Merkley deserves your vote

What issues should Oregonians be most concerned about in the next four years and beyond? I have a few. One issue that will affect every person’s ability to make a living, to get food, to access clean water in the right amounts at the right time and in the right place, and to have an environment that is livable for all life is the issue of the rapid changes to the earth caused by global warming and the need to reverse that trend.

Another issue is the need to strengthen the middle and lower classes by making jobs available that pay decent wages and give the public the opportunity to be educated for those jobs. The need for adequate health care without losing everything you’ve worked for also comes to mind. And finally, the ability to adopt policies that strengthen our country (not just the rich or multinational corporations) so our citizens and their children have a chance for a bright future are on my list of important issues for the next election.

The effects of global warming, wise use of our natural resources, adequate jobs for the middle and lower classes, good educational opportunities including affordable higher education, health care and making policies that strengthen our country’s future are also Oregon Speaker of the House and candidate for U.S. Senate Jeff Merkley’s top issues. While Merkley presided over Oregon’s congressional delegation, Congress was able to put partisan politics aside and pass a great many bills that benefited Oregonians. He deserves your vote in November.

Diane Phillips

Azalea