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  After 12 years of John Kitzhaber, Oregon suddenly got a new governor yesterday, a development no one expected five weeks ago, when he was sworn in for a fourth term. New Governor Kate Brown is being called smart, experienced and even more liberal than her predecessor. Oregonians had gotten to know and like Kitzhaber, a medical doctor, and especially leaned on his expertise in health care. They liked his environmental positions, too, and his attempts to patch together higher education, financing of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and other challenging issues along the trail. But insiders say that, with 24 years in state politics — in the House, Senate and as Secretary of State — Brown knows all the levers and ropes, has formed a network of allies and has a thorough grasp of the issues. In addition, they describe her as a tireless worker, policy wonk and scrupulously ethical. After the recent ethical blowout at the statehouse, Brown says the State Ethics Commission is going to get a big budget increase and Oregon — already rated the most ethical state government in the nation — will move beyond squeaky clean. Brown extends the recent Oregon string of liberal Democratic governors — Neil Goldschmidt, Barbara Roberts, John Kitzhaber, Ted Kulongoski and John Kitzhaber again — whose broad policies are practically continuations of one another. Republicans before this 28-year streak were fairly centrist and often liberal (especially Tom McCall). Given Oregon’s Democratic supermajority in both houses, as well as Brown’s well-established liberal credentials, this is all likely to continue, now and if Brown runs in 2016 and, if elected, again in 2018. (The Constitution only allows you to run twice in any 12-year span.) Oregon liked the platforms and policies of all these governors pretty well but, although Kate Brown can be expected to travel the well-worn groove, we don’t yet have the specifics. So, we asked Ashlanders to give her some guidance: “What do you want from Kate Brown over coming years and what do you expect from her?” Bjorg Smidt — Oregon is a state of natural beauty and natural treasures. I really hope Ms. Brown will stand up to the GMO industry and their corporate interests, no matter what pressures they bring. I hope for her to be a custodian of our natural resources. I want her to stand up for traditional Democratic values and move the state back to a living wage. I want a progressive Oregon. Stand firm against GMO statewide and keep us organic. Light rail to Portland. Maureen Hicks — The number-one priority is better educational options in higher education and lower tuition. Then health care and mental health care. I work in mental health and now that everyone has OHP, there’s a shortage of services for mental health. If they stop the LNG pipeline, I’d be happy about it. Anton Abben — Start looking at fiscal responsibility. Enormous amounts of money are wasted by all governments. The powers that be — big pharma, the banks — get whatever they want, whether it’s good for the state, country or planet Earth. Someone has to step up and say this is unethical, that money is used to stop GMO bans. People with low income don’t get taken are of. The government is of, by and for the wealthy. Greg Jost — I want a vision where she has policy for Oregon schools, health care and highway infrastructure. On education, K-12 and higher ed have to have appropriate funds for our future generations. The current generation in charge should feel an obligation to pass along a legacy. They should emphasize STEM education. She should have a vision and be willing to communicate it and do the challenging work so the policies become realities. Not the usual politicians doing hot air. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Email him at [email protected]. null null null