Senator’s town hall March 18 in Boardman draws more than a hundred

BOARDMAN — Before stepping into his town hall meeting, Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley criticized President Donald Trump’s actions with a clear message: “You do not stop a bully by handing over your lunch money and you don’t stop a tyrant by handing them more money.”

Merkley in an interview before his town hall March 18 at the SAGE Center in Boardman said the primary reasons he did not vote with Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer’s support for a budget bill Republicans wrote to avoid a government shutdown were the significant challenges Trump poses to the republic.

Merkley pointed to Trump’s actions, such as firing inspectors general who are meant to prevent corruption, firing FBI officers, intimidating the press and pressuring members of Congress through threats involving Elon Musk’s money and primary challenges.

“People have been slow to realize the intensity of the threat,” Merkley said. “But we’re deep in it. We need our Republican colleagues to join us and become citizens. Turnout at town halls or at demonstrations at the offices of their representatives and senators, and in D.C., will be a huge factor.”

He said the U.S. is in the midst of an attempted authoritarian takeover and it’s important not to grant Trump any more power.

Merkley also expressed concern about the anxiety surrounding the loss of government officials, noting many rural counties rely heavily on professionals working in federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service.

He pointed out the critical roles these workers play at wildlife refuges and other areas, emphasizing that the loss of these positions could impact families’ ability to pay their mortgages or rent.

The town hall

More than a hundred attendees gathered inside the SAGE Center to voice concerns about the recent policies of the Trump administration. About 20 people attended his previous Morrow County town hall in April 2024.

Merkley expressed concern about the effects of tariffs on Oregon’s agricultural community, noting retaliatory tariffs from other countries often target U.S. exports. He pointed out in the past, tariffs have affected the prices of products such as wheat, soft wheat, Christmas trees and fruits and vegetables.

He noted tariffs can lead to higher prices.

“These things that are going up and down about Canada and Mexico on today, off today,” Merkley said. “I think it’s extraordinarily disruptive and it’s not a fair, thoughtful application of a reasonable policy that will work out a better deal for both countries.”

Merkley addressed the Trump administration’s plan to fire 80,000 employees from the Veterans Administration and asked veterans in the crowd to stand up. As the veterans rose, they were met with applause from the crowd.

“You all stood up for us as a country,” Merkley said. “We need to stand up for you and stand up for your benefits.”

He highlighted the challenges of retaining staff at the VA, emphasizing it’s already difficult to recruit people who are passionate about helping veterans.

He pointed out the added difficulty when employees, especially those just short of completing their probationary period, face the threat of being fired, noting this could discourage individuals who are eager to use their skills to assist veterans.

Merkley also discussed Medicaid, highlighting its vital role in the state.

The Oregon Health Plan is the state’s Medicaid program. He said in this part of Oregon, about a third of individuals with health insurance have it through Medicaid. He emphasized its importance for various groups, providing insurance coverage for older adults who need assisted living, 350,000 children as well as individuals with disabilities.

Medicaid also plays a critical role in funding addiction recovery programs and supporting rural health clinics and hospitals. Merkley highlighted how Medicaid expansion in the state improved the financial stability of many rural clinics and hospitals, which previously struggled by serving individuals who couldn’t pay their bills.

Nitrate issue

In the crowd, a group of residents affected by the nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area stood with signs reading “Health before Money,” “ Safe Rural Water Communities” and “Agua es un Derecho,” meaning “water is a right.”

Jim Doherty, former Morrow County Commissioner, read a letter addressing the concerns of the community members the issue affects as they stood beside him.

“The community and their voices are marginalized and not heard again in the nitrate-affected communities of the Columbia Basin,” he read.

Doherty outlined the community’s ongoing efforts to address nitrate contamination. He emphasized they are working to create a list of demands and a roadmap for recovery. Doherty said the community intends to take the lead and regain control over its future. He highlighted that upcoming meetings and outreach efforts would incorporate additional input, demands and health assessments.

He also acknowledged the challenges of being outnumbered in Washington and expressed concern over the future of the Environmental Protection Agency. Doherty emphasized the situation remains a public health emergency and urged Merkley to bring the issue before Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services, to see if he truly prioritizes the health and welfare of the affected communities.

Merkley said there are several measures underway to address the water contamination issue.

He outlined, first, that a program has been introduced to adjust where water is applied to fields, ensuring it flows downstream from wells. Second, large holding ponds are either under construction or set to begin soon, which would prevent water from being applied to fields during the winter, thus preventing it from seeping into the groundwater. And third, he said a committee has been formed to plan for the installation of pipelines that would deliver clean water directly to residences.

“ I think everyone deserves to have water that doesn’t give them a disease,” Merkley said. “You don’t want to be affected, your children won’t be affected. Bringing in gallons of water is not a long term solution, it is a short term. This is a fundamental health issue, to have water that’s potable and healthy for everyone.”

Toward the end of the event, Merkley issued a call to action to the attendees. He urged them to stay active and engaged, emphasizing the importance of holding elected officials accountable at every level.

He encouraged people to express their feelings, whether positive or negative, toward their representatives. Merkley also highlighted how being part of a group can be empowering and energizing, making it easier to create meaningful change.