Constitution

The Federal Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, forms the basis for our shared values and principles as a nation, guiding how the government supports them. Growing up in a military family and taking career oaths deeply instilled these values in me, with a focus on respecting people's liberty and allowing them to pursue happiness.

I have profound respect for those who sacrificed their lives defending the Constitution. Similarly, the State Constitution refines our shared beliefs as Oregonians, providing structure to uphold these values. As a proud 4th generation Oregonian, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure fellow Oregonians take pride in their state.

Rights

Personal liberty is at the core of my traditional republican values. I appreciate and understand that 4.2 million Oregonians will disagree on issues, but that disagreement should never be allowed to infringe on the rights of people to make personal decisions in keeping with their values, beliefs, and circumstances – no person is above another, and neither are their beliefs superior. 

People without rights are subjects, which is exactly what our founders fought against.

Role and Function of Government

The public policy process is dynamic and requires a government that can balance the competing needs, values, and beliefs to keep the pendulum as still as possible.  Moving the pendulum to far one way or the other creates inequities, moving it too fast creates inefficiencies. Constant small corrections based on contemporary needs will over time provide stability and viability.

 I strongly believe that the best government is a limited government which protects and supports people and their rights. I see the proper role and function of government as:

·       Enforcing the rule of law and holding people accountable for violating those laws

·       Enforcing and protecting property rights

·       Providing services and infrastructure that people cannot afford by themselves.

·       Providing economic continuity and stability

·       Protecting and managing public lands to the best and highest benefit of all

To this end the government needs to be fiscally responsible, ensuring public monies are spent in a way that wisely and efficiently benefits Oregonians. Our government can’t function without taxes, but those taxes should always have a nexus to their intended use and our payments should be proportional to our derived benefit.

Economy

To protect Oregonians from economic ups and downs, it's important to have a diverse economy that includes different types of industries. Global markets, similar to how our weather changes, are always moving and affected by various factors, some that happen in cycles and others that are unpredictable. Finding a balance between keeping Oregon's strong farming economy and adopting new technologies needs careful thinking and compromise. The results of choices made today might not be realized for many years down the road. 

Making decisions without thinking about the future can have major repercussions. Smart decisions that think about the long term are important for making Oregon a great place to live, and for attracting businesses.

Human Services

Individuals reach their fullest potential when healthcare, education, and human services are supportive and promote engagement. Recognizing our uniqueness and diverse backgrounds, a compassionate government aids those with limited potential or challenging circumstances, fostering the pursuit of liberty and happiness. Programs and services should incentivize initiative and engagement, leading to successful outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole.