The task of finding Oregon a new State Treasurer
Carla Axtman
Those of us who closely follow Oregon politics and policy are deeply saddened by the death of Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund. He was a kind, giving man whose independent spirit and dedication to our state will be greatly missed.
Unfortunately, the difficult task of finding someone to fill the office can't wait very long.
As Kari mentioned, there's a very quick turnaround time in terms of the deadline for major party candidates filing for the position.
The Governor will be appointing someone to fill the seat and that person must be a Democrat. According to ORS 236.100:
Political affiliation of person appointed to fill vacancy in partisan elective office. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, whenever a vacancy occurs in any partisan elective office in this state and is to be filled by appointment, no person shall be eligible for such appointment unless the person is affiliated, as determined by the appropriate entry on the person’s official election registration card with the same political party:
(emphasis Carla)
Today's rumor mill is a-buzz with a number of Democrats who would like the job or are perhaps considering filing. In no particular order:
1. Rick Metsger: State Senator from Welches, Oregon. Metsger has already filed for the job. The timber and transportation interests are big fans of Senator Metsger. They'd be likely to go to bat for him in a campaign. Metsger had already announced his retirement from the State Senate and Rep. Brent Barton is running for that seat. If Metsger were appointed by Kulongoski, Barton would certainly have an inside track for the appointment--and could then run for State Senate as an incumbent.
2. Greg Macpherson: Former State Representative from Lake Oswego and attorney with Stoel Rives. Ran for Oregon Attorney General in 2008, losing in the primary to current AG John Kroger. Macpherson is generally beloved in the environmental community in part for his strong work to pass Measure 49. However, labor isn't likely to warm to Macpherson because of their displeasure with his work to restructure the Public Employees Retirement System. Macpherson has a ton of experience working with pensions and benefit plans, as this is his legal specialty in his law practice. It also happens that managing the public employees retirement money is one of the jobs of State Treasurer.
3. Steve Novick: Novick provides a number of interesting facets to the job and to the upcoming campaign. First, he has good statewide name ID following his run for U.S. Senate in 2008. Novick has a huge base of ardent supporters and can probably pull a campaign together relatively quickly. He's just come off a huge victory with Measures 66 and 67 as well. When I spoke with Novick today, he expressed interest in the job: "I hate that people have to think about this the day after Ben Westlund is gone, but we do. It's a great job and it would allow me to address Wall Street type issues. Ben was trying to figure out with our fiduciary obligations how to make creative investments for Oregon. That should continue. Also, financial education for kids and adults should continue as well." Novick said that it would be an "honor to follow Ben" in the job. And it wouldn't be Novick without a witty response: "I was okay in math until I hit linear algebra." Novick says that the Governor's office has not contacted him about the position. He also said that he believes a wide array of folks should be considered for the job.
4. Richard Devlin: Senate Majority Leader. Devlin understands politics and how to run an effective campaign. He has a degree in management and has served awhile on Ways and Means, which means he understands money and budgets. The downside: his seat would be very tough to defend.
5. Ted Wheeler: Currently the Chair of the Multnomah County Commission. Wheeler has executive experience running a very large organization. He has a reputation for balancing the needs of the business community with the desires of progressives in Multnomah County. When I contacted Wheeler this afternoon he said, "I have nothing to say about this". When I told him that his name was being mentioned as a possibility for the job he said that he had no idea why. Wheeler seemed to want to put an end to the speculation.
I haven't been able to reach all of those whose names I'm hearing, but I'll provide updates as I get to them.
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Mar 8, '10
A nice list of politicos but no mention of their qualifications to be a State Treasurer
Mar 8, '10
I don't see a woman's name on that list. Surely, there must be a woman with qualifications to be Treasurer in Oregon?
Mar 8, '10
"Unfortunately, the difficult task of finding someone to fill the office can't wait very long. "
The rush to replace Ben may appear unseemly, but it is probably a good bet he would understand and approve if his replacement serves Oregon well.
3:50 p.m.
Mar 8, '10
Nova: Excellent point. Have you some suggestions?
Mar 8, '10
DRAFT BEV STEIN!!!
Let her hear at: [email protected]
Metro name recognition, proven progressive record, now tanned and relaxed-
Mar 8, '10
Just noting, being qualified to be Treasurer isn't the entire package. They also need to be able to mount a state-wide campaign, almost over-night. As a practical matter, that essentially means an elected official, former elected official or someone with recent campaign experience.
Maybe someone from the M66/67 campaign, with a significant interest in using the Treasurer's position as a bully-pulpit for tax reform? Not that I could think of anyone like that... ;-)
4:02 p.m.
Mar 8, '10
A good list of talented people, Carla, but Greg Macpherson is the best of the bunch for the state treasurer's job.
Mar 8, '10
What about some of the rising Democratic leaders? One name that jumps out is State Representative Tobias Read (D-Beaverton).
He served as an aide to US Treasury Secretary Summers. He's also been a key player on many of the Revenue issues as the Assistant Majority Leader, saving the Corporate Minimum tax in 09 by providing it would return to the Rainy Day Fund and mediating the recent discussions on the BETC. His pragmatic leadership would be well suited for the job's requirements.
4:07 p.m.
Mar 8, '10
I agree that Greg Macpherson would be an excellent state treasurer, and he has certainly been someone we've all been waiting anxiously to hear from about a next move.
As I noted over on Kari's post, however, there was another great challenger in the field the year Ben ran for governor, and I think Pete Sorenson would make an outstanding treasurer.
And I'm sure I'll be getting an email from Pete at some point in the next week telling me why that's completely insane, but so be it.
Mar 8, '10
"He served as an aide to US Treasury Secretary Summers."
If he is a protege of Larry Summers. one of the major players in the deregulation/Wall Street debacle, he should be regarded with the greatest skepticism.
Mar 8, '10
ARJ12: I've also heard Rep. Read's name mentioned as a possible candidate and I think he'd be a great choice. Given his hard work to make Oregon an attractive state for businesses and his talents at bringing people together to pass smart legislation, I hope Tobias will be considered for the job!
Rep. Read's depth of experience and knowledge in the issues dealt with on a daily basis by the Treasurer's office (business development, job growth, and the state's financial security), would make him a great Treasurer. I think we'd be well served by thoughtful approach to the short and long term impacts of our decisions.
Mar 8, '10
Nova - Agreed that we should have a woman in the mix here. What about Katherine Heekin (sp?), she is an attorney and fraud examiner. She could do the job. Encourage her to run....
Mar 8, '10
Nova & Carla - I found this on the Emerge Oregon website: She may be looking for a race and this would be a good position for someone with an eye for ensuring the numbers always add up.
"Now that a woman has put 18 million cracks into the highest glass ceiling in our country, the time has come for Oregon to shatter some of its glass ceilings, such as the offices of Attorney General and Multnomah County District Attorney. The Emerge Program will train women, like me, to lead with our heads and our hearts, believing that tomorrow can be better than today because we dared to dream and act. I am ready to shatter the glass and lead Oregon into a future filled with greater opportunity for all of its citizens."
Mar 8, '10
I agree with the above, Rep. Tobias Read from Beaverton should also be on your list.
He has a strong legislative background that would make him a good candidate for the job. As Chairman of the House Sustainability and Economic Development Committee, Rep. Read pushed innovative legislation to attract new businesses to Oregon and increase opportunities for existing businesses. Read's good relationship with Oregon businesses and his strong moderate record would make him a natural successor to Westlund's office.
Mar 8, '10
Mark Hass? Throwing it out there. His committees recently:
Education and General Government, Chair Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Revenue
Not bad for Treasurer and Land Board. But I do like Rick Metsger, so I'm just throwing it out there, like I said.
Mar 8, '10
Please, not Tobias Read. And not Metsger... Macpherson is the best of the above noted. Perhaps SEIU can hold its nose (and let go of its grudge)? If it's a choice of Mac, Metsger and Read I'm sure SEIU won't be enthused about backing any of them.
Mar 8, '10
How about Senate Revenue Chair Ginny Burdick?
Or Rep. Sara Gelser, who serves on the Revenue Committee and is Assistant Majority Leader?
Mar 8, '10
Many good names mentioned already. I like the Steve Novick idea, but if he doesn't run, how about Senator Suzanne Bonamici, who has been a real champion on consumer protection issues, and she worked as an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission in Washington D.C., where she was in the Credit Practices Division of the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
Some of that's got to be helpful as treasurer...
5:44 p.m.
Mar 8, '10
Just please scratch Richard Devlin. We really need him right where he is.
I think he's absolutely vital in the Senate, and things would be a lot worse in that chamber without his input.
Mar 8, '10
Many of the names that hve been proposed are good choices. Steve Novick seems to be my current choice.
Mar 8, '10
I like David Robinson for this seat. He is running for Congress in the 1stCD and had large organization management experience and has run large budgets. I think he would be great for treasury - it would be great to see someone with his energy and environmental experience on the State Land Board.
Mar 8, '10
I'd love to see Novick in this position. He already has statewide name recognition and a lot of grassroots support.
He was a class act both during and after the Senate race. His work on 66/67 was huge for Oregon. I'm nobody, but he'd be my pick!
Mar 8, '10
You know, I can't help but think that most folks don't give much thought to the responsibilities of state treasurer or just how important a gig that is. Then again, how many really have a clue about the role of the fed/U.S. Treasury? Just thinking out loud here.
Ideally we're seeking a candidate we cannot get. An objective, highly intelligent, fiscally minded individual willing to sacrifice his/her earning potential to be a dedicated servant of the people. If you're out there, please stand up.
Mar 8, '10
Zoe,
DAVID ROBINSON???? Really???? You have to be joking. McPherson, Bonamici, and Novick. Those are real candidates
Mar 8, '10
Shocked,
Yes, Robinson because he has real life experience. Don't get me wrong I would concede McPherson and Novick are also good choices. But your third choice not on my list by a far shot.
Z
Mar 8, '10
How about Ernie Kent? He'll need a job soon.
Mar 8, '10
If Steve Novick is interested in this race:
1) He needs to research what Ben was doing the past year, what he said in speeches, and what of that he agrees/disagrees with. For instance, had Ben been healthier, he intended to travel the state campaigning for the 3 items he thought most important to a stable Oregon financial system. One was the kicker, the other 2 I don't recall at the moment.
2) Yes, Steve did an excellent job on 66/67, but why does that make him qualified to be Treasurer? This is not about just winning an election, but about continuing all the great things Ben had set in motion.
I like the idea of Rick Metsger. Someone from outside the Portland Metro area with considerable legislative experience.
And no, I don't support Tobias Reed or anyone of that generation. We need someone more experienced.
Mar 8, '10
"served awhile on Ways and Means, which means he understands money and budgets"
THat explains why we are in such good shape.
Why not save everyone a lot of time and trouble and just ask the public employees unions who they want, then Ted can go back to sleep in peace.
Mar 8, '10