OR House 20 - Goss v. Evans

On November 4th, Oregonians in Salem will vote to elect a State Representative for District 20. The race features Republican Kathy Goss and Democrat Paul Evans. Each candidate was given equal opportunity to respond to APANO’s questionnaire, to engage more directly with Oregon’s 220,000 Asian and Pacific Islanders. Their responses to 3 questions crafted by APANO members have been unedited and printed in full. APANO makes no candidate endorsements, this information is solely for the purpose of voter education.

Left to right: Kathy Goss and Paul Evans

1. Oregon currently graduates half of it’s English Language Learners, who make up 10% of the state’s K-12 student population. What policies will you support to ensure that students–including ones who identify as English Language Learner, have access to quality education and career-readiness programs after graduation?

Evans (D): As a faculty member at Chemeketa Community College I am focused upon working with all interested parties in facilitating a 21st Century education and workforce preparation approach that will support young as well as not-so-young workers succeed.

I am hoping to play a role in developing policy options that secure lifelong educational opportunities for all people; enriching the learning environment in K-12 classrooms as well as higher education and workforce preparation experiences; and in the "wrap-around-services" associated with helping student be "ready to learn" each, every day.

Goss (R): No Response

2. Access to quality, affordable, and culturally competent health care ensures Oregonians are able to thrive and contribute. Please explain the policies you will support to increase access to care, and address health disparities, specifically for immigrants and refugees.

Evans (D): I believe access to affordable, available, and sustainable health care for all workers (regardless of culture, race, or required documentation) is a matter of national security: for defense as well as for economic success. We must field the most educated, flexible, prepared, and healthy workforce in human history if we are to compete within the emerging 21st Century marketplace.

I will work with all parties to expand access, improve care, and address health disparities among all cultures and sub-cultures within Oregon. It is the right thing to do; it is the prudent course.

Goss (R): No Response

3. What policies do you support to strengthen economic opportunity and jobs for all communities in Oregon?

Evans (D): I believe we must empower small business success through investment in tools helpful for small business growth. We must use the power of government to leverage available capital for expansion; we must improve our education and workforce preparation structures and systems; we must refresh our infrastructure networks; and we must secure health care and retirement for all hard working Oregonians.

As a mayor, school board member, senior policy advisor to Governor Kulongoski, teacher, small business person, and veteran - I understand how to build teams and the value of teamwork. I hope to strengthen our economic opportunities through the promotion of a growth philosophy that is tied to expanding the tools available for those willing to work for success.

We must seek out ways to reward creativity, innovation, and hard work. Those are the foundation blocks for policies I support and proposals I will champion: we must renew the spirit of hard work and the just reward of labor. People that play by the rules, work hard, and seek to make the best choices for their families and our communities should be provided the incentives and benefits associated with making our Oregon better.

Together we can bring balance again. It is time small businesses have the same opportunities as big corporations; it is time for workers to have the same kinds of rewards as those that benefit from the work done. I hope to play a role in facilitating changes associated with that shared vision.

Goss (R): No Response