The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 22, 2026 — In Support of Christine Drazan for Governor
Oregon is more than where I've built my career and raised my family. It's the place that shaped who I am. As a farmer, business owner, and community volunteer, I've watched our state change, and I'm concerned about its economic direction.
Oregon is blessed with extraordinary natural resources, hardworking people, and strong communities. But somewhere along the way, I believe we've lost our balance.
Protecting our environment, supporting education, and providing essential services are important responsibilities of government. So is creating an economy where people can work, invest, raise families, and prosper.
Too often, the growing burden of regulation, taxation, and government decisions makes those opportunities harder to achieve.
I've experienced firsthand what happens when the cost of producing a crop continues to rise while returns to growers fail to keep pace. Small businesses throughout Oregon face similar challenges.
But this isn't just about employers.
I've worked alongside generations of agricultural workers whose dedication has helped sustain our farms and communities. Their families deserve affordable housing, good schools, fair opportunities, and the ability to build a better future. The success of employers and employees is connected. Neither can prosper for long without the other.
I don't believe protecting Oregon's resources and encouraging economic prosperity should be competing goals. We need balance, practical solutions, and accountability for the consequences of government decisions.
Leadership isn't about always getting your way. It's about listening, accepting responsibility, and recognizing that people who disagree may still have something valuable to contribute.
As Oregonians consider their choices for governor, I hope we look beyond party labels and campaign promises. We should ask whether our leaders understand the challenges facing working families, businesses, and rural communities.
Our children and grandchildren deserve an Oregon where opportunity isn't something they must leave home to find.
-Kenneth Polehn, Wasco County, Oregon
These are my personal views, not those of any organization I serve.
