This year’s governor’s race features a rematch between Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek and Republican challenger Sen. Christine Drazan.
The Sept. 27 OPB poll shows Drazan holding a small lead over Kotek, 47% to 46%.
Unlike four years ago, Oregon voters can judge Kotek on the basis of her achievements as governor. She has announced no major changes. She admits there is more to do.
Drazan says it will take new leadership in Salem to take Oregon in a new direction. She outlined this new direction in what she calls “The Drazan Plan.”
Both agree that Oregon has major problems that affect the daily lives of Oregonians across the state.
Let’s consider which candidate is more likely to lead Oregon toward real solutions to these problems.
Education: If our children are our future, Oregon public schools must do better. Math and reading skills remain below pre-pandemic levels. Drazan has children in the public schools. She knows how bad things are for teachers and students alike. Who is more likely to bring back academic proficiency requirements for high school graduation? Who is more likely to prioritize academic excellence and achievement over wokeness and sexuality training? Kotek or Drazan?
Housing Affordability: Oregon’s land-use laws limit single-family home zoning to less than 1% of Oregon’s land. Most Oregonian Millennials cannot afford to buy a home. We must do better, or our adult children will leave the state and take the grandkids with them. Who is more likely to make homes more affordable? Kotek or Drazan?
Homelessness: Our city streets are a mess and unsafe for citizens and homeless alike. While speaker of the House, Kotek passed HB 3115, which allows homeless people to sleep and rest on public property such as parks and sidewalks. This means Oregon cities do not benefit from Grants Pass’ victory at the U.S. Supreme Court. Who is more likely to fix this law? Kotek or Drazan?
Drug Abuse: Drug legalization has proven to be a deadly disaster for drug users. Parents and grandparents worry about taking children to neighborhood parks. “Harm reduction” is a failed policy. Who is more likely to fix this problem? Kotek or Drazan?
Transportation: The good news is I-5 is being rebuilt through downtown Portland. The bad news is the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project will still have just two through-traffic lanes when completed in 2033-34. Most of this project is unfunded. The I-5 bridge replacement over Columbia River is expected to cost over $14 billion and be completed in 2045. ODOT needs a new direction and fresh ideas. Who is more likely to improve ODOT? Kotek or Drazan?
Cost of Government: Oregon’s state budget has doubled over the past 10 years, yet problems have gotten worse. Has your family budget doubled over the past 10 years? Who is more likely to put Oregon state government on a much-needed diet? Kotek or Drazan?
Socialism: There are Democrats affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on the Portland City Council and in the state legislature. Who is more likely to push back against the DSA? Kotek or Drazan?
President Trump: Gov. Kotek wants to “protect” us from Donald Trump. In a recent campaign ad, Drazan asks, “Who will protect us from Tina Kotek?” Based upon the past four years, not the Democrat-controlled state legislature or supreme court.
If Kotek has effectively solutions to Oregon’s social and economic problems, wouldn’t she have implemented them over the past four years? Has she held back her best ideas for her second term? Or is she out of ideas?
The election of Christine Drazan will not cause a revolution in Oregon. It will end decades of single-party rule in Salem. Democrats and Republicans will need to work together to get things done.
A vote for Gov. Kotek is a vote for more of the same. A vote for Sen. Drazan is a vote for change and a better future.
We have a secret ballot. No one needs to know that you voted against the status quo by voting for Drazan.
Please vote for Christine Drazan to be our next governor.
Richard Emmons