This week is the final week of campaigning before Christmas and it was a busy one.

CASA of Marion County
I attended an annual lunch to benefit CASA — court-appointed special advocates. Their job is to advocate for our kids in foster care in Marion County. The purpose is to ensure that kids in difficult family situations have one consistent person that will stand by their side (often for years at a time).

Growing Family Wage Jobs in Marion County
I met with Nick Williams at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. We discussed the work the chamber is doing to create a good business climate in Marion County. We talked about the need for a new bridge to ease traffic congestion in Salem and the importance of career technical training and development for young people in Marion County.

OSU Extension and 4-H
I also visited the OSU Marion County Extension Service office in Salem where I learned about the 4-H program in our community and the important research that Extension agents do to help our farmers solve difficult problems. Agriculture is one of the largest economic drivers here in Marion County.

I hope as you prepare for Christmas, this is a time of peace and joy for you and your family.

God Bless,

-- Colm