The Senate Committee on Rules convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss a slate of candidates for various boards and commissions in Oregon. The meeting highlighted the qualifications of the nominees, with several committee members expressing their support for the candidates while also raising concerns about the nomination process.

The session began with a positive acknowledgment of the nominees, particularly Kimberly Dixon, who was noted for her impressive background. Senator Bonham praised the qualifications of the candidates, including Fiona Wilde, a three-time stand-up paddleboard world champion and founder of the Wild Wind and Water Foundation. Despite recognizing the strong credentials of the nominees, Senator Bonham expressed reservations about the transparency and accessibility of the nomination process. He indicated a desire for a more inclusive approach that would allow for greater legislative involvement in vetting candidates.

Senator Golden echoed these sentiments, questioning how legislators could realistically engage more deeply in the nomination process given their workload. He acknowledged the need for best practices from other states to improve legislative involvement.

The discussion also included commendations for the nominees' extensive experience, with several members noting the impressive qualifications presented. Senator Dodger remarked on the depth of experience among the candidates, stating that this was the best list of nominees she had encountered thus far.

Despite the overall support for the candidates, Senator Bonham ultimately voted against the slate, citing his concerns about the nomination process. The committee proceeded to vote, with the motion passing despite his dissent. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude towards the nominees for their commitment to serving Oregon.

In summary, while the committee recognized the qualifications of the nominees, significant discussions centered around the need for a more transparent and inclusive nomination process. The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue among legislators about improving engagement in candidate selection for state boards and commissions.