I am announcing today my intention to seek the appointment to fill the open Senate District 16 seat and complete Senator Betsy Johnson’s current term. I served as State Representative in House District 32 from 2004-2019 and worked closely with Senator Johnson advancing legislation to support Oregonians in HD 32, SD 16 and throughout the state. Prior to my time as an elected state official, I served as a staff member for seven different legislators for 16 years. I can say with confidence that I am well-qualified for this position, know the legislative process and can do the job well. While in office I was able to help pass the award-winning Oregon Resilience Plan and other legislation that now benefits veterans, seniors, fishermen and women, children and families and many other constituencies. My work in renewable energy and prevention-oriented health care policies is timely. I live in a rural part of SD 16 and know the challenges that entails. I believe we need someone for this position who has the experience to step up and immediately address the issues of importance to our district and the state. I do not plan to run for the seat after the current term is finished in 2022 but I would be honored to be appointed to this interim position.