MHCC-linked candidates win, lose in local elections

The Oregon general election Nov. 6 featured four candidates with ties to MHCC, from the state level all the way down to local city councils. Two have apparently won, while a third awaits the final vote count.

Zach Hudson, an MHCC reading and writing instructor who can add “graphic novel author” to his credits. is locked in a close race against John Wilson for Troutdale City Council Position 6. As of Wednesday at 4:15 p.m., Hudson trailed by just 10 votes and the election has not officially been called.

Hudson said his MHCC work did not shape his platforms for his candidacy. “Being a teacher has not influenced any specific issue at the city level,” he said.

However, Hudson urged MHCC students to be politically aware and active. “There are certain issues (they) should be knowledgeable about, not just because they are students but because they live in a city, a county and a state,” he said. “They can each have a voice in each of those, if they choose to get involved.”

Chris Gorsek, an MHCC geography and criminal justice instructor, has won an Oregon House seat representing the 49th District. The Democrat leads with 54 percent, or 10,984 votes, to 46 percent, or 9,291 votes, for Republican incumbent Matt Wand, a former MHCC student.

Gorsek was a Portland police officer for seven years, starting on the east side, before he started teaching at MHCC. He eventually earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in urban studies at Portland State University.

He said his top priority is funding for public schools. He cites a need to invest in community colleges and the state university system to help provide students with the skills needed to compete for well-paying and high-tech jobs.

Tamie Tlustos-Arnold, who served as MHCC Associated Student Government president in 1994-95, holds a very narrow lead in a tight battle for Fairview City Council Position 6.

As of Wednesday, she led incumbent Brian Cooper by just 25 votes, out of just over 2,500 ballots cast.

During her time as ASG president, Tlustos-Arnold traveled to Washington D.C., to advocate for student funding. This year, she ran in Fairview on a platform of “the status quo has got to go.” She owns and operates a local pilates studio and is active on several school parent-teacher committees and with the Girl Scouts of America.

Maggie Nelson, a current MHCC District board member, was defeated in her bid for a 47th District Oregon House seat. Her Democratic opponent, Jessica Vega Pederson, leads with 65 percent (11,894 votes) to 35 percent (6,478 votes) for Nelson, a Republican.

Nelson taught for 20 years prior to joining the MHCC board, winning election in 2010. Her main campaign platform this autumn was job creation. She also cited a need for stable school funding and increased financial aid programs, looking to private foundations as sponsors where possible.

Advocate Staff