Dear Neighbor,

During these challenging times, it is critical that we elect legislators with the experience, independence, and integrity to move Oregon forward. I am proud that during my four years as an Oregon legislator, I have worked with my colleagues to strengthen our public schools, protect our environment, and make state government more accessible and transparent.  

Yet it is obvious that many challenges remain. Vital state services, including our schools, have been constructed on a deeply unstable fiscal foundation. Cherished environmental values, including safe water, clean air, and a stable climate, remain distant goals. We have not created enough economic opportunity, particularly for those who were born without wealth. And in a lawmaking process dominated by special interest lobbyists, the voice of the public too often gets drowned.

In 2010, I have been endorsed by:
 * environmental groups such as the Oregon League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club,
 * education advocates such as Stand for Children,
 * advocates for rights and equality such as Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon, and Basic Rights Oregon, 
 * organizations fighting for a range of issues important to workers, families, and safety, including the Oregon AFL-CIO, OSEA, Oregon AFSCME, AFT-Oregon, SEIU, Oregon Nurses Association, the Joint Council of Teamsters, the Mother PAC, the Oregon State Police Officers' Association, and the Oregon State Firefighters Council, and
 * over 1000 individuals who contributed at least $20 to my campaign.

I am a middle school teacher, a father, and a Portlander. I am running for re-election to the Oregon House because I believe that we can do better. We can reverse the trend that has us spending more on prisons than on higher education. We can reverse the trend that makes Oregon's class sizes the second-highest in the nation. We can reverse the trends that are contributing to melting snowpack, less summer water, and rising oceans. But it won't be easy, and we have to keep focused on the things that matter.

If you are looking for more information about me, House District 46, upcoming legislative events, or legislation I have worked on, please visit my legislative website at http://www.repbencannon.com.