Rep. VanOrman opens office in Sandy

By Garth Guibord

Pamplin Media Group, Nov 4, 2009

District 52 State Rep. Suzanne VanOrman (D-Hood River) has opened an office at 39110 Proctor Blvd. in Sandy. and hosted an open house last week.

“I just look forward to getting to know people in Sandy better,” VanOrman said. “I think people need to know that I’m working for them. That visibility, I think, will help them.”

VanOrman hopes to be available at the office on Wednesdays, while her legislative assistant, Mary Anderson, will be in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and her legislative aide, Danielle Miller, will staff the location on Thursdays. Office hours are expected to be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I’m sure there will be people who come in just to say hi,” VanOrman said, adding that she often gets e-mails that primarily contain questions about why the state does things and how people can take advantage of services.

The new office is the third for VanOrman, who also has offices in Salem and Hood River. Her district includes parts of Multnomah, Clackamas and Hood River counties surrounding Mount Hood.

“I have been very pleased to represent the district,” VanOrman said. “I am convinced … that we have the most beautiful district in the state.”

VanOrman reported that the Legislature will be in session only during February 2010, but between now and then, interim committees will meet. VanOrman serves on the education, agriculture and natural resources, and human services committees. She added that during the month-long session, representatives will be limited to one bill.

In addition to added visibility with local residents, VanOrman sees the Sandy office as part of an “open relationship” with city officials. Sandy City Manager Scott Lazenby said the office will be a bigger help to VanOrman’s constituents, noting, “She’s always been very easy to reach for us.”

VanOrman said the cost of the office will be paid out of her legislative budget.

VanOrman beat opponent and Eagle Creek resident Matt Lindland for the House District 52 State Representative position in November 2008 with 52 percent of the vote.