Patti Milne announces State Senate run for seat held by Peter Courtney

by NW Spotlight

Back in August of last year, Marion County Commissioner Patti Milne, a Republican, announced she wouldn’t be seeking a fifth term. Today, she is announcing a run for State Senate in District 11, which is currently held by Senate President Peter Courtney, a Democrat.

Here’s her press release:

Woodburn, OR – Marion County Commission Vice-Chair Patti Milne filed today to run for election in State Senate District 11, which extends from Woodburn to South Salem. Commissioner Milne, a small business owner, has served the Woodburn-Salem area as county commissioner for over 15 years. Her bid for State Senate comes from a deep desire to serve and help others by bringing common-sense solutions to the challenges of jobs, education, public safety and health care currently affecting Oregonians of all walks of life.

Commissioner Milne said the state could and should be doing more to improve livability and opportunity for Oregonians.

“Senate District 11 is my home, these are my neighbors,” says Milne. “These are the people I have served for 25 years beginning on the Woodburn School Board, three terms previously in the legislature and now as a county commissioner.  I know them and I know the district.”

“Our unemployment and poverty rates are too high, home ownership and student achievement are way too low.  Policy changes and funding cuts to our public safety agencies put our neighborhoods at risk, and the health care debacle leaves vulnerable people more vulnerable.”

Milne continued, “We can do better and I’m ready to put my experience to work in the Senate.”

Milne’s extensive work as Marion County Commissioner began in 1999, following her service in the State House of Representatives for three terms from 1993 through 1998.

As a county commissioner, Milne has worked tirelessly to bring trust, accountability, efficiency and common sense to local government.  She spearheaded cost-effective programs that include department audits, a Rainy Day Fund, Health Savings Accounts for employees and a county wellness program.

She serves on the Marion County Budget Committee, Marion County Housing Authority, NW Senior & Disability Services Board of Directors, SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation of the Mid-Willamette Valley) executive council and board of directors, Travel Salem, Mid-Willamette Jobs Council and Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network.

In partnership with Volcanoes Baseball, Milne created “Striking Out Meth in Marion-Polk Counties,” the popular family summertime annual event that celebrates and recognizes community efforts in the fight against meth and other dangerous drug abuse, now in its ninth year.

Milne was instrumental in instituting the Marion County Veterans’ Task Force which supports and honors veterans and their families living in Marion County.

In her civic duties, Milne has been involved in many community organizations including active involvement at Blanchet Catholic School since its inception, serving on the board of directors and now the President’s Advisory Board. She is a long-time member of Woodburn’s Chamber of Commerce and noted, “As both a member of Chamber and a small business owner, I understand very well how important the business community is to the future of Oregon’s economy.”

In addition, Milne is President-Elect of Woodburn Rotary, an international-charity-organization that she attributes much of her philosophy to in her service to government.  “Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ and I carry that philosophy into my service to the citizens of this great state.  I’ve never considered myself a politician,” says Milne.  “Like most Oregonians, I have faced a number of challenges throughout my life and have worked hard to overcome them.  I desire to serve others with that knowledge and experience so all citizens may capitalize on the opportunities America offers and achieve their goals and dreams.”

For more information or to make a donation, please contact the campaign office at 541-890-0108 or visit the website at www.pattimilneforsenate.com.