On November 4th, Oregonians in Clackamas County will vote to elect a State Representative for District 40. The race features incumbent Democrat Brent Barton and challenger Republican Steve Newgard. 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: Brent Barton and Steve Newgard
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?
Brent Barton (D): No response.
Steve Newgard (R): I will work to support policies that reform how our schools currently operate. I want to expand vocational training programs in schools so students are prepared to enter the modern workforce in technical careers. Vocational training will increase career-readiness for English Language Learner students because they will have more opportunities right after high school.
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.
Steve Newgard (R): I will work to make sure the government prioritizes spending so instead of wasting money on programs like Cover Oregon; I want to make sure the government is better at budgeting so taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned dollars. I will support legislation that prevents the government coming in between the patient and doctor.
Brent Barton (D): No response.
3. What policies do you support to strengthen economic opportunity and jobs for all communities in Oregon?
Brent Barton (D): No response.
Steve Newgard (R): I will work to expand opportunities for the middle class by advocating lowering taxes on smaller businesses so they have more money to invest, grow and hire people.
—
For more information about APANO’s nonpartisan civic engagement program and our voter education materials, please contact Kathy Wai kathy@apano.org | 971-340-4861.