Ideas for a Better Future

In 2010, Oregonians should consider these key issues facing our state. I hope you'll share your thoughts with me on these issues.

• Rebuild and Renew America

  Planning and building infrastructure have been part of America’s tradition – and greatness – since the founding of the Republic. Our forebears recognized the need to invest in road networks to serve the needs of the colonies, water systems to serve growing cities, canals to facilitate trade, railroads and telegraph lines to open up the West, and dams to encourage settlement and generate power.

• Iraq and Afghanistan

  I continue to have profound reservations about our troop commitments, first in Iraq, and more recently with President Obama’s decision to escalate our presence in Afghanistan. History suggests we will not be successful in stabilizing Afghanistan with military force. No one has; I don’t think anyone will.

• Reforming our Government

  Every Oregonian has a stake in our government – not only in its outcomes, but in the political process itself. Dive in and learn about a number of ideas for reforming our government.

• Rebuilding and Renewing Oregon's Economy

  Oregon’s economy can thrive on the rich mix of our natural environment, our technical expertise, and our reputation for innovation. We should transform livability into an Oregon industry. And, we can use our agricultural heritage to transform American farm policy, strengthen rural communities, and benefit all Oregonians.
  

• Food and Farm Policy

  In Oregon, like many across the country, agriculture is a critical part of our economy. From beef to nurseries to berries, family farmers and ranchers are providing the basic needs on which Americans and millions of people around the world depend. At the same time, American farmers are facing new and increasing pressures from budget deficits, trade rules, urban sprawl, climate change, rising energy costs and shrinking water resources.

• World Affairs

  As a member of the global community, the United States can help promote a more peaceful, safer, and healthier world. Here are a few ideas.

• Commitment to Education

  Lagging test scores, growing class sizes, and consistent cuts to arts, music and physical education are only a few of the symptoms of an American education system in distress. Every state in our union struggles to find enough money for its schools; meanwhile, funding for all education programs currently takes up less than 1% of the federal budget.