State Senator Joanne Verger announced today that she will not seek reelection to District 5 in the 2012 election. Looking back on a career in public service that included a decade in the Legislature and nearly 20 years of local service, Verger reflected on her work for worthwhile causes and her reputation as a fair, accessible, and moderate voice in the Legislature and in local government.
“It has truly been an honor for me to serve coastal communities for over three decades. My district stretches from Coos Bay to Lincoln City and inland to Elmira and covers parts of six counties. It is big and it is beautiful. As a Representative and a Senator, I’ve been a strong advocate for the unique needs of these coastal communities,” said Verger. “I am proud of my reputation as a moderate voice on public policy and my conservative approach to spending. As a key swing vote on major legislation, I have always been a fierce defender of the Central and South Coast.”