Rob's Priorities

Rob celebrating Labor Day at Oaks Park

Jobs: I believe we can look at Oregon as a living and changing entity, where improving one function of government results in growth and improvement in other areas.  At its heart is job creation. With an unemployment and underemployment at record levels, we must take immediate action to address joblessness.  As an attorney and small business owner, I know how difficult it is to create jobs, and I’ve seen the devastating financial burden to families that one or both of them.  The greatest job opportunities in the small business sector.  By building infrastructure, repairing our schools, and promoting sustainable business ventures, we create jobs in these important industries, and more jobs among the small businesses that support them.  I am proud to be endorsed by Former Oregon Congressman and longtime activist Les AuCoin.

Education: Education is another key component for a thriving state.  Today, our children face an uncertain future because of crowded classrooms, aging schools, and a shrinking numbers of graduates prepared for life after school.  As an adjunct professor at PSU’s Hatfield School of Government and a proud member of AFT Local 3571, I see the end result of our kids’ K-12 education.  Our system must emphasize critical thinking and teach to the outcomes we want for our kids, rather than to arbitrary benchmarks.  As a parent and educator, I am deeply invested in Oregon’s education system, and will be a tireless advocate for schools.  I am proud to be endorsed by former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury.

Healthcare: Oregonians suffer from excessive and ever-rising healthcare premiums and many lack access to quality health care.  The passage of Senate Bill 99 and the Oregon Health Insurance Exchange is a real step in the right direction, but it will take real work to make the Insurance Exchange operational by 2014.  Having worked at the ODS Health Plans, I’ve interpreted the dense and technical language surrounding health care, and will quickly be able to contribute to healthcare reform discussions during the February 2012 legislative session.  I am proud to be endorsed by Oregon Democratic Party Activist Mac Prichard. 

Environment and Environmental Justice: Even in Portland, which is an environmental leader among cities, there are places rife with waste and contaminants and lacking access to fresh healthy foods. As a recently appointed Sustainability Scholar at PSU, I understand that we must respect and protect our environment and promote environmental justice by enabling people to make healthy choices regardless of where they live.  I am proud to be endorsed by State Representative Jules Bailey, of neighboring HD 42.

Prisons & Public Safety: As The Oregonian reports, 400 inmates are released from prison each month, with 30% of them behind bars again within three years.  As a former drug and alcohol counselor for Multnomah County’s DUII Intensive Supervision Program, I know that violent offenders who endanger the public need to be incarcerated and treated.  But we can free expensive prison and jail space through enhanced bench probation and intensive supervision programs for low-level offenders that address the causes of criminal behavior.

Oregon’s future is bright, but it will take energy, savvy, toughness, and compassion to make the difficult and important choices ahead.  With your help, we can begin that work together.

Rob Milesnick