[April 30th, 2008]

Jules Kopel-Bailey

Tattoo he’d get: Ping an, the Chinese symbol for peace and safety, on his shoulder.

Compared with some House races, District 42 offers a wealth of talent in its Democratic primary, which in this liberal-tilting district is tantamount to the general election.

Open after being held for five terms by Diane Rosenbaum, the seat attracted Rosenbaum’s longtime legislative aide, Regan Gray, who is also chairwoman of the Oregon Commission for Women; Teddy Keizer, a former legislative aide and organizer for the advocacy group Stand for Children; Gordon Hillesland, a city parks employee; and Jules Kopel-Bailey, an economist at EcoNorthwest.

Gray, who has impressed Salem insiders as Rosenbaum’s aide for the past six years, is a strong advocate on labor and equity issues. Kopel-Bailey is more focused on global warming and economic development. Those two have split most of the major endorsements in the race, and either could serve the district well.

We’re giving the nod to Kopel-Bailey, 28, because of his broader experience (he’s worked or studied in six countries and for the federal and state government as well as the private sector) and specific expertise in planning and sustainability issues.

Video of WW endorsement interview (thanks to Portland Community Media)