Friday, July 29, 2022
News & Notes
Candidates for Oregon Governor participate in debate
   Gubernatorial candidates Christine Drazan, Betsy Johnson, and Tina Kotek answered questions from a media panel and from each other today.
   The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association hosted the debate where the candidates talked about the urban and rural divide, education, gun legislation, climate change, abortion, attracting and retaining businesses, taxes, housing, homelessness, and more.
   WEA Board member and Pamplin Media President Mark Garber moderated the program.
   To watch a recording of the debate, click here.
Westside Golf Scramble is a smashing success
   WEA members, colleagues, and clients gathered on the fairways and greens of Langdon Farms Golf Club on Monday for the organization's annual fundraiser.
   The Westside Golf Scramble had a full field of 144 golfers, and there were 44 sponsors recognized.
   Awards were given to the first, second, and third place teams.
   The first place award went to PacTrust's team of Sam Briggs, Tyler McClaughry, Kidder Matthews' David Hill, and Holman Auto Group's Sven Wood.
   Kaiser Permanente's Shane Grove, Greg U'Ren, Russel Consulting Group's Jim Russel, and USI's Kevin Scott took second, and third went to Otak's Tim Leavitt and Trubridge Wealth Advisors' Jake Easterly, Thomas Hoover, and Chad Martindale.
   Thank you again to all who participated.
   Click here to see some of the snapshots of Monday's event.
Blosser to fill role at PGE from retiring Robertson
   Former WEA Board member Dave Robertson from Portland General Electric (PGE) celebrated his retirement this week.
   Robertson has been with PGE for 18 years and served as its vice president of Public Affairs.
   Nik Blosser will fill the role at PGE as its vice president of Public Policy, Government Affairs, and Communications.
   Blosser has significant political and community building experience.
   He recently served on the Biden-Harris presidential transition team and as chief of staff and Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the Office of Cabinet Affairs at the White House.
   Blosser also served as chief of staff for Oregon Governor Kate Brown where he led the day-to-day management of the state’s executive branch, and he developed and negotiated key policies and practices for the administration.
   In 2015, while in the private sector, Blosser co-founded Renew Oregon, the organization that supported clean energy policy that ultimately led to the coal-to-clean legislation in 2015.
Odds & Ends
  • West Linn has named John Williams as its city manager. Williams has served in the role as an interim before. To read more, click here.

  • Washington County is looking for volunteers to serve on its advisory boards and commissions. Click here to learn more.

  • The County is also hosting an online open house/survey about a Transit Development Plan. Click here to learn more.

  • Congratulations to the City of Wilsonville and its national distinction as a walk-friendly city.
Events coming up
Wed. 8/10 at 7:30 a.m. The WEA Transportation Committee will meet. All members are welcome to attend.

Wed. 8/17 at 12:00 p.m. The WEA Land Use & Housing Committee will meet. All members are welcome to attend.

Wed. 8/24 at 7:30 a.m. the WEA Board of Directors will meet.