I am one of many Oregonians who have grown
disillusioned with partisan politics. Our Democrat and Republican
politicians have been so busy posturing and fighting among themselves they
are getting nothing accomplished and appear to have forgotten who they are
there to serve – Oregonians.
Because of this:
School funding continues to be cut to the bone.
Far too many Oregonians (600,000) are without health insurance or access to
affordable health care. Instead of receiving preventative health care, our
emergency rooms are crowded with individuals needing non-emergency care.
Real action on a comprehensive alternative energy program remains stalled.
Our state continues to allow discrimination against individuals based on
their sexual orientation.
In April, I was among a group of nurses who were able to interview several
of the gubernatorial candidates. Among this group, was a breath of fresh
air: Sen. Ben Westlund. Westlund grew tired of partisan politics as usual,
and decided to chance it on his own, declaring his independence from party
politics.
Westlund is just what Oregonians need. He is a true pioneer. In the 2003
Senate, he stated it was time to “stop being mere politicians who think only
of the next election, and start being statesmen who think only of the next
generation.”
He is strong on health care, wanting to make health care for all Oregonians
a reality.
He wants stable and adequate funding for education.
He advocates for an open primary system.
He supports real tax reform – doing away with the corporate tax kicker and
reducing property taxes for our elderly and low-income families.
He is working with former Gov. John Kitzhaber on the Oregon Apollo
Initiative to spur the growth of clean and renewable energy. He hopes that
this will bring alternative energy technologies and jobs to Oregon.
He is a huge supporter of equal rights for all Oregonians – to make this
state of ours a state of equality. “Gays and lesbians are human beings and
vital members of our communities. As such, they deserve the freedom to form
families, as well as the most basic rights – the freedom to eat, live and
work free from discrimination.”
I changed my political affiliation to that of an Independent. I will be
voting for Ben Westlund to be our next governor come November. While it is
too late for you to do so, I urge you not to vote in the governors’ primary
of the party you are affiliated with, and sign the petition to get Ben
Westlund on the November ballot. And then, in November, let’s put this
independent thinker in the governor’s seat.
CINDY JOHNSON
Astoria
.
