Editorial
Rebuild clout in the Legislature
East Multnomah County must increase the clout it wields in the Oregon Legislature, and the best way for voters to achieve that goal is to re-elect Laurie Monnes Anderson to the state Senate and to elect newcomers Greg Matthews and John Nelsen to the House of Representatives.
We believe this combination of two moderate Democrats and one moderate Republican can fairly represent the entire East County electorate and also allow for a gradual accumulation of influence that was lost when former House Speaker Karen Minnis of Wood Village was dethroned following the 2006 election.
We do not arrive at our recommendations easily. All six of the candidates in these races are high-quality individuals. But when voters consider which candidates have both the prerequisite experience and the potential for ongoing and productive service in the Legislature, we believe they should land on Monnes Anderson, Matthews and Nelsen.
Here’s a look at the three contests:
House District 50 — Greg Matthews:
This is by far the closest call, and one that is made even more difficult due to our respect for Republican incumbent John Lim.
Lim has been in the Legislature for 12 years — first as a senator and then for the past four years as a member of the House. Because of his humble approach, Lim is often underrated. He has in fact been a productive force for his Gresham district and a steady advocate for economic development in Oregon.
But the 72-year-old Lim also has said this will be his final two-year term in the Legislature. While we would be happy to see Lim return, we think it is more important at this point for residents of District 50 to look to the future.
And that’s where Matthews, a Gresham firefighter and a longtime community volunteer, comes into the picture. Matthews, a 44-year-old Democrat, has deep roots in the community, an unmatched record of involvement and an enviable level of energy. He isn’t quite as fluid yet on the issues as his opponent, but he is learning quickly. His middle-of-the-road ideology — he even admits to voting for George W. Bush in 2004 — is a solid match for his district.
Lim makes a reasonable argument for a final term — and in many respects he has earned it. But if Matthews is ready to serve now, why wait for two years to elect him? Those are two years in which his party will be in power and he can begin to gain knowledge and influence in Salem. Voters shouldn’t delay the inevitable — they should elect Matthews in November.
House District 49 — John Nelsen:
A newcomer will represent this district no matter what, because incumbent Karen Minnis — a Republican — is retiring. While we like both candidates in the race, only one — 47-year-old Reynolds School Board member John Nelsen, also a Republican — has the necessary community and volunteer experience to qualify him to represent the district in the Legislature.
Nelsen’s opponent, Democrat Nick Kahl, 31, is smart and well-versed on the issues. But unlike Nelsen, he has never served East County in a substantial, broad-based capacity.
Nelsen, a Rockwood resident, has demonstrated his community commitment through eight years of service on the School Board and previous involvement with the Reynolds School District Foundation. He has raised a family in East County and has a natural understanding of the people within his district.
Nelsen also reflects the moderation of District 49, which has more registered Democrats than Republicans, as well a large number of non-affiliated voters. Voters should embrace Nelsen’s bipartisan sensibilities along with his experience by sending him to Salem.
Senate District 25 — Laurie Monnes Anderson:
We think highly of Monnes Anderson’s opponent, Dave Kim, but this is nonetheless the easiest of the three legislative recommendations. Without the 62-year-old Monnes Anderson in the Legislature, the Gresham area will be left with virtually no legislative power at all.
Democrats control the House, the Senate and the governor’s office. Monnes Anderson, at present, is the only Democrat exclusively representing the four East County cities. And as deputy majority leader in the Senate, she has become the go-to person in the East County delegation. She has the clout to get things done — obtaining money for Gresham gang prevention and for Mt. Hood Community College are just two examples.
We would like to see Kim, who has extensive community service in the Beaverton area, become involved as an East County leader. But his first accomplishment should not be to knock off the one local legislator who can defend the community in a pinch.
Voters should re-elect Monnes Anderson.