Eve Oldenkamp, Klamath Falls

I have benefited significantly from my membership in the OCDLA and would love the opportunity to give back to the general membership. I believe the opportunity to develop cutting edge continuing legal education programs and to develop better (if that's possible) resources for defense attorneys, statewide, is a primary board responsibility. I have benefited tremendously from such resources and know that others have donated many hours to produce these resources. Service on the board would allow me the opportunity to give back to current and future members.   Read more

Michael G. Romano, Bend

I've been a member of OCDLA since I first opened my private practice in 2006. Throughout the past several years, I've very much enjoyed the resources of the organization — especially the live seminars, form books, legislative updates, and the email listserv.

As a private practitioner with a primary office outside of the Portland metropolitan area, I would very much like the opportunity to serve on the OCDLA board to represent smaller offices and solo attorneys in Central and Eastern Oregon. I would additionally like to advocate for increased use of technology to share knowledge, promote networking, and unify the Oregon defense bar. Lastly, I would like to increase the level of communication between the legislative liaisons and the general membership so that we can become more proactive with respect to new legislation that affects civil liberties.

I look forward to committed work in defense of those accused, and I would be honored to serve on the OCDLA board.

District 2 Candidate

(County: Lane)

Terri Wood, Eugene

The OCDLA is a great organization that serves the defense bar in so many invaluable ways. I joined when I first moved to Oregon and started private practice in 1988, having been a public defender in Florida for six years before that. Although I was a solo practitioner opening an office in a state where I knew no one before arriving in Eugene, from the moment I joined, I was never truly working alone. I believe deeply in the fellowship of criminal defense attorneys and in what can be accomplished when we join forces, whether in the courtroom, on the Pond, or simply in spirit. I would like to contribute further to the defense community by serving on the board.

District 4 Candidate

(Counties: Benton, Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, Yamhill)

Edward Kroll, Hillsboro

OCDLA is a wonderful organization group of folks, all committed to the same ideal: the best defense possible. When I left my former life as a prosecutor, I had concerns about the transition, both mentally and professionally. Many OCDLA members stepped forward to offer their advice, guidance and friendship. And, of course, the Pond is a valuable resource, both for pressing legal questions and when I need a good laugh during the day. This collegiality is the heart of OCDLA, and we must take care never to lose it.
 
One of the biggest laments I hear from colleagues statewide is about the completely disparate court practices, DA policies, and enforcement procedures across the state. It would take a herculean, long-term effort, but I would like to see OCDLA draw more attention to some of these ridiculous practices. Many counties, large and small, do things a certain way because “that's the way things run.” This results in rather unfair treatment for many a client. The more light we can shine on things, and the more carefully directed attention we can draw towards them, the better chance we have to level the playing field for future lawyers and clients. I realize it's a broad goal, but OCDLA is about more than the success of its individual members — it is about protecting the Constitution and building a strong foundation now and for the future.

At-large Candidate

(Any county)

Russell S. Barnett, III, Portland
Statement and photo coming soon.