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Is there any way to tell from WHERE in Multnomah County their remaining votes will come from, and could this provide insight as to how those remaining votes might trend?

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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Could you provide specific examples?

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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First, "government" is not a seperate entity; it's made up of folks that citizens elect to office. It's us.

Second, if citizens really want to look for where the money is going, they need to look in four places: social security, defense, Medicare, and unemployment benefits. Education takes about 1/6 of the funding that defense does alone, so there's one place to look.

Third, well-funded public schools should be a right in this country. The reason why a private school is a better option for those who can afford it is pretty simple: public schools need and deserve much more support than they receive.

I don't mean to be rude, but the argument you support seems to be that because some services are underfunded, the government is poor at money management. It's clear that Oregon is facing a huge budget shortfall, and it sounds like you want to fund PERS. How do you wish to do this? It sounds like you're against higher taxes, so which services do you want to cut--social security, defense, Medicare, or unemployment benefits?

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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Maybe Oregon shouldn't be sending a kicker check to people when we have a surplus, and instead re-invest it into public services so the state doesn't have to drastically cut them during tough times.

Perhaps Oregonians should also consider a progressive state tax system rather than a flat tax. I believe health care and education are basic human rights, and should so be supported by everyone, especially those who can afford to do so.

The claim that one would "overspend to win votes" is a fallacious statement; being elected has less to do with what one actually does while in office and much more to do with how one's record is perceived by the public. That perception, in turn, is shaped less by a real knowledge of what an elected offical has achieved, and more by media sources, talking points offered by opponents (which are often easier to digest than a full explanation of why things happen and the forces behind them), and "campaign speech" from the candidates themselves. The third is much like the second, insofar as it's designed to strike emotional chords with people rather than express a real concept.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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It semed both your guests near the end described Kitzhaber as a "policy wonk," and shaded their statements as though that were a negative. Why wouldn't we want a learned, informed Governor? The comments seemed to reinforce the stereotype about politicians that it's all about the candidates' personalities rather than about problems that need to be solved.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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Considering his lack of experience, could someone please answer how Chris Dudley is in any way, shape or form fit to be governer?

posted 2 years, 7 months ago
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I have noticed this too. I would much rather have heard 3 experts, but it seems if you bring in two partisans, they should be objective. Ross Day isn't even trying.

posted 2 years, 7 months ago
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I am afraid of the precedent that's being set for holding public office with Chris Dudley's nomination. Complaints made about Obama in '08 hold little water when you consider his education and career as a law professor. Chris Dudley comes with absolutely no experience, and only has a shot because he played for the Blazers. Scary stuff.

posted 2 years, 7 months ago
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