News release

SALEM – Oregon State Representative Donna Nelson (R-McMinnville) will chair a new work group organized to ensure state government can function in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Members of the work group include Senators Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) and Gary George (R-McMinnville); Representatives Jean Cowan (D-Newport), Wayne Krieger (R-Gold Beach), and Brian Boquist (R-Dallas); Director of Oregon Emergency Management Ken Murphy; and Governor’s Policy Advisor Daniel Santos.

Senator Joanne Verger (D-Coos Bay) and Representative Deborah Boone (D-Cannon Beach), the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Ocean Policy, chartered the work group to produce a solution to problems that could hamstring government in a disaster.

“As a State Representative and a member of the Committee on Emergency Preparedness, my top priority is keeping Oregonians safe,” said Representative Nelson. “If an earthquake devastated the region and made it impossible for the legislature and governor to meet as directed by our Constitution, it would be impossible for government to perform such tasks as funding emergency services.”

The work group will produce a resolution to amend the state Constitution, in order to allow government to continue to function in an emergency. Because the resolution would amend the Constitution, it would have to be approved by voters on the ballot—and voters can be skeptical, believing such measures may give the government too much power. “It won’t do any good for us to produce something that the people would reject,” explained Representative Nelson. “Our goal is to provide for a functional government, while at the same time assuring the people their rights will be preserved.”

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