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.

• A Forward Looking 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. If we take our responsibility seriously, Congress must not miss the opportunity presented by the next Farm Bill reauthorization to craft policies that are good for farmers, the land, the environment, our economy, and, indeed, the world.

• Protecting our Schools

  My 3-part strategy to protect and strengthen our schools here at the state level includes stabilizing Oregon’s “roller coaster” revenue system by transforming the “kicker” into a “rainy day” trust fund, using citizen commissions and voter approval to redesign critical elements of our education system, and holding key legislative leaders accountable for producing results.

• A New Direction for Iraq

  After being involved in the nightmare of Iraq for longer than World War II, things are decidedly coming to a head. This reason and more have led me to introduce my "New Direction for Iraq Act," H.R. 663. This is the first legislation to deal comprehensively with the military, diplomatic, political, economic and humanitarian strategies needed to move forward in Iraq.

• 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.