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I have accomplished much while in Salem

Herald and News

Letter to the Editor

May 4, 2012

   As a fiscal conservative Republican, I take seriously my state senate oath to protect and conserve the Constitution and to work for all citizens in the district and state. I believe in, and work to   achieve, the smallest, least expensive and least intrusive government that is able to adequately provide essential services.

   Having served in the minority for my entire legislative career, I have learned to form lasting bipartisan relationships that have served our rural communities well.

   Through my seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Klamath County has benefitted from nearly $145 million directed toward state Highway 97 and Highway 140 construction projects. Nearly $90 million has been secured for OIT and KCC campus expansions. The SB 81 Rate Shock bill that I introduced has resulted in Klamath County irrigators saving nearly $40 million in electricity pumping costs.

   Public safety has benefited from my work to put more than 110 new Oregon State Police officers on our highways and from sponsorship and funding for local drug court, juvenile court, veterans’ court, significant community corrections grants and cross-border police protection.   Public participation is a critical component for a government of the people. We work hard at communicating with those who I represent through weekly newsletters, radio commentaries and open access to our home telephone numbers. Our senate office is open to anyone regardless of party affiliation or subject matter. We travel nearly 30,000 miles per year in the district attending events, meetings and listening to learn local perspectives. It has been my privilege to have been elected to represent Senate District 28 for nearly two full terms. Getting to know the people of this vast district, their ideas, concerns and needs has been a wonderful experience. I am asking for your vote so that I may continue to represent you.

   Doug Whitsett

   Klamath Falls

   Editor’s note: Doug Whitsett is the incumbent state senator from District 28