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| Oregon State Rep. Jeff Merkley |
| SUBMITTED PHOTO |
District 47 leader fights ‘partisan moves’ to meet agenda
LEE PERLMAN
THE MID COUNTY MEMO
This year, Jeff Merkley is more than state representative to Oregon House District 47. He is also house democratic party leader - which this year means minority leader. Those two things mean challenges and frustrations.
The Memo contacted him at the end of his first week, which he says is “largely ceremonial.”
“We have 20 new representatives out of 60,” he says, “and we’re trying to get them up to speed.
“I find it great,” Merkley says of his new job. “The democratic delegation is very talented. The rural experience includes fishing, farming, and community education. They’re a coherent team, and I’m very pleased with them.”
Still, it makes for hectic days. “There are a million people who all want to see you all at once,” he says. He commutes from Portland to Salem every day, and that means “I get up at five, and get back home at 7, sometimes not until 9. I have two children, and it’s important to get home to tuck them into bed.”
Partisan politics
His dealings with house speaker Karen Minnis have “gotten off to a rocky start,” he says. “She decided to politicize the chief clerk’s role, and made several other decisions that were highly partisan, that prevent representatives from surfacing ideas. It’s unfortunate, because we have some big issues to deal with.”
However, he adds, “That doesn’t necessarily cast a pall over the session. The speaker is working very hard. I put forth my objections in a firm but respectful fashion. Attacking each other hurts our ability to find solutions, and I’m determined that that won’t happen.”
For Merkley the four big issues for the legislature are health care, jobs, education and accountability. In the area of accountability he calls for stricter adherence to the state Public Meeting Law, better reporting of lawmaker-lobbyist relations, and 72-hour notice of public hearings. His plans for improved health care include “eliminating redundant services, controlling the cost of insurance, expanding public clinics and reducing the costs of drugs.” He calls for re-establishment of the state Rainy Day Fund. He wants to establish more “shovel-ready” sites for new manufacturing ventures. Finally, like virtually everyone else, he wants support and stability for primary and secondary education.
To reach Rep. Merkley call him at 503-986-1900, or send him an e-mail at rep.jeffmerkley@state.or.us.
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