Sheila Dooley- Arlene Burns Solving Complex Problems

To the Editor:

If you value independence, respect, and integrity over unproductive partisanship, Arlene Burns is your choice for Oregon State Representative District 59. Three different parties have chosen Arlene as their candidate, and both of Oregon’s senators have endorsed Arlene. This is because Arlene understands that working together with people from different backgrounds and diverse points of view is the only way to solve the complex problems we face as a society.

While Arlene’s opponent has relied on the “run and hide in Idaho to prevent a quorum” strategy of governance, Arlene will stay and work until the work is done, for there is much work to be done. Arlene will listen to all her constituents, listen to experts, and make wise and informed decisions.

Among Arlene’s priorities are affordable healthcare for all Oregonians, funding for rural broadband and rural schools, representing and advocating for Warms Springs Tribal members, and addressing the challenges facing Oregon agriculture such as decreasing water supplies and soil depletion.

I’m a resident of Mosier, where Arlene is serving her third term as mayor. I know that Arlene views challenges as opportunities for building a more resilient rural Oregon. Moving toward energy independence is a challenge, but it also means creating good jobs and a better climate for farmers and for all of us.

The time for denying the scope of human-caused climate change is over. As Oregon’s fire season grows longer and more intense, politicians (like Arlene’s opponent) who continue to deny the dangers of climate change are either not paying attention to the science or are getting too many contributions from the fossil fuel industry. Either way, Oregon deserves better.

Vote early and vote for Arlene Burns for Oregon House District 59.

Sheila Dooley
Mosier, Oregon