Campaign season brings plenty of promises. I prefer to look at what candidates have done when they’ve actually had the opportunity to serve.
Rachel Armitage has.
She was appointed to represent Senate District 16 in 2022. During her time in the Oregon Senate, she showed up, served on committees and cast votes on issues affecting working families, veterans, agriculture and our communities. Her record includes supporting the Veterans Dental Program and agricultural worker overtime.
I don’t expect everyone to agree with every vote she cast. I certainly don’t. But that’s representative government: you show up, listen, debate, vote and answer to the people you represent.
The following year, Oregon saw something very different.
A Republican-led Senate walkout denied the Senate a quorum for 43 days—the longest legislative walkout in Oregon history. Ten senators ultimately accumulated enough unexcused absences to trigger Measure 113, the constitutional amendment Oregon voters had overwhelmingly approved to address repeated legislative absences.
That history matters in Senate District 16.
Our communities need a senator at the table when decisions are being made about housing, transportation, education, veterans, agriculture, fishing, forestry and the future of the North Coast.
Armitage has already demonstrated that she is willing to be there and make those decisions. She has a legislative record voters can examine, question and judge for themselves.
Before casting your ballot, look beyond the slogans. Look at experience. Look at the record. And ask a simple question: Who will show up and do the work?
Legislators cannot represent us from an empty seat.
That’s why I support Rachel Armitage for Senate District 16.
Barbara Billstine
Tillamook, Oregon
