Merkley Announces May Town Halls

Jeff Merkley | Sen. Jeff Merkley Official U.S. Senate headshot

By Beaver State News Report

May 25, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced on may 19 he is continuing to hold in-person town halls in 2023 with community conversations in five Oregon counties in May: Malheur, Baker, Union, Wallowa, and Umatilla Counties.

“I hold a town hall for every Oregon county, every year because there is simply no substitute to hearing directly from folks about the ideas and priorities that matter most to them and their communities. Oregonians’ thoughts help shape my work in Congress, including positions on policies, ideas for bills, and strategies for securing resources for every corner of our state,” Merkley said.

“Over the course of the more than 500 town halls I’ve held since Oregonians sent me to the Senate, I’ve seen how these events provide respectful, safe spaces for people to express their unique points of view during these often-divisive times. We all benefit significantly when we leave our comfort zone and open ourselves up to new ways of looking at issues—myself included.

“It’s been great to get back on the road again to meet Oregonians from all walks of life.”

Since taking office in 2009, Senator Merkley has kept his promise to hold an open town hall for each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. In recent years, many of the events have been virtual amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the start of 2023, Senator Merkley has spoken with Oregonians in 24 counties across the state.

His upcoming town hall conversations in Eastern Oregon are as follows, with additional details to be sent to local media ahead of each town hall:

Saturday, May 27:

Malheur County Town Hall

Time: 10 a.m. MT

Location: Veteran’s Memorial Hall—Main Room

25 NW 8th Street, Ontario, OR 97914

Baker County Town Hall

Time: 12:30 p.m. PT

Location: Community Connection of Baker County—Main Room

2810 Cedar Street, Baker City, OR 97814

Union County Town Hall