At Bethany’s Table, we've always believed that great food is best shared with great company, and that the tables we gather around have the power to shape something bigger than a meal.
This Saturday, March 21st, from 1:00–3:00 PM, we're opening our doors for a very special community fundraising event, and we'd love for you to be part of it. Join us for complimentary pizza, salad, and wine tasting as we sit down together and get to know Blayne Soleymani-Pearson, candidate for Washington County Commissioner.
As David puts it, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the big, distant forces shaping our world - but what happens right here in Washington County? That's something we can actually do something about. Blayne is a Deputy District Attorney, a domestic violence prosecutor, a Cedar Mill neighbor, a husband, and a father of two. He's running because he believes our county deserves bold, engaged leadership. Someone who will stand up for affordability, community safety, and a transportation system that actually works for all of us.
David met with Blayne, had a long and honest conversation, and came away inspired (more on that below). We'd love to give you that same chance.
Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to connect with your neighbors and local leaders. This is exactly the kind of afternoon we feel good about hosting. Good food, real conversation, and community showing up for itself.
We hope to see you at the table. RSVP below.
Saturday, March 21st | 1:00–3:00 PM | Complimentary Pizza, Salad & Wine Tasting
Campaign Website: https://www.blaynefororegon.com/
Donations: https://donation.c-esystems.com/campaign/blaynefororegon
A Note from David Bowles: Why We’re Hosting Blayne
Janet and our team have been tuning a strategy to better lean into our role in this community. While some ideas are still percolating, we know we want to utilize our space more fully on the weekends for the things that matter. That means family friendly Sunday dinners and community-focused Saturdays—like this one.
People have asked why I’m sponsoring this specific event. It’s a fair question.
It is easy to get lost in the noise of the world. We can worry about the Fed, argue over the border, or fret about geopolitical shifts in the East, but the reality is there is virtually nothing we can do about those things from here. However, we can do something about what’s happening in our own backyard.
Washington County is a place with rural roots, but we are facing massive urban pressures. We’ve seen millions spent on "livable" designs in North Bethany, only to watch developers move in and the County fail to enforce its own vision. I’m not opposed to "urban creep," but I am tired of the helplessness and passivity that seems to define our current County leadership.
This is where Blayne comes in.
When I looked at the profiles for this seat, there wasn't much on paper to differentiate the candidates. Both are dedicated citizens. But I was looking for something less "phlegmatic" to meet the coming development pressures. I met with Blayne, kvetched for over an hour, and he didn’t walk out—which is a promising start.
As an Assistant District Attorney, Blayne is disinclined toward passivity. He understands that the safety and infrastructure issues we ignore today will become the crises of tomorrow. Whether it's the fear felt by our Hispanic neighbors or the simple, daily frustration of local traffic engineers who can’t seem to sync a stoplight, we need leadership with the tools and the intention to actually lead.
Meeting him made the difference for me. I’d like you to have that same opportunity. Please join us for some wine tasting and pizza while we chat. Once you’ve heard from him directly, I hope you’ll join me in supporting his candidacy.
- David