State Rep. Chip Shields, D-Portland, will host a series of community forums from February though April on issues important to residents of House District 43, including inner North and Northeast Portland.
The forums will cover living-wage jobs, the war in Iraq, health care and schools.
"At this critical time in Oregon's history, it is more important than ever that we come together as a community to share ideas and concerns on these vital issues," Shields said.
Shields is also encouraging community members with ideas to help set his legislative agenda.
The forums are scheduled as follows:
• Forum on Living Wage Jobs: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, 4134 N. Vancouver Ave. Special guests include Tom Chamberlain, president of the Oregon AFL-CIO, and Sam Brooks, chair of OAME.
• Forum on Iraq War: A Local Response: 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 8 in Emmanuel Temple Church, 5123 N. Michigan Ave. Special guests include state Rep. Paul Holvey, whose son served in Iraq.
• Forum on Health Care: 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 22 at Irvington Village, 420 N.E. Mason St. Special guests include state Rep. Mitch Greenlick, chief petitioner for HOPE for Oregon Families, a statewide health care advocacy organization; and Corliss McKeever, president and CEO of the African American Health Coalition Inc.
• Forum on Schools: 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 5 in the Irvington Elementary School gym, 1320 N.E. Brazee St. Special guest is Shannon Campion of Stand for Children.
For more information, call Regan Gray, 503-231-2564, or visit www.leg.state. or.us/shieldsc.
