FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 9, 2022
Contact: Jaime Mathis, jaime@jaimemathis.com, 503-708-3249
Clackamas County Clerk Race Heats Up-Catherine McMullen Consolidates Momentum For A Win
West Linn.–March 8, 2022 was the deadline for candidates to file to run for office in the May 17, 2022 elections. As of today, there are two candidates for clerk that will appear on the November 8 General Election ballot. This means a longer campaign effort and an opportunity for more community members to participate in electing their next clerk.
Catherine McMullen, an experienced elections administrator, mom of two, and community advocate for neurodiverse children and underserved groups is ready for the run.
“My family and community understand how important it is to have a qualified and fair county clerk who safeguards and administers their elections. I am looking forward to using this extended campaign time to bolster voter outreach and education throughout Clackamas County because citizens have the right to know how their democracy works and how they can have their voices heard.”
McMullen has been actively campaigning since filing last September and has centered elections transparency and security in her priorities when she takes office. She has also emphasized access to the ballot for all citizens legally able to vote and ensuring that traditionally marginalized communities have equal opportunity to participate in local elections.
Mohamed Salim Bahamadi, Founder and Director of HAKI Community Organization in Lake Oswego confirmed her dedication to voter access: “I met Catherine at a voter education event years ago. The work she does really impacts us, the East African Swahili-speaking community. Catherine is here for the community, and we’ve started voting now.”
Marchel Marcos of Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) knows McMullen is ready to uplift their communities voices: “Catherine has a long and established relationship of working at the grassroots level with APANO to expand voter access and resources for the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in our region. We look forward to doing this work together in Clackamas County communities.”
A contested election means both a more sustained campaign effort and also, more opportunities to hear community needs. “My door is always open to hear community members’ concerns and thoughts. Our campaign also welcomes volunteers with a passion for educating and uplifting the privilege and responsibility of voting. If you care about fair and secure elections, join my campaign and be a part of our movement.”
McMullen has received top tier endorsements from elected officials, unions, and community leaders throughout the county, notably Governor Barbara Roberts and numerous labor unions.
Major Corey Hester (Milwaukie) of the US Army Reserves sees a leader who is willing and able to serve: “When I first met Catherine I could see the passion and care she had for people. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time getting to know her more and Catherine is a wonderful person who can absolutely get the job done and be a servant leader.”
The mother of a neurodiverse child, McMullen has long collaborated with other child advocates in the community. April Dobson, Happy Valley School Board Director, mother, and advocate for children with special needs is excited to work with McMullen:
“As a parent of a child with special needs there is nothing more important to me than giving everyone a voice. Catherine McMullen is a knowledgeable and dedicated public servant who will give us that voice by ensuring fair, unbiased elections and overseeing our office of public records with transparency and integrity.”
County Clerks are nonpartisan elected roles and McMullen takes that seriously. “I intend to be the People’s Clerk. You can count on my commitment to our community and our democracy.”
You can find out more about Catherine McMullen’s campaign and sign up to volunteer or donate here.
Image: Catherine helps a voter with registration at a Bridging Cultures event at Wait Park in Canby in September 2021. The talk outside at a red table, holding a clipboard.