For generations it has been a part of the "American Dream" to work for --and believe-- that our kids will be better off than we are. I remember as a kid growing up on the East side, pretty confident that I was going to be able to do better than my folks.

I remember being worried as a young parent that my kids would not do as well as Vicky and I have. And so my primary motivation when I was elected to the Reynolds school board nine years ago, was to ensure that my kids and my neighbors kids would be educated enough to live the American dream.

Today I fear that dream is at risk.

Across house district 49, we see moms and dads afraid to let their children walk down to the corner, let alone to the neighborhood park. With the escalation of gang activity and violence, we are dangerously close to seeing our kids afraid in their schools. Safe neighborhoods and effective schools are the keys to realizing the American dream.

I’m going to Salem as a lifelong authentic East County working guy, and as a nine-year school board member who’s created real change.

I’m committed to getting the resources needed to protect our community, make our neighborhoods secure for all of our residents, and ensure that our schools are effective and safe places of learning.

I support the establishment of a Justice Center in East County and will work with local leaders to open Wapato Jail and increase the size of the gang and drug task forces. I support stiffer penalties for violent offenders and those who sell meth or other drugs to our children. Additionally, I support restoring the ability of our local governments to provide for the public safety need of their local communities.

I believe that:

• Safe neighborhoods lead to more friendly and vibrant communities
• Safe neighborhoods lead to safer schools which in turn lead to more confident and curious students
• Safe neighborhoods and safe schools lead to trust and respect among our diverse neighborhoods.

And our neighborhoods are diverse! Students in the Reynolds School district come from homes in which over 57 different languages are spoken. While this diversity does present challenges, it also opens up exciting opportunities for our schools and our businesses.

I am going to Salem to ensure that our community’s business and job base can grow so that East County will be an attractive place to work and do business.

We have the land, the resources, the quality of people and the vision. The one thing we’re missing is a tax environment that is business friendly.

It is pretty simple, strong successful businesses mean more living wage jobs and more jobs means increased opportunities for our families.

The strength of the legislature lies in its potential to foster honest democratic decision-making and that’s my strength (I play well with others). When I am elected, I WILL actively engage the people of East County. Together, we will work to restore confidence and an eagerness to participate in the democratic process.

IF YOU share my concerns and you share my vision for safe neighborhoods, effective schools, and economic prosperity in East County. Then let’s work together. It’s in that spirit that I am asking for your vote in November.

Read more about John in his biography