CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTSThe Equality PAC does not make endorsements in all races. We issue endorsements in selected races where our support can make a critical difference, or when a candidate has a proven track record of supporting GLBT equality. Can’t find your district on our list? It can mean one of a few things: either no candidate filled out a questionnaire, or there was no compelling reason to endorse one candidate over another, or the race is uncontested, or this seat is not up for reelection this year. In other local races, we use a stoplight system to help you make your voting decisions. A “Green Light” means that the candidate is good on GLBT issues and has demonstrated some leadership on GLBT issues. A “Red Light” means that the candidate is an opponent of GLBT equality. Therefore, it is possible for multiple candidates in a race to get a “Green Light.” It is also possible that we may chose not to weigh in on a candidate or race at all. |
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Kate BrownSecretary of StateDuring 16 years of service in the Oregon State Legislature, Kate Brown has been a champion for all Oregon Families. In 2007, she led the charge to pass Oregon’s non-discrimination and domestic partnership laws. As Chair of the Senate Rules and Elections Committee, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to reforming and modernizing Oregon’s ballot measure process. Kate Brown is strongly qualified to serve as Oregon’s Secretary of State. |
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Kitty PiercyMayor of EugeneEugene Mayor Kitty Piercy has been a vocal champion for fairness and equality for all Oregon families for years. As a former three-term State Representative, she has a track record of leadership on some of the very toughest issues related to human rights. She has also won the endorsements of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood and organized labor. Most importantly, her opponent, Bush supporter Jim Torrey, didn’t hesitate to water down and exclude people from Eugene’s nondiscrimination ordinance. While he has tried hard to obscure his right-wing history, Torrey’s views have not evolved over time. We must elect Piercy this November! |
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Nick Kahl
House District 49 (Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village)
East County native Nick Kahl’s hard work in the primary paid off when he beat a tough opponent and won the chance to compete for the seat soon to be vacated by former Republican House Speaker Karen Minnis. Kahl, a law student at Lewis and Clark, is a dynamic community leader with a keen understanding of how to make change. Kahl has a deep connection to East County and understands what it takes to balance a budget, pay a living wage and provide affordable health care. www.nickkahl.com |
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Michele EberleHouse District 37 (West Linn, Tualatin)In two terms on the West Linn City Council, Michele Eberle has focused on education, transportation and land use issues, with a particular emphasis on government accountability. She is the executive director of Clackamas Women’s Services, a nonprofit agency, serving victims of domestic violence. Her opponent, incumbent Rep. Scott Bruun voted against Oregon’s domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws in 2007. It’s time to replace Bruun and elect Eberle this November. |
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Brad AvakianLabor CommissionerIn more than two terms in the Oregon Legislature, Brad Avakian championed equality legislation, including Oregon’s domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws. As Labor Commissioner, Avakian is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws that protect Oregonians from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. His background as a civil rights attorney makes him well-suited to lead Oregon’s Civil Rights Division. |
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Ben WestlundState TreasurerFormer Republican legislator Ben Westlund has cited the GOP’s opposition to equality as a major factor in his decision to switch his registration to Democrat in 2006. During the last session, Westlund was a strong supporter of Oregon’s anti-discrimination and domestic partnership laws. And in more than a decade of service in the Oregon Legislature, Westlund has played a key leadership role in the Ways and Means Committee—the budget committee. This large-scale public finance experience makes him uniquely qualified to serve as Oregon’s Treasurer. |
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John KrogerAttorney GeneralJohn Kroger first came to Oregon on a cross-country bike trip, fell in love with the state, and moved here. Since 2002, he has taught criminal law and legal philosophy at Portland’s Lewis & Clark Law School. He has twice won the Levenson award for teaching excellence, awarded by the graduating class. In 1999, Kroger received the Director’s Award for Outstanding Performance as an Assistant United States attorney from Attorney General Janet Reno. John was honored for his big trial victory over mafia capo and hitman Gregory Scarpa Jr. Kroger is highly qualified to serve as Oregon’s next Attorney General and he is committed to ensuring equality under the law for all Oregonians. |
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Kate BrownSecretary of StateDuring 16 years of service in the Oregon State Legislature, Kate Brown has been a champion for all Oregon Families. In 2007, she led the charge to pass Oregon’s non-discrimination and domestic partnership laws. As Chair of the Senate Rules and Elections Committee, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to reforming and modernizing Oregon’s ballot measure process. Kate Brown is strongly qualified to serve as Oregon’s Secretary of State. |
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Diane RosenbaumSenate District 21 (SE Portland)After serving five terms in the Oregon House of Representatives, Diane Rosenbaum is running unopposed in her campaign to take the State Senate seat vacated by Kate Brown. As chair of the XXX committee during the 2007 legislative session, Rosenbaum presided over many of the hearings for Oregon's domestic partnership and nondiscrimination laws, and helped shepherd both bills safely through the House. Rosenbaum has also been a legislative member of the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force, and President of the National Labor Caucus of State Legislators. Her priorities include achieving and maintaining equality for LGBT Oregonians, improving Oregon public schools, and protecting worker rights and a woman’s right to choose. |
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Jackie DingfelderSenate District 23 (NE Portland)After serving four terms in the Oregon House, Jackie Dingfelder won 87% of the vote in the Democratic Primary for the State Senate seat being vacated by Avel Gordly. A strong environmental advocate, Dingfelder is also a long-time advocate for the LGBT community who has vowed to defend the laws that protect all Oregonians from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. |
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Mitch GreenlickHouse District 33 (NW Portland)Representative Greenlick has had a long career in the health field and brings tremendous insight into health policy and finance to Salem. Rep. Greenlick is 100% committed to equity and fairness—he supported Oregon's domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws, and he will continue to work hard to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Oregon. |
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Nick KahlHouse District 49 (Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village)East County native Nick Kahl’s hard work in the primary paid off when he beat a tough opponent and won the chance to compete for the seat soon to be vacated by former Republican House Speaker Karen Minnis. Kahl, a law student at Lewis and Clark, is a dynamic community leader with a keen understanding of how to make change. Kahl has a deep connection to East County and understands what it takes to balance a budget, pay a living wage and provide affordable health care. |
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Mary NolanHouse District 36 (SW Portland)Representative Nolan has worked to improve Oregon schools, co-sponsored the Willamette Restoration Project and the Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program, defended a woman’s right to choose, and promoted sustainable economic growth. Representative Nolan believes that all Oregonians deserve equal treatment under the law. She is a strong supporter of Oregon's domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws. She has served since 2001 and has been a leader on the State’s powerful budget committee. |
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Carolyn TomeiHouse District 41 (Milwaukie)Representative Tomei, seeking her fifth term of office, has Chaired the House Human Services and Women’s Wellness Committee focusing her attention on women, children, low-income and vulnerable populations. She is a strong supporter of equality, and voted for Oregon's anti-discrimination and domestic partnership laws. |
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Jules Kopel-BaileyHouse District 42 (SE Portland)After winning his first campaign in a contested primary, Jules Kopel-Bailey is now unopposed in his race to represent inner-Southeast Portland. As an economist and sustainable development expert with ECONorthwest, Kopel-Bailey works at the intersection of economics, public policy, the environment and urban development. Kopel-Bailey will be a strong advocate for equality in the Oregon House. |
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Chip ShieldsHouse District 43 (N/NE Portland)Representative Shields is seeking his third term in office with a strong focus on criminal justice reform and ensuring Oregon’s voter-approved minimum wage remains intact. Through his counseling program Better People, Representative Shields has helped thousands of former criminal offenders stay off the streets by finding them good, meaningful jobs. Representative Shields has demonstrated throughout his career a strong commitment to making Oregon a fair and just place for all families. |
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Tina KotekHouse District 44 (N/NE Portland)A former policy director at Children First for Oregon, Rep. Kotek is a long-time advocate for fairness, equality and opportunity for all children and families in Oregon. In her first session in the Oregon House, Representative Tina Kotek oversaw the passage of historic LGBT equality legislation, making Oregon one of a handful of states that have passed equality legislation largely because of the work of out legislators. If re-elected, Tina will be the only out member of the Oregon Legislature. |
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Ben CannonHouse District 46 (SE Portland)During his first term, Portland educator Ben Cannon served as vice-chair of the House Committee on Energy and the Environment and a member of the House Committee on Health Care and the subcommittee on Education Innovation. Along with working to expand Oregon's bottle bill and increase our commitment to renewable energy, Rep. Cannon helped write Senate Bill 329, which created a blueprint for universal health care in Oregon, and he helped pass a robust education budget. Cannon believes that same-sex couples and individuals deserve all the protections and benefits as other citizens. |
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Mark HassSenate District 14 (SW Portland)Mark Hass is an Oregon State Senator from Washington County and Southwest Portland. He was named to the seat after Brad Avakian was appointed to lead the state Bureau of Labor and Industries. Previously, Hass served three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives, from 2001 to 2007. He is currently a member of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee and the Senate Government and Education committee. In addition, he serves as Senate Democratic Whip. During the 2005 legislative session, Hass voted in favor of Senate Bill 1000, a bill that would have created domestic partnerships and banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. |
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Suzanne BonamiciSenate District 17 (NW Portland and Washington Co.)Named Willamette Week's 2007 "Rookie of the Year" after her first term in the Oregon House, Suzanne Bonamici was appointed to the State Senate in May of 2008. Bonamici counts passing Oregon's domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws among her legislative victories, along with improvements to education and restrictions on predatory lenders. |
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Tobias ReadHouse District 27 (Beaverton)In his first term in the Oregon House in 2007, Tobias Read fought to bring a long term focus to Oregon’s government by creating a state savings account, advancing a comprehensive environmental agenda, and updating the Bottle Bill. He is running for his second term and has the wholehearted support of Basic Rights Oregon—he has been a fair and balanced member of the House, someone Oregon can count on to raise the level of discourse in Salem. |
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Jeff BarkerHouse District 28 (Aloha)Representative Jeff Barker has long worked in law enforcement, which has afforded him a valuable understanding of how the justice system works. This perspective, along with a proven commitment to women’s issues and equality, is much needed in Salem. Representative Barker will continue to provide a voice for equality and fairness in the Oregon House. |
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Chuck RileyHouse District 29 (Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro)A former code-breaker for the US Air Force as well as a small business-owner, Representative Chuck Riley sees the deterioration of Washington County schools as one of the biggest problems facing his district, and he intends to apply his long career of problem solving help fix it. Seeking his third term as Representative of House District 29, Representative Riley supports Oregon’s new non-discrimination and domestic partnership laws. |
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David EdwardsHouse District 30 (Hillsboro)Rep. David Edwards is completing his first term in the Oregon House, where he served on the Joint Ways & Means Committee during the 2007 legislative session. Edward is CEO of a market research consulting firm, and a homegrown community leader who has been active in local public schools and civic life for many years. Edwards supported Oregon’s domestic partnership and nondiscrimination bills, and he was the keynote speaker at Basic Rights Oregon’s “People of Faith” legislative breakfast. |
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Larry GalizioHouse District 35 (Tigard)An instructor of journalism and communications at Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus, Larry Galizio is seeking his third term as representative of House District 35. Rep. Galizio counts the passage of Oregon's domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws as among the great successes of the 2007 legislative session. |
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Chris GarrettHouse District 38 (Lake Oswego)Attorney Chris Garret is running to replace outgoing Representative Greg Macpherson. Active in local politics since he ran State Senator Richard Devlin's first campaign in 1996, Chris also devotes time to pro bono legal work and other volunteer causes, including the Oregon Food Bank and the Classroom Law Project, helping high school students learn about the legal system and the U.S. Constitution. A strong supporter of Oregon's domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws, Chris has vowed to "be as vocal as necessary" to support full equality for all Oregonians, which he believes is a basic and fundamental right. |
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Toby ForsbergHouse District 39 (Oregon City, Canby)Oregon native Tony Forsberg is running for the seat vacated by former Minority Leader Wayne Scott. Forsberg is a board member and former chair of the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce, and a former member of the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission and the Oregon City Schools Foundation. Forsberg is committed to improving the quality of life for all Oregonians. |
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Dave HuntHouse District 40 (Gladstone)A Northwest native, Dave Hunt is running for re-election to his fourth term as Oregon State Representative in House District 40. During the 2007 session, Rep. Hunt served as the Democratic Majority Leader in the House. Hunt has established a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver who works across party lines to get things done. He has authored legislation to reform Oregon’s unfair double majority election law, prevent identity theft, and expand children’s health insurance and care. He voted in favor of the non-discrimination and domestic partnership laws and is an advocate for equality. |
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Mike SchauflerHouse District 29 (Happy Valley)In his three terms representing District 29, Mike Schaufler has been a solid supporter of Basic Rights Oregon. An Oregon resident for almost two decades, Representative Schaufler has not only worked to promote equality, but is also strongly in favor of worker’s rights and increasing funding for education. In 2007, Rep. Schaufler voted in favor of Oregon's domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws. |
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Michele EberleHouse District 37 (West Linn, Tualatin)In two terms on the West Linn City Council, Michele Eberle has focused on education, transportation and land use issues, with a particular emphasis on government accountability. She is the executive director of Clackamas Women’s Services, a nonprofit agency, serving victims of domestic violence. Her opponent, incumbent Rep. Scott Bruun voted against Oregon’s domestic partnership and anti-discrimination laws in 2007. It’s time to replace Bruun and elect Eberle this November. |
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Brad WittHouse District 31 (Columbia County)Representative Brad Witt, who is seeking his third term in the Oregon House, is strong on LGBT issues and other progressive causes. As a former Secretary-Treasurer of the Oregon AFL-CIO with more than two decades of experience lobbying for economic and workforce development, natural resources, and workers’ compensation, Representative Witt knows his way around the Capital. Witt is a strong supporter of Oregon’s new non-discrimination and domestic partnership laws. |
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Sara GelserHouse District 16 (Corvallis)As a parent, educator, minister and community organizer, Representative Sara Gelser is very much aware of the challenges gay, lesbian, and transgender Oregonians face each day. Fighting for the disadvantaged is one of her top priorities. A long-time ally of Basic Rights Oregon and advocate for women, Representative Gelser has proven her support of LGBT Oregonians and will put that experience to work as State Representative. |
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Brian ClemHouse District 21 (Salem)Brian Clem, a fifth-generation Oregonian, is running for a second term representing House District 21. Brian is a small business owner, OnSite PC Help and also co-owns and operates an 80-acre family fruit orchard . Clem voted in favor of the non-discrimination and domestic partnership laws. He is a true advocate for fairness. |
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Annabelle JaramilloBenton County CommissionerJaramillo is a lifelong champion for equality. With more than 30 years of community service, she has a proven track record of implementing Benton County values. Jaramillo was a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Equality and played a critical role in helping pass the Oregon Equality Act and the Oregon Family Fairness Act. Annabelle Jaramillo’s stauch support for gay and transgender Oregonians has made her a lightning rod for the right wing – yet another reason to re-elect her! |
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Jay DixonBenton County CommissionerDixon is a longtime advocate for equal treatment for all Oregonians. He was elected Benton County Commissioner in November 2000. Before becoming a commissioner, Dixon was an elected member of the Corvallis 299J School Board. Dixon is a member of the Greater Corvallis Rotary Club, the Albany Community Leadership Roundtable, the League of Women Voters, the NAACP and the Sierra Club. |
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Paul HolveyHouse District 8 (S Eugene)A Eugene native, Representative Paul Holvey has long been an advocate for progressive causes. He is actively pro-labor as a representative for Pacific Northwest Carpenters and has worked with many organizations advocating for workers’ rights. Representative Holvey has also been recognized for his advocacy by the Eugene Human Rights Commission. In his third full term in the Oregon House, Holvey promises to work to make health care affordable to all citizens, protect a women’s right to choose and defend Oregon's domestic partnership and nondiscrimination laws. |
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Phil BarnhartHouse District 11 (Central Lane and Linn Counties)Representative Phil Barnhart is seeking his fourth term in the Oregon House. A lawyer and psychologist, Barnhart entered politics out of concern for the education system, health care, and the environment in the state he was raised in. As a representative of central Lane and Linn counties, Representative Barnhart has worked to protect his constituents against discrimination, and he will continue to do so if re-elected. |
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Nancy NathansonHouse District 13 (N Eugene)After 12 years on the Eugene City Council, Nancy Nathanson is running for re-election as Representative of House District 13 Currently employed by Orbis Cascade Alliance, a consortium of libraries in 33 educational institutions in Washington and Oregon, Nancy has served several civic boards, commissions, and committees. She has received several civic awards and honors, demonstrating her commitment to public service. An advocate for the disadvantaged, small business, and the environment, we can count on Nancy to voice the concerns of the LGBT community in the House. |
Kitty Piercy–MayorCity of Eugene |
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Peter BuckleyHouse District 5 (Jackson County, Ashland)As a committed advocate for children and the community, Representative Peter Buckley has spent more than 20 years managing and fundraising for non-profit organizations such as Head Start, Boys and Girls Club and Pacific Art Center. Passionate about education, Representative Buckley plans to stabilize Oregon’s economy in order to better fund Oregon schools. A long time ally of LGBT Oregonians, Representative Buckley pledges to continue standing up for fairness and equality in his third term in the Oregon House. |
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Lynn HoweHouse District 6 (Medford)Nurse, mother and community leader Lynn Howe has taught middle school, served as a Vista volunteer, and worked as an occupational health nurse and administrator for 25 years. Howe knows how to get things done — she managed employee health services for more than 9,000 employees. And Lynn Howe supports equal rights for all Oregonians. In stark contrast, her opponent voted against Oregon’s nondiscrimination law — his vote would have allowed businesses to continue to fire qualified employees just because they are gay. |
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Jean CowanHouse District 10 (Lincoln City, Central Coast)Representative Jean Cowan believes that public service begins with community service, as she has demonstrated through years of actively working to better her community. A former Lincoln County Commissioner and two-term mayor of Elgin, OR, as well as an Emergency Medical Technician, volunteer police officer, even a school bus driver, Jean knows what it means to work for change and she will continue to work for positive change as Representative of District 10. In addition to BRO, Jean has been endorsed by EMILY’s List and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. |
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Maren LundgrenSenate District 27 (Deschutes County)A fourth generation Oregonian, Maren Lundgren works as a public defender in Bend. She is running for Senator Westlund’s vacated seat. She hopes to make health care, transportation, juvenile justice and education priorities in her first term in the Oregon House. Lundgren has pledged to defend Oregon's nondiscrimination and domestic partnership laws. |
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Suzanne VanOrmanHouse District 52 (Sandy, Hood River)For more than two decades, Suzanne VanOrman was the executive director of the Mid-Columbia Children’s Council. She has also served her community in numerous other roles, including as a member of the Oregon City Commission, the Hood River County Commission on Children and Families, and the Tri-Cities Services Budget Committee. VanOrman will champion policies that promise fairness for all Oregonians. |
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Amanda Fritz
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Charles LewisPortland City Commissioner, Position 1 |
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Mike DelmanMultnomah County Commissioner, District 3 |
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Judy ShiprackMultnomah County Commissioner, District 3 |
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Diane MckeelMultnomah County Commissioner, District 4 |
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Carla PilusoMultnomah County Commissioner, District 4 |
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Bobby GreenLane County North Commissioner |
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Rob HandyLane County North Commissioner |
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