We see many Senators and Representatives leave their home states and set up camp in Washington, D.C., and rarely return. Local concerns should drive everything they do, but it’s rare to see true engagement with the voters who put them there. Senator Jeff Merkley is one of several Oregon leaders who seem to thrive on the energy and ideas of his voters.
The Senator has long been defined by a “boots-on-the-ground” approach to governance that prioritizes face-to-face connection over the distance of Washington, D.C. He is perhaps best known for his unwavering commitment to holding open town hall meetings in every one of Oregon’s thirty-six counties each year, a practice that has seen him cross the state hundreds of times to meet constituents in local high school gyms and community centers. These gatherings serve as more than just political updates; they are a hallmark of his accessibility, offering a rare space where any resident can voice a concern or ask an unscripted question directly to their representative. By maintaining this level of visibility, Merkley has built a reputation as a senator who treats the quietest rural corners of the state with the same level of attention as its largest cities, ensuring that the diverse perspectives of all Oregonians remain at the forefront of his work in the Senate.
Senator Jeff Merkley seen here at a recent Town Hall in Banks, Oregon – Photo Courtesy of the Senator’s Press Kit – https://www.merkley.senate.gov/jeff-around-oregon-2/
The invite we received to attend his open house on Friday was one we wanted to share with all of you. Now is the time to engage. Sure, we all know there are a lot of problems both in Oregon and on the National scene. But getting out there and sharing ideas, concerns, and solutions with our electeds is one of the best things we can all do right now. Here is the information the Senator’s office sent over to us. We share it with all of you!
On Friday, January 16, I am hosting a town hall at the Conestoga Recreation Center in Beaverton. I invite all Washington County community members to come and discuss ideas to strengthen our state and our nation. I hope to see you there!
What: Washington County Town Hall
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 — 12:30 PM PST
Where: Conestoga Recreation Center, Gymnasium 9985 SW 125th Ave. Beaverton, OR 97008
My office is committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering full participation for all. While there is no need to RSVP for the town hall, my team is ready to help should you need disability-related accommodations or have other access needs to participate in the town hall. Please reach out to my State Operations Manager Allison Burke at Allison_Burke@merkley.senate.gov or (503) 326-3386 to make your accommodations request by Wednesday, January 14 at 12 pm PST for my team to best support your participation.
“These [Merkley’s town hall] gatherings serve as more than just political updates; they are a hallmark of his accessibility, offering a rare s[pace where any resident can voice a concern or ask an unscripted question directly to their representative.” Too true! Yesterday’s event in Beaverton gave Concerned Citizens of Washington County some hope in our elected officials. We’re not seeing that kind of responsiveness from Washington County Commissioners. Despite many messages to the commissioners, the Resolution in Support of the Rule of Law must have landed in their “dead letter” box. We have received no explanation whatsoever as to why the commissioners will not put the Resolution on a meeting agenda for discussion. Nevertheless, the January 20th meeting will be newsworthy. Public testimony by CCoWC!
“These [Merkley’s town hall] gatherings serve as more than just political updates; they are a hallmark of his accessibility, offering a rare s[pace where any resident can voice a concern or ask an unscripted question directly to their representative.” Too true! Yesterday’s event in Beaverton gave Concerned Citizens of Washington County some hope in our elected officials.
We’re not seeing that kind of responsiveness from Washington County Commissioners. Despite many messages to the commissioners, the Resolution in Support of the Rule of Law must have landed in their “dead letter” box. We have received no explanation whatsoever as to why the commissioners will not put the Resolution on a meeting agenda for discussion. Nevertheless, the January 20th meeting will be newsworthy. Public testimony by CCoWC!