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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Quills & Queues: Oregon Center for the Arts in Ashland a hub for multiple media ... Ticket availability ... Tests say school drinking water is safe ... Quills & Queues: Oregon Center for the Arts in Ashland a hub for multiple media ... Ticket availability ... Tests say school drinking water is safe ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Help fix the system Comment By Alan DeBoer DailyTidings.com By Alan DeBoer Posted Jun. 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Alan DeBoer Posted Jun. 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Do you feel that our political system is broken? Have you ever wondered what the “system” is all about when a person runs for a political office? Well I am Alan DeBoer, running to represent you in Salem as the representative from District 5 (south and west of Medford) and I would like to share with you my experiences so far. People ask me, Alan, why do you want to be a state representative? My answer comes easy. My lifelong learning has been achieved by working and getting real-life education, and this will be the same. I want to be a voice in fixing the system while watching expenses and being fiscally conservative. What this means is not hiring professionals to tell me what to do, instead roll up my sleeves, dive in the system and see just how it works. Shortly after announcing my candidacy I was immediately bombarded by companies from all over the nation that wanted to provide services on how to win the campaign, including the dreaded robocalls. Next came the questionnaires (the current count is 19), each questionnaire from an organized group, some asking yes-or-no questions to see if I will be in allegiance to their organization. I have refused to answer, as the questions are certainly leading and asking for support of their political agenda. Instead I called and talked to their paid staff about my concerns and asked for meetings to talk about their concerns. Clarity and communication are vital to understanding how to make decisions for our state. Unfortunately, the conversation with one organization after another turned to, "If you don’t fill out our survey we can’t send you a donation." I replied that I am only accepting contributions from people that live or own property within the district. There was silence, as if no one has ever refused their money. Naturally I would love donations, but how can I help fix the “system” if I wrote yes to all the questions they wanted to hear yes to, and no to all the questions they wanted to hear no to, just to get money? If we are going to create a change it will take us working together, as you, too, have the power to help fix the “system.” First, don’t be swayed by marketing or polls, talk to neighbors and someone who knows the candidate, look at who they are and what their background is. Find out if they have the knowledge and ability to work well with others, and make common-sense decisions. Look to see if they have the integrity and experience for spending your money wisely while at the same time actually making your life easier. I welcome your input: Email me at [email protected] or call 541-944-1600, as my desire to fix the “system” can’t be accomplished by myself. I look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to see if I can make a difference in Salem for the future of our state. Alan DeBoer, a former Ashland mayor and city councilor, is the Republican candidate for state representative, District 5. By Alan DeBoer DailyTidings.com By Alan DeBoer Posted Jun. 16, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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