500 days since his last town hall, Buehler claims things will be different as governor

500 days since his last town hall, Buehler claims things will be different as governor 

PORTLAND — In a Facebook Live announcement this morning, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Knute Buehler made a campaign promise to hold town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. The announcement comes as a surprise to Buehler observers and his constituents, since the State Representative from Bend has not held a town hall in his own House district in more than 500 days. 

“Given Knute Buehler’s inability or unwillingness to meet with his constituents in House District 54, I have a hard time believing his new pledge for transparency and openness. It just doesn’t add up,” said Jeanne Atkins, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “It’s been more than 500 days since Buehler’s last town hall and he wants voters to believe that he’ll hold a town hall every ten days as Governor? Actions speak louder than words.” 

Buehler’s last town hall was held in April 2017.

Last week, Buehler told OPB that he spends about five days a month in his House District.

“With more than 130 days left in his term as a House Representative, I’d be more inclined to believe Buehler if he started by meeting with the constituents he currently represents and has neglected for so long,” said Atkins. “He needs to prove that he can serve the constituents of House District 54 before he starts making promises to voters across the entire state that he can’t keep.” 

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