House Committee on Rules adopts four honorary resolutions recognizing local leaders

The House Committee on Rules met April 7, 2025, and moved four House Concurrent Resolutions to the floor that honor local civic leaders and their contributions. The measures — HCR 33 (Frank Cutsforth), HCR 25 (Carol Rua), HCR 8 (Vicki and Jerry Berger) and HCR 35 (Philip Lang) — were described by sponsors and community witnesses as ceremonial recognitions with no fiscal impact and were approved by roll-call votes.

The resolutions were presented in separate public hearings followed by brief work sessions. Melissa (committee staff) told the committee each resolution carried “no fiscal and no revenue impact.” Vice Chair Christine Drazen, sponsor for HCR 33, described the honoree: “Frank Cutsforth was a family man, a community leader, and an incredible friend who touched the lives of so many, and it is an honor to be here today, on behalf of his memory.” Testimony at that hearing emphasized Cutsforth’s local business, longstanding civic involvement and annual community car event that supports downtown Canby nonprofits.

Why it matters: These concurrent resolutions formally record the Legislature’s recognition of individuals whose activities committee members and witnesses said shaped local civic life. Because the measures are nonbinding and carry no budgetary effect, the hearings focused on personal history and community impact rather than policy or expenditure decisions.

HCR 33 (Frank Cutsforth, Canby): Vice Chair Christine Drazen summarized Cutsforth’s life, noting his leadership of the family grocery and a multi‑decade annual car show that helped downtown Canby businesses. Local residents who testified said Cutsforth gave employment to young people, prioritized hiring people with challenges, and supported local nonprofits. Charlie Stinson, a Canby resident, said, “Frank was a man who was short in stature, but a giant in his compassion and connection with people.” Ray Keane, executive director of the Canby Center, testified that Cutsforth quietly provided food and other help to neighbors and that his philanthropy included donating a shave‑ice machine for community events. The committee voted to move HCR 33 to the floor with a “be adopted” recommendation.

HCR 25 (Carol Rua, Gresham): Representative Ricky Ruiz sponsored the resolution recognizing Carol Rua’s long volunteer work with Gresham neighborhood associations and community preparedness efforts. Ruiz told the committee Rua “opened the doors” to neighborhood engagement and remained active across multiple associations. The committee adopted a dash‑1 amendment that revised a whereas clause to reflect Rua’s role with the coalition of neighborhood associations, then approved the amended resolution to send to the floor.

HCR 8 (Vicki and Jerry Berger): Testimony for HCR 8 described Vicki and Jerry Berger’s years of civic service. Kathy Martin Willis, speaking as a former YMCA staff and community member, recounted Berger’s leadership on the YMCA board and as a state representative’s staffer and urged passage. John McCardle, retired mayor of Independence, recounted Berger’s support for local initiatives such as community broadband and praised her insistence on civility at public meetings. The committee approved HCR 8 and assigned a carrier to carry it to the House floor.

HCR 35 (Philip Lang): Witnesses urged approval of HCR 35 commemorating Philip (Phil) Lang’s long record of public service. Genoa Ingram, executive director of the Oregon State Capitol Foundation,…