Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced today he is continuing to hold in-person town halls in 2023 by holding conversations in Benton and Linn Counties on Saturday, February 11. Congresswoman Val Hoyle will join the Benton County event.
“I hold a town hall for every Oregon county, every year because there is simply no substitute to hearing directly from folks about the ideas and priorities that matter most to them and their communities. Oregonians’ thoughts help shape my work in Congress, including positions on policies, ideas for bills, and strategies for securing resources for every corner of our state,” Merkley said.
“Over the course of the more than 500 town halls I’ve held since Oregonians sent me to the Senate, I’ve seen how these events provide respectful, safe spaces for people to express their unique points of view during these often-divisive times. We all benefit significantly when we leave our comfort zone and open ourselves up to new ways of looking at issues—myself included.
“It’s been great to get back on the road again to meet Oregonians from all walks of life.”
Since taking office in 2009, Senator Merkley has kept his promise to hold an open town hall for each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. In recent years, many of the events have been virtual amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He held in-person town halls in January and early February, speaking with Oregonians in seventeen counties ranging from Oregon’s North Coast to the Columbia River Gorge, Eastern Oregon, Southern Oregon, the Willamette Valley, and Clackamas County.
Senator Merkley’s town hall conversations on Saturday, February 11 are as follows, with additional details to be sent to local media ahead of each town hall:
Saturday, February 11:
Benton County Town Hall with Congresswoman Val Hoyle
Time: 11:30 am PT
Location: Crescent Valley High School, Cafeteria
4444 NW Highland Dr. Corvallis OR 97330
Linn County Town Hall
Time: 2:30 pm PT
Location: Linn-Benton Community College, Forum
6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, OR 97321
###
English 
Spanish