Southern Oregon delegation to push for leadership, influence in new legislative session

SALEM, Ore. — In Salem, the halls of the capital are packed with senators, representatives, and staff as Oregon begins its new legislative session.

Southern Oregon’s delegates represent a unique coalition in the Oregon legislature, typically more conservative than the membership at large.

Some are returning members, like Senator Dennis Linthicum and Representative Pam Marsh. Others are new, like Senator Jeff Golden and Representative Kim Wallan. Regardless, it’s a big day for everyone.

“Coming into session, my priority is primarily to focus on the budget. All my committees this time around are budget committees, and so I want to make sure the vast amount of revenue we are sending our state is spent well and spent wisely,” House District 4 Representative Duane Stark says. He is starting his third term in office. Wise spending, to him, is focusing on the essential elements of government, and taking advantage of federal matching funds.

Other senators identify different priorities. Senator Jeff Golden points to healthcare as a major objective for him and his counterparts this session. Representative Pam Marsh agrees, and adds climate legislation to the mix.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Herman Baertschiger says revitalizing rural jobs is at the top of his agenda. Southern Oregon faces issues that the rest of Oregon may not feel quite as intensely. “I’m pretty much focused on rural Oregon and the needs of rural Oregon. That’s pretty much my priority,” says Baertschiger.

As the session begins, southern Oregon representation is optimistic. “Both the minority leader for the senate and the house are from the southern Oregon area, which is kind of unique,” says Stark.

Democrats Marsh and Golden create a mixed representation for southern Oregon, which will come into play on more contentious issues, like gun legislation. However, there’s confidence they can find common ground on issues like wildfire, which is sure to see some action this legislative session.

“Those of us who represent southern Oregon work together very well," Marsh says. "We see the need very well in the region and we’ve stepped up in the couple of years that I’ve been here to support proposals in a very bipartisan way.” Marsh sites efforts last year on irrigation policy for water coming from the Rogue River.

This year, that bipartisanship may come in the form of opioid addiction treatment and revenue reform.

“This has the makings - even the veterans say - of a really big session. I hope people stay engaged and stay involved," Golden says. "I believe we’re not going to make big changes here unless citizens are really involved and are very clear to all their legislators about what they want for Oregon.”

Time will tell how they use their power, but this session is packed with the opportunity to influence.