February 2, 2007 News Release

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Welcome to the 2007 Legislative Session! It is an honor to serve House District 14 as your State Representative. I plan to keep you well informed about what is going on in Salem through regular newsletters. I also look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will remember my door is always open!

The session began with a focus on ending the partisanship that has plagued the Oregon Legislature in recent years. Along with many of my colleagues in the House of Representatives, I am committed to doing the right thing for the citizens and families of Oregon, rather than winning small partisan political victories. 

I am dedicated to enforcing ethical policy making in the House on behalf of Oregon citizens. It is essential that we get back to the basics and get to work on the real problems that affect Oregon. Already we have adopted rules that will make the House more democratic, more effective, more open to the public, and less partisan. These items are a substantial departure from last session’s House rules, and should help the House become the truly deliberative body it was intended to be. 

Upcoming Events

Together with Senator Vicki Walker and Representative Nancy Nathanson, I will be hosting a Town Hall Forum on Saturday, February 17th. We will also be joined by special guest County Commissioner Bill Fleenor. The forum will begin at 1:00 pm at the Irving Grange, 1011 Irvington Road. This will be an opportunity to tell you a little more about events of the 74th legislative session so far, and forecast what the session might bring. Most importantly, this is a chance to hear from you about the issues that are most important to you and your families. I sincerely hope you’ll join us.

Getting to Work

My top legislative priorities include maximizing government efficiency and accountability, implementing pragmatic health care solutions, and improving our public schools for all of Oregon’s kids. I am also working hard to fight forced annexation and address the needs of Oregon’s seniors. I have been appointed to the following committees: Business and Labor, Government Accountability and Information Technology (Vice-Chair) and the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on General Government.

Last week I had the opportunity to testify in front of the House Consumer Protection Committee in support of House Bill 2096, which addresses the displacement of individuals from manufactured home parks all across the state. Hard working Oregonians should be able to have confidence in their housing, and in their investments. House Bill 2096 helps move us in that direction and preserves crucial affordable housing. By creating new non-profit cooperatives for manufactured home park residents, House Bill 2096 allows residents to collectively purchase a closing manufactured home park from the park owner and run the park themselves. House Bill 2096 contributes to residents’ ability to builds assets, and perhaps more importantly, their piece of mind in knowing their affordable housing is secure. House Bill 2096 is good for Oregon and I was honored to have the opportunity to champion this common sense solution. 

Click here to see a copy of my testimony.

This legislative session will be full of opportunities to improve Oregon, and address the real problems facing Oregonians. Your input and concerns are invaluable as we shape public policy and work towards a brighter future. Every day I spend in Salem is to serve the citizens of District 14, and I am honored to represent you. I look forward to hearing from you over the coming months, and sharing with you the progress we make in the legislature this session. 

Sincerely,

Chris Edwards
State Representative, District 14
rep.chrisedwards@state.or.us
900 Court Street NE H-284
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-986-1414