For far too long, Oregon’s two-party system has been failing us. Serious issues are being ignored because politicians are putting party loyalty and partisanship over people and problem solving.
IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE.
As our next leader in Senate District 18, I will collaborate with all my colleagues and rather than finding ways to divide us, I will work to unite us.
Homelessness and lack of affordable housing is increasing. Violence and street crime is rampant. Our education system is struggling. The costs of simply living day-to-day are skyrocketing. These problems matter to all of us, and they deserve bold action.
Only by working together will we break down the barriers preventing us from putting Oregon on a better path and solving some of our most serious problems. I will work to change the rules that keep legislators from working together.
With your support and your vote this November, I will serve our communities and our state with the independence and courage to stand up for the people in Oregon—not the parties.
“For as long as I’ve known him, Rich has proven to be a thoughtful, compassionate leader who puts the best interests of Oregonians first above all else. He works to find common ground and bring people together. He’s the leader we need for Senate District 18.”
— Steve Callaway, Mayor of Hillsboro
“Rich has the experience and understanding of the partisan problem to really have a chance at making positive change.”
— Jeff Barker, Former Portland Police Lieutenant and State Representative
“Rich has the courage to act independent of partisan demands in the best interest of our community.”
— Becky Tymchuk, Former Chair and Member, Beaverton School Board
“I have known Rich Vial and his family for over 20 years. I’ve seen how Rich treats my brothers and sisters in the Hispanic community. He does more than anyone I know to bring communities together and build bridges. He has my full support and my vote to be our next Senator.”
— Everardo Esparza
“I support Rich Vial for the Oregon Senate because Rich has a proven track record of placing the needs of everyday Oregonians over partisan politics. Rich will ensure our state laws prioritize public safety and protecting crime victims.”
— Kevin Barton, Washington County District Attorney
“Rich has a compassionate and responsible approach to the homelessness crisis, and he will tackle this issue from the ground up. I’m supporting Rich because I see a bright future for Oregon, and it takes leaders like him who are willing to work with regional leaders to find solutions we need.”
— Alan Evans, Homelessness Advocate
My Vision for Oregon
Our beautiful state of Oregon is politically fractured due to partisan politics, and we’re paying the price. Problems such as the cost of living, public safety and crime, homelessness, and more, are being ignored and unresolved because Democrats and Republicans refuse to work together.
I know we can do better. I will operate in the tension to build bridges among our leaders and create responsible, reasonable, and compassionate solutions for our citizens. If there was ever a time to try and bring people together after the last few very tumultuous years in politics, it’s now.
Partisanship
I care deeply about the future of our state, and like so many other Oregonians, I am frustrated by the partisan gridlock and party politics that are preventing good things from being done. The two-party system has led to less-productive leadership, and it creates more division than unity. I know we can do better, and I will operate in the tension to build bridges among our leaders and create responsible, reasonable, and compassionate solutions for our citizens. If there was ever a time to try and bring people together after the last few very tumultuous years in politics, it’s now.
Public Safety & Crime
Public safety is perhaps one of the most important functions of government, and we should feel safe in our homes, on our streets, and near our schools. Right now, street crime, violence, drug use and abuses of power are all far, far more rampant than what is acceptable – and unfortunately, current leadership at some levels are not doing enough. I believe a large majority of our police and first responders are good, moral actors just as I believe a large majority of citizens are good, moral actors. There will always be exceptions and when there are, those responsible need to be held accountable. We will not make our streets or communities safer if this issue continues to just be talking points for politicians.
Homelessness Crisis
Nobody should ever have to live on the streets. We need to help our neighbors get help and shelter, and take a step back to look at this crisis with reasonable and responsible compassion coupled with holding both the homeless and those that are getting the funding to serve them accountable. We have thrown more and more money at this problem, but it continues to worsen. Casting wide nets or making assumptions, rather than listening to those in need and trying to build partnerships is worsening the problem.
Quality of Life
It seems like every day, a utility bill is higher, gas prices have gone up, groceries are through the roof, prescription medications and basic essentials are no longer affordable. Not all of these problems can be solved at a local level, but we have to work together better to fix some of the inequities in our economy and to find close-to-home solutions to alleviate the burden of rising costs of living on stuggling communities and working families. If we spend less time fighting and more time working together, I know we can strengthen our families and communities one step at a time.
Climate & Environment
Conversations about the environment and climate change are tense because people are passionate about these issues, as they should be, especially here in Oregon where our lands and natural resources are some of the most abundant and beautiful in the country. We have to be good stewards of our environment and preserve it for generations to come. I will take the time to build relationships and bring representatives from organizations, industries, scientists, businesses, state agencies and more, who can have honest and transparent discussions about the environment, climate change, regulations, usage, solutions and more.
Education
Our kids have been through so much the last few years and we have to do everything we can to help them achieve the future they deserve, despite the set backs. Resources need to be allocated directly to kids and classrooms, and far less on administrative and retirement costs. Teachers, local districts, and schools should be enabled and equipped to address issues unique to their schools. Individual Educational Plans should include resources to address specific curriculum, and mental and physical health challenges. We must demand more accountability for student performance to ensure our students are receiving a competitive, quality education for their post-secondary choices whether that’s college, a vocation, start a family or anything else.
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