NEWS-REVIEW EDITORIAL
A week from now, a Republican and Democratic
candidate for Oregon governor will have emerged from the primary election,
but at least one man intends to make the gubernatorial race broader than the
traditional two parties.
Ben Westlund, a state senator from Bend, believes the conditions are right
for an independent candidate.
Westlund, who made a swing through Roseburg last week, said he made the
difficult decision to leave the Republican party last year because he feels
so strongly that partisan politics in the Legislature are strangling the
state.
"I refuse to dance to the partisan orchestra," said the 56-year-old, who was
originally elected to the House of Representatives in 1987.
Westlund should be admired for taking that stance and those who share that
view will want to tune in to his campaign.
He focuses on four key areas: ending the partisanship, revamping Oregon's
tax structure, solving the health-care crisis and working toward energy
independence.
Underpinning all the issues, however, is partisanship.
"This is about trying to stop Oregon's spiral into mediocrity," he said.
"I'm amazed at the reservoir of discontent aimed at both parties."
He figures that discontent could win him some votes, especially in a state
where the number of independent voters, estimated to be 22 percent, is
growing and voter turnout is increasing.
Westlund says Oregon needs bold and courageous leadership. He's bold in
proposing a 5 percent state sales tax he claims will produce 3,500 jobs,
create an additional $1 billion in revenue and provide tax cuts.
He says tourists will provide 35 percent of the sales tax revenue.
Additional funds will come from what he calls the "underground" economy,
such as a teenager who uses cash earned by mowing a lawn to buy a CD, and
doesn't pay tax on that purchase.
Defeated sales tax measures of the past don't discourage him. He recounts
how Oregonians turned down statehood four times and women's suffrage, six.
His plan would also cut income taxes in half, reduce property taxes on
owner-occupied homes, and eliminate taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, gasoline
and replace them with the sales tax.
Westlund says it's imperative for Oregon to move away from the "most
volatile tax structure in the world."
That's especially crucial if we're going to fund stable schools that can
turn out a competitive work force -- an important element in attracting
businesses that provide jobs to the state.
Not being able to campaign until the primary is over puts Westlund behind
the major party candidates. His next step is to collect 18,356 valid
signatures so his name will appear on the ballot in November.
The late start shouldn't matter to Oregonians who agree that partisan
politics have stalled solutions to some of Oregon's most pressing concerns.
Some have already spoken with their wallets. His campaign chest bears more
than $500,000, and one early poll suggests he's favored by 10 percent of
voters.
As the race for governor narrows, Westlund will be someone to watch.
