Salem, OR – The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC) announced today that the Board of Directors has endorsed Lou Ogden for Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) Commissioner.
At its meeting on Friday, April 13th, the Board unanimously voted to endorse Ogden for the position of Labor Commissioner. The statewide election for Labor Commissioner will be held May 15th.
The decision to endorse Ogden came as a result of a thorough vetting process by both the Board of Directors and the Government Affairs Council. The primary criteria for endorsement is that the candidate champions policies that support local businesses and economic development.
“Lou's record of pro-business policies made him the top choice for OSCC,” stated Laura Edmonds, Government Affairs Council Chair. “In his current role as Mayor of Tualatin, he has proven that he is supportive of business and jobs. It’s clear that he is aware of the disconnect that currently exists in BOLI between the agency and local businesses and we appreciate his desire to rebuild trust with the business community.”
OSCC endorsed Ogden for his pro-business record, including most notably:
• His 25+ year history as a volunteer leader in local government;
• His leadership in bringing $3 billion in private investment and 34,000 local jobs in a town of 24,000 residents (Tualatin);
• His pledge to make business and industry an equal partner at BOLI for the first time in decades.
OSCC also noted that Ogden’s opponent, Val Hoyle, would very likely be an improvement for local businesses as well. But Hoyle’s voting record in the state legislature was marked by several votes that hurt small businesses and her 38% OSCC voting record was not sufficient to earn the endorsement.
The recommendation to endorse came before the Board after candidates were vetted by the Government Affairs Council through a candidate questionnaire process. Both Ogden and Hoyle participated. A third candidate – Jack Howard – was contacted regarding endorsement but no response was received.
OSCC is organized to give a voice to the local business communities throughout Oregon in support of policies that enable business success, job growth and income growth in each of Oregon’s local communities. OSCC believes that a healthy business climate, and the jobs that such a business climate creates, is the key to building up local communities, adequately funding social services and making Oregon prosperous.
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