Meet the Democrats: David Edwards

Elected this November, David Edwards will represent HD 30 (map) in northern Washington County. Previously, his district was held by Republican Derrick Kitts.

Edwards grew up in Hillsboro and is the founder of a market research company. Previously, he worked as a legislative analyst for the Oregon Economic Development Department. Learn more at Edwards2006.com.

We asked Representative-elect Edwards a few questions:

What was the best job you've had that didn't involve politics?

Teaching Freshman Writing at the University of Southern California

What's the most important issue facing Oregon? What's the long-term solution, and what can be done in the short term?

The most pressing issue facing our state is improving our public schools. In order to create the jobs of the future, we need to invest wisely in our public schools, with more resources for the classroom and reforms to ensure our children can compete and win in the global economy.

My initial goals in this area include: guaranteeing a full school year, fully-funding Head Start, ensuring a full-day of Kindergarten and lowering class sizes, starting in Kindergarten through third-grade.

A long-term solution involves developing a unified, transparent budget that cuts across the full spectrum of education from Kindergarten through higher education, so lawmakers better understand the trade-offs involved in funding quality programs and invest in those that yield the greatest return for our tax dollars.

If you found yourself alone with an entire day all to yourself, how would you spend it?

Re-reading Immanual Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysic of Morals; I seldom have sufficient time to reflect on grand philosophical issues outside of those associated with public service.

What books have you read lately?

Martin Amis, The War Against Cliché Gordon S. Wood, The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin E. O. Wilson, On Human Nature

Name one Oregonian, past or present, who inspires you - and tell us why.

The Oregon politician I admire most is our 30th governor, Tom McCall (governor from 1967 to 1975). I admire his principled commitment to conservation and land-use planning in the face of a skeptical public.

Under Gov. McCall, we passed the country's first 'bottle bill,' cleaned up the Willamette River, extended public ownership of the state's beaches, and created the first statewide land-use planning system. Unlike many of today's politicians, Gov. McCall consistently put people above politics.

Ducks or Beavers?

Ducks! (I'm a U of O grad)

Tell us one thing that no one knows about you.

How about something only one person knows about me? When we were dating, I wrote embarrassingly bad poetry for my wife.

As a first-term legislator, what do you hope to accomplish?

Simply put, I hope to work across the aisle to pass legislation that will have a meaningful, positive impact on the everyday lives of my fellow Oregonians. As part of a new Democratic majority, I want to regain the public's trust in state government, in part, by making good on my campaign promises, and at the same time, lay the groundwork for future, critical reforms like universal health care.

This session, I believe we should focus on a limited, but substantive agenda that ensures good governance, regardless of which party is in the majority or controls the governorship.

Why do you live in Oregon?

I grew up in Hillsboro and married my high school sweetheart. Given our network of immediate and extended family, my wife and I determined our home town would be the best place to raise our children.

Name three favorite movies.

As a former student in the University of Southern California's Filmic Writing (screenwriting) program, it's nearly impossible to limit my choices to three, but here goes (in no particular order): Wings of Desire, Citizen Kane, Raging Bull

What did you learn on the campaign trail that you didn't know before - about yourself, about your district, and about Oregon?

I was deeply touched by the spontaneous generosity of many constituents--folks like Andrew Rich, who hosted a wonderful house party for me after only one meeting at his doorstep.

Dec. 03, 2006 Posted in open discussion.