PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE:  This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

In the aftermath of events like the guilty verdict for Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, politicians often utter rather meaningless comments.

Not so with Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read.

His comments indicate a depth of reaction and analysis that reflects well on his character.  He also uses words effectively.

Yes, I am biased.

I know Read well, having lobbied him over the years at the Oregon Legislature and watching him rise there, given his intellect and passion.  He always dealt with me – on behalf of my clients – with honesty and clarity.  Sometimes we agreed.  Other times we didn’t.

Now, Read, a Democrat, is being mentioned as a possible candidate for governor when Kate Brown reaches the end of her last term in office.

I say, good.  He should run and give Oregonians an opportunity to consider his credentials for the state’s top political job.

Here is a text of Read’s comments after the Chauvin verdict:

Let me be clear:  Derek Chauvin being found guilty is a tremendous relief, and the right outcome.  The whole country has watched and witnessed racial injustice, civil unrest, and the need for policing reforms.  This verdict is important, and we’re all relieved.  But this long overdue conversation must not end here.

Communities across the country, including right here in Oregon, have been ripped apart by a legacy of racial injustice.  We all have to do our part to build a better, more equitable future.  But more importantly, this needs to be a time of listening, and elevating other voices – voices that for too long were ignored or intentionally sidelined.

I wrote to you a few months ago about Martin Luther King Day and mentioned one of the incredible organizations doing this important work in Oregon.  If you aren’t sure how you can participate in this movement, take a look at the Black United Fund of Oregon. They’re one of a number of important groups making a positive impact for our communities in Oregon every day.  Whether you’re a volunteer, advocate, or donor, I know that the work you’re doing on behalf of the Black United Fund of Oregon, or other groups, will make a real difference.

The moral arc of history does not bend easily, but together, we’re up to the task.