Diane Rosenbaum was sworn in as the Multnomah County District 3 Commissioner on Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the Multnomah County Boardroom.
Rosenbaum, a longtime state legislator who has been Chair Jessica Vega Pederson’s designee for six years, will serve until a permanent replacement for the remainder of Vega Pederson’s term as commissioner is selected by a majority of voters in the May or November elections.
Former Chair Deborah Kafoury administered the oath before a gathering of close friends, family and colleagues.
“This is actually the job she’s made for,” Kafoury said. “All of the qualities that make you a great Multnomah County Commissioner are qualities that she has.”
Rosenbaum joins the Board after nearly 18 years in the Oregon Legislature, including 10 years in the House and eight years in the Senate. During that time she served as Senate Majority Leader, House Speaker Pro Tempore, Democratic Whip and the chair of multiple committees.
In the Senate, she served as Chair of the Rules and Executive Appointments Committee for six years, presiding over hundreds of confirmation hearings for the Governor’s appointments of agency heads, boards and commissions.
Rosenbaum’s priorities included work to alleviate poverty and hunger, address women’s healthcare and equal rights, and provide revenue reform. She also was instrumental in the passage of numerous state minimum wage increases.
“She has been a trailblazer,” Chair Vega Pederson said. “She has accomplished so much in her time.”
After reciting the oath of office, Rosenbaum pledged to dive into the County’s most pressing needs. She noted the County’s late-December severe weather response, which relied on more than 3,500 shift hours to offer safe shelter and warmth to more than 1,000 residents, and more than 3,000 meals, amid life-threatening conditions.
“That is the essence of what the County is all about — of our ethos,” she said. “To compassionately care for our residents, to be on the frontlines of our community’s biggest challenges, and to adequately compare and invest in the needs of future generations.”
From housing and healthcare to community justice and Preschool for All, Rosenbaum said the community’s fabric is bound by the County. Every resident is touched by the County’s services in some way, she said, and she’s eager to get started.
Rosenbaum affirmed her commitment to serving the County and the constituents of District 3 until voters elect a permanent replacement.
“This district has been my home for over 40 years, and I deeply appreciate the talents and diversity of the individuals and families who comprise this engaging community,” Rosenbaum said.
Today's event was just one of several swearing in ceremonies for Multnomah County officials taking place this week. Chair Vega Pederson was sworn in Tuesday evening, while Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell was sworn in Wednesday morning. Commissioner Susheela Jayapal and Auditor Jennifer McGuirk will be sworn in for their second four-year terms during the regular board meeting on Jan. 5.
Watch Commissioner Rosenbaum's swearing in ceremony here.