An October 15 editorial in the Register-Guard discounted the wide experience, ability and accomplishments of Senator Vicki Walker. Worse, there was this disgusting sexist remark: “Walker hasn’t done anything wrong, except get in the way of Torrey’s election.”
Reading to kindergartners is praiseworthy, but Torrey’s local efforts hardly match Vicki Walker’s exemplary performance at the state level. The Guard cited 41 bills Sen. Walker sponsored or co-sponsored which passed during her single Senate term! Vicki says the number of bills she supported that actually passed was 59.
The Guard lamented that Torrey’s party affiliation is being used against him. Hooey! Torrey has claimed to be “nonpartisan” and tried to obscure his Republican connections. As Eugene Mayor, Torrey was all about partisanship. He fiercely pushed for a Republican majority on the City Council. He broke tie Council votes 13 times, always siding with the corporate, land speculator and anti-environmental forces. Torrey gave $2,000 to the Bush campaign in 2004. He supports the discredited invasion and occupation of Iraq. He received at least $100,000 from the Oregon Republican Party. His other big contributors include: major corporations, lumber barons and land developers that represent the most wealthy among us.
Torrey offers no innovative ideas for increased education funding. Vicki Walker wants big corporations to pay a little more in taxes, which means more money for schools. Oregon education and teachers groups overwhelmingly support Vicki Walker. Considering her proven effectiveness, voters certainly will want to keep Vicki Walker in the Senate.
James Jacobson is a University student