OR-GOV: Bill Bradbury, the exuberant liberal
Carla Axtman
In a half-finished office space near the Rose Quarter, Oregon Gubernatorial candidate Bill Bradbury's campaign has begun to set up shop. A few weeks ago, campaign manager Jeremy Wright took me for a short tour showing off the freshly dry-walled call-room. Wright gave a quick narration on the green bonafides of the building along with a thumbnail breakdown of his resume before ushering me off for an introduction to his boss, who happens to be running for Oregon Governor.
Bradbury enthusiastically offered me his hand. I reminded him that we'd met briefly before at the Oregon Summit in 2007, an event obviously (and understandably) much more seared in to my brain than his. Bradbury's tall and lanky frame now motors about on a Segway as he continues to cope with Multiple Sclerosis. Bradbury was diagnosed in 1981 and has dealt with the disease throughout his time in public office. He's already over six feet tall and as he rolls down the hall on the Segway he's positively towering.
As I'm shown to my seat on a fraternity house-esque sofa, I gather my notes as Bradbury peppers with me questions about blogging and online activism. He wants to know more about the inner-workings of the whole online thing.
But since I was there to interview him about his run for Governor of Oregon, I answered quickly and set about to learn more about Bradbury.
I first asked about his accomplishments as Secretary of State. Bradbury was quick to talk about his perception of the highlights: vote by mail, the centralized voter database, ORESTAR and the business registry. Implementing Phil Kiesling's vote by mail concept (Bradbury says Kiesling gets all the credit for the concept) was the first line item. "Phil left office before the first general election under the system", Bradbury said. "It was my responsibility to fully implement Vote By Mail in the State of Oregon". He says that he feels "very good" about the way that the counties have implemented the system.
Bradbury also outline what he calls "major changes" to the election side of the Secretary of State's office. He cites the centralization of the voter database, required by HAVA. Bradbury notes that not every state interpreted the law as having a required database, but Oregon did. Bradbury is clearly proud of this accomplishment, noting that Oregon's works well. Campaign finance disclosure was another important part of the election piece with the implementation of ORESTAR, bumping Oregon up to one of the best states for financial disclosure. Finally, Bradbury notes that businesses used to be required to file tons of redundant paperwork to register with the state. The Business Registry is now online under Bradbury's watch, having been brought kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.
I asked Bill to speak to how he'd be different than the current occupant of the job: Ted Kulongoski. Bradbury contrasts them in terms of style: "I think it's fair to say that Ted's view of the legislature is that it's his job to propose while the legislature's job is to dispose (or deal with--make decisions)." He says he doesn't think of this as a diss of Ted, just a difference in style. "His view wasn't to get in there--his presence wasn't felt in the Capitol in advocating for his stuff."
Bradbury said he'll take a more hands-on approach. "My style in the Capitol is to meet with committee chairs and push for action by the legislature." He also said that he doesn't see things as an "I propose, you decide" relationship with the legislature. It's more like an "I propose and then we get into it". He said that he may not win every time, but he wants to get into the process and maybe even make legislators sick of seeing him in the building.
On the issues we discussed, Bradbury's liberal chops shine through. The first thing he says that must be addressed is the economy. "Clearly this directly effects families and their livelihood," he said. "We have an incredible opportunity here. The state has started to move in the the direction of a green economy: energy, architecture, agriculture." These green and sustainable businesses are key. We also need to encourage more "value-added forestry". "The amount of old growth in Oregon is small enough that we should not cut it," he said. "There's a huge amount of land in production. Forests need to be thinned or it creates fire danger. But set aside old growth and that still leaves 90% of timber land available for production." Bradbury uses the Collins Pine small log saw mill in Lakeview as a great example of how to make this work.
He noted that there is consistently inadequate funding for education in Oregon at all levels. He specifically cited Lynn Lundquist's Quality Education Model required full funding, and every budget passed now has a note on it that says why it's not being done.
I then asked Bradbury to fast forward to two years from now: he's governor. How does the state look different under his leadership than under John Kitzhaber?
Bradbury paused and furrowed his brow, his usual bubbly exterior vanished as he considered how to answer. "As Governor, I will be clear and proud to be a Democrat. That value and basic beliefs will drive my tenure. I have to be clear about who I am and work with all parties. I have to express that this is possible." Bradbury said that he will work with the GOP knowing what his principles are and how he'll lead.
He went on to say that Kitzhaber said in his announcement that the biggest challenges now are partisanship and entrenched stakeholder politics. Bradbury says he thinks those challenges are about putting people back to work, adequate funding for education and protecting the environment. He considers this a fundamental difference between the two of them.
Bradbury says he will not back away from taking things on straight ahead, "If you don't want a Governor to say that, don't elect me."
He said that his sense with Kitzhaber is that their differences are based on the 8 years that Kitzhaber had in the office. He said that Kitzhaber didn't deal with issues like education and he believes that he can take it straight on. In terms of economic development, Bradbury believes in his experience and involvement in local community development. He spoke about the south coast of Oregon which he calls a "gorgeous place". But people want to make a living and Bradbury says his history in the legislature demonstrates that he was much more involved in issues of economic development.
I then asked about lessons learned, specifically about running a statewide race in Oregon. "I know I have a lot to offer," he said."I know who I am, what I want to talk about and what I want to offer."
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Oct 21, '09
Who wrote this?
2:26 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
I wrote this...sorry. Forgot to click the part that indicated as such. All fixed.
2:54 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
I am a committed Kitzhaber supporter but I can't help but really like Bill; he's seasoned but still so fresh and up-beat. That is rare and valuable in any of the three sectors: public, private or nonprofit. It's an embarrassment of riches for the Democrats in the 2010 race for the Governorship. They are all so good!
Oct 21, '09
This is a really well written piece Carla, and gives a very complete and engaging biographical perspective to Bill, his work, and his story. I also liked your photos, and thought they added real humanity and honesty to your article.
I know it's not possible to do this kind of background work for every candidate who runs for office...there are a lot of candidates and a lot of offices...but I hope you continue writing this type of biographical/policy story telling in the future on more Federal, State, and Municipal candidates.
Well done, and thank you.
Rob
3:44 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
Very kind. Thanks, Rob.
Oct 21, '09
The only problem I have with Bill Bradbury and John Kitzhaber being in the race for governor is that they make it difficult to decide which is the better candidate. When it comes to the final choice for governor it will be refreshing in that the Democratic Party in Oregon will be offering someone other than the lesser evil.
4:07 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
Love the Post! It was great to see him out at Sunriver this weekend. His hospitality party was nice, and I appreciated being welcomed by Bill with a smile and a firm handshake. It was Bill at his best, being the person you wanted to talk with, the person you wanted to bounce ideas around with.
I look forward to seeing what the campaign has to offer over the coming months.
5:43 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
Let me echo that it’s a nice article, Carla. Please do Shields, who I know less about. Let me also echo, from my only several brief times meeting him, that Bill Bradbury is an intelligent, engaging, experienced politician, who, I think, is trying to position himself in the middle of the Democratic Party. Really, who in my Democratic Party is not for more funds for education? What’s not to like about Bradbury?
The answer is that, IMHO, we need more “change” leadership than he may want or be able to provide. He, and his supporters, might argue that getting full QEM funding for education and creating a “green” Oregon economy are change. They are, but they are not enough. These are the needed changes I don’t see Bradbury articulating yet:
(1) We are in a changing global economy that requires us, if we want to be a part of global economic growth, to trade more internationally. That means strategically gearing up our government (more coordinated and systematic efforts to sell Oregon goods abroad and woo foreign investment to Oregon) and adapting our educational system (more and different foreign languages and a high school study abroad program). Change is needed.
(2) We are in the midst of the digital revolution changing business model across many industries. It is about to slam into education. Oregon is not immune. Higher ed will get hit the hardest and first. I tend to think (see here for a sample) that higher ed as it now existing in Oregon is a dinosaur waiting to die. To preserve their research components, Oregon should probably let its brand name universities go private, so they can increase their tuition enough to stay first class. Meanwhile, we should find another way to support Oregon students seeking education beyond high schools (community colleges, then higher ed vouchers). For K-12 public education, there needs to be many more online educational offerings, both saving money and producing better quality. Oregon is behind and in denial on this issue (see here), and desperately needs a leader for the transition. We need a highly educated workforce. We need the most cost efficient educational system possible. Change is needed.
(3) There are a series of big environmental/ climate change/ foreign policy decisions pending that each candidate, especially those claiming to be “green,” should be asked about: the Columbia River Crossing proposal (nix it), PGE’s Boardman plant’s continuation (clean carbon up or close), a revenue neutral gas (or carbon) tax to shift transportation incentives (yes) and/or a cap-and-trade system (not as good a gas tax, but better than nothing). Change is needed.
6:14 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
i think judging Kitz on his first terms as governor is a mistake. the times have changed and so has he. if you read what the Archimedes Movement is about, you'll see that they, and by extension Kitz, understand that we have to do politics & government differently. Joe Trippi is an enthusiastic Kitz supporter because of Kitz' understanding of the need to bring power to the grassroots -- just like Dean & Obama. Bradbury would be a very good governor, but it would be a traditional liberal governship. Kitz will bring the new understand that we have to find new ways to fix what is broken. i find that very exciting.
Oct 21, '09
"The only problem I have with Bill Bradbury and John Kitzhaber being in the race for governor is that they make it difficult to decide which is the better candidate. "
I have told both gentlemen that I will choose my candidate based on who promotes the most intelligent debate in the primary--above all other issues. If, in the best of all possible situations, they both promote intelligent debate, then I will choose the one whose ideas I most agree with.
I have known both gentlemen for decades, and had long ago decided my "single issue" for this Gov. campaign was going to be demanding intelligent debate and candidates who give responsive answers to questions.
A co-worker at lunch today spoke of how her family followed the presidential candidates in both parties last year: a scorecard which included the category of giving responsive answers to questions. I think that would be a great tradition to start for all campaigns!
I know there are those who think elections are won with ads, with fundraising, sometimes with political games. This comment is one voter making very clear how I will decide my primary choice. YMMV
And speaking of intelligent debate, or lack thereof, did anyone see Vicki Berger in an M. Johnson story on KATU? Berger is angry that the ballot titles (described by Carla in another post) "are unfriendly to business"!
Excuse me, where is it written that ballot titles are required to be friendly to business?
From what I have heard, Berger doesn't seem to see any alternatives to the taxes except lower ending fund balances, layoffs, requiring public employees to pay more for the cost of their health care.
Opportunity for intelligent debate:
1) Find a clip of the Berger interview on the KATU site and debate what she said--provide a counterpoint in the candidate's own words to what she said on TV.
2) Talk to members of Ways and Means (the folks who would get the task of rebalancing the budget) and see: a) what they would be willing to vote for to rebalance the budget b) educate the public by giving arguments on both sides about ideas like lower ending fund balances and layoffs---and provide information on how much of their health care premiums legislators currently pay.
3) We hear this great anger that "companies not making a profit would have to pay higher taxes!".
A) Wasn't it anger at Enron claiming they had no profit so PGE shouldn't have to pay taxes that encouraged the movement for higher corporate taxes?
B) Wouldn't ordinary people wonder how long a company not making a profit can stay in business? Are businesses exempt from making stupid decisions?
C) Make it public which companies made large contributions to the petition effort and now the NO campaign on these ballot measures. Are ordinary folks supposed to believe that companies with that kind of money will lay off employees if the taxes are upheld but hire new people if the taxes are thrown out?
D) It has been long enough now that the job-creation statistics as well as what budget cuts were made after the Measure 30 election should be available. Were any public employees laid off after Measure 30? Were more jobs created than public employees laid off?
E) Point out the intersection between public and private employers. Private companies sell software, books, etc. to schools. Private employers remodeled the capitol--construction, air conditioning, etc. contractors.
Oct 21, '09
"For K-12 public education, there needs to be many more online educational offerings, both saving money and producing better quality. Oregon is behind and in denial on this issue (see here), and desperately needs a leader for the transition."
Dave, what exactly do you see as the role of online education: educating students in small rural schools? eliminating the need for classroom teaching in larger districts in areas which involve individual help and group discussion?
Besides secondary math (esp. algebra and geometry) and students learning to write multiparagraph essays or other forms of writing which need to be proofread and rewritten, 2 examples you might want to comment on:
1) Economics education: is online learning the best way for students to learn the relationship between the US and China in 2009, incl. how many Chinese made clothes Americans buy, and how much American debt China holds?
2) As I understand it, pronunciation is very important in speaking Chinese (and what is the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese?). Can that best be done in online learning, in the sort of "language labs" which have been around for decades, or in a classroom with a teacher listening to students speak?
What about written Chinese? How many characters must an educated person learn? How about the way those characters combine to create words? I once worked in a summer program where visiting students from Beijing were in classroom settings with American students their own age. I learned enough about Chinese language to know it is more complex than European languages.
9:49 p.m.
Oct 21, '09
@LT, regarding online education: If I had to guess, I think many choices will develop for online education from going full time to just one course or part of a course while at a traditional bricks-and-mortar school. Parents, students and teachers will more and more pick what best for the individual student and that specific course content. New forms and types of courses will develop. There will be research as to what works and what does not. Increasingly, it will permit education to be based on measuring proficiency and self-pacing (not tied to an academic calendar). Much of online learning will cost less than bricks-and-mortar education. There will still be teachers and classes, but, yes, less of both. Most education, I would guess, will be a hybrid of bricks-and-mortar and online (students will still be at school, only part time).
As for Mandarin, and foreign language teaching in general, there can still be classes, but there should also be opportunities for online (or software based) learning for any student that wants to learn that way. There's lots of competition among the foreign language learning software companies. Take a look at Rosetta Stone (here). Many should be available to students.
To see what one state has done with online education, check out the Florida Virtual School here.
Mandarin and Cantonese are different spoken languages in China. They share the same written system. See wiki here. Yes, Mandarin is hard to learn. One estimate put getting to the same level in Mandarin as in Spanish takes three times a
Oct 21, '09
"As I understand it, pronunciation is very important in speaking Chinese (and what is the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese?). Can that best be done in online learning, in the sort of "language labs" which have been around for decades, or in a classroom with a teacher listening to students speak?
What about written Chinese? How many characters must an educated person learn? How about the way those characters combine to create words? I once worked in a summer program where visiting students from Beijing were in classroom settings with American students their own age. I learned enough about Chinese language to know it is more complex than European languages. "
I was informed by a former missionary in China that the problem with Chinese dialects is learning how to use tones. He told of giving a sermon one time and was asked by a parishioner why he was talking about a carpet. He meant to say "God" but used the wrong tone.
Chinese from different regions have a problem speaking with each other, but they can communicate perfectly well through their common written characters. By the same token Japanese and Koreans can communicate with Chinese through these characters. The difference is that Koreans and Japanese have additional national characters - Han Gul and Kanji, respectively.
I understand to read Chinese reasonably well you need to know a minimum of 2,500 to 3,000 characters.
Oct 22, '09
TypePad test. Disregard.
Oct 22, '09
LT, an anxious Oregon awaits your gubernatorial decision with bated breath. How will it come? Via tablets, delivered to an acolyte on a mountain top? Or white smoke from your chimney? How long will you keep us in suspense?
Oct 22, '09
sorry kitzhaber and bradbury dont wow anyone and neither have ever done anything to make oregon more business friendly and bring more non govt jobs to this state.when has any of these guys talked about what they are going to do to get our 11.5% unemployment rate down?instead of this green jobs and school funding baloney it needs to be a priority and i want to hear some answers from these guys on the unemployment rate and what they will do to put private sector oregonians back to work because sorry none of these jokers has a plan for that at all.forget these green jobs because all these green jobs have done nothing to reduce our unemployment rate.i dont want to hear another word about school funding either because it is very well funded in oregon now at 10,000 bucks a kid.kitzhaber needs to be judged on his past as governor becaue he never did anything of substance to help the average non state worker private sector citizen.kitzhabers record is a total joke.
Oct 22, '09
bradbury during his time as secretary of state time and time again invented his own rules to disqualify ballot measures and signatures that he personally did not like.bradbury would be a very lousy governor,even worse than kulongoski has been.
10:03 a.m.
Oct 22, '09
bradbury during his time as secretary of state time and time again invented his own rules
Save your weak libel for the general election Matthew. On this board we're pretty clear that Bradbury's ethics are stellar.
Redistricting was so scrupulously done that the inevitable outcry of gerrymandering from the Republicans was pretty much ignored by everyone.
He took his own party to task and fined them heavily for bookkeeping errors, as he should have done. Then treasurer Dick Levy (a wonderful and decent guy who made a mistake) voluntarily stepped down over that one.......
<hr/>On a side note, your ee cummings style is kind of fun, but only adds to the confusion generated by your stream of consciousness logic.
Oct 22, '09
"As I'm shown to my seat on a fraternity house-esque sofa..." - Carla
ROFL - felt right at home, did you?
Oct 22, '09
I can speak and read chinese pretty well and the most difficult is the pronounciation, not the writing. People is usually scared about chinese language because of the "weird looking" characters but once you get used to them they don't look as paintings anymore and are pretty easy to write, evem more with a computer. Talking chinese is more difficult by far.
Oct 22, '09
black and blue---in 2008 I was excoriated here for saying things about the Sen. primary like "Although I respect both Jeff and Steve, and have known them a long time, I have to agree with Jeff that....".
That made me some kind of "Merkleyite" because I said something other than that Novick had the revealed truth. Apparently there was a date by which all Blue Oregonians were supposed to have chosen a candidate, and if they hadn't chosen by then the folks on BO from either side had the right to say "you must be one of the opposition if you are still undecided". That seemed especially true of the Novick people. Had that been an effective tactic, Novick probably would have won more than Mult. Co. and a couple of small counties. And yes, any Oregonian has the right to critique any campaign at any time (and I'm sure Steve himself didn't believe he was an exception to that rule.)
So I was just setting down the same marker that I used in person with both John and Bill. My single issue this campaign is that we have an intelligent debate on issues, not just spin or "you should like our candidate because...".
If you have chosen a candidate, go all out.
But I leave open the possibility that if DeFazio runs for Gov. and does his usually excellent job of provoking intelligent debate, I just might favor him over the former Gov. and former Sec. of State.
Oct 22, '09
LT, nudge that needle a bit on the ol' Victrola, ok? I think it's stuck on "Merkleyite, Merkleyite, Merkleyite..."
Oct 22, '09
wealk libel pat ryan?what do you base that on?what has mr brad bury ever done for the state of oregon and what did he ever do during his time as secretary of state that we can throw a parade over pat ryan?i have never seen bradbury ever do anything to protect the interests of the average non state worker govt class private sector non union citizen. bradburys ethics are stellar by inventing his own rules and abusing his power to disqualify ballot measures he personally did not like?i dont think so mr ryan.i dont fall for the constant liberal gloom and doom garbage like you mr ryan.
7:24 p.m.
Oct 22, '09
Redistricting was so scrupulously done that the inevitable outcry of gerrymandering from the Republicans was pretty much ignored by everyone.
I don't if Willamette Week still has the video of the interview of the Democratic Secretary of State Candidates archived, but if they do you really should hear what Kate Brown, Vicki Walker and Rick Metzger said about Bradbury's redistricting. They were unanimous in saying they whould follow Keisling's example, not Bradbury's when it came to redistricting.
Asked to name their favorite Secretary of State's, the general consensus was Norma Paulus with a couple of others getting honorable mention. As best I can remember, not one named Bradbury.
There is really no disputing that Bradbury did a real number on Republicans in gerrymandering the state senate districts in 2001. The only reason the Oregon Supreme Court upheld it is that it has no authority to overrule gerrymandering based on partisanship, unlike racial or ethnic discrimination, or gross disparities in population.
Oct 22, '09
Jack, I have a question: which districts do you believe were gerrymandered?
Where I live, the basic concept was maintained from not only previous redistricting, but basically from the general idea when single member districts were first created. Our home was kept in the same district as before, there was the same rationale for the other House district in our Senate district (although that district is rather oddly shaped), Republicans still hold both House seats and the Sen. seat.
Dist. 25 has very been Republican, although some don't like how it was drawn.
For once and for all, I'd like to know which districts the critics think were gerrymandered.
That said, the Republicans could have learned from the Keisling example. Phil had actual public hearings. I recall one where the folks in the attendance area of one particular elementary school simply asked to have the whole attendance area in one House district, as it was then split between 2.
Living in Salem I tried to find someone at the capitol who had proposed maps to see what redistricting was being contemplated. After asking many people, I was finally directed to a small room in the capitol where there was a large map on the wall. But only a map of congressional districts. Why would someone like me need to know the possible lines of a legislative district? After all, people like me were "just voters"? And why should the 5th District be drawn to include Yamhill County? Because GOP had the power to do so and no one could question their wisdom? Because another member of the Bunn family wanted to run for Congress?
I remember the 1981 redistricting created the "helicopter district" with one end in Clackamas County, the other end in Lane County, and the way it was drawn it was more effective to take a helicopter from one end to the other than to drive.
That came from a decision to draw a proverbial line down the spine of the Cascades. Members representing constituents on both sides of the Cascades said it was impossible.
THAT is the kind of debate we should have about redistricting, not "Bradbury gerrymandered but don't ask for details".
Oct 22, '09
Bradbury's redistricting for HD53 and HD54 was eminently fair and sensible with Bend forming the hole in the "donut" and the rest of Deschutes County the surrounding area. Bend, as a city, made good sense to have one rep. while the mostly rural areas had another. The local Republicans wanted another arrangement (pro-Republican gerrymandering), but the only justification they could come up with was "We have always done it that way." Never mind that Bend and Deschutes County were no longer what they used to be.
9:58 p.m.
Oct 22, '09
There is really no disputing that Bradbury did a real number on Republicans in gerrymandering the state senate districts in 2001. The only reason the Oregon Supreme Court upheld it is that it has no authority to overrule gerrymandering based on partisanship, unlike racial or ethnic discrimination, or gross disparities in population.
Jack, without ceding your premise that they were gerrymandered, doesn't your argument acknowledge that a partisan drawing of the lines is perfectly legal?
5:54 a.m.
Oct 23, '09
Jack, without ceding your premise that they were gerrymandered, doesn't your argument acknowledge that a partisan drawing of the lines is perfectly legal?
Yes. I was responding to the claim that "[r]edistricting was so scrupulously done that the inevitable outcry of gerrymandering from the Republicans was pretty much ignored by everyone."
I'm not saying it was illegal; I'm not even saying Democrats don't have every right to applaud it. I just don't think it is accurate to say that the redistricitng was "scrupulously done" and that Republican complaints were unjustified.
Oct 23, '09
I don't think the whole redistricting issue will have any significant impact on a primary race between Democrats.
All the same, I think Republicans like Jack Roberts, who has every right and some valid quibbles, would better spend their time reflecting on what Greg Walden told Oregon Republicans gathered at Seaside for the Dorchester conference last winter.
Walden said Republicans need to look at themselves for the disastrous results of the 2006 and 2008 elections. Walden said their message was awful -- they didn't have a message.
They'd have lost and lost big, and the Democrats would be in control of the Oregon legislature, no matter what Bradbury did nine long years ago. The electorate moved -- more like sped -- away from Republicans.
Kulongoski's margin of victory in 2006, compared to 2002, and his wins in Washington and Clackamas counties in 2006, give you some idea how much things changed.
Quibble here and there, and draw some different lines, sure. But a big majority of Oregonians rejected the bankrupt and too conservative Republican leadership, and the legislature now reflects the political sentiment of Oregon.
Oct 27, '09
I knew the Bradburys in 2000-2002 through classes I took with Katy and through her work with NW LIfe By Design, a PCC program to promote senior citizens remaining engaged in community. In 2000 I had the honor of translating a conversation between Bradbury and Mikhail Gorbachev when President Gorbachev was in town. I also knew John Kitzhaber from 2004 to 2006 and of the two, I found Bradbury to be much more engaged in issues that concern Oregonians today (jobs, poverty, economic diversification, access to higher education, access to decent public education). He was also concerned about international issues, and this is important for the next 4-8 years as the US struggles to keep up with China, India and other rising economies. Kitzhaber was a 2 issue politician - healthcare and the environment, both important issues, but a much more narrow focus. His focus was Oregon only, not so much how Oregon fit into the bigger picture. I also found Bradbury's communication style to be much more direct, as Carla's article suggests, whereas Kitzhaber has a super passive-avoidant streak, and I found his integrity levels and stability around his personal life to be much higher. Besides, for Bradbury, governor is still an upward move. For Kitz it's a step backward.
Oct 27, '09
" just don't think it is accurate to say that the redistricitng was "scrupulously done" and that Republican complaints were unjustified."
OK, Jack, a question I have wanted answered for almost a decade:
If you are so angry at the lines Bradbury drew, then a) which districts do you think were drawn in a partisan fashion: HD 19,20,21---the area where I live, and where probably the most cause for complaint would be the strange shape of 19? HD 25--which has never elected a Democrat?
HD 53 & 54 which someone has complimented?
Lane County districts? Portland area districts? Rural districts?
b) if you want us to believe that the districts you specify were drawn in a partisan manner, then suppose a computer or a group or retired judges or some other neutral party had drawn the districts instead. In that case, what would have been a "neutral" way to draw the districts and keep communities together? Or is figuring that out too much work? (This issue is one reason some believe Republicans don't want to do the intellectually rigorous work when attacking all who disagree is so much easier!)
When I talk about neutral lines, well explained, I mean things like this:
Phil Keisling had a hearing in Salem about redrawing the lines when he was Sec. of State. There was an elementary school in N. Salem whose attendance area was in 2 different state rep. districts. Parents asked him to put the whole attendance district of the school in one state rep. district.
YMMV, but from what I saw of the Bradbury process, he had more details and made public more data than did the Republican legislative process.
You may think that the Republican legislative process in 2001 was flawless. A flawless process, however, doesn't involve telling ordinary citizens basically to shut up and not ask questions about what district they might land in, because the legislature has the right to say MYOB.
And then, although a court approved the lines, Republicans said WE WUZ ROBBED!
It took until 2006 for Democrats to win control of the Oregon House. Your message implies that the lines were drawn to elect Democrats--but that Democrats were incompetent or they would have won majority sooner. That might not be your intended message, but it is the message that some people hear.
Oct 28, '09
"@LT, regarding online education: If I had to guess, I think many choices will develop for online education from going full time to just one course or part of a course while at a traditional bricks-and-mortar school."
Thank you for the serious answer, Dave.
My concern is this: anyone who has ever been in a school knows the importance of logistics. Not "choices will develop" but what is going on that day. Enough computers in the school for all students who need to use them? Teachers able to talk to all the students who need help?
I work in a school where it is a challenge for parents to be involved in many cases because they work long hours.
My concern is that students with stay at home parents might have more options regarding online education than students who live in situations where the day at the brick and mortar school might be more stable than their home life. One hears stories about teenagers in drug treatment doing well because the finally have a safe place to sleep and have their meals, free of any fear of abuse.
That is something I don't think online education can change---students at a traditional school have adults looking out for them. Computer instruction can't do that.
Dave, I suggest you talk to someone at a nearby school (public or private doesn't matter) and ask about the logistics of online learning.
A retired friend was really startled once in a conversation about "school safety". He thought it meant fire drills, not what to do if violence broke out, or what staffers are required to do if they hear any student talk in a way that indicated possible threat to themselves and others.
It is like the debate over charter schools in a previous decade. I was subbing in public schools and one Catholic school at a time when a charter school measure was on the ballot. Inner city Catholic school with large buildings surrounding the block the church and school occupy--no real room to expand, even if they had the money. No elevator, so students with mobility problems would have had a tough time. The school secretary was worried about the ballot measure when it passed---what would be the logistics of "school choice": once a year, once a semester, once a month? And would the Catholic school be allowed to give children of that parish first choice when it came to class size and waiting list?
Online learning may be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but until people who are involved with schools on a day to day basis are comfortable with the idea, odds are it ain't gonna fly.
This is why I have trouble with educational debates based on theory. For a new program to be adopted, it needs buy in from more than just elected officials. The Supt., school board, parents, teachers, and other staff need to buy into it to make it work.
So even if you think online learning is the answer, any candidate who said "I support online learning" without implementation details is someone I would be less likely to vote for than someone who never mentioned it.
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