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Dear Friends,
For the first time in a long time, this legislative session will be
marked by what we accomplished, not by what we didn't. We established a
rainy day fund for economic downturns. We adequately funded K-12
education and made significant investments in higher education. We
extended non-discrimination protections to cover sexual orientation and
passed domestic partnership legislation. We expanded renewable energy
targets and created the framework for reforming our health care system.
And it was bipartisan.
Unlike recent sessions, this one was not marked by bitter partisan
battles, but by
a more collaborative tone.
Yes, there were disappointments -- for me personally, losing SB 30 to
protect the Metolius was difficult, but that fight is ongoing. I was
also sad to see the Family Leave
(HB 2575) bill die in the final hours of session, but I'm sure it will
be back. Although
we didn't get fiscal reform, it made progress and gathered bipartisan
support in both chambers as we passed a task force to continue the
conversation with Oregonians during the interim.
There is always "the next step" that can be taken.
That is the question I am now pondering -- what should my next step be?
After a successful career in business and ten years in the Legislature,
I have served the people of Central Oregon in both Houses, and both
parties. I was budget co-chair during Oregon's worst recession in 70
years and had to make life and death decisions because of our unstable
fiscal structure. I chaired the committee that saved the Oregon Health
Plan from financial ruin and have championed efforts to bring stability
and fairness to our tax system. And now I have helped launch of an
overhaul of our health system to lower costs.
Should I continue these efforts in the Legislature and run for my Senate
seat again? Or, should I build on the experience I have gained and run
for State Treasurer in 2008?
The State Treasurer protects Oregon's investments to create
opportunities, provides resources for Oregon's families to save for
college, and prioritizes economic development and fiscal responsibility.
It's a serious job that deserves serious consideration.
As I ponder that next step, running a statewide campaign is a factor. In
my run for Governor, we had a good race that gathered over 50,000
signatures and raised well over a half a million dollars from over a
thousand donors. The media covered our efforts extensively as I spoke in
over 50 communities and added 2,000 people to our email list.
It also meant hundreds of hours of travel and really long days. I loved
every minute of it.
As I traveled around Oregon, listening to the hopes that keep us going
and the fears that keep us awake, they are always the same -- family,
health and home. Those fundamentals are the core around which I serve.
But before I can launch another campaign, for my Senate seat or State
Treasurer, I must wrap up the last one and reduce the debt left when I
withdrew from the Governor's race so as not to be a spoiler.
Over the next few months, I will be talking with supporters and
constituents to determine how I can best serve Oregon. I'd like to hear
from you.
If I have your support, we can do anything. Please consider a
contribution to my campaign committee and help us start
fresh.
With your help, we can take the next step.
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Down the trail,
Ben Westlund |
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