July 17, 2026 Newsletter
I am honored to serve as your Washington County Commissioner Elect for District 2.
15,052 votes decided this race. I won with 51.3% of the vote and am so appreciative of every vote. Every door mattered. Every donation mattered.
The race was called on a Friday, and then that evening I hopped on a plane to Costa Rica. It was one of the most relaxing trips of my life, mostly because I was exhausted from knocking over 2,400 doors! I read, I floated in the ocean, and I ate delicious food. It was a wonderful way to reset after the nonstop campaign season.
Now I’m excited to be home enjoying a quiet summer, somewhat rested, and preparing to take office in January.
Learning about Robert’s Rules
I am so appreciative of Oregon Future’s Lab who recently hosted a tutorial on Robert’s Rules, which, like many elected bodies, the Washington County Board of Commissioners uses to conduct business meetings.
I wish I had this training years ago. It was such a helpful breakdown! How can I master the game if I don’t master the rules first? Here are a few definitions that are super helpful, especially if you are new to this. You’d be surprised how often Robert’s Rules are used. I hope this helps you in your journey!
Point of Order - Asking about the process. A matter raised during consideration of a motion concerning the rules of Parliamentary Procedure. Sometimes it’s to hold the chair or others accountable to the rules. Such as if someone’s topic isn’t germane, or they are speaking out of turn, etc. Fun fact: You may interrupt the speaker and you do not need to be called upon.
Point of Information - A brief allowable question to the speaker for information. You can interrupt the speaker.
Point of Personal Privilege - A specific need that can take precedent over most things
A motion to say things like “I can’t hear the speaker.” Fun fact: Another place that interruptions are allowed.
See you Sunday?
Sunday is the campaign kick-off for the wonderful Ivette Pantoja. I’ve known Ivette for years in her role as Board Member, and current Chair, of the Hillsboro School Board. Ivette is deeply committed to Hillsboro. She started her small business here, creating 13 family-supporting jobs. I am looking forward to cheering her on. Hope to see you there too on Sunday in downtown Hillsboro!
Meet my friend Rachel!
I hope you will join me at 10 am on August 9th to help my friend Rachel Philip kick-off her campaign for Beaverton City Council. Campaign kick-offs are great opportunities to get to know the candidates and other leaders as well. Plus this one will have popsicles!
Rachel has extensive experience at the City serving on the Budgt Committee and the Neighborhood Association Committee. She is a mom of two and an advocate for public transit. She is also deeply devoted to speaking directly to voters. She knocked over 3,000 doors in the most recent election cycle! She meets voters where they are, taking the time to listen and learn from their perspectives. RSVP here.
Beaverton Pride
I’ve seen this event grow year after year. Huge congratulations to the organizers! For several years I was part of the parade as a member of the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District Board, but this year I actually got to watch and enjoy the parade, and it was delightful!
Your Tax Dollars at Work in District 2
I appreciated this recent article highlighting how the Metro affordable housing bond helped fund The Opal, an affordable housing community geared toward adults 55+ in the Cedar Mill area of Washington County.
The housing crisis is felt deeply in Washington County. As I knocked on doors for my campaign, the people I spoke with brought it up again and again. So it is nice to read about some of the amazing work that’s being done to support low-income residents.
Events in District 2 and Beyond
7/17: Aloha Thrifty Night Market
7/28: Women’s Foundation of Oregon Research Focus Group - Beaverton/Hillsboro
7/29: THPRD’s KPOP Summer Bash at Parivar Park
July and August: Concerts in the Round
The Next Six Months
While I don’t get sworn in until January 4th, and I’m back full time at my current job, I hope to spend the next few months learning as much as reasonably possible so I can hit the ground running in 2027. Two areas that I’m especially committed to learning more about are affordable housing and criminal justice. I’ve been very lucky to do some work in both areas, but I have a lot more to learn. If this is an area you are knowledgeable about or have an idea of someone you think I should get coffee with, I am all ears! Please get in touch.