Statesman Journal Editorial Board endorsements
Throughout this month, the Statesman Journal Editorial Board will be making additional recommendations about local candidates and statewide measures on the Nov. 4 General Election ballot. To avoid a potential conflict of interest, the Editorial Board is not making an endorsement in House District 23.
Here are the endorsement editorials published so far.
Congress
"There is a sharp difference between Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and his opponent, Dr. Monica Wehby, that is far more important than their divergent views on government policy.
Democrat Merkley talks concretely about issues. Republican Wehby speaks in generalities, quoting statistics but not offering specific ideas."
"Mid-Valley residents have no reason to change their representative in Congress.
Democrat Kurt Schrader, who was a Canby veterinarian, is seeking his fourth two-year term representing the 5th Congressional District. Opposing him is Republican Tootie Smith, a Clackamas County commissioner and former legislator who lives in rural Molalla-Mulino just outside the 5th District."
Statewide
"Ballot Measure 86 is a simple proposal that could make college more affordable for many Oregonians.
The measure orders the Legislature to establish the Oregon Student Opportunity Fund 'for the exclusive benefit of Oregon students pursuing post-secondary education, including technical, professional and career training.' And it allows the Legislature to issue general obligation bonds to launch that endowment. The interest earnings could then be used to provide scholarships."
"State court judges are hired to teach courses at the Willamette University College of Law in Salem. At the University of Oregon School of Law in Eugene, it is illegal — unconstitutional — to hire judges as part-time instructors, despite the tremendous knowledge and experience that jurists bring into the classroom.
The separation of powers provisions in the Oregon Constitution prevent judges, who are in the judicial branch of state government, from teaching at state universities, where the judges would be employed through the executive branch. A similar rationale applies to barring judges from paid service in the Oregon National Guard."
"Oregon roads are safer if all drivers know and follow the rules of the road.
That is the straightforward premise behind Measure 88 on the Nov. 4 ballot. Voters will decide whether to ratify the 2013 Legislature's bipartisan decision to make short-term driver licenses available to undocumented Oregonians. The measure deserves a 'yes' vote."
"At first, the idea of an Equal Rights Amendment for Oregon seems quaint. Doesn't the Oregon Constitution, which is among the nation's most progressive as far as individual rights and liberties, already ban discrimination against women?
No.
And that is the most basic of reasons why Oregon voters have a responsibility to approve Measure 89 in Tuesday's election."
"The lure of the 'open primary' measure on Tuesday's ballot is too good to be true.
Measure 90 would cut down voters' choices instead of expanding them. It would use election law to redefine which candidates would best serve Oregonians. And, despite what supporters contend, it would not take the 'big money' out of politics; that money simply would be redirected."
"There is one overwhelming reason to oppose Ballot Measure 92, which would make Oregonians the first voters to require labels on some genetically engineered foods."
"Four years ago, Oregonians wondered which John Kitzhaber would emerge if he were elected to an unprecedented third term as governor: the old Kitzhaber who upon leaving office decried the state as virtually ungovernable or a wiser Kitzhaber who had learned from his missteps.
Voters got their answer after they narrowly chose Democrat Kitzhaber over a political newcomer, Republican Chris Dudley. Kitzhaber had refined his governing style, becoming more collaborative and pragmatic."
Legislature
House District 17: Sherrie Sprenger-R
"Sherrie Sprenger epitomizes the citizen-legislator envisioned in the Oregon Constitution.
The Scio Republican is solidly grounded, having a family and an active life outside the state Capitol, and she works diligently on behalf of House District 17, which she has served since 2008."
House District 18: Vic Gilliam-R
"Rep. Vic Gilliam describes state House District 18 as 'generally blessed with a calm conservatism fortified by tolerant and friendly families.'
That also is an apt description of Gilliam, a Silverton Republican who is seeking a fifth two-year term representing the rural district that covers parts of Marion and Clackamas counties."
House District 19: Jodi Hack-R
"If you live in state House District 19, you are blessed with two strong, gracious candidates competing for your vote in next month's election.
It is a credit to Democrat Bill Dalton and Republican Jodi Hack that they are treating each other — and thus, the voters — with respect instead of acrimony."
House District 20: No endorsement
"Two good people are running for the Legislature in Oregon House District 20.
But you wouldn't know that from the way their campaigns characterize each other. In fact, the increasingly negative race between Democrat Paul Evans and Republican Kathy Goss has become a civic embarrassment."
House District 21: Brian Clem-D
"Oregon's system of government depends on everyday people running for the Legislature. Salem residents Brian Clem and Beverly Wright fit that description in House District 21.
Rep. Clem is almost guaranteed to win re-election. A Democrat, he has represented the district since first being elected in 2006, and he has become a more effective legislator with each term. He negotiated the land-use grand bargain passed by the Legislature this year, settling a long-running lawsuit and guiding Washington County development for the next 50 years."
House District 22: Betty Komp-D
"Veteran Democratic legislator Betty Komp has a credible opponent this year in Republican Matt Geiger. However, Geiger has not shown why voters should elect him, let alone unseat Komp in House District 22.
An insurance agent, Geiger has an impressive record of community involvement and should be applauded for all he has done in the Woodburn area. But he doesn't match Komp's knowledge of state issues."
House District 23: No endorsement
"An important legislative race is taking place in Polk County, but the Statesman Journal Editorial Board will not be making an endorsement. Instead, you'll hear our one concern.
The race is for House District 23, which includes parts of Polk, Marion, Yamhill and Benton counties. The incumbent is Rep. Jim Thompson, who lost to Mike Nearman in the Republican primary."
House District 25: Chuck Lee-I
"Keizer-area voters are blessed to have two informed, passionate but contrasting candidates seeking to represent them in House District 25.
Chuck Lee of Keizer is the stronger choice because of his experience on the Keizer City Council and the Salem-Keizer School Board, his demonstrated success in helping found Blanchet Catholic School and his pioneering work to create a career-technical education center for Salem-Keizer students."
Senate District 11: Peter Courtney-D
"Courtney has neither grown stale nor out-of-touch, despite being the most veteran member of the current Legislature and the longest-serving Senate president. He continues to be one of Oregon's hardest-working and most-effective legislators, passing scores of bills — big and small.
In response to a domestic-violence death in Mount Angel this summer, Courtney plans to introduce legislation next year that could make violating a restraining order a felony. He plans to introduce another bill that would require life sentences for first-time predatory sex offenders.
So why would anyone want to depose Courtney as the senator serving major portions of Salem, Gervais and Woodburn?"
Senate District 13: Kim Thatcher-R
"Kim Thatcher has grown into the job of state legislator. It is appropriate that she take her experience to the state Senate, having represented the Keizer area in House District 25 since 2005.
The Keizer Republican has been an effective advocate for increasing transparency in state government, drawing Democratic legislators to her mission."
Marion County
Commissioner Position 1: Kevin Cameron-R
Commissioner Position 2: Janet Carlson-R
"Janet Carlson and Kevin Cameron hold two of the most important government positions in the Mid-Valley. They are county commissioners.
In Oregon, county governments are responsible for many of the day-to-day programs that affect people's lives – from restaurant inspections to jails, property tax collections and elections.
Longtime Commissioner Carlson and newcomer Cameron are doing a fine job, serving on the Marion County Board of Commissioners with Chairman Sam Brentano. There is no reason to replace them in the Nov. 4 election."
Polk County
Commissioner Position 2: Danny Jaffer
"The choice for Polk County commissioner seemed obvious last spring. Today it's not as clear.
First-term Commissioner Craig Pope has continued to grow in the job. Meanwhile, challenger Danny Jaffer has hurt his image by not attending any regular Board of Commissioners meetings since January. Still, Jaffer is worth taking a chance on, both because of his experience and because of the poor decisions made by the county."
Keizer City Council
"Two dedicated Keizer volunteers, Amy Ripp and Matt Chappell, are running for the only contested position on the City Council.
Ripp stands out because of her varied background and longtime community volunteerism, which is reflected in her extensive and diverse endorsements for council Position 5."