Two Interesting Names On Gov's Appointment List

By NIGEL JAQUISS

The Senate Rules Committee today will entertain a long slate of Gov. John Kitzhaber's appointments to various boards and commissions.

Many of the positions are obscure, but two names on the list stand out.

Tom Chamberlain, the president of the Oregon AFL-CIO, is headed for the Port of Portland Commission. That is a plum assignment, which often includes some overseas travel and the opportunity to rub shoulders with the region's economic titans. Chamberlain and his group were early and enthusiastic Kitzhaber supporters. Chamberlain replaces Mary Olson, whose term is expiring. If confirmed, he will bring to three the number of organized labor reps on the nine-member commission. The other two are Bruce Holte of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Ken Allen of AFSCME. That level of labor representation is unusual in the Port's recent history.

The other eye-catching name on the governor's list is a Republican named Mary Kremer. Kremer is a former investment banker and current charter school advocate from Riverdale. Kitzhaber wants her for the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. Kremer challenged State Sen. Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin) in 2010, losing 55 percent to 45 percent. The ethics commission has seven members. Each of the four legislative caucuses nominates a member whom the governor then appoints. The  governor picks three additional members himself. Kremer would replace Gary Wilhelms as the nominee of the Senate Republican caucus. Kremer's husband, Rob, a longtime charter school activist  is treasurer of the Oregon GOP.

Nominees who clear Senate Rules today will then be eligible for confirmation from the full Senate.

WWeek 2015

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