Wilhelm

Editor’s note: The Bulletin Editorial Board asked the two candidates running for the House District 54 seat up for election in November to answer a series of questions in order to give voters a better idea of the differences between them. Republican Knute Buehler faces Democrat Craig Wilhelm for the seat that represents Bend. The winner will replace Jason Conger, who is not running.

1.

What skills or contacts can you offer to ensure Oregon State University-Cascades Campus gets what it needs to develop and grow?

Buehler:

I’m an OSU graduate and from 1999-2004 I was a member of the local advisory board for OSU-Cascades. I have been an adjunct OSU faculty member and am currently on the OSU Foundation board of directors. I’m a strong supporter of OSU-Cascades expansion. Based on this firsthand experience and my personal relationships with OSU, local and education leaders (many who have endorsed my candidacy), I’m in a strong position to continue making the case to elected officials, higher education and community leaders here and across Oregon how OSU-Cascades will benefit not just Central Oregon but all of Oregon — educationally and economically.

Wilhelm:

Bringing a four-year university to Bend is the single biggest thing we can do to promote economic growth in our town. College and technical training courses are essential to students’ futures, and training partnerships with local businesses will boost the entire local economy. I will fight to keep funding coming to our university and to ensure that our campus retains a separate funding stream from Corvallis, so we’re not competing for dollars. More importantly, I will work hard to restore funding to higher education and get tuition costs under control so students can afford to go to college.

2.

What changes would you advocate in how the state regulates individuals and businesses?

Buehler:

Generally, I’ll be skeptical of burdensome regulation of individuals and businesses. For example, Bend’s growing craft beer and brewing industry. Central Oregon is home to 26 breweries, providing roughly 870 jobs and nearly $23 million in wages each year. Beer has never been more important to our local economy and identity. But, lawmakers in Salem (and D.C.) have targeted this growing industry with new taxes and regulations that threaten jobs and livelihoods. Industries need government to be a partner for business success. One way is an annual review of major administrative rules (red tape) for unintended costs and side effects.

Wilhelm:

As a small-business owner, I understand the challenges facing local business owners in Bend. We need to build an economy that works for small businesses and entrepreneurs, not just the largest corporations. That means making sure big corporations pay their fair share of taxes and giving small businesses the same tax breaks that big corporations get. It also means eliminating unnecessary red tape that can slow businesses’ success. Our economic growth in Bend relies on the success of small businesses, and I want to make sure we create an environment that rewards smart and innovative thinking.

3. Does the Public Employees Retirement System need any changes?

Buehler:

In my 2012 campaign for Secretary of State, I advocated for PERS reforms — the system was too expensive for taxpayers and forced local school districts to prioritize pensions before hiring new teachers and classroom instruction for kids. In 2013, Governor Kitzhaber and the Legislature approved bipartisan reforms to rein in PERS costs and remove future legislators from the system. These reforms will save taxpayers money and allowed school districts to redirect funds away from pensions and toward educating children. If the State Supreme Court upholds these changes, I would not propose additional changes to the system this legislative session.

Wilhelm:

In 2013, the Legislature passed a package of bills that reduced the costs of the system, in large part by reducing benefits for retirees. These changes are under legal review and will ultimately be decided by the Oregon Supreme Court. Going forward, I believe we need to find ways to reduce the program costs without putting the burden on the shoulders of low-income retirees. I also believe this conversation needs to be broadened to address overall retirement security here in Oregon. I will remain focused on increasing access to retirement accounts for all Oregonians.

4. What is the path to improving K-12 education?

Buehler:

Bend has some of Oregon’s best schools — let’s make them even better. My plan is based on what I’ve learned from local educators, experience as a parent and service on Bend-La Pine School’s budget committee. Components include: 1. funding schools first in state budget, 2. investments to ensure third-grade reading proficiency, 3. more classroom time, smaller classes in early grades, 4. better benchmarks to measure learning, reward teachers, 5. connecting schools and tech sector to prepare kids for future, 6. ensuring access, affordability at COCC and OSU-Cascades, and 7. supporting families so kids come to school ready to learn.

Wilhelm:

The most important thing we can do to improve education for our school kids is to hire more teachers and significantly reduce class sizes. Oregon has among the most overcrowded classrooms in the country. By lowering class sizes, we can increase the individual instruction that students need to succeed. We also need to reinvest in vocational training courses in partnership with local businesses. This will give students the hands-on education they need for future jobs, and begin building the skilled workforce that our local businesses need. Our region is positioned to be a leader in rebuilding our vocational education programs.