By Romy Carver and Neal Lemery, for the Tillamook County Pioneer
Tillamook County residents were treated to some old fashioned down home political conversations with Oregon’s senior United States Senator Ron Wyden September 6 at the Port of Tillamook Bay’s Officers’ Mess.
“This is the best of Oregon government,” Senator Wyden said, speaking to a standing room only audience. “This is the way it’s supposed to be – to disagree, to have discussions, conversation, to hear others’ viewpoints.”
Wyden received a standing ovation at the beginning and end of the nearly two hour town hall, emceed by Tillamook County Board of Commissioners chair Erin Skaar. State Representative Cyrus Javadi, fresh from changing his political party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, also was honored with a standing ovation.
The ranking minority member of the Senate finance committee and a long-time member of the Senate intelligence committee, Wyden responded to a wide range of questions on foreign and domestic policy, including timber, health care, the Epstein files, tariffs, income tax rates, transportation, immigration, federal troops in cities, and veterans benefits. The initial question and answer often turned into a conversation and spirited discussion between citizens and the senator.
In an exclusive interview with the Pioneer, Wyden said the favorite part of his job was participating in town halls (over 1,080) with Oregonians. He has held town halls every year in every Oregon county.
“I take what I hear from Oregonians, their concerns and their stories, and share them with my fellow senators. What you tell me shapes my work and helps me work to develop sound national policies,” Sen. Wyden said.
Many senior citizens have expressed concerns about Social Security. Wyden co-sponsored the Social Security Act, which would require billionaires to pay “their fair share.”
“Most senators and representatives don’t hold town halls, as they don’t want to hear people’s frustrations and concerns about the federal government,” Wyden said. “But, I do. That’s my job.” His staff took notes, videotaped the event, and will catalog the numerous topics and concerns.
Civility in Public Life was a continual theme of the conversations, with citizens expressing frustration and sadness on the state of current political interactions. Wyden had two suggestions:
- If you see something wrong in government, be a whistle blower. Wyden directed people to agencies that deal with those issues and to his staff to share concerns. He also mentioned his work on the intelligence committee to “follow the money” in the Epstein affair. He has been working for accountability on this issue for a long time, and is hopeful because the Republican Chair of the investigative team want to see the treasury records.
- Engage with others, communicating your concerns, your viewpoints, and your action plans with your fellow citizens, including those in other states. He commended those who are organizing and letting their views known. “Be a multiplier. Generate as much pressure as you possibly can.”
Health Care. “Health care is the most important thing.” President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” “will dramatically increase health care premiums. In many places, health care is the largest employer. Everyone in America needs to have access to mental health care. Everyone should have universal health care.” Much of the impact of that new law will occur after the 2026 midterm elections. He expressed the need for a safe vaccines program.
Veterans. Wyden opposes privatizing the Veterans Administration health care. The President promised to not to that and not cut veterans’ health care, but is now trying to do that. Wyden was able to pass a bill recently that provides urgent care at VA hospitals.
Tariffs. “Tariffs are really taking a toll.”
Immigration. Recent incidents are tragic, and could be avoided. He called for widespread legislative and administrative reform. “We are a nation of immigrants. My grandparents were immigrants.”
Reproductive Rights. Wyden reiterated his position that access to prescriptions used in medical abortions is necessary, and is an aspect of a woman’s right to control her body. He favored state roles in protecting women’s reproductive rights and health care.
Vote by Mail. “We are not giving up the right to vote by mail. Vladimir Putin told President Trump vote by mail encouraged election fraud. That’s simply not true.” Wyden noted he was the first Senator from Oregon elected by vote by mail, in 1996. He stated, “We won’t give an inch in terms of abandoning our vote by mail – giving it up to Vladimir Putin,” which drew enthusiastic applause.
The Mideast. “(Israeli prime minister) Netanyahu needs to go.” Wyden expressed horror at the violence and deaths in Gaza, saying that the situation is complex, but if Israel changes leadership, there may be a path to peace. He favors a two state solution. Several citizens in the audience expressed concern and outrage at American armament and funds for Israel.
Timber and Education. One question criticized federal timber policy. Wyden pointed out his efforts to help fund state schools with dollars from federal timber sales, but stressed that the states are in charge of public education. He also pointed out that while Trump is increasing the timber harvest, his administration took the money from counties and gave it to the federal government. He favored seeking to ensure a supply of logs for local mills from federal forests, using sustainable timber management policies.
In his private interview with the Pioneer, he ended by saying, “The best politics are to do your job.”