Oregon gubernatorial election, 2022 (May 17 Democratic primary)

The climate crisis requires leaders who will not simply continue legacy ideas. Voters need to think carefully about picking a new direction.

We do not have 4 years to waste. Oregon can't fix the climate crisis alone, but that doesn't mean we don't have to do all we can do.

Voters need the state of Oregon to provide relief from housing and health care costs, and also need help from the state of Oregon to decarbonize.

End Homelessness in Oregon

End the facilitation of drug use on the streets

Provide good shelter that works on changing negative behavior into positive.

George Carrillo (D)

Sign into law a Medicare for All, single-payer, health insurance program. I will ask the legislature to provide me with a bill that has been approved by the task force within my first 100 days.

Criminal Justice Reform We can’t justify the safety of some and not all. We must clearly define the role of law enforcement in our communities as our police officers are being asked to do too much in the name of public safety.

Our children are our future, we must invest in their education. Intervene on the current school-to-prison pipeline. Oregon needs programs and policies designed to eliminate the disproportionate impact of disciplinary policies and practices on students of color. Restructure schools to provide social services within school buildings for children and families in need. In kindergarten identify children with low phonological awareness and place them in special groups to address reading disorders. This will prevent microtraumas from having to fail before receiving help.

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/PatrickStarnes.JPG

Campaign Finance Reform will create a better life for all Oregonians.

Housing and Healthcare for ALL Oregonians is extremely important for you and our economy.

Wildfires and Climate Change can be prevented and/or eliminated with the right people in office.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want to expand Oregon's Health Plan to all Oregonians making under $93,600. OHP needs to cover all Dental & Vision for all members as well as name brand drugs when generics do not work. Members whose pets serve as service/companion animals will have their veterinary care provided and paid for by OHP. In addition, OHP will classify all special custom bikes made for cyclists with physical/mental challenges as medical equipment and will pay for these as motorized wheel chairs. Paid sick time will be added to OHP as members should not have to choose between their health and job security.

Rents are way too high and need to come down along with applying for and moving in associated costs. With the end goal of middle to low income earners 30% of their income going to rent in mind, rents must be capped immediately for a studio at $750, 1 bedroom at $1000, 2 bedrooms at $1,500, and $500 for each additional bedroom. All tenant rents must include utilities as well as high speed internet. Pets will live for free without any pet security deposits or monthly rents. All application fees will be refundable and nonrefundable administrative fees eliminated. Every Oregonian has a right to affordable housing. This will be added to the state constitution.

I want to open up all freeways and highways to cycling traffic as well as increasing the safe minimum distance to pass a cyclist from 3 feet to 6 feet. I will enforce the yielding laws as too many motorists do not yield to cyclists. I will expand cycling/pedestrian infrastructure to the point an Oregonian can get by without a car. In addition, all public transit will be fare free with the goal of 24/7 transit service to further steer away from this car culture mentality. All cars sold in Oregon must be electric/hydrogen by 2035 with out of state drivers paying a carbon tax if their vehicles are not electric/hydrogen.

Climate change, housing and health care. Other important issues in Oregon are campaign finance reform and better delivery of state services to voters.

The only reason anyone should vote for Wilson Bright for the Governor of Oregon is that they have read the plan to end homelessness in Oregon and empower him to exercise on the plan he has stated.

I want to turn Oregon from the State that had the worst homeless problem into the first state to actually fix the problem. I want Oregon to become a model of how to deliver services to homeless individuals, and at the same time find a way that makes for clean streets and safe parks.

I want to prove that Government can act smart, be caring, and at the same time create solutions that are long-lasting and have a holistic approach to the problem. The reason I want to do everything on a mass scale is it is a massive problem and mass matters when you want to keep your cost per person served low.

George Carrillo (D)

Education Policy

Child and Family Policy Health Policy Social Policy and Inequity Energy Policy Labor Economics

Cultural Policy

Campaign Finance Reform, Housing Crisis, Healthcare for ALL Oregonians, Wildfire Prevention, and the Climate Crisis.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

For better or worse, COVID-19 is here to stay, and so we must adapt to living with it and the percentage of the population that refuses to get vaccinated.

I propose a vaccine freedom passport that will allow the vaccinated to return to as normal of a life as can be MASK FREE outside AND inside. Those vaccinated that choose to wear masks will be allowed to continue, but imposing masks on the vaccinated universally is both unfair and counterproductive. Those that remain unvaccinated(the immune compromised and those for valid and legitimate medical reasons who cannot be immunized excluded) do so at their own choice and peril. They will need to wear masks indoors at all times outside of their living quarters. I encourage employers/companies/businesses/schools to mandate vaccines for all in their organizations. I also support businesses/restaurants/gyms/movie theaters/large indoor venues/grocery stores refusing entry to unvaccinated individuals.

I also deeply care about the homelessness issue and would like Oregon to be the first state in the country to eradicate it in it’s entirety. With red ceilings and truly affordable housing in place, I will convert abandoned run down properties into housing for those who cannot afford rats. Large structures like malls and manufacturing infrastructure no longer in use slates for demolishment will instead be repurposed into housing. Many of the homeless are there due to mental issues and whatnot. I will expand mental health under OHP.

Tom McCall. A Republican who was an environmentalist and an advocate for the voters of Oregon.

Tom McCall (when I was a kid) with his conversation initiatives and Kitzhaber (pre-scandal) when he created the Oregon Health Plan which I would like to provide to ALL Oregonians. Currently, I appreciate Secretary of State, Shemia Fagan tenacity and follow through.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Bernie Sanders.

He is a true man of the people who has been crusading for a more progressive and equal society for all.

Elizabeth Warren.

She is in the very same vein of Sanders but much more direct policy focused with her crusade for the well off & 1% to pay their fair share.

Yes; 'Delicious Poison: From High Carbon to Electrify Everything" - my book. Another good one is Thomas Frank's 'Listen Liberal'.

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Godwin.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I have been called the Berinie Sanders of the west coast, an honor I'm honored to have.

A focus on the immediate and future needs of voters.

Listening to the people.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

The most important characteristic for an elected official is to remain consistent and carry through on his or her promises. As a governor, I will use all available means to me to lower rents across the state, expand OHP to all Oregonians, and eradicate homelessness once and for all while upgrading the current cycling/pedestrian infrastructures. If this means using unconventional means to enact this progressive agenda for the people then so be it. I am sick and tired of elected officials making grandiose promises, and once elected, they beat around the bush compromising at nauseam to the point of the final resolution being so watered down it’s laughable.

I am hard working, running an ICU, a practice, and a campaign for governor, in addition to having a family. A good medical doctor is able to process large amounts of information and produce a plan, to have a quick mind attentive to changing circumstances, and a good ability to communicate with people in difficult circumstances. All good qualities for a leader of a large group of people of diverse backgrounds.

I can create something from nothing and I am a problem solver who thinks outside the box.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I am a very driven person who does not take no for an answer and does not let my life debilitating disability hold me back. Despite not having arms, I biked 10,868 miles in 2020 all while working full-time. When Kroger terminated my employment with them wrongfully over my adaptive bike, I fought back and sued them. My lawsuit made national headlines because here you had an individual with a physical disability who didn’t have to work and could easily be on disability welfare, but instead, he does work and despite that faces discrimination from the likes of Kroger. I will take that fighting spirit and can-do attitude with me to Salem to help realize the dreams of millions of Oregonians who want affordable healthcare, affordable housing, and sustainable transportation that is both safe and environmentally friendly.

To protect the safety and health of voters, and to maintain the economic and environmental health of the state.

Work for the people you are serving and work for those who are providing taxes to pay for it. To be proud you get the job done in a smart way.

Bringing people together so we can solve problems and connect the dots.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The core responsibilities of this office are actually taking care of the residents of Oregon and not in a perpetual campaign mode pandering to lobbyists and big money donors in preparation of the next election. I am prepared to upset the establishment to the point that it will cost me a second term if that means the peoples’ agenda is enacted.

We must lower rents.

We must ensure every Oregonian has a place to call home.

We must provide truly universal AND affordable healthcare.

A path to a better future.

I would like to see Oregon become the first state with 100% Universal Healthcare

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Oregon led the nation in becoming the first state to set rents at 30% of a renter's income, eradicate homelessness and offer truly universal healthcare.

The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. I was working in Manhattan at the time. I was 39.

The assassinations of MLK and Bobby Kennedy as everyone was crying and disoriented; I was 5 and 6 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was sheltered mist of my pre adolescent life being adopted by very Evangelical Baptists who viewed anything/everything outside of Christianity to be immoral and amoral. The first historical event I remember that I couldn't be hidden from is Y2K and all the madness and pandemonium around it.

I worked at McDonald's as a cashier for about 4 months.

I have been my own boss for most of my entire life. My first business was cutting and selling firewood when I was in High School. I ran a textile business called Rose City Textiles for over 25 years. Our offices and warehouse were located in Portland.

A concession stand for the summer while I was a young teenager.

What is your favorite book? Why?

EchoStar customer service for Dish Network while I was in juvenile foster care. I had it for 6 months?

There are so many. Maybe Cathy Shaw's 'The Campaign Manager'. A pathway to a better future.

The Perfect Day by Ira Levin, a Sci-Fi novel on how to avoid Al Totalitarianism.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

It's a series actually---Harry Potter.

In many ways I relate completely with Harry Potter. While my parents never died like his, I never met mine leaving us both orphans. We both had tyrannical terrors for families although I’d argue mine was more extreme and much darker than Voldemort (No pun intended!). We both went to our own special schools-Harry to a magically enchanted wizarding world and I to 2 Christian boarding schools. While Voldemort was Potter’s villain, my not having arms has been mine. Despite our life defying challenges and mission impossibles, we both have overcome them. Like Harry, I was surrounded by a fortress of friends and those who genuinely cared about me whom without I wouldn’t be here today. I cannot thank my caregiver enough for everything he does to truly make my life magical. Then there are my friends from Pittsburgh. The one started out as my counselor at the juvenile foster group home I was at after being emancipated from my abusive adoptive parents. After I left we stayed in touch becoming very good friends where he actually became my first caregiver. Along the way, I met my muggle version of Hermione whom he dated. Though not as brainiac as her, my friend sure made up with her sass and drama. We’ll call her D who from the onset just knew I was gay even though I denied it (I always knew I was gay but due to then societal norms remained closeted.) She showed me it was ok to be me and value life despite my horrific history up to that point like Harry’s. Then there’s Sue and Rich whom I met at the group home. Sue was a like a big sister for us residents. We stayed in touch after I left and she really broke me into politics having me volunteer for the Kerry campaign. She also was the one who nudged me to get my BA in polysci.

We all know how Harry Potter ends, but my story has many chapters yet left in it. While I can’t waive a magic wand to eradicate homelessness or lower rents, I can do those as a governor.

George Carrillo (D)

Neo

Tom Joad

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Why Harry Potter of course!

'This song's going to get stuck inside your head' from the Lego Movie.

Change by H.E.R.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Bonfire Heart by James Blunt

I have always been lucky. I have always found ways to succeed despite sometimes long odds. I have worked hard all my life (as have most other people), but I have always found success with persistence. I don't know if I have had a difficult struggle.

I am color blind to the colors red and green and have trouble seeing purple and brown.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?

While living without arms certainly is a struggle, it most definitely is not the end of the world! Where there is a will there is away and along that way, there is a bike with infinite determination. I encourage you to watch some of my videos so you can see the possible in the impossible:

https://youtu.be/tvHKnvpdAn8 https://youtu.be/Tus2FS1L-kw https://youtu.be/qejdmYIMQds https://youtu.be/iKABxUIUQc8 https://youtu.be/I6Vv9IirSOY https://youtu.be/2w2c_dX-P0I https://youtu.be/P37LGGtvHHw https://youtu.be/zQgRtlRFrmU https://youtu.be/PCuFwAiuI3A https://youtu.be/61ekFG6aIQI https://youtu.be/aQNRAOQu5Js https://youtu.be/9pYEij_51KE https://youtu.be/6BYub184-Sg https://youtu.be/lc_B3Qt6FOg https://youtu.be/GeHItoyir-E

As you can see in my videos, everything you do with your hands I do with my feet. From cutting a pineapple to clipping my cat’s claws, I do it all. Oregon needs a governor who has faced untold adversity, but despite that is as strong willed as and optimistic as ever.

The governor is the leader of the state. This means that they set the direction and they know what the right direction is because they spend a lot of time communicating with voters of Oregon to ensure that the legislature is representing the wishes of the people and doing the work of the people to make Oregon a better place for the people.

It's the only position of power in the state that could pull off my plan. It's like we are running for the CEO of the State. We have been hit hard, we as stockholders of our land know it. Who do you choose? I say pick the one with the plan if you like it. If a person is running for Governor and they don't have a good plan on how they are going to solve the problems you are concerned about then, I say don't vote for them. This is very important to the future of our state of Oregon Choose your leader well.

The Governor manages the administrative departments and uses the "bully pulpit" to champion certain initiatives.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

The buck stops with me ultimately. I will not be afraid to use any and all resources and legal moves/maneuvers to enact a truly affordable and progressive vision for Oregon. I have fought my entire life, and I will take that fighting spirit as governor and stand up for the disenfranchised, unheard, discriminated against, under represented, and just every day Oregonians who are fed up with politics as usual and want to see action not more talk.

Customer service. At this time in Oregon the state's customers - voters - desperately need affordable housing, less expensive healthcare and for their leaders to work very hard to avert the worst of the predicted damage from changes in our climate. They really need these things. These might sound like good ideas for a campaign, but this is real. People really need these things and they need them now, not in 4 years. For this we will have to use sound economic principles, with a focus on the needs of ordinary people to come up with innovative and collaborative solutions that do not leave anyone out. We can do this.

To end homeless in Oregon

First, balance the budget and then tackle difficult issues around the state with open guidance.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL OHP4ALL

The governor is the executive of the state. They rely on the state departments for information, and elected leaders for additional planning and direction, and they need to be in close contact with their customer base, the voters. But since they are responsible for determining the direction of the state, and since moving in this direction depends on having the resources to get there, the governor should have a lot of involvement in the budgeting process.

Because I plan on focusing so much of my energy on ending homelessness, and because I have said very little about the other aspects of Oregon Governance, I plan on relinquishing much of the responsibilities to the legislative branch. I would say the leaders of the Senate and the House would have more power under me than most.

In our current system, the Governor proposes a budget and then gets feedback afterwards.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

As direct as possible with input/feedback from mayors, county commissioners, Oregonians from all walks of life.

I would use this power to ensure we maintain focus on our goals. 4 years is not a lot of time to achieve the kinds of changes we need. We will have to be very attentive to completing our tasks.

I think as long we balance our budget and I am given enough funding to implement my plan, then I doubt I would be using line-item vetoes.

If the governor's office in your state does not have the line-item veto power, do you believe it should? Why or why not?

I will use it judiciously but will use it as the need arises.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Oregon does.

Collegial and collaborative. The legislature is an elected body and represents the wishes of the voters.

A cooperative, hard working relationship where we take to the streets and travel this large state together.

What do you love most about your state?

One where we work collaboratively but don't water down a bill so much in that grand pursuit of bipartisanship.

We have the right ideas, we have the right people and we have a beautiful state to live in and thanks to the foresight of our previous leaders, it remains a fantastic place to live.

That we have been imaginative in the past in solving big problems. We were first to have the bottle bill. We were early in protecting the environment. We made voting easier. We pride ourselves on solving big problems.

The natural beauty.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

I love just how progressive Oregon .s I love the mild winters that allow so many of us cycling die hards to continue pedaling our passion. I biked 10,868 miles in 2020. I could not have done that without our warm winters. https://youtu.be/lc_B3Qt6FOg is me biking on my adaptive bike without arms.

Without doubt, climate change. Other major challenges are providing adequate housing for Oregonians, and working hard to make health care more affordable.

Campaign Finance Reform which will allow us to tackle healthcare and housing along with controlling wildfires, and absorbing and reducing carbon emissions.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Reigning in the sky high out of control costs of living while holding the 1% accountable and responsible for their fair share of taxes they manage to evade.

What did the custodian say when he jumped out of the closet? ....................... Supplies!

The Texas G.O.P.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

It's not so much of a joke as it is the reality of how I will never ever be caught sitting on my hands as a governor. I will be too busy enacting the peoples' progressive agenda to have any time to shake hands. I a after all short handed.

When the legislature is not able to produce legislation rapidly enough to address urgent circumstances.

Under natural disasters and pandemics/epidemics.