candidate questionnaire
october15
2020
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November 2020 Election Candidate
Questionnaire Responses continued from page 10
• Protecting our state’s natural re-
sources against poachers.
• Calling for an audit on the Or-
egon Employment Department for
its failure to get benefits to Orego-
nians.
• Defying the will of my own party
to protect law abiding citizens’ 2 nd
amendment rights.
• Standing up and advocating for
working families at every opportu-
nity.
2. What do you think are some
positive things, or things that
are going well in the State of
Oregon?
Brian Stout – Oregon is an ex-
tremely diverse state in terms of
jobs, businesses, industries, farm-
ing and natural resources. Orego-
nians have always been indepen-
dent people who are innovative,
and energetic. We have a beautiful
state which attracts many here for
our scenic outdoors and rugged-
ness. I feel that we as Oregonians
respect and have common values
to protect this, while also protect-
ing the business and industry that
we work in to provide for our fami-
lies.
I am encouraged by the
people of this state when I see us
all come together in times of dis-
tress or disaster. The tremendous
outpouring of support in our local
communities for those across the
state who were severely impacted
in the recent devastating fires was
overwhelming and outright amaz-
ing. I am proud of our communities
and our people who truly care for
our state and their fellow citizens.
Brad Witt – Our citizenry’s ability
and willingness to pull together dur-
ing our recent devastating wildfires
across Oregon gives me incredible
hope for the future. The way our
neighbors opened their doors to
strangers, helped one another save
property and animals, and ensured
that no one went hungry is a testa-
ment to our ability as a community
to pull together in times of need.
Additionally, our state’s re-
sponse to COVID has been admira-
ble in comparison to how some oth-
er states are doing. This isn’t about
a government response though.
Again, it is about the way Orego-
nians work together to help each
other. Broadly speaking, we have
followed safety protocols by wash-
ing our hands frequently, wearing
a mask when needed, and limiting
social gatherings. The fact that Or-
egon has had relatively few deaths
in comparison to other states is
simply another example of how Or-
egonians support one another in
times of crisis.
3. What are some specific is-
sues or concerns you would
like to try to address if you are
elected and what would you try
to do.
Brian Stout – As your next State
Representative my priorities will be
protecting our rural way of life while
balancing much needed growth in
the district with respect to living
wage jobs and new businesses that
will provide long term stability for
our counties and towns. I pledge
to protect our freedoms and once
again bring common sense values
and some normality to the state
legislature while serving the needs
of our local communities faithfully.
We need to take a fresh look
at the way we operate at all levels.
We need to repair the damage that
has been done, reverse laws that
harm our jobs, adversely impact
our way of life, and create an un-
due tax burden on our families and
businesses. We do not need more
laws and legislation before we cor-
rect those that are fundamentally
flawed. We need to be advocates
for public safety, clean and safe
communities and support our first
responders and law enforcement
agencies along with all our public
servants who work to make our
lives better.
Brad Witt – Oregonians are my
first priority. We need to help our
families who are out of work and
our students who are experiencing
educational challenges. Local busi-
nesses are also a priority.
Our economy is suffering
because small businesses aren’t
getting the support they need to
thrive. I intend to use my influence
in the Legislature to ensure that
Oregonians can safely get back to
work and school.
The devastating wildfires
highlighted the need for the Legis-
lature to address fires of the magni-
tude we saw this year. That is why I
plan to sponsor legislation relating
to wildfires.
As Chair of the House
Natural Resources Committee, I
will work with critical stakehold-
ers and our community to pass
meaningful legislation to protect
our lives and property from the
next major fires.
I also have a host of other
legislation I am preparing for the
2021 Legislative Session, howev-
er our bill list is not complete. In
the coming weeks, I will continue
to solicit community ideas, and
perhaps one of yours, before we
finalize our list of bills for 2021.
4. What is your vision for the
future of the State of Oregon?
Brian Stout – My vision for our
state and for my district is not
very different than most of us
that live here.
I believe that
we all want to be advocates for
strong communities and work to
protect our personal freedoms. I
know that limiting government,
unnecessary taxes and extrem-
ist influenced policies will lead us
to a better and stronger state.
We must value our first respond-
ers and support our law enforce-
ment and work towards a state of
stability, not chaos and rioting in
the streets. We know and must
agree that protecting our natural
resources and related industries
that foster Oregon’s rural way of
life is a priority across all demo-
graphics. The future of our state,
our way of life, and opportunity to
provide a better life for our kids
and grandkids sits firmly in your
hands this election cycle.
We
have a choice to make and the
time is now, this November third.
You should be heard, and the bal-
lot is your tool to make this hap-
pen.
Brad Witt – My vision for the fu-
ture is one where the Oregon Legis-
lature acts more like our neighbors
and community in times of crisis:
supportive, resourceful, helpful,
kind to one another, and perhaps
most importantly working together
for a common goal--Improving the
lives of Oregonians.
There is a lot of work we
have to do to make that vision a
reality, but it starts with electing
leaders who will listen to all sides,
work with the opposition party to
improve legislation, and show re-
spect to those whom we may dis-
agree with. If you re-elect me, I will
continue to uphold these values.
5. Our country, our state, and
even our county are currently
politically divided. What do you
think we need to do to bring our
citizens back together?
Brian Stout – Oregon has never
been more polarized than at this
point in time. I do not think that
it is this way for most Oregonian’s
though. We truly do have more in
common than we have differences.
The recent public response to help
with the wildfires is a perfect ex-
ample. I think we all want to be
able to raise our children in a place
they are safe and have opportunity.
We need to step back for a minute,
focus more on our common beliefs
and values and less on the things
that tear us apart. We need to be
better listeners to each other and
work towards reaching out beyond
the echo chambers that have been
created under the current political
environment. We should celebrate
hard work. We should applaud real
efforts that make us better people
and promote ideas that bring us to-
gether and not those that divide us.
If we can foster this type of para-
digm shift as leaders, I believe this
is how we can all come together. In
doing so we can and will succeed
together. We can foster an envi-
ronment of cooperation, compas-
sion, and common sense.
Brad Witt – We must resist the
temptation to bring divisive Wash-
ington D.C. style politics to Colum-
bia County. I only call it a “tempta-
tion” because using divisive politics
can be politically expedient and
perhaps helpful to pass an extreme
partisan agenda. Sadly, outside
groups have been trying relent-
lessly to bring these unacceptable
tactics to Oregon. I do not support
this polarizing attempt to split our
citizens.
Our decisions need to be
guided by the community stake-
holders and neighbors who are im-
pacted most, not by out-of-state
interest groups or big corporations.
That is why I am committed to an
open door policy so we can work
together on an agenda for all Or-
egonians.