Readers respond: Judging a woman who chooses abortion denies her humanity, individuality
The Oregonian

“Abortion is, in fact, a medical procedure that an estimated 1 in 4 women in the U.S. have undergone…. It is a procedure that allows women to better parent the children they already have, to raise those children to fulfill their potential. It is a procedure that allows women to finish their education so they can be productive and fulfill their own potential…. It is not for me or anyone else to judge or second-guess another woman’s reproductive decisions.”

FYI: At a time when right-wing extremists are stigmatizing Oregonians who need access to safe, legal abortion, this guest column demonstrates the compassionate care that everyone deserves. Goesch, who lives in Portland and volunteers as a abortion patient support person, has supported more than 250 patients and details the importance of her work. As she writes, “to judge the woman who chooses abortion is to deny her humanity, her individuality, her human intelligence.”

OCPP names Alejandro Queral new Executive Director
OCPP

“The Oregon Center for Public Policy, the state’s leading public policy think tank, has selected Alejandro Queral as its new Executive Director. He brings a long record of advancing economic justice and equity in Oregon through various roles in the advocacy and philanthropic community. “I am deeply honored for the opportunity to lead the Center, an organization whose work has never been more vital,” said Queral. “I look forward to working with our talented staff, supporters, and partner organizations to advance public policies that will allow all Oregonians to thrive.” Queral comes to the Center after serving as Director of Community Investments for United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.”

FYI: Queral has also served in roles at the Northwest Health Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Multnomah County Health Department, and the Oregon Public Health Advisory Board. He starts at the end of the month.

Vote to maintain Oregon’s sanctuary status
Newberg Graphic

“We hope voters wisely retain Oregon’s sanctuary status. It’s the best thing to do for immigrants. It’s the best thing to do for law enforcement officers. It’s the best thing to do for all of us. This is not a new-fangled notion: Our state has maintained a sanctuary law since 1987. The Legislature that year passed Oregon Revised Statute 181.850, which prohibits law enforcement officers at the state, county or municipal level from enforcing federal immigration laws that target people based on their race or ethnic origin, when those individuals are not suspected of any criminal activities.”

FYI: The Newberg Graphic joins the Statesman Journal and The Oregonian in urging a no on Measure 105, which would repeal our commonsense sanctuary law. The editorial is partially behind a Pamplin paywall, but the piece closes with this line: “We just hope common sense and the perspective of the law enforcement community trump — pun intended — fear-mongering.”

Portland Measure to Cap Campaign Contributions Will Be on the November Ballot
Willamette Week

“The measure, called the Fair Elections/Clean Governance Charter Amendment, would prohibit contributions from corporations, and limit contributions from individuals and political committees to $500 per candidate. It would apply to all city positions including mayor, city commissioners, and city auditor. ”

FYI: Portland residents will now see clean energy and campaign finance measures on their November ballot in addition to statewide measures. Metro-area voters will also see the affordable housing bond on their ballot.