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3A THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017 Bend Democrat considering Greg Walden challenge By PARIS ACHEN Capital Bureau SALEM — A Bend Dem- ocrat, who works as a physi- cian in Salem and Portland, is weighing a bid to oust U.S. Rep. Greg Walden from the 2nd Congressional District seat. If she announces next month, Jennifer “Jenni” Neahring, 51, would be one of several Democrats run- ning campaigns to oust the 10-term Republican repre- sentative but only one of two women. A newcomer to poli- tics, Neahring said the high cost of health care — and Walden’s efforts to repeal what she describes as the only gains the nation has made in improving access to care — spurred her to explore her potential to chal- lenge him. She felt the only way she could change national health care policy would be to seek office, she said. She has toured the 2nd Congressional District and met with voters in south- ern, central and eastern Oregon. She has received advice from Celinda Lake, a leading Democratic polit- ical strategist, and has met with former Gov. John Kitzhaber and U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Earl Blumenauer. “I’m trying to see if I understand the problems and issues and can I serve this district, and I feel that I can,” Neahring said. Neahring moved to Bend from Salem about six years ago after a divorce. While living in Bend, she said, she has continued a medical practice as a kidney physi- cian in both the capital city and Portland, often work- ing every other week. She has had affiliations with both Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics and with Providence Connections palliative care consultation service. “From the time that it was passed, I was happy to see we were making changes in the right direction in terms of the things that are really pop- ular in the Affordable Care Act, like mandatory cover- age for preexisting condi- tions and expanding cov- erage for more people,” Neahring said. “My con- cern when it passed was there wasn’t enough teeth in things that needed to happen to make health care afford- able. Health care is already too expensive, and we saw those costs continuing to rise.” Even so, repealing the law “didn’t make any sense to me because the American public would be losing the few gains we had in starting to look at bringing down the cost of health care,” she said. “The frustration to me was that the whole discus- sion was about politics and Obama and trying to get rid of it, as opposed to talking about the problems with health care and trying to fix it.” The only woman who has filed for election to the seat (and is still in the race) is Jamie McLeod-Skinner, 50, of Terrebonne, a retired city manager and planner. She announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination July 5. Rachel Scdoris-Salerno, a legally blind dog sled racer from Bend, dropped out of the race in July, after announcing in May. She has endorsed McLeod-Skinner. Candidates have until March 6 to file for the pri- mary election. Others who have filed for the Democratic nomination are Michael Byrne of Parkdale (near Hood River), James “Jim” Crary, who lives near Ash- land, and Tim S. White. Walden has “led the charge in dismantling health care” and in supporting the tax bill, and supported the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to repeal rules that prohibited Merry Time owners plan to take on Labor Temple Diner & Bar Couple to honor temple’s place in history By EDWARD STRATTON The Daily Astorian Christopher Oertell/Hillsboro Tribune U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon Jamie McLeod- Skinner Jennifer Neahring internet providers from dis- criminating against certain websites, McLeod-Skinner said. “He really seems to have turned away and forgotten where he comes from,” she said. “He’s really focused on campaign donors and not the needs of his district.” The Democratic Party of Oregon has amped up fund- raising to support candidates who could defeat Walden. Criticism of his votes for bills to repeal the Affordable Care Act and give permanent tax breaks to have fueled their fervor. Walden still has the con- stituent support and financial wherewithal to win reelec- tion, said spokesman Justin Discigil. Voters in his district “have consistently and strongly supported Greg Walden as their voice in Congress because they know he is a powerful force standing up for our veterans, working across party lines to fix bro- ken forest policy and helping hardworking taxpayers keep more of what they earn,” Discigil said. “Oregon has no stronger voice for the ranching, farm- ing and small business way of life that dominates the east side of the state.” Terry and Todd Robinett, owners of the Merry Time Bar & Grill, are acquiring the Labor Temple Diner & Bar in Astoria from David and Christina Warner. The deal is expected to close early next month. The Robinetts plan to keep the diner menu and vibe of the Labor Temple largely the same, while expanding the events in the back bar. The business is in space leased from the Astoria Labor Tem- ple Association, owners of the 1924 union hall. “The Labor Temple has a significant place in Astoria’s history,” the Robinetts said in a news release. “We’re going to honor that. We are also put- ting a lot of energy into mak- ing it a happening night spot again. Look for rock shows, burlesque, all kinds of things. We think the success of the Merry Time Bar should count for something, and hope that folks trust us with this local icon.” The couple moved to Asto- ria in 2014 and took over the Merry Time Bar & Grill from Fred and Chrissy Van Horn. They don’t want the sports bar to compete with the Labor Temple, Terry Robinett said. Before moving to Port- land, she managed the Rialto Poolroom Bar & Cafe, a 99-year-old pool and betting venue in Portland. She helped open the Jack London Bar in the basement of the pool hall, producing shows and booking events. The couple plans to install new audio and lighting in the Labor Temple bar’s stage area, along with a new jukebox, pinball and other minor cos- metic changes. A wide variety of events have been scheduled starting next month, including Friday dance parties, monthly comedy nights and burlesque shows, live-band karaoke and concerts. The Warners own the Port- way Tavern on Marine Drive and have had the Labor Tem- ple since taking over from Phyllis Ham and Bob Heil- man in 2007. They also oper- ate a rental property com- pany and wanted to simplify, Christina Warner said. “It’s been a fun experi- ence … trying at times,” she said of operating the Labor Temple. “We’re happy that they’ve said they want to keep the same concept, and have the time and desire to run with it.” The Warner’s last day of ownership will be New Year’s Day. “We’ll stop serving at 1 a.m.” Monday, Christina War- ner said. The cafe and bar will tem- porarily close, with the Robi- netts intending to reopen Jan. 12. Edward Stratton/The Daily Astorian The Labor Temple Diner & Bar is located in the first floor of a 1924 union hall owned by the Astoria Labor Temple Association. WANTED Alder and Maple Saw Logs & Standing Timber Northwest Hardwoods • Longview, WA Contact: John Anderson • 360-269-2500 LEARN BRIDGE New Years Eve FOUR FREE LESSONS MONDAYS 10 AM -12 NOON Starting Monday, January 22nd Happy New Year 2018! THUNDER ROAD BAND Awesome Classic Rock & Roll! FROM 9 PM TILL 1 AM ! Prime Rib or Salmon Dinner Only $25* • Served from 5 to 8pm * - Advance ticket purchase ($30 @ the door) First come first served. Dinner guest will be provided with a stamp that entitles them to free party favors & a champagne toast at midnight! NO DINNER? Just Party Favors & Champagne Only $5 Annual Fundraiser • NO DOOR CHARGE • 21 or older OR SUNDAYS 2-4 PM EASY FUN FRIENDS FOOD FREE! Starting Sunday, January 28th (To be followed by ongoing Mini-Lessons and Supervised Play sessions) Come play in the delightful Mary Blake Playhouse in the Seaside Library grounds; park at the Bob Chisholm Community Center, 1225 Ave A, Seaside Call - Sue Kroning: (503)738-7817 Cell: (503)739-0264 email:skroning@centurylink.net to register (or just come along) PUBLIC WELCOME • EVERYONE CAN ENJOY! SEASIDE AMERICAN LEGION 1315 Broadway • 503-738-5111 Serving T he D aily a sTorian ’ s c utest B aBy c ontest If your baby was born January 1st & December 31st , 2017 , between families for generations you can submit your newborn’s picture either via email at: classifieds @ dailyastorian . com or drop by one of our offices in Astoria or Seaside and we can scan in the photo for you. ove L A family’s is forever Hughes-Ransom Mortuary Deadline to enter is Thursday, January 25 th at 5 pm Astoria: 576 12th Street • 503.325.2535 Seaside: 220 N. Holladay • 503.738.6622 Entries will be printed in The Daily Astorian on January 31st. www.hughes-ransom.com *Human babies only please!* Come Join Us for Our YEAR END SALE! Out with the OLD In with the NEW!!! 20% to 75% OFF * December 26 th - 31 st * - Excluding Kit-Cat Clocks H eron ’ s n est Gifts & More 405 Broadway • Seaside • 503.738.8854 H APPY N EW Y EAR The Daily Astorian will be CLOSED Monday, January 1, 2018 CLASSIFIED DEADLINES ARE 1 1am on Friday, Dec. 29 fo r Monday, Jan. 1 editio n 1 p m on Friday , Dec. 29 for Tuesday, January 2 edition Usual delivery of the Newspaper T HE D AILY A STORIAN
