Hello Friends,
I wanted to take a moment to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. As I reflect on the things I am thankful for, what rises to the top of my list is my family, friends and the incredible honor to work for you in the Oregon Senate.
Yesterday, I received the kindest note from one of my dearest friends, and I wanted to share it with you. He is someone I love and respect, a man who dedicates so much of himself to better others, while working tirelessly for our beloved salmon.
"I’ve been blessed to work with so many amazing people in Oregon, but there’s one incredible gentleman who’s truly special. Former State Representative Wayne Krieger introduced me to him back when he was a Curry County Commissioner. I’ll be forever grateful to Wayne, because this gentleman has gone on to become one of my dearest friends. He’s become a dear friend because of how much he cares about the people of the Oregon Coast.
I’ve watched and worked alongside him for years now, and it seems he’s constantly everywhere at once; lobbying, nudging, and cajoling the forces of nature in our favor. The Oregon Coast is outgunned, outnumbered, and outmanned in the legislature, so you have to rely on strategy and intellect to be successful…and I don’t think there’s anyone better at that in our state.
He consistently takes nothing and turns it into something for the South Coast…leveraging everything he can for us, our families, and our futures. I’ve watched him deftly add a simple sentence to legislation and committee efforts that immediately swings the pendulum in our favor. I’ve likewise seen him load up things (that would hurt the South Coast…and that he couldn’t stop) with an inordinate amount of hubris…to the point where no one would want to take the project on.
He’s also been quietly behind the scenes in every bold salmon effort that truly means something…finding funding and creating cooperation to turn things around in a pioneering way (all this in our current “risk adverse” environment too). We’ll also have a critically needed wildfire fighter training center on the South Coast thanks in large part to his vision and tireless work.
I’ve talked to him countless times in the middle of the night when he’s struggling to work through a tough legislative challenge…determined to get it right and pull out another win for all of us. I’m proud of this man and so honored to be his friend.
He doesn’t know I’m writing this, because if I told him…he wouldn’t want me to. He’d tell me there’s a dozen other people that deserve more credit than him.
I’ve been humbled and honored to hold public office in the past, so I know a little bit about what it takes out of you to do it right…and that often the only voices you hear at times are the ones who throw the biggest rocks your way. People who don’t understand you’ve got a heck of a long game and aren’t in this for a short term gain that will only make you look good…but ultimately lose the battle for the people of the coast. There are so many folks who do understand that though, and deeply appreciate the good you do, and that you’re in it for the long haul…for all of them.
So in this wonderful time of Thanksgiving…for those folks…and for myself…I just wanted to say thank you David Brock Smith. Thank you for countless long hours and days (for very little pay) and for all the amazing things you do…every single day. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you my friend!" Cam Parry
I am thankful for our friendship, Cam. Your thoughtfulness is truly a gift. I and so many others truly appreciate you and all that you do to enrich the lives of so many.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
As always, thank you for the privilege and honor to work for you in the Oregon State Senate. Be safe and God Bless you, your family and your neighbor.
Yours Truly,
 Senator David Brock Smith
Together, We Will Build a Better Oregon
 Senate District 1
Curry, Coos, and Douglas Counties
Southwest Oregon’s Fish, Farm, and Forestry District.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1701
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-316, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
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