Education and employment are two main platforms for gubernatorial candidate Beverly Stein, D-Ore. Stein, former chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, is the only woman in the race for governor of Oregon.
She also served in legislation and has been involved in the community for 30 years.
“What we do in these new times is transform government,” Stein said.
She wants to bring together local communities, and, she said, she has a record of doing just that.
Regarding education, Stein said it is important to consider the system as a whole. She said that if students are not prepared for K-12 then those same students will no be prepared for higher education.
Stein said it is important to connect the pieces of education together and view it as a continuum. She stressed not to pick one aspect of education and pit it against another.
Stein said the bottom line is that education is a priority. “Education is fundamental to the economy and fundamental to democracy,” she said.
Stein’s main thrust is to get people back to work.
Stein will be introducing a rolling economy plan at the beginning of February. She said the distinction in her plan is that she is meeting with business people, not a polling firm. She explained that the business leaders are the ones who have the jobs. Stein said she would hold a roundtable discussion with business leaders from the whole state deciding how to stimulate the economy.
When it comes to the environment, Stein’s priorities are to reduce waste and use natural resources wisely.
She said no matter what the environmental issue is, the key is to look at the issues of resources. Stein said this is an opportunity to create more jobs by turning waste into product.
“The pressing environmental issue is water quality and water quantity,” Stein said.
Stein explained that even though Oregon is a rainy state, these issues are still of importance. “We have good water, but that is not automatic,” Stein said.
Stein said that the importance of watershed councils is to help fish, people and trees be healthy. She also wants to look getting energy through renewable resources. Stein says that there are many opportunities for Oregon regarding renewable resources.
Stein said that renewable resources are one of the futures for Oregon. Those resources could create more jobs and attract the industry that specializes in those areas to Oregon.
“We could be a national model,” Stein said.
Stein was clear about her feelings about gaming in this state. “Draw the line now, we have enough gambling in Oregon,” Stein said.
Stein also discussed the issue of civil liberties being challenged with the new anti-terrorism bills. Stein said there needs to be a discussion based upon the principals of having freedoms. She said the struggle between freedom and safety has been an issue since the foundation of such liberties.
Stein said it is important to find out what restrictions on freedom are acceptable and to make people feel safe and secure. At the same time, we want to maintain the freedom to travel and to speak out. She said there is a need for a full discussion on the matter.
Stein’s campaign reaches 15 college campuses in the state, including Portland State University. There are internship and volunteer opportunities with the campaign. For more information contact 503-220-0010, or e-mail at www.steinforgov.com.