Salem Chamber hosts debate for CD6 and secretary of state races
With election season right around the corner, it can be difficult to sift through the political noise. What people really want is clarity—who are the candidates and what do they stand for. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming debate, part of the monthly Forum Speaker Series, offers an open door to the candidates themselves.
This debate brings together congressional district 6 candidates Mike Erickson and incumbent Andrea Salinas, as well as secretary of state candidates Tobias Read and Dennis Linthicum. Attendees will hear directly from these candidates on relevant topics such as taxation, crime, healthcare and elections.
“Understanding the political platforms, ideas, and key topics of concentration of those seeking to represent the electorate in both Congress and in the position of Secretary of State is imperative for small business owners and their employees,” said Tom Hoffert, CEO of the Salem Chamber.
The event takes place at the Salem Convention Center on October 14th from 11:30-1:00 p.m. People can register through the Salem Chamber’s website. Registration costs $40 for Chamber members and $70 for non-members and includes lunch.
The 2020 census showed that Oregon’s population growth warranted the addition of a sixth seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Erickson (Republican) and Rep. Salinas (Democrat) faced off in the new district’s first election in 2022, Salinas taking the lead.
The pair returns to the ballot this year after Salinas’ first term in the U.S. House. “Now Salinas has a record she can run on, but she also has a record that Erickson can critique,” said Ryan Tribbett, president of Pac/West Lobby Group. Whether Salinas returns to office or Erickson turns the seat, the elected representative will serve Salem and surrounding areas in district 6 for the next two years.
Voters’ decisions on the office of secretary of state seem especially crucial in light of recent events involving previous Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. Republican Senator Dennis Linthicum, currently representing district 28, faces off with Democrat Tobias Read, Oregon’s state treasurer, for the role.
The secretary of state sits first in the line of succession if the governor becomes incapable of performing their office. Though uncommon, this occurrence is not unprecedented. Just nine years ago, former Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned, passing the role onto Kate Brown who followed with eight more years in office.
The secretary of state also heads up Oregon’s voting and elections, which continues to be a divisive topic of conversation. Overall, ethics and reliability remain a critical point of interest for voters wondering who to elect for the role.
This debate fosters collaboration, clarity and conversation in the Salem area. “Leaders across our community are following the various national, statewide and local races,” Hoffert said. “We need to provide opportunities for candidates to appear side-by-side to share their platforms and ask residents for their votes.”
The Salem Chamber hosts the debate in partnership with the League of Minority Voters and Salem Business Journal. Pac/West Lobby Group played a key role in securing candidates from both sides for the debate. Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions acts as the presenting sponsor for the Forum Speaker Series.
The Salem Chamber encourages Chamber members, as well as all Salem residents, to attend the debate in order to better understand their candidates’ character and vision for leadership.