Oregon Senate, District 9
Democratic Party candidate for the Oregon Senate.
I'm running to bring A New Direction to Senate District 9. We must build on the outstanding achievements of the 2007 legislature. I serve the public now on the Stayton City Council. I served previously as a citizen by leading the grassroots effort authorizing Stayton taxpayers to vote on annexations. When I am elected I will be able to work directly on community concerns that can only be addressed by the Legislature.
Stable education funding, fair land-use planning, affordable health care for Oregonians, full funding for senior and youth services are just a few of the things on my "To Do List". There are larger concerns facing Oregon and all states as the economy continues to downtrend, energy cost rise and the climate changes. This is an extremely important time to consider A New Direction for all levels of government.
I am confident I can help make progress on these issues because I have had success on the Stayton council. On council, I'm making progress toward getting funding for recreational activities for teens. I am making efforts toward increasing communication and collaboration between the school district and city council. Lately, I have been helping to educate the community and the North Santiam School District about laws affecting schools and school funding.
The legislature has the authority to improve Oregon education, by encouraging and funding the Quality Education Model so that improvements in curriculum, teacher training and funding take place. The legislature can restore funding for Oregon Project Independence and can make sure all Oregonians have health care.
I taught school for a few years and I am frequently called to substitute. As an elected official, I have "gotten things done" on council. I am proud of helping council realize the importance of working together. As a citizen I helped educate many of Stayton citizens about how to put local annexations on the ballot. People who know me say I grasp new information quickly, change my views when new information requires it and direct my energies on solutions to the issues/problems that affect my fellow citizens.
They know I have the passion and energy to get things done for the citizens of my district.
Steve Frank
Senate District 9
