At 1 p.m. today in Salem, soon-to-be former Rep. Chip Shields will be sworn in as the new state senator for District 22. Shields was appointed to the seat by the Multnomah County Commission last week, following the retirement announcement of longtime Sen. Margaret Carter this summer. Shields beat out Oregon Action Director Joann Bowman for the seat.
"For over 25 years, Senator Margaret Carter has delivered real results for the people of North and Northeast Portland. It will be the honor of a lifetime to pour my heart into trying to fill her very large shoes," said Shields in a release.
Multnomah County Commissioners will now have the job of filling Shields' empty seat. Reportedly in the running are Lew Frederick, Fred Stewart, Eddie Lincoln, and Karol Collymore.
In related news, Shields' wife, Shelda Holmes will be holding an open house at her health clinic, Hands On Medicine, 5311 N. Vancouver Ave. at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30. Shields serves as business manager for the clinic, in addition to his legislative duties. The open house will also feature members of the city's Office of Human Relations. There will be world music, artwork and food. The whole community is invited.
