OPINION: Chavez-DeRemer deserves another term

Today, I am writing in support of Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer for re-election.

While not a native Oregonian, I have had the pleasure of calling this beautiful state home since 1977. It is refreshing and a relief to see Lori revive our unique Oregon perspective in the U.S House of Representatives. A perspective and balance that has been sorely missed for decades. Lori has shown it is possible to be a fearless advocate for constituents without resorting to attention grabbing media stunts. Lori’s ranking as the second-most bipartisan member of Congress last year demonstrates her willingness to work toward broad accomplishments, not narrow agendas.

Toll roads. Let’s be honest, if not for Lori’s taking the lead in the struggle at the federal level, we’d be paying them right now. And once installed, impossible to get rid of. Oregonians are aware little if any value would be added and the only thing ’new’ is you’d now be paying daily to use the exact same roadway. Thankfully Lori introduced two key pieces of legislation to bar taxpayer money to fund this albatross. Even if it meant confronting Sec. of Transportation Buttigieg directly. Remember, not everyone is in a position to telecommute and this would have hit entry level and service sector workers the hardest.

Lori has been an intelligent advocate for the 5th, and I will be proud to cast my vote for her this fall.

Matt Dencoff

Wilsonville