Perspective from the 19^th Hole 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 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.

Democrats and Republicans are supposed to be different, both at the polls when they seek to be elected or in office as they deal with public policy issues.

But, to me, it always seems best if those elected to office don’t mix campaigning the governing.

In Oregon, the 90-member Legislature is meeting in Salem for what is called its “short session” because it lasts for only about 30 days.  Still, in just those days, a lot of issues will be on the table, especially balancing the State of Oregon budget.

At the Capitol, a contrast emerged this week as legislative leaders reacted to a new economic forecast, which is done every quarter by economists in the Executive Branch in Salem, Oregon.  The forecasts are critical because they are used to estimate how much tax revenue will arrive in Salem for the next two-year State of Oregon budget, which, of course, legislators have no choice but to approve.

Here is how House Majority Leader Ben Bowman commented on the new forecast:

“While modestly good news at the state level, most Oregonians won’t be impacted by what we learned in the revenue forecast today.  Many will wake up tomorrow and still struggle to pay skyrocketing healthcare costs, rising rent, and growing grocery bills.

“Oregon has to make tough budget decisions because of Congress’ decision to strip away billions of dollars from Oregonians.  Unlike the federal government, we can’t run up trillions of dollars in debt.  We will tighten our belt like all families do in tough times – but we also have to

fight to protect healthcare, food support, and critical services for the kids and families who need them.”

Even though I worked for 25 years as a state lobbyist in Oregon, Bowman was not there when I was, but, as I have watched him serve over the last few years, I have been impressed with style and acumen.

Even with higher-than-expected state revenue, he called for “tightening our belts,” a phrase which calls for a conservative approach to budget-making in Salem.

Oregon Senator Republican Leader Bruce Starr issued his own statement.

“Oregon’s latest quarterly revenue forecast released today shows rising

general fund revenues and a growing ending fund balance, yet it also lays bare a stark failure of leadership.  While the national economy continues to grow, Oregon is sliding backward.  Personal income tax collections are declining, unemployment remains above the national average at 5.2 per cent, and population growth has flatlined.

“These outcomes are not accidental.  They are the direct result of years of misguided state policies that have driven employers, workers, and families out of Oregon.

“Instead of changing course, the Democrat-controlled Legislature is moving forward with a tax gimmick proposal immediately after the forecast’s release.  The proposal would raise costs on businesses and middle-income Oregonians and further destabilize Oregon’s

economy, despite clear warning signs and available resources.  At a time when Oregonians need relief and stability, Democrats are choosing higher taxes and slower growth.

“Raising costs on businesses and middle-income Oregonians right now is indefensible, and voters have already rejected this approach in overwhelming fashion.”

So, Starr, a veteran political operative, turned the opportunity for comment into criticism against Democrats, saying their approach amounted to “misguided state politics that have driven employers, workers, and families out of Oregon.”

That’s not necessarily surprising, however unfortunate, because Republicans have been in the minority for so long – and they chafe at that status.

Over my 40 years in politics in Oregon, and now in retirement, I often have been concerned when public officials failed to separate two issues – campaigning FOR public office and governing IN public office. 

This time in Salem, I applaud Bowman for his approach and wish for better from Starr.