Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW SPECIAL REPORT: Medford Water Commission may have downplayed lead pipes, warnings of corrosion ... The Civil War lives this weekend at Hanley Farm ... Robber who wore underwear on head gets prison time ... SPECIAL REPORT: Medford Water Commission may have downplayed lead pipes, warnings of corrosion ... The Civil War lives this weekend at Hanley Farm ... Robber who wore underwear on head gets prison time ... OUR VIEW Our View: Governor misses chance to show leadership Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 12:01 AM Posted Jun. 26, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has approached her new job with great caution since being thrust into the state's top position by the resignation of Gov. John Kitzhaber a little over a year ago. As a result, Oregon voters don't really have a clear picture of who she is — especially those in this part of the state — and she's not helping matters by declining an invitation to debate her opponent next month at the Oregon Newspaper Publisher's Assocation's annual convention. The ONPA debate has traditionally kicked off the gubernatorial campaign, and according to the ONPA, only one other candidate in 30 years has declined the invitation: Republican Chris Dudley, who lost to Kitzhaber in 2010. From a purely strategic standpoint, of course, Brown has nothing to gain by debating her opponent, Salem physician Bud Pierce, before the fall, and even then, the three debates she has agreed to do will likely make little difference in the race. Incumbents and front-runners — Brown is both — only help their opponents by giving them the exposure of a face-to-face debate. Pierce is little known by most voters and faces an uphill battle in a state that has more registered Democrats than Republicans. But Brown has been governor for only 16 months, and she was not elected to the post. What's more, since her sudden succession in the wake of Kitzhaber's resignation, she has gone out of her way not to take any stands that might prove controversial or cost her support. For example, when the East Oregonian in Pendleton asked whether she supported the proposed Owyhee Canyonlands national monument in Malheur County, the governor's office provided this response: "While this is ultimately a federal decision, I have heard from many Oregonians with strong views about the Owyhee. There's agreement as to the beauty and uniqueness of the Canyonlands and disagreement over whether a monument designation can best ensure those characteristics will be enjoyed for future generations. I have communicated those viewpoints to federal administration officials and will be closely following this issue in the months ahead." Similarly, Brown has refused to say whether she supports Initiative Petition 28, which would raise more than $3 billion a year by taxing corporations with more than $25 million in sales in the state — but she has announced detailed plans for how she'd spend the money if it passes. While Brown may have a smooth path to win the November election, she has done little to explain to voters outside the Willamette Valley why they should support her. She is strongly identified with the Portland area, dating from her years as a senator from that city, and she has spent little time in Southern Oregon since becoming governor. Kitzhaber's fall from grace, coupled with the debacle of the non-functional Cover Oregon website, left Oregonians wondering who is minding the store in Salem. Brown stepped into a power vacuum, but has done precious little to fill it. What Oregon needs now from its governor is leadership. A willingness to face her opponent and answer questions from the state's newspaper executives could have helped demonstrate Brown's ability to provide it. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jun. 26, 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... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site 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. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501