Oregon governor taps long-time political ally as not-obvious choice for high-paid energy policy post Updated 6:30 AM; Today 6:30 AM Oregon Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, at the state Capitol on Jan. 14, 2019. Dave Killen / Staff Dave Killen Facebook Share Gov. Kate Brown has tapped Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, to serve on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, giving her long-time political ally a well-paid position that would also deliver a major boost to her public pension after a single three-year term. Burdick, 73, is not an obvious choice for the wonky position on the council, a federally funded panel that provides policy and planning leadership on regional power, fish and wildlife issues.