EDITOR’S NOTE: We are updating the US Representative 1st District with responses from Suzanne Bonamici.
It’s election time – and in Tillamook County there has been an increase in participation in our government process with many races having multiple choices. The Pioneer is proud to provide this opportunity for our community to make informed voting choices and learn about the candidates. Tillamook County Pioneer’s Questions for the Candidates – November 2022. We will post the candidate’s answers (that we received) in all the national, state and local races, including those from candidates in uncontested races. These questions were gathered from a diverse array of Tillamook County citizens, and provides an opportunity for constituents to compare candidates answers directly.
Here are the candidates for US Representative 1st District – Christopher A. Mann, Republican and Suzanne Bonamici, Democrat/Working Families
The Pioneer received Suzanne Bonamici’s response on October 20th – It has been added below.
Chris Mann
What is your vision of a thriving community?
A thriving community is one with lots of small businesses all having success and able to give back to the community. A place where the community pulls together during the good times and the bad. Where he police are treated with honor and respect, and the schools produce bright, happy kids that dream big.
If elected, what would you do within your position to advance this vision?
Please provide a SWOT analysis of your municipality/district.
Being CD1 covers multiple counties my answers will be more geared to America in general.
Strengths – A desire to maintain the freedoms our country was founded on. People that will not be silenced by threats. A resolve that cannot be matched anywhere in the world.
Weaknesses A government that currently is abusing their power and quickly ruining every pillar that makes this country great.
Opportunities – Our natural resources and American industry have the ability to thrive and recreate a prosperous country.
Threats – The attempt to create a new world order, and turn American into a welfare state. A place where criminals have more rights than law abiding citizens.
Let’s focus on the positive things going on. Tell our readers about what you will do, if elected to make positive contributions to the community.
I will actually be involved in the community, listening to people and working to address their concerns. Politicians are too often just practicing passive listening without true passion to serve them. My staff will always be ready to be highly trained to meet with and respong to the public
There are many challenges facing our community. What are the issues you think are NOT being adequately addressed?
Schools, crime, and the homeless
If elected, how would you work to address these issues?
It is time to get our schools back on track to teaching our children and stop with the propaganda currently that has infiltrated our education system. As a congressman I want to work with the national education director to get us back on track. I would use my voice as a political leader to encourage parents to speak up for their kids, knowing I am standing side by side with them.
What is your experience in municipal government service?
I have never served in a government role. In my various roles serving the community, sat in on many boards, community meetings, and organized rally’s to address governmental wrong doing.
Suzanne Bonamici
What is your vision of a thriving community?
My vision for a thriving community is one where everyone can succeed, earn a living wage, and live freely without fear or discrimination.
If elected, what would you do within your position to advance this vision?
When everyone has a strong foundation to build on, they can find success throughout their life regardless of what path they take. My advocacy for public education and experience as a parent volunteer inspired my first run for office. Every child deserves a quality public education, and this begins with affordable child care and universal preschool. These programs are good investments because they help children, families, and the economy. I also recognize the stress of the high cost of housing on children, families, and individuals. I supported housing assistance during the pandemic, and we must pass policies and investments that create more affordable housing. Additionally, those who are unhoused need support services to give them stability. I am leading efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to offer more job training opportunities for women and people of color, and other underserved communities who need skills to access good paying jobs. Finally, we cannot thrive without addressing the climate crisis and the high cost of energy. I supported the Inflation Reduction Act so our nation can be a leading domestic manufacturer of clean energy resources while lowering costs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating new good-paying jobs.
Please provide a SWOT analysis of your municipality/district:
Strengths – Our people. Residents of Northwest Oregon are amazing and resilient. Whether I’m talking with a small business owner, fisher, teacher, tech employee, health care provider, or artist, the entrepreneurial spirit and strong values show that the people of NW Oregon are our greatest strength.
Weaknesses –Too many people and too many families still struggle. Incomes aren’t keeping up with expenses, especially in the area of housing. We can do more to help the child who needs access to more nutritious food, the senior unable to find affordable housing, and other members of our community who find themselves in a vulnerable position.
Opportunities –The opportunities in NW Oregon are limitless. When I visit with students, I am inspired and filled with hope about what lies ahead for Oregon and our country. NW Oregon is home to a thriving technology industry, beautiful natural resources, agriculture, and diverse small businesses that create a well-rounded community full of opportunities.
Threats – Unfortunately, the challenges facing our democracy and threatening free and fair elections are a danger to everyone across the country, including NW Oregon. Our state has long recognized the value of a safe and accessible vote-by-mail system, and we must fight to protect it and expand it across the country. I also support campaign finance reform that will reduce the influence of money in elections and implement strong disclosure laws. Another critical threat is climate change. Severe weather events are increasing in intensity and frequency, and much of the country is struggling with drought.
Let’s focus on the positive things going on. Tell our readers about what you will do, if elected to make positive contributions to the community.
If elected, I will work to pass policies to lower everyday costs, address the climate crisis, and increase access to affordable child care and health care. I will also continue to work hard to be accessible to the constituents of the First District and to provide assistance with federal agencies for those who need help with issues related to Social Security, Medicare, immigration, veteran’s benefits, and more. I’ve earned a reputation as a principled and effective leader who works hard, finds common ground, and gets things done.
There are many challenges facing our community. What are the issues you think are NOT being adequately addressed?
There are many issues that need more attention, but one that has been on the back burner for too long is mental health and substance use disorder. The health and well-being of Oregonians was not being adequately addressed before the pandemic, and with Covid the problems have grown worse. Untreated mental illness and substance use disorder can affect housing, employment, and general well-being.
If elected, how would you work to address these issues?
We need more health care providers and facilities in Oregon, in addition to more social and emotional support for our students. As a leader of the House Nursing Caucus, I am working to secure more funding for nurse education. We must also integrate mental health services into primary services, invest more in our community health centers, and hold health insurers accountable if they fail to comply with laws designed to protect access to affordable treatment. Finally, we must all work together to push back against the stigma of mental health and substance use disorders that prevents far too many people from seeking treatment.
What is your experience in municipal government service?
Although I do not have elected experience at the local level, I served in the Oregon State House of Representatives (2007-2008), the Oregon State Senate (2008 – 2011), and U.S. House of Representatives (2012 – present).
