Roberta Phillip-Robbins Stays in Election by Quitting Her Job

Roberta Phillip-Robbins, a candidate for Oregon House District 43, has resigned her position as a specialist in gang violence prevention at Multnomah County so she can stay in the legislative race.

The decision comes in response to WW's reporting earlier Friday.

That reporting showed Phillip-Robbins, who's locked in a competitive race to represent parts of North and Northeast Portland, was ineligible to run for a partisan office under the federal Hatch Act because her position at the county was fully funded by a federal grant.

The Hatch Act forbids federally funded government employees from seeking partisan office to ensure government work is administered free from partisan influence.

Phillip-Robbins, who was unaware of the prohibition until WW contacted her on Thursday, had two choices: drop out of the race or quit her job at the county. Funding for her job was set to expire later this year.

Friday evening, she chose to quit.

"Earlier this evening, I informed Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury that I will resign from my position as the Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Specialist, effective immediately," Phillip-Robbins wrote in an email to supporters. "I will continue in this race knowing I have built great momentum in recent months, with the support of many wonderful volunteers, community leaders and organizations, my campaign team, and most importantly, the constituents of House District 43."

Phillip-Robbins says she relied on the legal advice of County Attorney Jenny Madkour when she entered the race last year. She wanted to make sure a bid for public office wouldn't conflict with her work at the county. Neither foresaw any problems.

Jillian Schoene, the executive director of Emerge Oregon, which provides training for female candidates, issued a statement of support for Phillip-Robbins.

"Emerge Oregon stands with Roberta, and is proud to have her as an alumnae. We advise our alumnae to consult their employers before running for office," Schoene said. "Roberta did that and relied in good faith on the legal advice she received. She did the right thing before running, and now is doing the right thing as a candidate."

Phillip-Robbins faces Tawna Sanchez, interim executive director for Native American Youth and Family Center, in the May 17 Democratic primary.

Willamette Week