Jerry on the Issues

Priorities
My priorities will always be arm in arm with ordinary people of the district. I am interested in improving the lives and futures of Oregonians.

Education
I believe education and economic development are one and the same thing. A modern economy whether commercial, agricultural or industrial cannot thrive without trained and educated workers, consumers, innovators, and business owners. The road to stability starts at the doors of elementary and secondary schools, universities and community colleges. We must invest in the education and future of our children and young adults. K-12 needs to be funded and supported to insure well-rounded graduates who can compete. Our university financial support needs to be stabilized and community colleges need to be supported as places of great flexibility offering a variety of degrees, in General Education, technological training and degrees, and apprenticeship programs.

Health Care
Many conversations generated by the “Healthy Oregon Act” are taking place this spring. Those meetings and conversations will generate many ideas in the areas of health care and mental health in the House District and across the State. I am deeply committed to a “win-win” for people and small business. When health care becomes a priority and we re-insure some of the 600,000 Oregonians not covered, the cost of medical care will go down.

Availability of Medical Care
Many smaller communities of the House District struggle to keep medical care, clinics, mental health facilities, and staff available in their towns. Every trip into La Grande or Pendleton made by residents of Wallowa, Elgin, Boardman, Heppner, or dozens of other communities for medical care is an expenditure of time, and fuel and marks a delay in necessary services. Many services available in local clinics in these communities can prevent a later trip to an Emergency Room.

The Future of House District 57
With the increases in the price of gasoline come great hardships but also great opportunities. We are an area that has potential in the development of “Green Energy” projects for power generation. Our wind, solar, and biomass possibilities can be turned into viable realities. We offer a variety of recreation activities from backpacking in the Wallowas, to boating on the Columbia to a potential auto race track. The people of District 57 are resourceful, problem solvers and doers who have many great ideas that can take us into a future filled with hope and optimism.

go Jerry go

Jerry for the house has kicked off it's 2008 campaign. Go Jerry go!