This content was published: February 5, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Rep. Smith to host town hall this coming Sunday
Photos and story by Dana Haynes
Rep. Jefferson Smith has a town hall slated for this weekend. You should go.
It’s 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, in the Multipurpose room of the East Portland Community Center, 740 SE 106th Ave.
The House member, who is in his freshman year, also shared an anecdote in a recent newsletter, which I wanted to share.
Last Friday I voiced the only “nay” vote in the judiciary committee on a bill I wasn’t ready to send to the floor with unanimity. The committee only heard from folks on one side – all of them representing the management view. Alphabetically I vote last before the chairs. After listening to all my colleagues vote “aye,” I explained that I might well vote in favor the bill on the floor, but I worried that a unanimous yes vote would largely eliminate future scrutiny from other members. So, with more nervousness than I expected, I cast my ‘nay’ voice vote. As a colleague and friend said afterward, “it’s a lonely feeling.” Truer words.
Being a lawmaker is not for the frail of nerve. You gotta respect that.
dana
About Dana Haynes
Dana Haynes, joined PCC in 2007 as the manager of the Office of Public Affairs, directing the college's media and government relations. Haynes spent the previous 20 years as a reporter, columnist and editor for Oregon newspapers, including ... more »