HD-43: Carlos Jermaine Richard

By Carlos Jermaine Richard of Portland, Oregon.

Although we are facing a dire economic crisis, increasing unemployment rates, affordable housing issues, educational & literacy achievement gaps, and affordable health care, Oregon continues to be a national leader and pioneer on many fronts. The nation looks to Oregon for leadership in assisting children and families, the formation of the Oregon Health Authority, innovative concepts of helping families move from welfare to work by providing assistance with substance abuse, domestic violence help, and aggressive reform to reduce the rate of recidivism.

As a life long resident of North/Northeast Portland, I’m seeking the appointment to become the next Representative in House District 43, recently held by Senator Chip Shields (Congratulations on the appointment to Senate District 22) and Margaret L. Carter, my mentor.

My vision for House District 43 is to continue the great work of Senator Chip Shields and Margaret Carter by sustaining funding for education and reducing the growth of class sizes, develop plans to create livable wage jobs for family stability, fight for fairness and civil rights for Oregonians, and ensure that families have access to affordable health care. I will work with community programs such as, R.E.A.P. Inc., Project Clean Slate, and the Oregon Food Bank to continue to support children and families. Oregon will face some tough times ahead – Oregonians will vote on the personal income tax and corporate tax implemented by the legislature. If the vote holds up, we live another day, if not, some very arduous decisions will have to be made. I will be the voice for all citizens in House District 43 to protect, defend, and help enhance the lives of families.

I have been employed with the State of Oregon, Department of Human Services (DHS) for 13 years providing direct services to families. I encounter the real needs of Oregonians on a daily basis. I know firsthand the hurt, pain, struggle, and apparent hopelessness of families. I have served as a steward, chief steward, and sub-local President with SEIU (Services Employees International Union). I have worked for many campaigns as a union activist fighting to help employees maintain affordable health care, maintain a decent and livable wage, protect public employees from losing jobs due to outsourcing, and fighting against bills and referendums that seek to further devastate the lives of public servants.

Together, step by step, vote by vote, and hand in hand, we will stabilize education revenue and keep class sizes small, create more livable wage jobs, support small businesses, advocate for civil rights, ensure affordable access to health care for low wage families, advocate for senior services and prevent elder abuse, and work with community programs that improve the lives of citizens in House District 43 and all Oregonians.