A conscience is a demanding, insistant thing, expecting more than mere party-line votes or knee-jerk reactions to people or issues. I'm proud to have you as my Rep. Only wish that more people on both sides of the House were like you.
Cyrus, in an earlier comment I asked in our tribal, partisan, post truth world, what gives you hope? And, you answered it thoughtfully. Thank you. Now, it’s my turn. What gives me hope is that our country, as flawed as it is, has citizens like you who have such a deep, abiding core morality that they refuse to see or treat their brother and sister citizen as a hostile combatant that must lose in order for them to win. It’s a zero sum game for many, I win you lose. But, you can’t govern without collaborative compromise. An optimum outcome is not often, if ever, a maximum outcome for either group or party. I will remain hopeful that your character, integrity, and dedication to the freedoms we all cherish is contagious. I believe you can make a difference. You must. Best regards for your journey. Brad Halverson
Working toward the do-able is the right way to go. With conscientious Republicans and Democrats gaining ground I hope Oregon's government will be able to weather whatever storms come our way. Hammering out differences isn't easy, but it's at the core of democracy. My sense is that you are getting results for all your constituents. Dodging the hyperbole of factionalism is essential. You are right on about that.
Thanks Cyrus for representing us in Clatsop county the way Representative's should all be! I do believe before ODOT receives a big Transportation package that there be a lot of transparency
in the accounting of where the money is spent. Also covering the I-5 by the Rose Garden is a huge waste of money when so many of our roads are crumbing and need repayment.
I once attended a town hall hosted by an Oregon State senator, now retired. He had a friendly audience, which is why, at some point, he may have spoken too candidly. In explaining his position on an upcoming issue, he said, "Leadership says that, on this issue, we can vote our conscience." Hands went up, shouts of "when do you not vote your conscience?"
That's not always an easy question to answer, as not every vote is a matter of conscience. I would concede that, on many questions, when you've heard both sides and have a close decision to make, your decision, as long as it is divorced from personal financial interest, may tip to going along with your caucus, deferring to the judgement of colleagues more versed on the issue, or the majority opinion in your district. That, to me, is understandable and is part of representing your district with integrity. But there are other times when one realizes that the close call involves a fundamental thing, as you explained in your defense of free speech in your last post. In your explanation of your votes this session, I've appreciated your always thoughtful approach to both kinds of issues and, especially, the clarity of your explanations of your votes when they rise to the level of those fundamental things that become a matter of conscience.
What a great story, and a great question: “When do you not vote your conscience?” That really is the heart of it, isn’t it?
I really appreciate how you laid it out—recognizing the nuance without letting go of principle. That’s the kind of thoughtfulness I wish more people brought to the process, both inside the building and out.
Thanks for sticking with me through the hard votes. That support doesn’t go unnoticed.
I am not sure how I got on your mailing list but I am glad that I did. A registered Democrat I have never received such detailed or thoughtful analyses of the issues facing our state from any of the people representing my district; they are written by an individual who is truly interested in understanding problems for what they are, free from party dogmas, a rarity these days. Sadly Democratic rule in Oregon has been a disaster. In a recent article in Willamette Week Steve Duin exposed that Oregon fourth graders perform at the lowest level of all of the states. In Democrat controlled Portland only 40% of graduating seniors have basic verbal skills and 30% basic math skills. In addition to a failing education system, Democrats have created conditions that are causing businesses and individuals to leave the state. Although new taxes in recent years have allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to fight the homeless problem in Portland and the state, there is very little perceived progress; never any real sense of urgency or accountability. Republicans on the other hand have made their tent smaller, interested more in petty culture wars than recognizing and solving real problems and at the national level becoming a cult whose allegiance is to a petty, power hungry individual, destroying many of the things that made America great. In an increasingly dysfunctional America, it gives me hope to know that there are still some people like you in our government . . . I wish there were more.
Recall petitions rarely succeed but still they tug at your heart when you've represented your constituents in a thoughtful manner. We all do what we can do. Men and women of good conscience are welcome. You should be proud of yourself. Onward.
That’s well said, Betty. A recall, win or lose, is still a gut check. But you’re right: we all do what we can, and I’d rather take the heat for being thoughtful than play it safe and stand for nothing. Onward, indeed.
Thank you for taking time to speak, you all must be so tired.
I am not a rule by party line votes. I think there's a coming story about many on the left forced to..by what? That's the question.
Neither am I always for personal conscience. Because TRUTH must back personal conscience. It can be hard to find in the whirlwind of human experience. It's defined by God not man.
I just know a BIG CHANGE OCCURED. Lock step voting was defeated. Bad behavior exposed poor character.. People decided to help citizens not a party, not passing transportation bill.
The seat of authority was reassigned in the Senate, spiritually.
Lot of bills passed I am very concerned about. Some stalled out I care about.
I think a new form of how we govern is just emerging in Oregon..we need new discussions and new cross party work.
I thank you so much for your hard work. I know that your uniqueness is going to be used in the future.
Thanks, really appreciate that. Even from outside the district, it means a lot to know people are paying attention and pulling for something steadier in politics.
Thank you, for standing up for what is right, in spite of party affiliation and for keeping government in the hands of the people by truly serving their interests vs politics. I don’t always agree with what you do, but I admire your determination to represent your constituents.
That’s a thoughtful way to put it, Karen. It’s easy to get caught up in team politics, but the real test is whether we’re keeping the focus on people, not party. I don’t expect agreement on every issue, but I do think we should all expect honesty about how the decisions get made.
You were elected on specific topics and then you voted your way and not the way the people who elected you wanted. From where I am standing it looks like you voted for yourself and not the people. You are not a true conservative. You lost 2 votes from this house.
A conscience is a demanding, insistant thing, expecting more than mere party-line votes or knee-jerk reactions to people or issues. I'm proud to have you as my Rep. Only wish that more people on both sides of the House were like you.
Well said. Good luck in the future. I hope that you're myh rep for as long as you want to be.
Cyrus, in an earlier comment I asked in our tribal, partisan, post truth world, what gives you hope? And, you answered it thoughtfully. Thank you. Now, it’s my turn. What gives me hope is that our country, as flawed as it is, has citizens like you who have such a deep, abiding core morality that they refuse to see or treat their brother and sister citizen as a hostile combatant that must lose in order for them to win. It’s a zero sum game for many, I win you lose. But, you can’t govern without collaborative compromise. An optimum outcome is not often, if ever, a maximum outcome for either group or party. I will remain hopeful that your character, integrity, and dedication to the freedoms we all cherish is contagious. I believe you can make a difference. You must. Best regards for your journey. Brad Halverson
Working toward the do-able is the right way to go. With conscientious Republicans and Democrats gaining ground I hope Oregon's government will be able to weather whatever storms come our way. Hammering out differences isn't easy, but it's at the core of democracy. My sense is that you are getting results for all your constituents. Dodging the hyperbole of factionalism is essential. You are right on about that.
Thanks Cyrus for representing us in Clatsop county the way Representative's should all be! I do believe before ODOT receives a big Transportation package that there be a lot of transparency
in the accounting of where the money is spent. Also covering the I-5 by the Rose Garden is a huge waste of money when so many of our roads are crumbing and need repayment.
Tom Grimm
repavement!
THANK you for all your work and your conviction, compassion and believing in the rule of law and our constitution.
Honestly, thank you for your support.
I once attended a town hall hosted by an Oregon State senator, now retired. He had a friendly audience, which is why, at some point, he may have spoken too candidly. In explaining his position on an upcoming issue, he said, "Leadership says that, on this issue, we can vote our conscience." Hands went up, shouts of "when do you not vote your conscience?"
That's not always an easy question to answer, as not every vote is a matter of conscience. I would concede that, on many questions, when you've heard both sides and have a close decision to make, your decision, as long as it is divorced from personal financial interest, may tip to going along with your caucus, deferring to the judgement of colleagues more versed on the issue, or the majority opinion in your district. That, to me, is understandable and is part of representing your district with integrity. But there are other times when one realizes that the close call involves a fundamental thing, as you explained in your defense of free speech in your last post. In your explanation of your votes this session, I've appreciated your always thoughtful approach to both kinds of issues and, especially, the clarity of your explanations of your votes when they rise to the level of those fundamental things that become a matter of conscience.
What a great story, and a great question: “When do you not vote your conscience?” That really is the heart of it, isn’t it?
I really appreciate how you laid it out—recognizing the nuance without letting go of principle. That’s the kind of thoughtfulness I wish more people brought to the process, both inside the building and out.
Thanks for sticking with me through the hard votes. That support doesn’t go unnoticed.
I am not sure how I got on your mailing list but I am glad that I did. A registered Democrat I have never received such detailed or thoughtful analyses of the issues facing our state from any of the people representing my district; they are written by an individual who is truly interested in understanding problems for what they are, free from party dogmas, a rarity these days. Sadly Democratic rule in Oregon has been a disaster. In a recent article in Willamette Week Steve Duin exposed that Oregon fourth graders perform at the lowest level of all of the states. In Democrat controlled Portland only 40% of graduating seniors have basic verbal skills and 30% basic math skills. In addition to a failing education system, Democrats have created conditions that are causing businesses and individuals to leave the state. Although new taxes in recent years have allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to fight the homeless problem in Portland and the state, there is very little perceived progress; never any real sense of urgency or accountability. Republicans on the other hand have made their tent smaller, interested more in petty culture wars than recognizing and solving real problems and at the national level becoming a cult whose allegiance is to a petty, power hungry individual, destroying many of the things that made America great. In an increasingly dysfunctional America, it gives me hope to know that there are still some people like you in our government . . . I wish there were more.
Thank you for your integrity, hard work, and faith in the system. The Republican Party needs more people like you. (So do the Democrats!)
Recall petitions rarely succeed but still they tug at your heart when you've represented your constituents in a thoughtful manner. We all do what we can do. Men and women of good conscience are welcome. You should be proud of yourself. Onward.
That’s well said, Betty. A recall, win or lose, is still a gut check. But you’re right: we all do what we can, and I’d rather take the heat for being thoughtful than play it safe and stand for nothing. Onward, indeed.
Thank you for taking time to speak, you all must be so tired.
I am not a rule by party line votes. I think there's a coming story about many on the left forced to..by what? That's the question.
Neither am I always for personal conscience. Because TRUTH must back personal conscience. It can be hard to find in the whirlwind of human experience. It's defined by God not man.
I just know a BIG CHANGE OCCURED. Lock step voting was defeated. Bad behavior exposed poor character.. People decided to help citizens not a party, not passing transportation bill.
The seat of authority was reassigned in the Senate, spiritually.
Lot of bills passed I am very concerned about. Some stalled out I care about.
I think a new form of how we govern is just emerging in Oregon..we need new discussions and new cross party work.
I thank you so much for your hard work. I know that your uniqueness is going to be used in the future.
I hope the recall fails. I'm in Columbia County, outside your district, but am rooting for you!
Thanks, really appreciate that. Even from outside the district, it means a lot to know people are paying attention and pulling for something steadier in politics.
Thank you, for standing up for what is right, in spite of party affiliation and for keeping government in the hands of the people by truly serving their interests vs politics. I don’t always agree with what you do, but I admire your determination to represent your constituents.
That’s a thoughtful way to put it, Karen. It’s easy to get caught up in team politics, but the real test is whether we’re keeping the focus on people, not party. I don’t expect agreement on every issue, but I do think we should all expect honesty about how the decisions get made.
You were elected on specific topics and then you voted your way and not the way the people who elected you wanted. From where I am standing it looks like you voted for yourself and not the people. You are not a true conservative. You lost 2 votes from this house.