Paravicini for Secretary of State

PGP News
January 22, 2021

The Pacific Green Party calls for the immediate resignation of Clackamas County Commissioner Mark Shull for his disparaging remarks on social media demeaning Muslims, Trans people, and showing a reckless use of misinformation.

In a news story run by the Pamplin Group, Shull is revealed to be a basic bigot which raises questions about his capacity to serve the public interest. https://pamplinmedia.com/cr/494245-396756-clackamas-commissioner-mark-shull-under-fire-for-racist-anti-immigrant-statements

The PGP stands in solidarity with the call from the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Oregon calling for Shull’s resignation. The Council calls out the dangerous use of rhetoric employed by Shull. Their statement says: "At a time of heightened violence against Black and brown community members and our Muslim community, this rhetoric is reckless and dangerous, as shown by the extremist actions in our nation's Capitol last week."

Though Shull has issued a contrite retraction of his media posts from ‘years ago…,’ and promises ‘to serve everyone regardless of race, creed or religion,” we are doubtful.

Pamplin Group reports, “Shull also linked wildfires in rural Clackamas County to disinformation that anti-fascist activists were to blame.” In other posts, he has disparaged Representatives Tlaib and Omar as “traitors,” a statement which directs hatred and is dangerous to members of Congress; he has falsely alleged arson against anti-fascist people.

The Pacific Green Party recognizes that public, popularly elected officials need to be held to account for outrageous, deeply ideological statements that disparage others and could lead to violence. Calling progressive members of Congress “traitors” and claiming the need to ‘fight the enemy,’ engenders hatred, and can incite violence. Shull should not get a pass on his past remarks.

Commissioner Shull has stated he will not resign; the people of Clackamas should replace Shull with someone willing to see the dignity of all classes and types of people. The Pacific Green Party supports candidates seeking to make real and lasting change for a better society.

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