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Former federal official takes on Hannon By DANI DODGE Mail Tribune Believing education is too important to leave in the hands of Republicans unwilling to increase taxes, lifelong Democrat Virginia Lemon is challenging state Sen. Lenn Hannon, the Senate's budget chief and most senior member. "I think we really could not let Lenn Hannon run unoppose. People really have to have a choice," said Lemon, 80, of Ashland. "My main interest is education - from university to elementary level - and that must come first in consideration of any state budget. "I think the cuts are really severe, and dreadful things are happening to our schools." Lemon said there should be increases in beer, wine and cigarette taxes, as well as vehicle registration fees, to maintain schools. "In the desperate state we are in, we have to look with an open mind at all possibilities," she said. Lemon is the former chief of education and cultural affairs for the U.S. State Department in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Islands. In that job, she oversaw Fulbright exchanges, educational and cultural exchanges and tours of political and cultural leaders. She served in the same capacity overseeing northeast Asia. Prior to that, Lemon served as the U.S. State Department cultural attach� for the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon, Burma, and in the U.S. Information Agency as the women's activities adviser. She moved to Ashland 15 years ago from Washington, D.C. Since moving here she has been active in the Democratic Party and environmental causes. This is her first run for elected office. Lemon filed her candidacy for state Senate District No. 3 this week. The district includes Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville and a majority of Medford. Hannon, an Ashland Republican, is one of the most powerful members of the Senate and Lemon said she realizes she's facing a difficult battle, but said its a battle that needs to be fought. "(Hannon) talks very well about these issues, but when it comes to the vote, I don't see the vote there," she said criticizing his approval of the last budget passed by the Legislature in special session. Hannon said Lemon isn't aware of all the discussion that went into crafting the budget. "I spent 10 weeks up in Salem trying to resolve the issues so I can assure you I took it very seriously," Hannon said. "My record clearly speaks for itself - in 28 years I've always supported education and always been endorsed by school boards, school administrators, teachers and unions so I believe I've taken education very seriously and still do." Lemon said she believes she and her Republican opponent differ on the environment. "No one fights against the idea of air quality and water quality," Lemon said. "But when you think of what is causing the problems such as cows grazing on stream beds, pollution from agriculture and ... cutting down trees. ... We are not separated by wanting clean water and air, but how to get at it." When asked what she would say to voters opposed to tax increases, Lemon replied: "I sympathize with your concerns, but this is a rough time. A very rough time for the state of Oregon, and we have to sacrifice personally for things we believe in." Lemon said some of the things she believes in are paying teachers better wages and having smaller class sizes. "I think we have to give our children the best possible preparation for life, and a great deal of that comes from within the schools," Lemon said. "The teachers should not have to fight financial limitations constantly - they have to put their energies into reaching those kids." Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.