A year later

A year ago, I wrote this letter. At this point an update is warranted.

Where will you be in four years?

Will you be in Oregon? Will you be working to make America and Oregon the greatest place on earth?

Oregon is an amazing state. Full of life. It should and must be preserved and nurtured. We are called to steward the land and occupy. When you occupy, you take action. You move into a space, take it over and control it.

When this happens often there is displacement. This change is uncomfortable. Change is usually uncomfortable. It is also necessary.

How do you change an organization? The easiest way is to change people. Other ways include, change in policy or rules or by strong personality of a leader. None of these ways results in long term change.

The way to change an organization is by vision and example. Getting people to understand and buy into the vision is the key to long term success. Vision will outlast any leader. The only way to implement the vision is by example. It is the only leadership technique.

To lead by example means that as the Chair I am working harder than anyone else. I spend at least 30 hours a week doing this work. Every day I do something as Chair. Last week I spent a lot of time working to get the MCGOP organized to support the Salem Tax Referendum. Update: We got it on the ballot and defeated it. I was at the Marion County Fair everyday with our booth. I was there for set up and tear down. Update: We had success with last year’s fundraising, and this year we are looking to improve. Once again, we will have a booth at the Marion County Fair.

When I ran for Chair, I said that I would do initiatives. I am. The Constitutional Carry Initiative is keeping that promise. Many of you are helping. Thank you, I appreciate your efforts. The CCFO team cannot get it done alone. We need you. Update: unfortunately, we have had to suspend the signature gathering for CCFO. I deeply regret that this action was required. I will at a future date provide a review of what happened and my best understanding of why.

Enabling the Marion County PCPs to succeed is part of the job as chair. This means working with other organizations and community leaders. The MCGOP cannot go it alone. During the recent elections, I made phone calls and asked for donations not to the MCGOP but directly to School Board candidates. The reason for this is the general public considers these positions “non-partisan”. Direct donations from the MCGOP can be used against candidates we support. Another example is we worked with Marion Polk First to organize and canvass. MP First had full time support and two people for canvassing. MCGOP provide much need manpower to canvass. We even managed to ballot harvest a little. Messaging was coordinated between organizations, so we were consistent. All of this made the difference in victory.

Update: We had a successful post card voter registration drive to increase Republican registration. We lead the State in this effort. Well done.

Update: We are building out a team across the community working with other like minded groups. Polk County Republicans, Marion-Polk First, ORTL and Union Hispania is just the start of this effort. Lois Anderson from Oregon Right to Life will be speaking at our May meeting.

Update: We now have a office again. 3000 Market St, Suite 410.

Honest frank communication is difficult but necessary if improvement is to happen. Learning from each other is how we get better. The results from May should force PCPs to ask questions. I learned in the Army through the After Action Review process how to ask tough questions and answer tough questions. I am going to continue to ask tough questions. I know you will ask them of me. Update: boy did you ever.

I have moved fast in Marion County. I intend to move faster. This is the time to get organized for 2024. There will be more changes coming. Update: We are well positioned for success this year.

I am open to all honest communication.

MCR Chairman, Joel Pawloski