My Goals and Desire to Serve
I am a lifelong Oregonian, lifelong Republican, a proud father and devoted husband. I live in Canby with my wife and daughter.
I am new to politics, but I am not new to leadership, common sense, and getting results. My desire to represent House District 51 is guided by several aims: (i) helping lead a new generation of Oregon Republicans in providing an alternative to what hasn’t worked in decades of Democrat rule; (ii) bringing common sense approaches to political problem solving; (iii) making Oregon and House District 51 a place where we can be proud to live, raise our families, and build new businesses; and (iv) a desire to promote the principles of our party, which give a needed contrast to Oregon’s current Democrat Playbook.
My Policy Priorities
A number of issues are important to the citizens of House District 51. Here are my priorities and what drives my goals in representing House District 51.
A Return to Financial Sanity
Democrats believe that balancing the budget is done by raising taxes – very different from the difficult choices that Oregonians are facing in balancing their household finances. We must balance Oregon’s finances through smarter, leaner use of resources – NOT demanding more taxes from hard-working Oregonians!
Government wasn’t meant to be all things for all people. Oregon’s state budget is many multiples that of states with similar populations. Government needs to be refined in scope with an emphasis on efficiency in service delivery.
Local Control and Oregon’s Homelessness Crisis
Local control needs to be a focus point in reimagining how Oregon government works. Cities and counties know best how to manage issues like land use and homelessness in a way that works for their communities and their priorities.
Oregon’s current strategy isn’t working. My focus would be on common-sense, outcomes-based approaches centered on one philosophy:
If it doesn’t work, don’t fund it!
Returning to a focus on local control that solves problems at the level where they are managed best – locally – will be a step in the right direction for Oregon, and something I will champion.
Education Freedom and School Choice
As Aristotle put it: “Excellence is not an act, but a habit.”
Every student in Oregon should have the opportunity to attend the best possible school. Through advocating for policies such as school choice, educational freedom, and charter schools, I will make it a priority to support real change in Oregon’s education system.
Despite what Democrats and the teachers’ unions say, Oregon will not spend its way to better schools. By focusing on evidence-based and achievement-oriented strategies, we can get Oregon’s schools back to places where students learn (and learn about what matters).
PERS Reform
This issue affects every city, county, school district and level of government and needs to be in the spotlight. Through investment mismanagement and misdirection, PERS loses money against the backdrop of a bull market and consistent S&P 500 gains. End “socially responsible investing” and get back to basics and fundamentals!
Oregon First and America First
Oregon needs leaders who will advocate for OREGON FIRST and AMERICA FIRST policies! “Is this good for Oregon?” and “is this good for America?” – in conjunction with the principles of our party – should be two unwavering guiding philosophies.
An Alternative to What Isn’t Working
Decades of Democrat rule in Oregon have led us to today: an underperforming state in financial disarray and focused on everything but what matters.
My goal: to lead a new generation of Republican leaders committed to bringing Oregon back to basics and embracing a spirit of excellence!
Welcome to Scott Cantonwine for House District 51! 