WOW. Jackie Dingfelder resigns from Senate, joins staff of Mayor Charlie Hales

Kari Chisholm

Wow, here's a development that we didn't see coming. State Senate Jackie Dingfelder is resigning to take a position as a senior policy advisor with Mayor Charlie Hales.

As one of the leading environmentalists in the Legislature, her loss from the Senate will leave a big hole. On the other hand, Hales hasn't often been seen as a champion of environmental causes (except mass transit and parks) -- and her arrival on his team suggests a shift in priorities.

Dingfelder was the only Senate Democrat to vote against the CRC bill, HR 2800. After being somewhat dodgy on the Columbia River Crossing during his mayoral campaign (calling it a "shelf study" that wouldn't get funded no matter his position), Hales flipped to being a lobbyist for the project as Mayor.

With Dingfelder's resignation, her Senate seat becomes open. No word yet on who wants the gig. The two State Representatives in SD 23 are Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer and Rep. Michael Dembrow.

As always, the process: The Democratic precinct committee people in SD 23 will nominate three to five candidates. The Multnomah County Commission will then select the new Senator. (If they're unable to come to agreement, which is unlikely, the Governor steps in and picks anyone he wants.)

Update: Willamette Week's Nigel Jaquiss reports that Rep. Keny-Guyer will defer to Rep. Dembrow for the appointment.

By Kari Chisholm Oct. 16, 2013