Kelly Jo Horton has a taste for adventure that began in early childhood, and has been building ever since. At the age of 16, she left her home in Sunnyvale, California, to spend a year living in Finland as a Rotary Club Exchange Student.

She didn't know a word of Finnish when she arrived, and she was speaking, reading and writing the language when she left a year later.

Her experience in Finland bolstered her self confidence and fostered her "yes I can" attitude that she has carried with her ever since.

Learn more about Kelly Jo at her web site at http://www.kellyjohorton.com

A native Oregonian, Richard Donin was raised in Portland, Oregon.   He received a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University and a Master of Arts from Lewis and Clark College. He began his career as a high school science teacher, later moving to curriculum specialist and finally to graduate level college instructor.

Richard has authored curriculum, lesson plans, and articles in education, energy, and the environment, plus has developed and implemented nationally recognized, award winning programs.   Honors include a National Science Teachers Association’s Excellence in Science Education, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Special Award for Energy Innovation, three State of Oregon Governor’s Energy Awards, a National Science Supervisors Association Certificate of Appreciation, and many others.

An ardent advocate for the Arts, Richard is an emcee and volunteer for the Portland Art Museum’s After Hours program showcasing the best local, regional, and national musicians.   He has also produced 5 compact disks presenting jazz, blues, swing, pop female vocalists, and an After Hours compilation featuring local and national recording artists.   Additionally, as a booking agent and performer, Richard works to promote talented professional musicians throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Richard began writing poetry 25 years ago as a way to better understand and bring new insight to life.   His current work, titled “Voices from the Void”, is published by Radon Press. His next book is in progress.

Al Young was appointed to the Oregon State Legislature in 1980 where he served four terms.   

He was on the Hillsboro Charter Review, was Chair of the Washington County Community Corrections Board, and served on the Oregon Hispanic Commission.

Al is currently running for Metro District 4.

Visit his campaign web site at http://www.alyoungformetro4.com

Matt Wingard runs his own public relations company.    He is a former television reporter and congressional aide.    Matt has managed campaigns at the state and federal level, including races for Congress, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Oregon State Legislature.

Matt is Executive Director of Oregonians for Jobs and Power, and publishes The “Wingard Report”, the most popular conservative electronic newsletter in Oregon (Subscribe at: WingardReport@yahoo.com).

Mike Riley is research director of Riley Research Associates. They specialize in research for marketing, public relations, and planning.

Mike was brought to the “To The Point!” panel because he has his finger on the pulse of what is going on in Washington County and the State.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Riley is full of opinions and has a wicked sense of humor.

Gary Olson is webmaster for the “To The Point!” cable access program, as well as doing their podcast.    He also frequently serves as cameraperson for camera number three.

He also does the web site and podcast for the Washington County Public Affairs Forum.

Prior to volunteering with the “To The Point!” program, Gary was the Grand Dragon Master of Dragon Hunters International, one of the foremost dragon hunting organization in the western world.    Gary still holds the world record for the most dragons slain while riding a unicycle.