Tyrone Reitman's blog

We're pleased to announce that Jack Roberts, former State Labor Commissioner, and current Executive Director of the Lane Metro Partnership has joined Healthy Democracy Oregon's Advisory Board.

Roberts brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of Oregon politics to an already stellar Advisory Board, and is looking forward to making a positive contribution to the CIR project.

The staff and board of Healthy Democracy Oregon heartily welcomes Fred Neal as the newest member of the HDO Advisory Board.  

Neal has held various government-related positions in Oregon over a 32-year period. He retired in July 2006 as campaign finance manager for the Oregon Secretary of State's Office, Elections Division, a position he held for 11 years.

For Immediate Release

A Win for Oregon Voters: How Everyday Citizens are being Re-Engaged in the Initiative Process

Salem - On June 26^th, 2009, Governor Kulongoski signed HB 2895, which allows statements, from a Citizens' Initiative Review panel to be printed in the 2010 Voter's Pamphlet. This encourages public participation and gives voters another perspective to draw upon when casting their ballot.

The Citizens' Initiative Review will engage a representative panel of 24 Oregonians in a public review of a statewide measure on the ballot. Registered voters are selected randomly from across the state to participate in the panel. They will come together and spend several days hearing balanced testimony, asking questions and deliberating on the pros and cons of the initiative. The panelists then develop a "citizens' statement" that is published as a prominent new page in the Oregon voters' pamphlet.