The well-being of the Salem-Keizer School District Board of Directors hangs in the balance. We all have received our ballots. Many of us have already returned them to the county elections office. Yet turnout in these Special Districts elections every other odd year is remarkably low. Given the scope of policies enacted — especially by school boards that dominate these elections — by the people we place on these boards, and the immediate impact they have in our lives and the lives of our children, we should definitely reconsider.
We must vote.
We must inspire others to vote.
Above all, we must support our favored candidates and persuade those others we inspire to vote to mark their ballots for our candidates.
Over the next week and a half prior to Election Day, 18 May, Marion County Republicans, in cooperation with our partners Marion+Polk First and Oregon Right to Life, will be hosting several events around Salem and Keizer show our support for the four candidates we have endorsed and keep their names before residents. We want to encourage all who encounter our events to fill out and return their ballots by the deadline. Identify which one(s) of the following five events you can join and come out to support our candidates and turn out the vote for them:
Thursday, 6 May — 5:00pm - 7:00pm
The Chemawa Rd. overpass at I-5 sees a whole lot of vehicle traffic during these two hours. We will meet ahead of time in the parking lot serving the southernmost businesses in Keizer Station (Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell, Panda Express, etc.) and walk up grassy knoll to the sidewalk. Bring your yard sign or grab one on us!
Friday, 7 May — 7:00am - 8:00am
This is NOT a misprint! It is 7:00 in the morning! The downtown Salem bridges over the Willamette is the focus of this rally. The downtown side is part of Zone 7 for which Liam Collins is our endorsed candidate. The West Salem side is Zone 1 where Kari Zohner needs our votes. Parking is available in the parking lot for TJ Maxx and RiteAid as well as the Chemeketa Parkade across Center St.
Monday, 10 May — 4:00pm - 5:00pm
One of the many busy intersections in South Salem is the target — Kuebler Blvd. SE @ Battlecreek Rd. SE. Even though traffic moves pretty fast along Kuebler when the light is green, drivers can't miss a large group of people waving signs for our great candidates, especially Linda Farrington running for Zone 3. Parking is available in the parking lot serving Salem Clinic South and Salem Audiology.
Wednesday, 12 May — TBA
Both the time and location are still being decided.
Saturday, 15 May — Noon - 2:00pm
This is the final weekend before the deadline. Historically, this is the time when the most voters make up their minds, whether for the candidates or to vote in the first place. Unlike the above events, this is three events in one. Meet at 11:30 at the Sizzler Restaurant on Lancaster Dr. NE (just north of D St, next to McDonald's). In addition to waving signs at that location, we will send groups north to Keizer to Faith Lutheran Church by Cummings Dr. N and south to Commercial St SE to the former Rockin' Roger's restaurant by Roth's Vista. For this event ONLY please contact Brenda Faver to let her know you're coming and want to help. (Phone/Text: 503-884-3743 (M) ; E-mail: Use link at her name)
All four candidates will receive our attention at every event because SKSD directors are elected at-large throughout the entire district even though they represent specific zones on the board.