Oregon State Treasurer Democratic Candidate Debate

On May 7, City Club welcomes the two Democratic primary contenders for State Treasurer, Rick Metsger and Ted Wheeler. The Treasury has numerous financial responsibilities that include managing the investment of state funds, issuing state bonds and serving as the central bank for state agencies. The two candidates will discuss their outlooks on topics such as fiscal responsibility, innovation, job creation and resource management. They will also address the recent discovery by The Oregonian that Treasury employees repeatedly claimed reimbursement for free meals and regularly exceeded allowed lodging costs.

Rick Metsger started his career as a public school teacher in Gresham and later worked as a journalist at KOIN-TV in Portland. After six years of running a successful small business, Metsger was elected to the Oregon State Senate where he is completing his third term.

Ted Wheeler earned an MBA from Columbia University and a Masters in Public Policy at Harvard University. Wheeler worked for several financial services companies before his election as Multnomah County Chair in 2007. In March, Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed Wheeler as State Treasurer following the death of Ben Westlund, who previously held the position.

If a candidate receives a majority of votes cast in the May 18 primary, that candidate will win this seat. If no candidate earns a majority in the primary, the top two contenders will advance to a runoff election in November.

Purchase tickets at www.pdxcityclub.org  or call 503-228-7231 x110.

Where: The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland OR 97205

When: Doors open at 11:30 AM, Program begins at 12:15 PM and concludes at 1:15 PM

Transportation and parking: The Governor Hotel is accessible by bus, Portland Streetcar and MAX light rail. A SmartPark garage is located one block away from the Governor Hotel at 730 S.W. 10th Ave.

Cost: Luncheon tickets are $16 for City Club members and up to two guests, $20 for nonmembers. Limited coffee/tea table tickets are $5 and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. General seating is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. A limited number of $5 coffee/tea tickets are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations: Reservations required for lunches only; reservations close at 2 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the event. Reservations for lunch are strongly encouraged. To reserve a lunch via telephone, individuals (members and non-members) should call our voice mail reservation line, 503-228-7231, ext. 110. A limited number of lunch tickets are generally available at the door. Luncheon tickets reserved after the 2:00 PM Wednesday deadline or purchased at the door will be subject to an additional $4 charge. General seating and coffee/tea tickets will be available at the door.

Sponsors: Friday Forums this quarter are sponsored by Key Private Bank, Northwest Natural and Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt.