Benton GOP Campaign

Sources Say • GOP has a real candidate now

THE PORTLAND TRIBUNE, 10/8/2009 - "U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, a Democrat, probably won’t have another general election cakewalk next year. Schrader easily won the 5th Congressional District seat in the 2008 general election after his pro-life Republican opponent, Mike Erickson, was accused of paying for an abortion for a former girlfriend. Although Erickson denied the allegation, his campaign stumbled and he lost to Shrader by more than 55,000 votes.

But now a pillar of the Republican Party, State Rep. Scott Bruun, has announced he will challenge Schrader in 2010. Bruun, a successful contractor and West Linn resident, was easily defeated by Democratic Congressman Earl Blumenauer when the two ran for the 3rd District seat in 1996. But since then, Bruun has been elected three times to state House District 37, which includes the cities of West Linn, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, Rivergrove, Stafford and Durham. He raised more than $311,000 in cash and in-kind contributions in 2008 and has nearly $9,000 on hand that can be transferred to his congressional race." Read More......

Jackson Presents Comments at Public Hearing

Public Comment for the Fall 2009 HCP, 10/16/2009, Benton County Library, 7-9 pm

"I would like to start off by thanking the tax payers of Benton County for being such good stewards of our lands. We have some of the most educated and considerate people when it comes to the environment. I particularly would like to thank companies like Starker Forest, Thompson Timber Company, Holiday Tree Farms, just to name a few who look after the environment in their every day operations.

I would also like to explain what Federal, State and Local taxes have in common. IT’S YOUR MONEY!!! Just because it is a Federal or State grant doesn’t change the fact that this plan has wasted almost a million dollars of your taxes. This money would have been better spent on economic development to bring down the high rate of unemployment in Benton County.

I have reviewed the Benton County Prairie Species Habitat Conservation Plan and it is my opinion the plan has many flaws." Read more at Oregon Republican Blog/Committee to Elect Jackson for Commissioner... Read More......

Jackson filed for Benton County Commissioner on 9-11

Jerry J. Jackson, Sr. filed with Benton County Elections on September 11, 2009 for County Commissioner, Position 1. He needs a total of 306 registered Benton County Republicans to sign his Petition for Major Political Party Nomination Signature Sheet to complete the filing. You can email Jerry at cjjdl@aol.com with your address to arrange for him to drop by your house to sign the petition. Please note along with your email if you are interested in being involved with the campaign. Remember it is going to take us being strong in numbers to be victorious and have a more balanced voice in how this County is governed.

Jerry J. Jackson Sr. Read More......

Germond files for Congressional Race (Dist. 4)

7/16/2009 - Jaynee Germond of Roseburg has officially filed to run for the U.S. House of Representtives, District 4. Jaynee writes, "I am looking forward to seeing you all again on August 20th at the picnic."

Campaign Website: www.germond2010.com
Join Jaynee on Facebook
Follow Jaynee on Twitter

Jaynee Germond (R) a Constitutionalist,
Not a rich politician, a representative Read More......

Leiken files paperwork to run for Congress (Dist. 4)

SPRINGFIELD, Ore., 06/04/2009 -- Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken said he filed his paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission Monday to run for Oregon's 4th Congressional District on the Republican ticket.

Campaign Website: www.sidleiken.com
Facebook: Sid Leiken for Congress
Follow Sid on Twitter Read More......

"Committee To Elect Jackson For Commissioner"

Jerry J. Jackson, Sr. announces his intent to be your Republican Party candidate for Benton County Commissioner in 2010. Jerry has government experience. He presently serves as President of the Philomath City Council and has served on the Budget, Ordinance and Finance Committee. Jerry is an Oregon Licensed Investigator and Code Enforcement Officer.

Jerry has the ability and desire to be a strong Benton County Commissioner.

Recent:
7/6/2009 - GT Removes Comment by Jerry J. Jackson, Sr. at Benton GOP News.
6/20/2009 - Benton County Draft Prairie Habitat Plan by Jerry J. Jackson, Sr. at Oregon Republican Blog.

Campaign Website: Committee to Elect Jackson for Commissioner
Follow Jerry on Twitter Read More......

Benton County: Jackson presents positive budget changes at hearing

Jerry J. Jackson, Sr., (Republican) is currently a member of the Philomath City Council and has announced his candidacy for the 2010 race for Benton County Commissioner, position 1.

BUDGET REVIEW
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jerry J. Jackson, Sr.
May 20, 2009

The linked information (pdf) was presented by me during the public comment time at the Benton County Budget Hearing on May 18, 2009. It is my hope the Commissioners will follow up on my presentation, as it reflects positive changes they need to make in order to prevent future financial problems.

I find it interesting that the county is relying on renewing levies to operate the county in the future. It is time to become lean and move to a basic budget now. The commissioners are trying to make Benton County responsible for everything from Linn County Health Clinics to the Federal Wildlife's regulatory position on endangered species. When you have to borrow money to operate, you must look at what you are doing wrong. Consolidating and cutting unnecessary positions are the first steps in creating a balanced budget.

Hewlett Packard is offering to lease the county office space on their campus. The lease will include janitorial service, building maintenance, furniture, ample parking, and bus service from Albany and Corvallis, and more. With a full service lease, it will be easy for commissioners to account to the tax payers how their funds are being spent.

The plan to build downtown is not fiscally responsible and needs to be cut out of the commissioners' plans. Moving to the H-P campus is the right move at this time. The county is presently leasing considerable office space, and their leases expire in 2010. Please encourage Benton County Commissioners to begin immediately to negotiate a new lease that brings Benton County offices all under one roof.

UPDATE
Write To: bocinfo@co.benton.or.us. Tell them that you support the recommendation presented by Jerry J. Jackson, Sr. at the Benton County Budget hearing on May 18, 2009. As Bob [Kish] said, "This proposal is filled with common sense plans to reduce costs and continue growth into the next decade." So please read Jackson’s proposal again and write our Commissioners today. Thank you! Read More......

Allen Alley enters race for Oregon governor

On Thursday, February 19, 2009, Allen Alley was the first candidate to throw his hat in the ring for the 2010 race for Governor of Oregon.

Websites: AllenAllie.com and Twitter
Source: Statesman Journal.

8/3/2009 - On this date, Allen Alley started his walk across Oregon starting in Baker City. Follow his blog with wonderful pictures and get to know the people he and his crew meet along the way.

2/19/2009, PORTLAND (AP) — Allen Alley, who ran a losing race for state treasurer last fall, has become the first candidate to enter the race to replace Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who is barred by term limits from running in 2010.

Alley, 54, moved to Oregon in 1992 and later co-founded Pixelworks, a firm that supplies microchips for the display industry.

Though a Republican, Alley was a deputy chief staff for Kulongoski before attempting to become treasurer.

“Oregonians deserve a world-class education for our children, innovative ideas and investments that create family-wage jobs, and policies that promote both environmental conservation and our rural, natural resource-based economy,” he said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

Oregon has not had a Republican governor in more than 20 years, and the party has been struggling in all statewide races in recent elections.

Alley, in an interview with The Oregonian newspaper, said he would run as an independent Republican. Alley said he believes a woman has a right to an abortion, and said he could at least consider supporting Kulongoski’s call to put some of the state’s kicker money into a rainy day fund.

Though Alley is first candidate to announce he is running, others have expressed an interest in the job.

On the Republican side, state Sen. Jason Atkinson of Central Point is considering the race. As for Democrats, former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, Senate President Peter Courtney, Portland consultant Steve Novick and U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio have all said they might run.

In last year’s treasurer’s race, Alley lost by 6 percentage points to Democrat Ben Westlund. Given the tough year for Republicans, some observers were surprised by Alley’s respectable showing. Alley, however, did win some high-profile newspaper endorsements, including from The Oregonian and the Willamette Week. The latter paper rarely endorses Republicans.

Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com Read More......

Greg Perry wins school board seat

Benton County Republicans are pleased to announce that Greg Perry was elected to the 509-J School Board in the May 19, 2009 Special Election. Congratulations, Mr. Perry! Read More......

Benton GOP endorses School Board Candidates

The Benton County Republican Party has endorsed Greg Perry and Peter Leung for 509-J School Board positions. Download a copy of the Voting recommendations by Jean Nelson (pdf) for the May 19, 2009 Special Election. Be sure to vote and get your ballot into the Elections Office by May 19th.

Following is an excellent letter from Greg Perry which we want to share.

PERRY FOR SCHOOL BOARD
1163 SE Goodnight Avenue
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
Phone: 541-908-0095
E-Mail: Perrydad@gmail.com

Experienced--Fair--Dedicated

Friends and Colleagues,

I have decided to enter the world of politics by running for Position 5 on the Corvallis School Board. I am writing to ask for your help and support. The election is May 19 and ballots will arrive in homes around May 1. This leaves little time for campaigning.

I'm hoping to organize lawn signs, mailings, and endorsement ads in the GT. An important part of this effort is money to pay for everything. How much we can do to get the word out depends on how much money can be raised in this short period of time. To this end, I am asking for your contributions to help me get elected. Any amount will be appreciated-$10 on up. Contributions up to $50 per individual per year (or $100 for a couple filing jointly) are eligible for Oregon's political tax credit.

As you may know, I have a long record of activity in our lo0cal schools. In 1989-90 I served as Treasurer of the Harding PTA. At the request of the superintendent, a group of us put together the proposal for what became the district's first School of Choice - Franklin School. I served on the site councils for both Franklin and Corvallis High School. Later I served pm the 2001 bond committee that put forward the bond measure to replace Corvallis High School and Highland View (now Linus Pauling). In 2007 I conducted extensive analyses of strategies for the committee seeking to draw new attendance boundaries. Aside from these school activities, I have volunteered in working with youth through the Boys and Girls Club, Corvallis Parks and Rec, and Boy Scouts. By profession I am an Applied Economist at Oregon State University. During my tenure at OSU I have taught, conducted research, and been involved in administrative activities. I have a passion for education at all levels.

I see three major issues that I plan to make my focus should I be elected to the board. First, of course, is dealing with the major financial challenges facing the district in the next couple of years. In this my training as an economist, familiarity with financial analysis, experience as an administrator and understanding of the Corvallis school system leave me well prepared to make wise decisions that will benefit our children. Second, is the ongoing challenge of better serving students from lower income families, particularly those in the Latino community. I bring a unique perspective to the board, having lived several years in Latin America and being conversant in Spanish. Third, is to work on reducing the turnover of principals and administrators in the district. Principals, in particular, set the tone for a school. Good principals hire and mentor quality teachers, develop a vision for the school and motivate staff to work toward that vision.

I am analytical by nature and will bring that perspective to board issues. I am a good listener and seek information from many sources before making a decision. My father was a high school teacher, so I understand and appreciate the dedicated service given by so many of our teachers and their families.

I will spend the next two months working hard to get elected. Still, a successful campaign is only possible if people like you are willing to lend their help and support. I'd appreciate any assistance you are willing to offer. If you would like to contribute money, please do so soon. We need to get started right away. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for your support.
Greg Perry Read More......

Results: U.S. Senate Races

Minnesota's U.S. Senate race between Norm Coleman (R) and Al Franken (D) remained contested and undecided leaving the seat unfilled until July 2009 when Al Franken was declared the winner.

AP - They [Democrats] set a sky's-the-limit goal of controlling 60 Senate seats when the new Congress convenes in January - the magic number needed to prevent Republicans from blocking bills and judicial nominees. It was always a long shot. But having a majority in the high 50s will enable Democrats to exercise far more control than they have now, since some Republicans probably would join them in efforts to break Senate logjams on many bills and judicial appointments.

Highlights indicate winners. Races not so marked are yet to be decided.

Louisiana: Mary Landrieu (D) vs. John Kennedy (D-turned-R)
Virginia: Mark Warner (D) vs. Jim Gilmore (R)
Mew Mexico: Tom Udall (D) vs. Steve Pearce (R)
Colorado: Mark Udall (D) vs. Bob Schaffer (R)
New Hampshire: Jeanne Shaheen (D) vs. John Sununu (R-Incumbent)
Alaska: Mark Begich (D) vs. Sen. Ted Stevens (Close race was too close to call. On 11/19/08 Sen. Stevens conceded.)
Mississippi: Roger Wicker (R – appointed to succeed Trent Lott) vs.former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D)
Oregon: Jeff Merkley (D) vs. Sen. Gordon Smith (R)
North Carolina: Kay Hagan (D) vs. Elizabeth Dole (R)
Georgia: Saxby Chambliss (R) vs. Jim Martin (D) [Chambliss wins December 2, 2008 re-vote]
Minnesota: Norm Coleman (R) [initially by 342 votes] vs. Al Franken (D). Minnesota Canvassing board orders Senate recount to start Wed. Nov. 19th. See here. Stay up to date at MinnesotaRecount.com.
Kentucky: Mitch McConnell (R - Senate Minority Leader) vs. Bruce Lunsford (D)

AP - McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, had been a target of national Democrats after leading successful filibusters against much of their legislative agenda the past two years. He won re-election against two-time Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bruce Lunsford in a contentious race. "Winston Churchill once said that the most exhilarating feeling in life is to be shot at - and missed," McConnell said late Tuesday. "After the last few months, I think what he really meant to say is that there's nothing more exhausting."

Democrats will lose two incumbents: Obama and Biden. Democratic governors in Illinois and Delaware are sure to appoint Democrats to replace them.

Brian Boquist for Oregon State Senate, District 12

After receiving a B.S. in Social Science and Business Administration at Western Oregon State College, he earned an MBA from Oregon State University in Corvallis. With life experiences gained in the military, and the education he received, today Brian Boquist is the Executive Vice president and partner of International Charter Inc. of Oregon, an international aviation and transportation small business located in Salem. Lieutenant Colonel Boquist serves in the U.S. Army Reserve Special Forces and he has served two terms as State Representative for District 23, which covers parts of Yamhill, Polk, Benton, Linn and Marion Counties. He is now running for the senate seat in this area.

Congratulations to Brian Boquist (R)! We look forward to your service in the Oregon Senate. Brian ran against Kevin Nortness (D). Read More......

Rep. Andy Olson (Incumbent) for Oregon State Representative, District 15

Website: Friends of Andy Olson.com
Andy Olson spent twenty nine years in law enforcement and he is an effective leader, has a servant’s heart and works to bring people together to get things done. That is how he approaches every aspect of his life. His focus for the next legislative session is on five important building blocks; public safety, fiscal accountability, economic growth, education and personal responsibility.

Congratulations Andy Olson (R)! We look forward to another term of your leadership in the Oregon House. Andy ran against Dick Olsen (D).

As a leader in the State Police for twenty-nine years, Andy instilled an attitude of customer service and worked to make the agency efficient and accountable. Andy served as Lieutenant and Station Commander in Albany and McMinnville, and worked on other assignments in Albany, Klamath Falls, Cottage Grove, Beaverton and Salem. At his retirement party just last year, he was honored with a roomful of more than 500 friends, colleagues and acquaintances who emphasized Andy’s dedication to service.

One of the things that Andy most likes to do is to teach. Over the years, you often could find Andy eager to speak in classrooms and read to students as a volunteer. Andy has also taught for years within the public safety arena specifically focusing on leadership and character. Most recently, he has enjoyed working as an instructor at Linn Benton Community College. And, on Sundays, you can find Andy teaching his weekly Sunday school class that often numbers over 200.

Andy has an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement from Chemeketa Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management from George Fox but he is a lifetime learner with a passion for reading and writing.

Andy and his wife Pam have been married for 31 years and have three daughters. All three daughters attended Albany public schools. His youngest daughter is a West Albany High School student; his middle daughter is a middle school teacher and she and her husband just made Andy a grandpa for the first time; his oldest daughter is pursuing her career in Eugene. Andy is very committed to using his leadership and experience to create a better future for all Oregonians. Read More......

Jim Thompson for Oregon State Representative, District 23

Website: www.jimforhouse.com
Jim Thompson is a lifelong Oregonian. He grew up in rural Lincoln County, earned his science degrees from Oregon State and Western Oregon University (then Oregon College of Education) and built a successful career in plant sciences for pharmaceutical benefit in the treatment of asthma and allergies. He was also a certified EMT, chaired the board of County Fire District #1 and served on the Monmouth City Council. In 2004, Jim was appointed to fill the remaining nine months of Rep. Lane Shettery's term due to Shettery's resignation. He is involved in health care reform and serves on the Oregon Health Care Volunteer Advisory Committee, Health Safety Net Advisory Committee and the Public Health Logistics Workgroup.

Congratulations Jim Thompson (R)! Jim will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Oregon House. He ran against Jason Brown (D). Read More......

City of Adair Village

Mayor: Bill Currier (Incumbent, unopposed)

City Council Candidates
Steve Bittner (incumbent)
Jeff Kubler (incumbent) Read More......

City of Albany (Benton)

Mayor:
Dan Bedore (Appointed incumbent)
Sharon Konopa
Charley Smith

City Council, Ward 1B
Floyd W. Collins vs. Bill Root Read More......

Corvallis City Council Recommendations

All Corvallis City Council Races
Ward 1: Bill York vs. Mark O'Brien
Ward 2: Patricia Daniels vs. Scott Clifford
Ward 3: Richard Hervey
Ward 4: Dan Brown
Ward 5: Mike Beilstein vs. Rob Gandara
Ward 6: John H. Detweiler vs. Joel Hirsch
Ward 7: Jeanne Raymond
Ward 8: David Hamby

See details on Mark O'Brien (Ward 1) and John Detweiler (Ward 6).
There are two candidates running for the Corvallis City Council who will bring much needed expertise to the council in the areas of fiscal responsibility and business, therefore, the Benton County Republicans enthusiastically recommend these candidates for Wards 1 and 6:

WARD 1: Mark O'Brien
Mark has lived in Corvallis for 22 years and has been a homeowner in Ward 1 since 1999. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Oregon State University and he is currently the managing partner at Downtown American Dream Pizza. Mark and his wife Tracey have been married for 14 years and have two children, Cade and Carter, who attend Adams Elementary and Linus Pauling Middle School. Mark finished the Portland Marathon last year ahd is training for it again this year.

If elected to represent you, Mark will:

Strive to ensure that his Council votes respect a balance between our shared environmental, economic, social and cultural values.
Be mindful that the Council's primary and most important responsibility is the governance of Corvallis.
Work diligently to ensure our exceptional livability is treated with the greatest care.
Will listen to your concerns and will work to address them as they arise.
Use his considerable business management experience to make sure your hard earned tax dollars are spent wisely.
Search for ways to improve our city's efficiencies in difficult economic times and otherwise.
Respectfully and thoughtfully listen to the input of his constituents when their testimony and expertise is offered.

Please contact Mark at elect.obrien@gmail.com or call (541) 619-2339.

WARD 6: John H. Detweiler – “toiling for the taxpayer”
Government Experience:
- Benton County Board of Property Tax Appeals.
- Corvallis Core Services Committee.
- Employed as branch chief, section chief, engineer, budget analyst, operations research analyst, management auditor by U.S. General Accounting (now Government Accountability) Office, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of the Navy, and contractor-supporting Department of the Navy.
- Officer in U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. Retired with rank of Captain (O6).

Changes that need to be made:

If someone is willing to invest their own money in a business venture, obey all laws, and jump through all hoops, they should be allowed to proceed.
The Council needs to allocate scarce resources, taxpayers’ money, wisely.
- Requests for funds need to be supported with sufficient analysis so the taxpayers know what they are getting for their money. For example, if the police department budget is increased or decreased, what will that do to the department’s ability to respond to calls?
- Are we saving sufficient funds for rainy days or, are we living from hand to mouth?
User fees, not taxes, need to be charged wherever possible. Moreover, we need to clearly spell out the difference between user fees and taxes.
The Council needs to exercise its oversight function.
- The taxpayers need to know what happens to city programs when prices go up. For example, what is not being done because the price of fuel has increased so much?
The Council needs to spend its time on things that the Council can change and not on things that are in the domains of other levels of government.

Education:

MS - Oregon State University, Statistics
CAGS - The American University, Operations Research
MBA - Oregon State University, Business Administration
MS - Oregon State University, Physical Oceanography
BS - U. S. Naval Academy, General Engineering

Visit John Detweiler's website: www.peak.org/~detweij
Authorized and funded by the Committee to Elect John H. Detweiler, 3130 NW Greenwood Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330 Read More......

City of Monroe

Mayor: Clifford Frank Thayer (Incumbent, unopposed)

City Council Candidates:
Dave Ballard
Michael Lancaster
Mike Morrell
Carol McGlasson
Harry Myers Read More......

City of Philomath

Mayor: Ken Schaudt (unopposed)

City Council Candidates:
Angie Baca (incumbent)
Matthew Bierek (incumbent)
Jerry Jackson, Sr. (incumbent)
Carla Koeppe (incumbent)
John G. Booker, Jr.
Scott M. Klain Read More......

Local Ballot Measures

Measure 02-65, City of Corvallis: No Failed
City of Corvallis Bonds for Senor Center and Parks

Measure 02-66, City of Philomath: Yes Passed
A Measure Proposing Annexation of Moore Property

Measure 20-142, Lane Community College: No Recommendation Failed
Lane Community College Bond to Update Instructional Facilities and Technology

Measure 27-90, Central School District 13J: No Recommendation Failed
Bonds to reconstruct, Enlarge Central High School, Upgrade other facilities. Read More......

2008 Oregon Ballot Measures

Ballot Measure 54: Yes Passed
Amends Constitution: Standardizes Voting Eligibility for School Board Elections with other State and Local Elections

Ballot Measure 55: Yes Passed
Amends Constitution: Changes Operative Date of Redistricting Plans; Allows Affected Legislators to Finish Term in Original District

Ballot Measure 56: No Passed
Amends Constitution: Provides that May and November Property Tax Elections are Decided by Majority of Voters Voting

*Ballot Measure 57: ~~Yes~~ No Passed
Increases Sentences for Drug Trafficking, Theft Against Elderly and Specified Repeat Property and Identity Theft Crimes; Requires Addiction Treatment for Certain Offenders.

Ballot Measure 58: Yes Failed
Prohibits Teaching Public School Student in Language Other Than English for More Than Two Years

Ballot Measure 59: Yes Failed
Creates an Unlimited Deduction for Federal Income Taxes on Individual Taxpayers' Oregon Income-Tax Returns

Ballot Measure 60: Yes Failed
Teacher "Classroom Performance," Not Seniority, Determines Pay Raises; "Most Qualified" Teachers Retained, Regardless of Seniority

*Ballot Measure 61: No Yes Passed
Creates Mandatory Minimum Prison Sentences for Certain Theft, Identity Theft, Forgery, Drug, and Burglary Crimes

Ballot Measure 62: Yes Failed
Amends Constitution: Allocates 15% of Lottery Proceeds to Public Safety Fund for Crime Prevention, Investigation, Prosecution

Ballot Measure 63: Yes Failed
Exempts Specified Property Owners from Building Permit Requirements for Improvements Valued at/Under 35,000 Dollars

Ballot Measure 64: Yes Passed
Penalizes Person, Entity for Using Funds Collected with "Public Resource" (Defined) for "Political Purpose" (Defined)

Ballot Measure 65: No Failed
Changes General Election Nomination Processes for Major/Minor Party, Independent Candidates for Most Partisan Offices

*Reconsiderations Read More......