OSU-Cascades students host secretary of state forum
Many people know this is a presidential election year, but some of Oregon’s most important positions are also up for election. OSU Cascades hosted a forum Thursday featuring the three Democratic candidates for Secretary of State.
The event was special for two reasons: It was the candidates’ first forum on this side of the Cascades, and it was completely organized and orchestrated by students.
“I’m kind of excited and nervous” said one of the student organizers, Jesse Bodensteiner. “And I think it’ll be interesting no matter what, because we managed to get the three candidates to come here, and that’s kind of a milestone in itself.”
Bodensteiner is one of 11 students in a local and state politics class. This forum became their big project this semester, so they took the reins and orchestrated the entire night.
First the candidates were able to introduce themselves and share their experience.
“I’ve been in the Legislature 20 years, about half that time on (the) Rules and Elections (Committee) both as a vice-chair and chair, so I understand elections laws backwards and forwards,” said state Sen. Richard Devlin.
“And I’ve been on (the) Ways and Means (Committee) for 11 years, and now the co-chair of Ways and Means for the last six years, so I certainly understand budgets and audits,” Devlin added.
The three then answered questions and addressed concerns.
“Central Oregon understands we need to have progressive policies put into place protecting our environment, having fair and open elections, holding corporations accountable,” said state Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian.
The forum wrapped up with each candidate making their final pitch on why they should be elected secretary of state.
“The bottom line is, my background is someone with private sector experience, a mother with two children, someone that cares deeply about education, someone who loves this state and who would be honored to serve as the next secretary of state,” said state Rep. Val Hoyle.
The students kept the evening running smoothly and on time.
“These students did such a phenomenal job,” Hoyle said later.
The class instructor agreed.
“They would all get an A, absolutely,” said political science instructor and former state Representative Judy Stiegler. “Not a single one of them dropped the ball on this at all.”
Three other candidates have filed for the position: Republicans Sid Leiken and Dennis Richardson, and Independent Party candidate Paul Damian Wells. We’ll no doubt here much more from all of them before the primary election ballots are counted on May 17.
