Merkley Returns to his Roots

Posted by Sarah Lane on June 16, 2008
100 Towns Tour for Change

Last Saturday, Jeff Merkley kicked off his 100 Towns for Change Tour in Myrtle Creek, the town where he was born. Jeff began the tour by meeting locals at Peree's Restaurant and Lounge, a charming Betty Boop themed restaurant. One of the residents remembered the mill that Jeff's father worked at. Health care was a big concern among the locals at Peree's. A woman named Donna Hunter shared a story about her friend and how she struggles with the high cost of her prescription medications. Even with insurance her friend has to pay $41 per pill and without insurance it costs $100 per pill. That's the cost for one pill!

The next stop on the tour was Roseburg, where Jeff attended school as a child. Jeff met with locals at the Chi Garden Restaurant. Just like many towns in Oregon, good paying jobs are needed to keep the communities thriving. Jeff spoke about how harmful trade deals have shipped jobs overseas and how the cost of everything is rising while salaries are staying the same. Jeff pledged to lead efforts to fight global warming and create collar green jobs in Douglas County where there is tremendous economic opportunity to produce renewable energy. Jeff and local residents talked about failed attempts to renew the timber safety net. Gordon Smith failed to get a single Republican to join with Senator Wyden to do what's right for Oregon.

After stopping in Roseburg, Jeff traveled to Sutherlin to meet with Leo and Christine Lusk, the owners of the White Horse Coffee & Tea Co. Health care was a primary concern among the locals. Citizens of Sutherlin told Jeff that access to health care services is a real problem in their town. The closest hospital is out in Roseburg and many people are sent even further away for health care services. Scroll down for more about White Horse Coffee & Tea Co.

The next stop was Cottage Grove. Jeff toured the Family Relief Nursery, an organization that has helped strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect since 1993. The Mayor of Cottage Grove Gary Williams and City Counselor Tom Munroe, were on hand at the event as well as many local residents.

The last stop was in Creswell at a local Mexican restaurant Los Cabos. Jeff talked about his travels around the world, including Ghana, Mexico and India. His time spent in small villages humbled him. When he returned home from Ghana, his appreciation grew tremendously for the opportunities he had in America.

It was a great experience for Jeff to return to his roots in Myrtle Creek. Jeff had a great time meeting with the locals and talking about plans to change the country. For many local residents it was the first time they were able to meet Jeff speak. At every stop folks said how great it was that a U.S. Senate candidate was visiting their town. A man in Roseburg said that he couldn't remember the last time Gordon Smith came to town.

Stay tuned to see more photos and hear stories from the people Jeff meets on the road. Send us your ideas and suggestions about where Jeff should go next on his 100 Towns for Change Tour!

Here's a picture of Jeff chatting with local residents and State Representative Phil Barnhart and State Senator Bill Morrisette in Creswell:

Here's a picture of Jeff and owner Leo Lusk of the White Horse Coffee & Tea Co. checking out the coffee roaster: