Election boosts public engagement in politics in Oregon, lawmakers say

Election boosts public engagement in politics in Oregon, lawmakers say: SALEM — Since the divisive November national elections, Oregon lawmakers and a member of its congressional delegation are seeing unprecedented public participation in the political process, and they are hoping the engagement will help solve a budget crisis. “The level of public engagement since the November election has been astonishing to all of us,” said House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland. She said attendance at her pre-legislative-session town halls more than tripled this year.