South County Spotlight - Bonamici Makes Afternoon Visit to Columbia County

News Article

By Nicole Thill

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, who represents Oregon's First Congressional District that includes Columbia County, visited with students and community volunteers in Scappoose and St. Helens Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 1.

Bonamici was the guest speaker at a Scappoose High School assembly where she addressed dozens of high school students. A handful of teens asked the Democratic congresswoman questions about the presidential election, education reforms and general advice about getting involved in politics.

Bonamici also discussed the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupation trial, which ended last week with a not guilty verdict for all seven defendants on charges of conspiracy to impede federal officers by force, threat or intimidation.

She told the students that conspiracy charges can be difficult to prove. Bonamici has a law degree from the University of Oregon and has worked for a legal aid service.

"We also need to look at if we need to update the very old law under which they were charged," she added.

Following the 40-minute assembly, Bonamici and her two staffers made the drive to St. Helens to visit with 13 volunteers, staff and board members of the Columbia Pacific Food Bank.

Casey Wheeler, the food bank's executive director, welcomed

Bonamici by giving her a tour of the warehouse and discussing plans the board has for building a new warehouse.

During the brief visit, Wheeler and other volunteers from the food bank talked about the services they provide to community members across Columbia County.

The food bank in St. Helens operates as a food pantry, helping people who walk through the door, and as a distributor to pantries all over the county, including Vernonia and Rainier.

Additionally, the volunteers and staff explained how the food bank has created relationships with local schools and Head Start locations to provide drop-off locations for fresh fruit and produce.

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