Novick to speak on campus Thursday

Steve Novick, a democrat campaigning for the U.S. Senate, will be speaking with students at an open forum at Portland State on Oct. 25.

The town-hall style forum will give students a chance to address policy-related questions and concerns with Novick.

Event organizers hope the meeting will address student- and education-based concerns, as well as help to express Novick’s anti-war, pro-labor campaign message.

Born in Newark, N.J., Novick was raised in Cottage Grove, Ore. He first attended the University of Oregon at age 14 and entered Harvard Law School at 18.

Novick, 43, began his political career at 24, in the U.S. Justice Department. In 1996, after returning to Oregon, he began campaign work for Democratic hopeful Tom Bruggere. He later worked on Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s election campaign in 2002.

In 2006, he began working at Pyramid Communications, a public affairs firm, as senior project manager. The position focuses on sustainability and environmental practices within the company. Novick still holds that position, in addition to being a member of the Board of Oregon Environmental Council.

Sen. Gordon Smith, arguably Novick’s chief competitor for the senate seat, has been invited to the event. Other candidates have also been invited to engage in the open forum. The event will be held Thursday in Room 101 of Smith Memorial Student Union, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.