Republican gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix knows that the entire Legislative system revolves around a system of checks and balances. But for the former state representative, that system doesn’t stop, even when he heads home.
“I have a vital communications link with my own three children,” Mannix said. “They keep me on my toes and they keep me energized.”
And, according to Mannix, they keep him in touch with today’s students.
Among the many topics on his platform, the need to better fund Oregon’s educational system ranks high on his list.
“I am the only candidate who has been willing to attach a price tag to what we need to do to bring excellence to the state system of higher education, and the only candidate who is committed to paying that price,” said Mannix, a lawyer of 28 years. “I recognize that higher education has to be a priority area, and I have given it that priority.”
In giving it that attention, Mannix has tried to dispel the idea that an income tax package is needed to revive educational funding and the economy. In fact, Mannix said he believes implementing the January tax package could leave the state in shambles.
“We will be able to protect funding for education and public safety if we institute some other emergency reforms in state government,” he said. “An income tax increase during a recession is a bad idea — it weakens our capabilities to strengthen the economy. It also takes more money out of the pockets of taxpayers at the times when they most need their own money.”
Mannix said he believes the Legislature should consider approving a package that was put together a few years ago that would invest $350 million into higher education. Mannix added he is willing to invest $150 million in the fund within his first two years in office, with the remainder coming the following biennium.
Mannix said the state has also received the green light to modify the Oregon Health Plan and, with other policy changes, Oregon can maintain and increase levels of funding in certain areas.
“The biggest hoax that is being perpetrated on voters right now is Ted Kulongoski’s argument that we have to have this income tax increase in January or education and public safety will be hurt,” Mannix said. “That is not the case. We simply need to re-engineer government and tap some other existing resources. It requires more of a dynamic thinking, and that is what I offer.”
To help the state’s struggling economy, Mannix said it’s necessary to simplify the rules imposed on businesses and stressed the need to encourage investors by reducing capital gains taxes.
“To turn things around, we need to encourage Oregonians by showing them that government will support them rather than throw hurdles in front of them as they try to redevelop the economy,” he said.
Mannix said he considers himself the reform candidate for governor and added that, if elected, he will pinpoint the state’s problems and identify the solutions that are in the best interests of Oregonians.
“I hope (voters) will look at my vision for Oregon, which is really a reflection of the people of the state,” he said. “Please avoid standard party labels in your thinking process and look at the actual capabilities and positions of the candidates. I think that you will see that I am a refreshing advocate for change.”

Mannix’s Q & A:

Q) What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the University of Oregon?
(Not audible) academics combined with outstanding athletics.
Q) What excites students about your campaign?
(Not audible) funding for the state system of higher education so that we can keep down tuition costs, while we also expand research and extension services and provide more faculty for undergraduate programs.
I am the only candidate who has been willing to attach a price tag to what we need to do to bring excellence to the state system of higher education and the only candidate who is committed to paying that price. I recognize that higher education has to be a priority area and I have given it that priority.
Q) Do you support the January income tax package?
It is not necessary. We will be able to protect funding for education and public safety if we will institute some other emergency reforms in state government. An income tax increase during a recession is a bad idea — it weakens our capabilities to strengthen the economy. It also takes more money out of the pockets of taxpayers at the times when they most need their own money.
Q) If the January income tax is not passed, what will you tell students who have to pay higher tuition?
I will tell students to hold on and watch the special legislation (that) I will push through the new session of the new Legislature. As a positive governor who will collaborate with the Legislature, I will get them to tap into existing reserve funds that are still available.
We will also quickly implement the modification of the Oregon Health Plan that we are now authorized (to do) through the federal waivers. We will also quickly use current life expectancy tables through the PERS system. With these changes in place, we can maintain the current level of funding for higher education as well as K-12 and public safety.
The biggest hoax that is being perpetrated on voters right now is Ted Kulongoski’s argument that we have to have this income tax increase in January or education and public safety will be hurt. That is not the case. We simply need to re-engineer government and tap some other existing resources. It requires more of a dynamic thinking, and that is what I offer.
Q) What’s the biggest challenge in governing Oregon?
I think the biggest challenge is to encourage Oregonians to again believe in themselves and have hope for the future. We have had years of economic stagnation in rural Oregon, and in recent times we have added to that economic stagnation in suburban and urban Oregon. To turn things around, we need to encourage Oregonians by showing them that government will support them rather than throw hurdles in front of them as they try to redevelop the economy. It’s a matter of changing the psychology of our citizens by reminding them that we can do great things because we are a great people.
Q) What will you do to make higher education more affordable?
(Not audible) 2010 committee which devised plans and established strong goals for the overall improvement of our higher education system, combined with holding the line on tuition costs. I also was engaged in this activity as a legislator. We can hold the line on tuition costs while improving the quality of undergraduate and graduate education. And also while expanding research and extension services if the legislature will fund the package which was put together several years ago. The overall price tag is just over $350 million. I am prepared to make the first investment in that overall price tag by putting $150 million in additional funds into higher education for the next biennium. I plan to put the additional $200 million into higher education in the second biennium of my administration. These funds will come from the additional revenues that we project for the state of Oregon in the next biennium. The projection is that there will be $1.6 billion more available, and I intend to take just under 10 percent of that and invest it in the higher education system. This will help hold down tuition costs, among many things.
Q) How do you stimulate Oregon’s poor economy?
(Not audible) simplify the rules that we impose on businesses and reduce red tape. Second, reduce the capital gains tax for new investment in Oregon so we can encourage investors to create new jobs in this state. We presently have the second-highest capital gains tax in the United States and that discourages investors. Third, I will champion entrepreneurs and they will understand that government will be helpful to them in getting businesses going instead of
getting in their way. This will help change the psychology of the business environment. Fourth, I will work with business community and local communities to develop strategic plans to help bring in new jobs. Finally, we will put additional funding into the state system of higher education to assure businesses that we will have the quality education partnership and quality graduates that they need to not only survive but also thrive in our economic climate.
Q) What’s the most generous thing you’ve ever done?
I led the way to establish a Catholic mid high and high school in Salem, donating hundreds of hours of my time and professional services. That school is now thriving with 300 students, and I am proud to have accomplished that.
Q) Does money talk? If so, what does it say?
Money is simply a means of getting the message out. It is not the message itself. In political campaigns, money provides the capability for us to reach the voters and explain our position. In life, money is simply a means that we use to carry on our economic dealings. Money should never be a goal in itself. What we should always ask is what is the best use of money for the benefit of our community.
Q) Who’s your political role model? Why?
Theodore Roosevelt. He was a bold and dynamic leader, a progressive thinker and an outstanding advocate for the people.
Q) How do you think you relate to students when you’re twice their age?
I have a vital communications link with my own three children. Our oldest son, Nick, is 20 years old and in his junior year of engineering school. Our son Gabriel is 17 years old and a senior in high school. Our daughter Emily is 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. They keep me on my toes and they keep me energized.
Q) What makes you the best choice for Oregon?
I am not afraid to work hard to bring about the bold and positive changes we need to get Oregon moving again. I am the reform candidate, not the status quo candidate. I am willing to pinpoint the challenges which confront us and identify solutions. I will champion those solutions and I will champion the best interests of all Oregonians.
Q) Is there anything you would like to add?
I hope all students at the University will take a look at the whole range of issues and my position on the issues. I hope they will also look at my vision for Oregon, which is really a reflection of the people of the state. Please avoid standard party labels in your thinking process and look at the actual capabilities and positions of the candidates. I think that you will see that I am a refreshing advocate for change.

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