Linn Dems meet April 4 over chili in Lebanon
Legislative session wrapup
A big night for Biden
Sen. Manning's talk to Linn Dems postponed until May 2 State Sen. James Manning, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State in the May 21 Primary Election, was scheduled to speak to the Linn County Democrats on March 7, but had to postpone because of commitments in the legislative that is drawing to a close. Aide Matt Keating filled on for Manning on Zoom from Eugene. Manning's talk to the Linn County Dems has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 2. 2024 Neighborhood Leader LaunchMore than 80 people turned out Feb. 2 for the 2024 Linn-Benton Neighborhood Leader Launch at Albany Public Library. The evening included food, fun (a not-so-easy U.S. political quiz with many bags of prizes for those with correct answers and close guesses) and a forward look to the 2024 campaign season. The Neighborhood Leaders will have twice-a-month Zoom meetings, starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12. A number of candidates will be included each of those weeks, and the group will continually hone the question "How do we frame our narrative?" said Linn County Neighborhood Leader Nancy Greenman, who emceed the launch. Former U.S. Rep Peter DeFazio, D-4th District, made a guest appearance via Zoom during Friday's event. "This is do or die for representative democracy in the United States of America," he said, noting that Donald Trump "wants to be a dictator" and the Trump campaign is much more organized this time around. "Any vote we can get anywhere in the United States of America will be critical." DeFazio noted that his Republican opponents always had bigger war chests. "I got outspent, but I won because of people like you" who knocked on doors and mounted other grassroots efforts. "I wish you good luck in 2024," he said. "Let's win in November and leave a great legacy for our kids and grandkids."
Lynn Peterson suspends CD5 campaignLynn Peterson, Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District, announced Feb. 20 that she has suspended her campaign. That leaves Janelle Bynum, Matthew Davie, Kevin Easton and Jamie McLeod-Skinner in the race for the Democratic nomination for CD5 in the May 21 Primary Election. Here is Peterson's statement issued in a Feb. 20 email: "After careful consideration and consultation with my loved ones, advisors, and supporters, I've made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Congress. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of Oregonians I've had the privilege to meet, and the more than 1,500 individuals who supported our campaign and contributed to safeguarding our democracy. Your dedication is deeply appreciated. "A special thanks to my dedicated staff and, most importantly, to my husband Mark for his unwavering love and support throughout this endeavor. Together, this intrepid team traversed thousands of miles across the state, attended well over 100 events, and most importantly: connected with countless Oregonians who share our passion for improving our community. "While I'm pausing my journey to Congress, I'm not stepping back from the fight for our community's future. I'm honored to continue serving as Metro President, leading the nation's only elected regional government: Metro's ongoing critical projects, especially the I-5 bridge replacement and affordable housing initiatives will help make a real, tangible impact for Oregonians. I know that my unique background in transportation engineering, urban planning, and public service, will help uplift Oregon. Despite this electoral setback, my commitment to making a positive impact on our community is stronger than ever. "I entered this race as the first Democrat because I was alarmed by the MAGA extremism of Lori Chavez-DeRemer and the Republican House Majority. Oregon's 5th District is pivotal to restoring sensible leadership to Washington, DC. "We can still accomplish this goal together. I'm proud of this movement and what we stand for and over the next few days, I'll introduce you to a few folks I met who deserve our attention and support. "Suspending my congressional campaign wasn't an easy decision, but I know it's the right one today. And while I won't be taking this work to Washington, DC in 2025, I'm more excited than ever to make a difference right here in Oregon." Warmly, Lynn Peterson A reflection on the vote As Oregon and the nation commemorate Black History Month 2024www.blackhistorymonth.gov/, and as we face what may be one of the most transformative elections in our lifetime, I am reminded of the words of the beloved Congressman John Lewis: “The vote is sacred...The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society and we must use it.” The history of Black Americans is deeply embedded in the fight for full access to the ballot box. From the turn of the twentieth century to present day, Black Americans have been on the frontlines of challenging discriminatory laws, defending voting rights, and fighting for social and racial justice. In 2024, as we celebrate Black History Month I am thinking about what the Black vote meant on a day like January 20, 2009, when millions in Washington, D.C., and throughout the world witnessed the inauguration of Barack Obama, America’s first Black president, and what that same vote could mean for Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025. Indeed, I reflect on that moment in 2009 when hope and change, and a belief in the promise of equality and dignity for all, were in the air. In a message from Democratic National Committee (DNC) Black Caucus Chair, Ms. Virgie M. Rollins, she said these words: “The Black Vote Continues to Make Democratic Black History.” She went on to say that America should never take the Black vote for granted, but should continue to celebrate our values, voices and votes as we continue to win elections, to deliver the winning margin in state legislatures, to shut down pundits by helping take control of the U.S. Senate and by organizing to save the presidency for America. For me, the essence of celebrating Black History Month is not only a way to recognize the resilience, achievements and contributions of Black Americans to all aspects of American life, but it is an important way to show respect for the continual fight by many Black Americans, in states across the nation, to protect the precious right to vote. May we all remember that it is a right that can never be taken for granted. Happy Black History Month 2024! Rosa Colquitt, PhD State Party Chair Democratic Party of Oregon Tobias Read: Candidate
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Preparing for freezing weather
In addition to the Linn County warming centers listed in the graphics below, here are the Albany warming centers and overnight shelters that were open during the icy stretch in January 2024 when temperatures stayed in the 20s:
Albany Warming Centers
• Albany First Christian Church Community Room, 432 Ferry St. S.W., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday and Tuesday) (541-974-2075).
• Albany Fire Station 11, Sixth and Lyon Street, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday).
• Second Chance Shelter, 1011 Jackson St. S.E. (daily) (541-791-3411).
Albany Overnight Shelters
• 2nd Chance Shelter, 1011 Jackson St. S.E., opened daily as an overnight shelter on a first-come, first-serve basis. Anyone staying overnight must check in by 8 p.m. (daily) (541-791-3411).
• Albany Helping Hands, 619 Ninth Ave. S.E., opened at 10:30 and closed at 5:30 a.m. (daily) . (541-926-4036).
• Calvary Chapel, 800 34th Ave. S.E. Opened at 4 p.m. (daily) Faith Hope Charity operated the temporary shelter and also provided 13 motel vouchers (541-602-5221).
Happy Holidays!
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