Deborah Kafoury ended her tenure this week as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives. During her years in Salem she was a fierce advocate for programs to combat domestic violence, to build affordable housing, and for economic policies designed to help lift communities out of poverty and neglect. These days serving as a public official brings little thanks and much criticism. Deborah deserves the thanks of the community for a job well done.
Since Liz and I are friends with Deborah (Liz and Deborah have been close friends since college and I worked for Portland City Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury) we’ve seen up close the long hours and hard work she has put into representing her House District. It is hard to believe but there were actually people who questioned during her first campaign if she would be a progressive enough voice. No one could question that now.
Two good candidates are running to replace Deborah. We’re backing our friend Tina Kotek. Tina took Liz’s job as the public policy director for Children First for Oregon when we moved. Before that she was defending hunger relief programs while serving on the staff of the Oregon Food Bank. Tina knows how Salem works and would quickly become regarded as one of the most effective legislators.
