Patrick Castles
Occupation: Author
Occupational Background: Previously worked for IBM until 2018
Educational Background: Woodrow Wilson HS(now Ida B. Wells HS); University of Oregon, BS, political science; Portland State University, MA, political science
Prior Governmental Experience: Enumerator, Intern for Rep. Roger Martin, PCP
I am a life-long Oregonian, who recognizes the downhill trajectory of Oregon’s quality of life. Growing up a few blocks away from where I now live and where I and my children went to school, I know how District 28 has declined. Most of our problems have been created or aggravated by incumbent politicians who persist in failed policies. Here are a few places to start in building an Oregon that works for everyone:
TAXES—Every session of the legislature, we are burdened with additional taxes. Oregonians on the margins are faced with a growing cost of living. As these burdens add up, they fall into the camps of the homeless or otherwise live degraded financial lives. The pressure on our citizens causes mental health problems. The legislature then builds a bureaucracy to deal with the problem necessitating further taxation. The loop closes in on more and more Oregonians every year. Stop higher and higher taxation!
EDUCATION—I believe parents are the sole authority over the mind and bodies of their children. Our educational establishment should stick with the traditional subjects and methods parents expect.
CRIME and PUNISHMENT—Victim rights need to be respected and justice should be fair and certain. Abuse of prosecutorial discretion has led to more crime, not less. Every Oregonian should feel safe! Police reform should not prevent law enforcement from doing its job.
HOMELESSNESS—As noted above, reform of Oregon’s social order should start with government. Coordinating desperate bureaucracies should allow Oregon to focus on solving the problem in a cost-effective way.
ROADS and BRIDGES–In order to keep our air as clean as possible, roads should accomodate the natural growth in traffic and avoid traffic delays due to inadequate road surfaces.
(This information furnished by Friends of Patrick Castles.)
Paul R Holvey
Occupation: Oregon State Representative, Speaker Pro Tempore
Occupational Background: Carpenter, Construction Superintendent, Union Representative
Educational Background: Lane Community College, University of Oregon
Prior Governmental Experience: Oregon House of Representatives; Siuslaw National Forest Resource Advisory Committee
Investing in Oregon
Over the last two years the pandemic and extreme wildfires have caused major disruptions to our businesses, schools, and daily lives. Paul worked with his colleagues to make investments to rebuild the economy, support critical services, and address challenges to the workforce.
As many Oregonians have struggled with reduced incomes, lack of affordable childcare, and increased costs of housing, Paul fought for funding to bolster crucial programs and policies that address these challenges. Oregon's future relies on investments in our education systems and most importantly our teachers. He continues to work with state agencies to improve delivery of services in these difficult times.
In the 2022 legislative session Paul worked to shepherd statewide investments including:
- $300 million to reduce staffing shortages in our schools, support for wildfire impacted districts, and create summer learning programs.
- $100 million to address the need for affordable childcare.
- $400 million for affordable housing and help for homeless Oregonians.
- $100 million to help our communities pursue Oregon’s 100% renewable energy goals and combat drought.
- Direct relief payments to over 240,000 low wage workers and families.
Paul fought to ensure farmworkers are treated equally under Oregon’s Constitution by requiring overtime pay, while also providing financial support to help farmers adapt to these costs.
As Capital Construction Committee Co-Chair, Paul continues his work spearheading infrastructure and project investments around the state, especially in areas impacted by wildfires, including the McKenzie River community. Investments in our watersheds and water infrastructure must be a top priority as we face climate change challenges impacting our water resources.
Please support Paul Holvey with your vote to continue this important work!
Endorsements:
Oregon Nurses Association
Pro-Choice Oregon
Northwest Carpenters Union
Oregon Sierra Club
Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC
(This information furnished by Paul Holvey for State Representative.)