacting us, please consider doing it now. Letâs have a conversation about your interests and whatâs needed to help pave the way to a successful 2024.
Here are some volunteer opportunities weâd like to call your attention to:
Database management
Database entry
Volunteer coordination
Planning for our next office (real estate knowledge would be especially helpful)
To discuss these or other opportunities (and there are many more not listed above), send an email to David Sours at Chair@jcdemocrats.org.
The 2023 legislative session delivered successfully on the priorities that matter most to Oregonians. Under Democratic leadership, and in spite of the 6-week walkout by many Republican senators that weâve all heard about, progress was made on many fronts that we will highlight in coming issues of this newsletter.
First and foremost was the progress made to address homelessness and housing affordability. As a result of the legislatureâs work, local organizations will be able to rapidly rehouse 133 households in Jackson County and set up 67 additional shelter beds in Ashland and Medford. Meanwhile, funding is available to support street outreach programs to assist at-risk populations, while 385 low-income households will be able to avoid losing their homes thanks to funding under the Oregon Eviction Diversion and Prevention Program.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Find out more about the accomplishments of our Democratic representatives. As Jackson County Democrats, weâre proud that our local and state parties have been laser focused on uplifting all Oregonians during these turbulent times.
The City of Ashland has openings on the Housing and Human Services Commission, the Wildfire Safety Commission, the Climate Policy Commission and more! More information on the City of Ashland Commission Vacancies.
The City of Medford has openings on the Commission on Access, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Housing Advisory Commission, the Planning Commission, the Police Advisory Committee and more! More information on the City of Medford Committee and Commission Vacancies!
Follow the Jackson County Democrats on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
PO BOX 4474, Medford, OR 97501 | 541-858-1050 | jcdemocrats.org
Jackson County Democrats
PO BOX 4474
Medford, OR 97501
United States
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