Oregon State Senator Alan Bates (D-Medford) died suddenly on Friday, August 5th.
He served Southern Oregon in the legislature for 16 years, first in the House, then in the Senate. And it's not like he didn't already have a full-time job; Dr. Bates--"Doc" to his legislative colleagues--saw and healed patients out of a practice in Medford.
He brought his medical knowledge to bear on his legislative work, helping shape Oregon's innovative approach to Medicaid.
We invited some of the people who worked with Sen. Bates and knew him best to join us. State Rep. Peter Buckley of Ashland will certainly be in attendance.
