I never expected to be a cover girl. Now I am. A former political colleague, Jewel Lansing, has written a book — Multnomah: The Tumultuous Story of Oregon’s Most Populous County. As a former commissioner, I, along with others, appear on the jacket. Jewel co-authored this history with Fred Leeson, who worked for many years as a journalist in the aforementioned county.
During my tenure as an elected official, there was a period when 5 women governed the county while the largest city within its borders was governed by 5 men. The press took delight in referring to these two governments as the “Mamas and the Papas.” Unfortunately, there wasn’t much harmony between us. Rather, we contributed to the cacophonous years.
For the “Papas” the problem was that the “Mamas” were of one mind. We wanted more library services, more help for the homeless, the mentally ill and troubled youth. We wanted more health care for the uninsured, too. And we wanted to see that parks weren’t neglected. The “Papas” were all law and order and always grumbling about the need for more jails. What’s more they had the labor unions, the business community and the press on their side.
The public had its opinions too. Rather than help a pregnant teenage girl, many opted to send a teen age boy to jail. The debates were heated and I received my share of death threats. But, the other “Mamas” were vocal, like me. Together, we withstood abuse in public meetings and “foaming at the mouth” editorials. Together, we funded the social services.
Eventually, time swept our courageous stance away. I retired from public office and the “Mamas” were no more. Newly elected officers followed the law and order crowd and because of it, a jail stands In Multnomah County which wasn’t needed. It’s been empty for years, costing taxpayers a fortune to maintain. But that’s another story.
Today, I celebrate Jewel Lansing’s new book and remember the women — two of them dead – who for a brief moment in time said “no” to retribution and “yes” to a kinder, gentler world.
To read more about this book go to:
Today, I celebrate Jewel Lansing’s new book and remember the women — two of them dead – who for a brief moment in time said “no” to retribution and “yes” to a kinder, gentler world.
