May 2011 Newsletter

Greetings I'm Jorden Leonard, Executive Director of the Portland Green Party.

Don't forget to VOTE!!! Special election, if you got the mail.  Drop off ballots by tomorrow.

This last 27th we had our April member's meeting and open work
meeting.  We adopted a bylaw change to our official name from Portland
Metro Pacific Green Party to Portland Green Party instead of it just
being an AKA.  I introduced two new campaign ideas for our party, one
around energy and one around created a library district.  See minutes here.

This month on the 25th at People's, Oregonians for Renewable Energy
Policy with be presenting from 7:45 to 8:15 just after our member's
meeting.  My hope is that this will initiate the beginnings of an
active campaign on our part.  I believe we have the technology and the
will to stop using nuclear energy and stop burning fossil fuels.  I
see Portland and Oregon as a perfect place for a campaign to build.

The Multnomah County Library is looking at switching into a library
district, which to my understanding would be a great decision all
around.  If the County doesn't put it on the ballot in November I see
great advantage in the Green Party starting a campaign to get it on
the ballot in 2012.  Portland loves the library and we might be able
to do something to help.

We are also exploring a forest protection campaign, but are not ready
to introduce any specifics yet.  Though anyone interested in helping
out is as always invited to get in touch with me.

It's getting to that time where we should start thinking about state
and local candidates for office.  The Portland Green Party can
endorse, while the Pacific Green Party, the state party nominates
candidates.  If you or someone you know wants to run for office, let
me know and I can see what we can do.

Our public financing campaign (VOE) is moving along.  We've collected
over a thousand signatures so far.  This is far short of what we need,
but shows that momentum is building.  And the campaign will be ready
to take full advantage when our volunteer program begins its mass
outreach.

I've appointed T Oliver as liaison between the Portland Greens and the
State Party.  I hope that he succeeds in his goal to join the State
Coordinating Committee during the upcoming convention in June.  He has
my full support and I expect he will be of great value in facilitating
coordination between the State and Local Party in registering the
voters with need to stay on the ballot.

So come on down to People's Coop community room on the 25th for our members meeting and meet and greet.  3029 SE 21st Avenue, 7-8 members meeting/8-9 work meeting.  See proposed agenda here.  Anyone who is a member of the Coop and is thinking they can make it please let me know.

Enjoy the weather.