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P/CLOUDY Temp: 49 °F Wind: WNW at 7 mph Sunday, March 2, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend January 14, 2003 Local legislators give speech high marks By DON JEPSEN for the Mail Tribune SALEM — Jackson County’s legislative delegation had a generally favorable reaction Monday to Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s inaugural speech in the Oregon House chambers. "The first half was largely political," Sen. Jason Atkinson, R-Jacksonville, said. "It’s his day. I was definitely interested in his remarks during the last half of the speech where he focused on the economy." In fact, Atkinson observed, "The last half could have been written for (Kevin) Mannix." Mannix, the Republican nominee for governor, narrowly lost to Kulongoski in the November general election. Sen. Lenn Hannon, R-Ashland, praised the governor’s remarks. "I thought his speech was very good. If he doesn’t watch out he’s going to have an R after his name instead of a D," he said, referring to the new governor’s emphasis on the economic development through state-private business partnerships. Hannon was elected temporary presiding officer of the Senate Monday because the upper chamber has not yet organized. There are 15 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the Senate. "I hope you understand that this is extremely temporary," he told House and Senate members while presiding at the joint session convened to swear in the new governor. Rep. Alan Bates, D-Ashland, said Kulongoski’s speech "was on point." "We need a practical, pragmatic approach to solving our problems and that’s what was reflected in the speech." Bates, a member of the Ways and Means Committee, said that at this point government is going to have to budget within existing revenues. However, he added, should the economy continue to falter and cuts become too severe, the Legislature may have to consider a sales tax. He said it was important to restore the people’s trust in government first. Then, voters might be willing to consider a sales tax dedicated to education if there was a corresponding reduction in other taxes. "It (a new tax) is a non-issue now. But there have been many one-on-one discussions among members," Bates said. "I don’t think we should be taking anything off the table." Republican Rep. Dennis Richardson, a Central Point attorney serving his first term, said there was "a lot of positive energy in the Capitol" following the new governor’s remarks. "We’ll see if that is maintained," he added. Richardson praised the new governor’s pledge to restore cuts in the Oregon State Police budget, require state government to be fiscally responsible and involve the private sector in helping restore Oregon’s economy. "These were positive notes. I will be happy to work with him, if he’s serious," Richardson said. Rep. George Gilman, R-Medford, said he was pleased with Kulongoski’s pledge that the state must live within its means. He said he also liked the new governor’s emphasis on working on rural issues. "We’re ready to do business out there," Gilman said. His legislative district stretches from Medford to Prineville. Gilman, who served one term in the House in 1987, said health care, education "and fixing Oregon’s bridges are very high on my list." Asked if he would support an increase in vehicle registration fees to support transportation projects, Gilman said, "Yes, reluctantly. We’ve got to fix those bridges." The other member of the delegation is Rep. Rob Patridge, R-Medford, who was not immediately available for comment. Patridge will have a large role in shaping the budget as chairman of a Ways and Means subcommittee. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S