Oregon Nurses Association Endorses Samuel Denney for Roseburg City Council

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The Oregon Nurses Association has endorsed Samuel Denney in the race for Roseburg City Council Ward 3, Position 1, according to a release provided to The Roseburg Receiver.

The release said ONA represents more than 25,000 frontline healthcare professionals across Oregon, including more than 400 people who live or work in Roseburg.

Denney is a registered nurse, ONA member and longtime Roseburg-area resident. He has worked in Mercy Medical Center’s Emergency Department for more than a decade and currently serves as a director of operations with Adapt Integrated Health Care, where he oversees two opioid treatment programs.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of the Oregon Nurses Association,” Denney said. “As a nurse, I have spent my career caring for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”

Denney said nursing has taught him the importance of listening, teamwork and taking action when people need help. He said those are the same values he would bring to the City Council.

Farrah Kuenzi, treasurer of the ONA bargaining unit at Mercy Medical Center, said the organization was proud to endorse Denney.

“As an ER nurse, he has spent his career meeting with and caring for Roseburg families, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing our community and the steps we can take to address them,” Kuenzi said. “He will bring extraordinary knowledge, commitment and compassion to our City Council and will fight to prioritize the services and care our community needs.”

According to his campaign, Denney’s healthcare experience has shaped his understanding of issues involving homelessness, substance use, behavioral health and public safety.

His campaign priorities include addressing homelessness and substance use, supporting efforts to address police staffing, responsibly managing city resources, investing in infrastructure and encouraging local business and economic growth.

Denney was born and raised in the Roseburg area and graduated from Douglas High School. He earned a nursing degree from Umpqua Community College, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oregon Health & Science University and a master’s degree in nursing administration and business leadership from Capella University, according to the release.

He also serves on the Roseburg Parks and Recreation Commission and participates in local community organizations.

Denney is running for Ward 3, Position 1, representing southwest Roseburg. The election is Nov. 3.