Cathy Mincberg, MESD, and Blumenauer top Grinch election!

Cathy Mincberg, PPSD, Elected Grinch of the Year

Over 150 people crowded into the JwJ Holiday Party at the Peace House to celebrate the season, learn about all seven nominees and cast their ballots for Grinch of the Year.

The nominations included several skits. One group of workers came from the picket line at MESD 12 hours earlier to do their impressions of the board. Another skit dramatized the harsh reality of immigration law by conducting a raid and separating a young mother from her 5 month old child.Cathy “Grinchberg” was there in her Texas cowboy hat, getting visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

After some last minute horse-trading, the final votes were cast, and Cathy came out on top! In second place—and certainly the strike-ending settlement reached a few hours earlier was a huge factor—the MESD board. In a surprisingly strong finish, Earl “Free Trade” Blumenauer nabbed the bronze medal of Grinchiness. Next were Patricia Smith of Unitus, the immigrant-bashing Dept. of Homeland Security, Chris Patterson of Freightliner and Beef Northwest's John Wilson.

The party was a great way to cap off a very busy year, and an especially active last few weeks. In addition to all the fun and community building, we were able to raise over $2500! If you would like to make a last minute contribution to the Grinch Solidarity Fund, send in a check today to:
Portland Jobs with Justice, 6025 E Burnside, Portland, OR 97215

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who helped bake something, staff the event, sold and bought tickets, and nominated a Grinch. And a huge thanks to the awesome people at the Peace House—our favorite event of the year would not be the same without you!

Happy Holidays, and keep an eye out for the delivery of the Grinch award—we might need your help!

Final Results:
1. Cathy Mincberg, PPSD
2. MESD board
3. Earl “Free Trade” Blumenauer
4. Patricia Smith of Unitus
5. Dept.of Homeland Security
6. Chris Patterson of Freightliner
7. Beef Northwest's John Wilson

Congratulations to all of the nominees!