HD42: Regan Gray
By Regan Gray of Portland, Oregon. Regan is a candidate for House District 42. Learn more at www.ReganGray.com. Yesterday we heard from Gordon Hillesland, and tomorrow we'll hear from Teddy Keizer.
One of the reasons Portland is such a wonderful and progressive place to live is because of the very people who call this city home. Working in Representative Diane Rosenbaum's office for the past six years, I have had the privilege of interacting with the citizens of House District 42 on a daily basis, and through this process, I have met many incredible people.
For most of the time I worked in Salem, Republicans were in control of the House. And while it was obviously difficult to pass progressive legislation under those circumstances, it was not impossible.
In 2003 Amy came to Representative Rosenbaum's office in a desperate situation. Amy had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and during her course of treatment, she and her doctor had decided on the type of breast reconstruction post-mastectomy that was most appropriate for Amy. Unfortunately, as is too often the case, Amy's insurance company decided they knew more about Amy's medical care than her own doctor did and refused to cover the procedure.
Amy and I spent countless months trying to reach a compromise with the insurance company, but they still refused to cover any part of the procedure.
Although I was exceptionally frustrated by Amy's story, I was inspired by her courage; and together we wrote a law that would protect other cancer patients from having to go through what Amy did. Amy's law, which was passed in 2003, requires insurance companies to cover the type of breast reconstruction decided upon by a woman and her doctor.
This is Amy's story, but it represents the story of other Oregonians throughout our state – those who need help and go to their elected officials to get it. Whether it's granting medical visitation rights to same sex couples, ensuring that all rape victims have access to emergency contraception on a statewide level, or providing affordable housing and rights to neighborhood associations in the cities – there is a fundamental level of service owed to all of us as Oregonians.
It is people like Amy who can inspire all of us to take action and contact our legislators. Oregonians deserve a government that serves them on all levels – city, county, state and federal. This primary, and in the fall, as voters we have an incredible opportunity to select officeholders that will keep their doors open to the voices of those they represent. I have worked hard to meet everyone in this district, listen to your stories and incorporate your input into legislation. I will continue to fight for fairness, inclusion and government that works for the people. And most of all, I will continue to stand up for those left out.
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April 22, 2008
Posted in guest column. |
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Apr 22, '08
Regan will be the kind of Representative we deserve. She's out walking the neighborhood every day, and I am sure she'll be the type in the legislature to try to push all the Democrats in a more progressive direction.
10:08 a.m.
Apr 22, '08
As a resident of the district I believe Regan has the experience needed to hit the ground running for district 42 and Oregon. She didn't just work in Salem, she accomplished great things in Salem. Not many people, even sitting legislators, can say that. I cannot think of anyone better to represent me in the state house. Go Regan!
Apr 22, '08
Amy's story shows how dedicated people, like Regan, can help their constituents, and all Oregonians, with common sense legislation. We need people like this representing HD 42: Regan Gray for HD 42!!!!!
Apr 22, '08
Regan has been a tireless worker for our District (HD42). Her experience and knowledge of Salem will help her hit the ground running. It has been great working with her and no matter what I know we will be seeing a lot of Regan in the years to come. Run Regan, Run.
Shane Jackson District Leader, HD42, Multnomah County Democratic Party
PS. This is not an endorsement, just an informed opinion.
Apr 22, '08
I have had the privilege of getting to know Regan over the past few months. She is a tireless worker who cares deeply for the issues surrounding this district and the state. Her accomplishments regarding domestic partnership legislation, raising Oregon's minimum wage, and helping to pass legislation to increase insurance fairness in breast cancer coverage (as mentioned above) speak to her ability to get things done. I look for her to add to her progressive list of accomplishments in the Oregon House.
Apr 22, '08
Great article, and I think that Regan Gray will be a terrific representative for HD 42 and I hope that she stays true to her beliefs as her political career proceeds. Good luck Regan!
Apr 22, '08
Great story. It shows that Regan really understands exactly what a progressive lawmaker is supposed to do: make every effort to reach out to her constituents, take their issues seriously and side with them against powerful interests when they have been wronged.
When it comes right down to it, the most important job of an elected official is to be an advocate for her constituents. I'm glad to see Regan knows this.
Apr 22, '08
Jules, Teddy and Regan all stopped by my house and left me a personal note which I think is pretty awesome.
Apr 22, '08
I know both Jules and Regan and I think both are truly amazing people. However, Regan's experience will serve HD 42 constituents as well as the rest of the state best. She knows how to compromise with her colleagues and will accomplish great things in the Oregon legislature.
Go Regan!!!
Apr 22, '08
Regan's endorsement list is also incredibly impressive. She's supported by SEIU 503 and 49, Planned Parenthood, Basic Right's Oregon, NARAL, Oregon School Employees Association, AFSCME, the Firefighters...etc. etc.
She's also endorsed by rock star legislators like Rep. Nolan, Rep. Kotek, Rep. Gelser, Rep. Shields, Rep. Rosenbaum, etc.
What a list of progressive support.
Apr 22, '08
Jules also seems like a great candidate (I don't know anything about Teddy Keizer, other than that people seem to like him, too). It's a shame we can only pick one. I hope whoever loses gives me another opportunity to vote for them in another race.
Apr 22, '08
Regan's endorsement list is also incredibly impressive. She's supported by SEIU 503 and 49, Planned Parenthood, Basic Right's Oregon, NARAL, Oregon School Employees Association, AFSCME, the Firefighters...etc. etc.
She's also endorsed by rock star legislators like Rep. Nolan, Rep. Kotek, Rep. Gelser, Rep. Shields, Rep. Rosenbaum, etc.
What a list of progressive support.
Apr 22, '08
I don't want to lose Regan Gray. Her six years in Salem have given her a heads up on the essential progressive issues facing Oregon. She has learned the intricacies of forming support for, writing, finding consensus, and passing legislation. Regan's work for women and children is documented and sound. Her tireless advocacy for workers' rights, human rights, and civil rights puts her in a category of TEN for the people of southeast Portland (district #42), but does not stop at those borders. She listens to both urban and rural voters, and represents in good faith the needs of all Oregonians. She believes health care is a right, that Paid Family Leave is not a luxury, and that we are all better served by eliminating discrimination of any kind. She wants to see Oregon expand its bottle bill, curbside recycling, and work to lower our carbon footprint. Regan is a hard worker, takes initiative, and is already known and respected by other progressives in Salem. She deserves our vote on May 20!!!
Apr 22, '08
There are a number of good candidates in this race. Basic Rights Oregon endorsed Regan because she has been on the front lines of the stuggle to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
She volunteered countless hours with BRO in the 2006 election cycle helping with our campaign to elect fair-minded candidates to public office. And last year, she was a key behind-the-scenes staffer who worked to win domestic partnerships for caring and committed same-sex couples.
She's got the experience and leadership to make a difference in Salem. We're proud to support her.
Apr 22, '08
Several years ago, I switched my voter registration from Democrat to Independent. Yesterday, I switched back. One of my reasons for doing so is to vote for Regan Gray. I believe she is the best choice to be our representative because of her experience, determination, compassion and intelligence. Rootin’ for Regan!
Apr 23, '08
I do not know Regan but I do know several who have given her high recommendation and I will be voting for Regan. I am care-giver for a terminal breast cancer patient and she has had the wonderful benefit of the progressive hearts of Oregonians due to the full health coverage she has recieved. Just imagine what it is like to fight cancer and the HMOs! Regan and so many have taken up the battle on behalf of Oregonians who are too ill to join the battle directly. It is that initiative we want representing all of us.
Apr 28, '08