Statesman Journal Endorses Kitzhaber
Dr. John Kitzhaber famously declared Oregon "ungovernable" when he finished his second term as governor and headed into the political sunset.
But he's changed his mind. He wants to resume governing. And among the three Democratic candidates on the May 18 primary ballot, he is the best choice.
He returned to state politics as a wiser, more reflective candidate. He has the perspective of having learned hard lessons about what it's like to lead Oregon.
Kitzhaber is seeking an unprecedented third gubernatorial term because, "I am concerned that Oregon is drifting toward California." More Than Health Care
When he launched his campaign to succeed Gov. Ted Kulongoski, the conventional wisdom was that Kitzhaber would be a one-issue, retread candidate focused on health care. But he displays a far broader vision for Oregon, including the intertwined importance of the economy and the environment. No other candidate may match his knowledge of public policy.
Unlike the legendary Gov. Tom McCall, he's still not a mingler — the kind of politician who likes to stick around and shake hands after delivering a speech. But he continues to ooze the Kitzhaber charisma that made him one of Oregon's most popular governors.
His friend Bill Bradbury, a former secretary of state and Senate president, is the other leading Democrat. Also on the ballot is Roger Obrist of Damascus.
Bradbury is a mixed bag as a candidate. He has shown tremendous personal courage and tenacious commitment to his favorite causes, such as the environment. However, he wasn't a particularly noteworthy secretary of state — except for producing a legislative redistricting plan that ranks among the most partisan in decades. Courage For Tough Times
These are trying times for Oregon, and Bradbury says that makes him the best candidate because as an individual he's faced trying times. His parents died when he was 9, and he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 30 years ago.
Bradbury sets a positive example by addressing his health issues realistically, even humorously. He notes, "I will have multiple sclerosis as governor."
That should not concern voters; the disease has never seemed to interfere with his political work. As walking is difficult, he rode a Segway into his meeting with the Statesman Journal Editorial Board.
His economic proposals center on creating the Bank of Oregon, modeled after the Bank of North Dakota — the only state-owned bank in the nation.
An Oregon bank could help ease the credit crunch that is crippling many small businesses, he said. The state currently invests $1 billion-plus in big banks, money that if placed in the state bank could be used to make credit-worthy loans to Oregon farms and businesses.
Another key issue is adequate funding for education. He favors asking voters to eliminate $2 billion in tax exemptions, credits and deductions so that money can be used for schools. Such a hard-nosed review of tax exemptions is long overdue.
Kitzhaber has his own education proposals. He criticizes the state's "opaque" budgeting process and favors a unified oversight board and budget for preschool through university.
He talks energetically about the need to regain the political center that defined Oregon for decades. He has a history of trying to make tax dollars stretch further, a goal of his pioneering Oregon Health Plan. He seems more willing than Bradley to tackle the high cost of public-sector benefits. Creating Jobs
Kitzhaber has concrete experience in bringing together government and the private sector, such as through the salmon and watershed restoration plans.
In the aftermath of Measures 66/67, he rejects the notion that either corporations or public employees are villains. More middle-of-the-road than Bradley, he instead seeks to build collaboration toward job creation and a viable long-term economic strategy.
As an ex-governor, Kitzhaber describes himself as best prepared to lead a turnaround of Oregon. Democrats should give him that opportunity.
