Rep. McKeown release – McKeown’s accomplishments include passing historic transportation package and landmark long-term care reform – SALEM, Ore. – Rep. Caddy McKeown (D–Coos Bay) announced this morning that after four terms in the Oregon Legislature, she will not seek re-election in 2020. Rep. McKeown has represented House District 9, which includes the South and Central Coast from Coos Bay to Yachats, since 2012. “I first sought this post because I believe Oregon’s South Coast deserves to have someone fighting for them in the legislature,” Rep. McKeown said. “Over my four terms, I have been proud to work across the aisle to bring significant investments to our communities on the South Coast. It has truly been an honor.” As co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization in 2017, Rep. McKeown was instrumental in the development and passage of the historic transportation package known as Keep Oregon Moving. This once-in-a-generation investment in Oregon’s transportation infrastructure has become a nationwide model and will pay dividends for decades to come. Rep. McKeown’s concern about the vulnerability of Oregon’s seniors culminated in significant legislation to improve the quality of care for the elderly at Oregon’s long-term care facilities. During her tenure in the legislature, Rep. McKeown has proudly served on the Legislative Committee on Indian Services, represented Oregon at the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, served as co-convener of the Sudden Oak Death Task Force, and worked closely with her colleagues in the bicameral and bipartisan Legislative Coastal Caucus to advocate for coastal priorities. Rep. McKeown, a fourth-generation Oregonian born and raised in Coos Bay, began her career in public service on the Coos Bay School Board, where she served for 11 years. In 2004, she was appointed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski to the Board of Commissioners of the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay, where she served for nine years and worked to acquire and rehabilitate the Coos Bay Rail Line. Rep. McKeown also served on the Energy Trust of Oregon board for 11 years and on the boards of various local non-profits. “As school board President, Port Commissioner, and State Representative, Caddy McKeown has been a dedicated and effective advocate for our area and her district for decades. I can say that she will be greatly missed, and on behalf of our community would like to thank her for all that she has done,” said Coos Bay Mayor and Southwest Regional Airport Commissioner Joe Benetti. Rep. McKeown looks forward to serving the constituents of House District 9 until her term expires in January 2021.
