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Hello Friends,
The Oregon Capitol is beautiful this time of year. It has been heartbreaking we’ve not found a bipartisan path forward this session that includes everyone passionate about our state and planet. The impasse and political stalemate over carbon policy could quickly be solved by referring the bill to voters. Instead, power has been prioritized by the majority party- over critical funding needs with their continued demand to force a vote on the floor on this issue. It is time for the majority party to lead. They hold the cards. Good leadership, like good stewardship, nourishes an environment where things thrive and every voice counts.
Over my career I’ve spent a lot of time in the Capitol. One of the quotes I treasure you can see in the basement of the building on your way to the cafeteria: “With malice toward none and charity toward all, firmness in the right as God gives us sight to see the right.” by Abraham Lincoln from his second inaugural address. Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute, Christopher Caldwell noted recently, “American society today is divided by party and by ideology in a way it has perhaps not been since the Civil War.” Believe me, I feel this great divide and it is tearing our state apart. While it’s easy to play into the “us vs. them” nature of division, we must find a path forward for Our Oregon.
A path laid on the foundation of hope in the face of fear. We cannot forge policy out of fear; fear for our climate of fear for our future. When it comes to leadership, Lincoln was fearless due to this faith; faith in God and faith in his fellow man. This faith guided his decisions and it guides mine. Twenty eight out of 36 counties' (77%) elected commissioners are against cap and trade ((SB1530). Thirty-two Republicans united to deny quorum and uphold their commitment to represent these counties in the legislature. The interests and voices of their constituents matter in how Oregon moves forward when it comes to energy policy. I have faith the majority party will value these counties, the voice of their elected leaders, and the voice of the minority party.
Preserving the freedom of choice and voice, along with advocating for the values held by my constituents, is the reason I remain with so many Republicans away from the building I'd love to be in this time of year.
Lincoln's picture, and the Union soldier discharge papers given to me by my father from his family shortly after 9/11, hangs in my office and continues to inspire me in my duty toward service to this state and district.
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email: Sen.DenycBoles@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1710
address: 900 Court St NE, S-301, Salem, OR 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/boles
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