Jarod Mason-Gere |
What is your full name? Jarod Mason-Gere
What House District do you live in? District 13
Who is your current employer?
Representative Phil Barnhart
What is your current occupation?
Chief of Staff to Rep. Phil Barnhart
What has been your involvement with the DPLC?
I have served most recently as Vice-Chair for the last year and a half. Previously I was co-chair of the Campaign services committee, beginning in December, 2004.
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What is the biggest challenge that faces the DPLC and how do you think it could be solved?
The biggest problem the DPLC faces is a more stable source of funding as well as a workload that often falls too heavily upon the shoulders of a small group of volunteers. We have to continue to increase the number of devoted, skilled volunteers who can take responsibility for the increased number of tasks that come with the continued growth of the party. We also must continue to reach out to new donors, large and small. We should be more aggressive in seeking out large individual and business donors, and must operate as frugally as possible in order to show donors that they will get the most out of their contributions.
Name one strength and one weakness you possess that will most affect your work with the DPLC?
I have an ability to bring people together, to make them feel welcome and comfortable, and my connections and involvement in other organizations will help the DPLC continue to bring in new talent and ideas. I also have good relationships with a large number activists in the DPLC and in other organizations. A weakness of mine is that I can sometimes get too involved in activities or work I’m passionate about, and can sacrifice other aspects of my life.
What experiences have prepared you for being Chair of the DPLC?
I have a variety of experiences that prepare me for this work. I have learned a great deal about the operations of the DPLC in my time as Vice Chair of the party, and as co-chair of the Campaign Services committee. These positions have also honed my leadership skills and my knowledge of parliamentary procedure, as well as my ability to run meetings. My work for Representative Phil Barnhart has helped me make contacts throughout Lane County and throughout the state.
Growing up in a liberal, middle/working class family in a rural, conserva-tive part of Oregon has helped me understand the wide breadth of political views and backgrounds that make up the Oregon electorate. I am able to relate to a variety of people and understand that there will be diverging political views, even among Democrats. Having grown up in Oregon and having seen the changes in our environment, land use laws, and ability to fund education, I understand how important it is that we succeed in our quest to recruit, elect, and support good Democrats for a variety of elected offices.
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