The Way: Wilde on higher edu, Schuberth on transparency, Frazier on diapers, Garson on NIMBYs
Next week: Jenn Stephens, Andrew Kalloch, and others!
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Editor’s Note:
Oregon’s next governor needs a Willie. Back in Margaret Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister of the UK, Willie Whitelaw kept her and her party steer clear of political potholes in the form of extremely partisan policies. Willie’s valuable moderating influence – earned through decades of public service – led Thatcher to quip that “every prime minister needs a Willie.” Willies, both in the UK and in Oregon, have become hard to find.
Few political incentives encourage elected officials to stand out as moderates and to stand up to their party. This is especially true in Oregon. Our closed primary system pits partisan competitors against one another in the first (and, often times, determinative) stage of the election – whoever can rally the ranks of partisan insiders wins. Willies lose in this system.
Willies also struggle where money flows more liberally than Guinness in Dublin. Oregon’s campaign finance rules (or lack thereof) encourage candidates to become lightning rods on divisive issues to lure national interest (and funds) to their race. The tireless defense of sensible, piecemeal policy doesn’t send Twitter aflutter with special interests clamoring for ways to help that candidate win.
Finally, Willies play the role of benchwarmer on their political team in Salem. Look what happened to Senator and current independent candidate for governor Betsy Johnson. She tried to stake out a more moderate role (though insiders debate the sincerity of her centrality) and got cast to the cornfield when Senate President Courtney stripped her of a crucial committee chair position.
For Willies to win, they have to form a broad coalition of voters that’s ok with their pet issue not always being at the top of the agenda. That’s easier said than done. Still, there’s hope for Willies in the form of non-voters. Though Oregon boosts one of the highest voter registration rates, there’s still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to ensuring every eligible voter participates. These non-voters typically stay on the sidelines for two reasons. First, many feel inundated by political news – drowning in newsletters, newsfeeds, and newscasters, they’ve lost the political oxygen required to breathe life into a campaign. Second, nonvoters often lack social capital – they’re not a part of groups that would generate peer pressure to turnout. Willies can address both these reasons.
As moderates, Willies are capable of telling a straight story rather than tweeting a tornado of political spin. State Senator Becca Balint of Vermont maintains a monthly column in her local paper to do just that – tell folks the stuff they need to know, how it impacts their lives, and how they can make a difference.
Middle-of-the-road Willies can also build social structures for the politically homeless. By setting their sights on communal outcomes rather than partisan victories, Willies can bring in community stakeholders passionate about projects, but not politics. For example, whereas traditional politicians have their legislative agenda dictated by their party platform, Willies advocate for the specific, local needs of their constituents.
There’s a shortage of Willies in Salem and our politics show it. By creating a cadre of centrist and sensible Willies, Oregonians of all political persuasions will benefit – where there’s a Willie, there’s a way toward pragmatic rather than partisan policy.
Here’s to a better Oregon,
Kevin
To look forward to:
Our #GovernorGoals series. Learn more about how you can help shape the future of our state here.
Jenn Stephens shares her perspective on COVID.
Andrew Kalloch offers up his latest piece.
Mark Hester examines what the “Great Resignation” means for Oregon in the short and long term.
To read:
Rep. Wilde provides a deep dive into the state’s higher education funding and goals — and points out that the former isn’t sufficient to support the latter.
Read more here.
Jenn Schuberth writes on the lack of transparency with respect to federal funds being dispersed by school districts.
Read more here.
Kevin Frazier outlines the diaper divide that exists in the state and calls on policymakers to increase access to these basic essentials.
Read more here.
Jared Garson reviews the intersection of homelessness and NIMBYism.
Read more here.
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Photo credit: "Smith Rock Oregon" by Kayaker Bill is licensed under CC BY 2.0