The answer is simple: The recession has hit Oregon families and schools hard and I want to make sure higher education continues to be an affordable, attainable goal.

Oregon’s community colleges are a key component to turning our economy around and I will work to make sure we are fully funding the programs that help put Oregonians back to work.

Education and job creation have always been two of my top priorities in the Legislature. Serving on the PCC board will give me the opportunity to continue working on both issues and get Oregon’s economy back-on-track.

I’m excited to take the skills and relationships I’ve acquired serving District 29 in Salem and put them to use on behalf of Portland Community College – that includes working with my former colleagues to ensure that PCC receives its fair share of state funding.

In 2009, I helped protect state funding for PCC by asking large corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share. I fought to protect  tens-of-millions dollars in funding for Oregon community colleges when it wasn’t easy – or politically popular. In January 2010, voters overwhelmingly agreed that it was the right thing to do.

As a director for Zone 7, I will always put the best-interests of the students, staff, faculty and taxpayers of PCC first – not special interests or wealthy corporations.

I ask for your support for the May 17 election and I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions about my vision for PCC.

Sincerely,

Chuck Riley