politics

SOLD OUT. Members, please email amy@pdxcityclub.org or call 503-228-7231 x110 to put your name on the waiting list. Members and non-members alike are invited to join us in the general admission seating, available first come/first served on the day of the event.

ARRIVE EARLY Doors open at 11:00 AM Redistricting Report debate and vote, 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM.

In 2010, as he stepped into his unprecedented third term as Oregon’s Governor, John Kitzhaber quickly set in motion plans to transform state delivery of education and health care, while promising economic growth and job creation.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2012-01-13 Kitzhaber MP3.MP3

Congressman David Wu’s August, 2011 resignation opened the door to challengers in one of Oregon’s most dynamic political regions: Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. Whoever wins the January special election will no doubt face a daunting task: representing a demographically and economically diverse district in a Congress facing public opinion ratings at an all-time low.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2012-01-06 CD1 Debate MP3.MP3

Congressman David Wu’s August resignation opened the door to challengers for one of Oregon’s most dynamic political regions: Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. The unique character of this district — with its urban and rural areas, increasingly high-tech economy and growing racial and ethnic diversity — means that the challenges facing the district often directly reflect the nation’s most pressing issues.

On October 7, candidates Brad Avakian, Suzanne Bonamici and Brad Witt will debate for the right to represent 1st District Democrats in January’s special election. Candidates will answer tough questions about how best to lift the nation out of its economic doldrums; tackle a growing national debt; deal with threates to national security; and more.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-10-07 CD1 Dem Primary Debate MP3.mp3

Though opinions may differ on how to get there, Oregonians largely share a long-term vision for the state. Most agree that Oregonians deserve affordable health care, and jobs that allow them to support themselves and their families; that students deserve educators and materials that encourage learning; and that teachers should have the time and resources to teach.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-03-04 John Kitzhaber MP3.mp3

Despite its accomplishments in areas such as alternative transportation, sustainability and attracting a creative class, Portland still struggles with some fundamental challenges such as joblessness and underemployment; chronic educational under-achievement; and inequality of opportunity. Portland must address these long-standing issues in order to succeed in the intense global competition of the 21st century.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-02-18 State of the City MP3.mp3

Oregon’s initiative system is an integral part of the state’s political process, providing recourse to Oregonians when legislators are unwilling to take action on critical issues. But making law by ballot leaves few opportunities for effective compromise, often negatively impacts the state’s financial health and sometimes burdens the constitution with essentially statutory material.

Audio (play now or download): 

2009.03.27 CC copy.mp3

With a $1.3 billion budget and 4,500 employees who serve over 725,000 residents, the Multnomah County government pulls a lot of weight. The county oversees a massive library system and six Willamette River bridges; it also provides mental health and addiction treatment, health care, education assistance and other services that help vulnerable populations. All of these are substantial responsibilities, especially when attempting to accommodate the passionate opinions local residents hold on these topics.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-02-04 State of the County MP3.mp3

Every ten years following the U.S. Census, the Oregon Legislature sets about redistricting – the often controversial process of redrawing state and federal legislative district lines. If Oregon’s Legislature fails to develop an adequate redistricting plan – as has been the case through most of the twentieth century – the responsibility for proposing new districts defaults to the Secretary of State.

On January 7, City Club welcomes Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown, who will share her thoughts on whether the Legislature will successfully fulfill its constitutional redistricting obligations in 2011. Secretary Brown will also articulate her larger vision and agenda for the Secretary of State’s Office in the coming year. Finally, she will describe Oregon’s elections process, including vote-by-mail, and will explain why she believes it to be a model for other states.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2011-01-07 Redistricting.mp3

City Club’s debate season comes to a close with a U.S. senatorial debate between incumbent Democratic Senator Ron Wyden and his Republican opponent Jim Huffman.

On October 22, City Club welcomes these two U.S. Senate candidates for their final pre-election debate. The candidates will elucidate their positions on issues including tax cuts, health care, the environment, jobs and the economy.

Audio (play now or download): 

FF Audio 2010-10-22 Wyden Huffman debate.mp3