ORA Members Serve in the 2009 Oregon Legislature

When the 75th Oregon Legislative Assembly convenes in January, two members of the Oregon Restaurant Association will be serving in the House of Representatives. Kevin Cameron, owner of the Cafe Today restaurants, will be representing the people of House District 19 which covers south and east sections of Marion County and portions of Salem. And, Jim Weidner, owner of the Lago de Chapala restaurant in Yamhill, will be representing citizens of House District 24 which includes segments of Yamhill and Polk Counties.

Representative Kevin Cameron, in his third term in Salem, has also been selected by his caucus to serve as Assistant Leader, which is the second highest position in caucus leadership. He has also served on the Oregon Restaurant Association Board and has a long-time record of industry involvement. Cameron started working as a dishwasher for minimum wage in the 1970s, and is now CEO of Cafe Today, which has 12 locations. He is driven by core values to give back to his community by providing leadership for small business and local issues in the legislature.

Jim Weidner, newly-elected in November 2008, is looking forward to applying his restaurant management skills to his new position in Salem. Weidner noted, "I think running a restaurant teaches you to watch your books and bottom line very closely," something he believes is necessary right now in regards to state spending. Weidner’s background as an efficiency consultant will also be very helpful in his new capacity as State Representative.

In addition to Cameron and Weidner, Representative Bruce Hanna, President and CEO of Coca Cola Bottling Company of Roseburg, will also return to the legislature to serve as House Minority Leader.

The 2009 legislative session will be a challenging one – with pressing issues such as the state budget, the economy, labor and workplace regulations, and possible tax increases – just to name a few. However, ORA's advocacy team will be working tirelessly with Cameron, Weidner, Hanna and others to make certain the voice of our industry is heard throughout the State Capitol.