Jobs, Education and Health Care
We Oregonians have an unprecedented chance to improve our lives and to provide for future generations. That is why I seek to represent you.
Tremendous growth is predicted for green jobs that produce renewable energy, enhance the efficiency of our buildings and our transportation system, restore natural habitat or otherwise confront global climate change.
These jobs are the foundation of the economy that will emerge over the coming years. The innovative small businesses and the hard working people of the River District will be part of it. This is not business as usual, and we need people who understand this shift to advocate on our behalf. I will be there for you.
It’s time for this generation to roll up our sleeves. The way we tackle the challenges before us will define our legacy. More significantly our actions will dramatically affect the quality of life for future generations.
We need jobs that will stay with us for the long term. To bring those jobs we need to create economic development that makes sense for our communities.
We need leadership at the local, state and federal level to make the smart decisions, to align the incentives that business converts to jobs. We need leaders with foresight, with belief in our communities, with commitment to serve the people of the District. I have the experience and passion to take this on.
Education is an essential counterpart to a healthy economy. Available and affordable relevant education for all ages is one key to building an economy that can resist the extreme downturns like the current recession. Our community colleges can be exceptionally valuable in providing the training needed for a transition to the new economy.
Providing universal health care is going to take selfless cooperation between federal and state governments. Finally, over the next few years, a comprehensive health program can emerge that encourages prevention and primary care, allows for personal choice and covers all of us - affordably.
Access to health care is a concern throughout this district, not the least among our aging population. I respect the leaders who have worked for too many years to reform health care delivery. Now is the time.
I strongly believe that we can reduce profiteering, increase accountability, lower costs and improve service. The new level of efficiency will open job opportunities in nursing and other direct care fields. Better care for lower cost - we deserve it.
These are not the only issues we Oregonians face, but they certainly are important to many who have shared their concerns with me. We'll talk more about jobs, education and health care, and several other matters, over the coming months.
