Randall Edwards

Randall T. Edwards (born August 13, 1961 in Eugene , Oregon ) is an American politician .

Early years

Randall T. Edwards was born in Eugene (Oregon), but spent most of his childhood in Walla Walla ( Washington ). His father, Tom Edwards, was a history professor on the faculty of Whitman College and his mother was a public school teacher for 20 years.

The young Edwards showed little interest in politics, although described as intelligent and popular, but reluctant, he avoided the attention of those involved in the student body. Instead he turned to his studies, occupied himself with tennis and the mastery of a classical cello . His father later commented to the press that he never imagined that his son would ever go into the rough world of politics. The now retired professor said the following:

"Over the years, as a college professor, I tried to get people interested in politics, but they rejected it. What I didn't realize was that one of my own children would do what I was trying to get my students to do. "

Edwards went to Colorado College , where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1983 . He then began working on Senator Bob Packwood's staff in Washington, DC , and pursued agricultural issues. During this time he met Julia Brim, a press officer for Packwood, who later became his wife. Edwards took a job at the Department of Commerce and went into forest and lumbering policy. He also attended evening classes at George Washington University , where he completed his Master of Business Administration in 1990 .

In 1992 he moved with his wife Julia Brim-Edwards to Portland, Oregon, their hometown, where they still live today. The couple have three children: Katherine, Thomas and Jackson. Randall T. Edwards began serving on the staff of Oregon Democratic State Treasurer Jim Hill . Julia Brim-Edwards served on Senator Packwood's staff for another year. She then managed the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Craig Berkman. She served as a Portland Public Schools co-chair. She then accepted a position as Deputy Director for State Government and Public Affairs at Nike .

Political career

Oregon House of Representatives

Edwards decided to pursue a political career. He became a member of the Democratic Party. In 1996, he ran for nomination for the elected open seat in the 15th District of the Oregon House of Representatives . The incumbent Lisa Naito has announced not to run for re-election. Edwards won the Democratic primary against 49-year-old senior management auditor for Multnomah County and part-time college teacher Steve March, and 32-year-old attorney Harry D. Ainsworth. He received 2,587 votes, March 2,245 votes and Ainsworth 815 votes. In the following elections he defeated the Republican candidate Mark Lewis with 12,998 to 5,697 votes.

As a new MP in the Oregon House of Representatives, he tabled a bill in 1997 that enabled local governments to double traffic fines in school zones and prevented judges from imposing lighter sentences. Following the example of similar legislation that was applied to building zones, the bill was passed and came into force the same year after it was signed. Against his own party leadership and an action against then Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber , and the ensuing wrath of the Oregon Education Association , Edwards added a clause to a school funding bill that required audits of student classification in school districts. As government support for students with disabilities was doubled to include additional funding for certain other types of students, the proposal to accurately count such students was taken up.

Edwards managed to regain the confidence of pro-education activists when he cast the only vote against in a 7-to-1 decision by the Revenue Committee on an additional $ 67 million tax cut on Measure 50 that voters in a planned and no longer take place election should vote. The referendum was supposed to reverse even deeper cuts that were decided by Measure 47 the previous November. The committee acted under threats from anti-tax activist Bill Sizemore that he would withdraw his support for Measure 50 , which already granted $ 804 million in tax breaks. Sizemore said he was ready to take down Measure 50 in a last minute advertising campaign if the additional cuts were not approved. Edwards complained locally that any further tax cut related to Measure 50 would severely curtail state state programs, including education.

By the end of his first term, he had built a reputation for being an effective pro-education politician, despite the fact that he was a newcomer and a member of the minority party. In this context it was described as a "virtual education bill machine" . He not only drafted bills, but managed to pass many of them. He made few, if any, political enemies for life. He was ready, unlike Portland Democratic MP Chris Beck, to take a stand on the methods used to fund the state's national park system and to push for higher education funding than the governor's proposed budget. In an interview after the end of the legislature, he said the following:

"I've made education my top issue in the session. It's the top issue in my district and the top issue in the state. "

Edwards ran both in the Democratic primary and in the following elections unopposed, so that he was reelected to the House of Representatives. When the legislature met the following year, a large number of education-related issues were on the agenda, including many controversial issues. Bills have been adopted or announced to be introduced, including measures on charter schools, discipline, accountability for performance and class size. In particular, the disagreements over spending on education seemed to be developing into a major battle.

His committee duties in the legislative period included meetings in the Judiciary Committee and Rules Committee as well as in the Education Subcommittee of Ways and Means.

Edwards partnered with Lake Oswego, Oregon, Republican Senator Randy Miller, in sponsoring a bill to cap public school class sizes and elementary school age (K-6). He then supported a move to extend the charter school program beyond his stated reservations, as their existence became necessary due to a lack of adequate funding for the public schools.

His work in the legislature was of course not limited to educational issues. With Republican Rep. Jim Hill of Hillsboro, Oregon, he tabled a bill that required the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners to provide a wide range of information about state doctors that should be available online. This would include complaints against a physician through a Hospital Peer Review Committee or Internal Review Board , the Oregon Health Division or the State Medical Board, as well as pending medical malpractice claims. He also joined a bipartisan coalition of 17 Democrats and 11 Republicans to support a referendum that required a three-fifths majority of the vote to initiate constitutional amendments. Edwards also looked for a solution to defuse a particularly controversial "defense of marriage" constitutional amendment to the state constitution in its wording. In its former form, this overturned an earlier court ruling that granted same-sex partners of state employees marital favors. His compromise proposal failed, the original referendum was passed and was approved by voters the following year. It wasn't until May 19, 2014, that a federal district court in Oregon ruled that the state's constitution prohibiting same-sex marriage was incompatible with the federal constitution (see Recognition of Same-Sex Partnerships in the United States )

State Treasurer of Oregon

During his work from 1992 to 1996 for the then State Treasurer of Oregon Jim Hill, Edwards made the decision to hold the position himself at some point. Edwards told The Oregonian the following in 2001 :

"When I worked in the treasurer's office, I thought that this could be a job I could do. I was intrigued and impressed with what the job entailed. "

In 2000 the time had come for him. Hill could no longer run for a third term under the law. Edwards announced his candidacy to Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. The party comrades in the Democratic Party saw Edwards as a clear favorite in the Democratic primary. He was only challenged by Gary Bruebaker, a deputy treasurer with no prior political experience. In the end, his nomination was not a matter of form. The election results were too close together on election evening, which triggered an automatic recount, where the final election result was only known after two months. In the end, Edwards defeated his challenger Bruebaker by a mere 470 votes, 152,071 to 151,601 votes.

John Kvistad, a small business owner from Tigard, Oregon who served three terms on the Metro Governing Council , became his Republican challenger. During the election campaign that followed, Edwards emphasized his financial and legislative experience. He also emphasized the importance of the state treasurer in funding education. In this context, he presented a plan to create a capital fund of $ 100 million for school construction projects. Kvistad countered that Edwards had no experience outside of the public sector, while reminding voters of his own management skills in business and government. He promised to improve Oregon's credit rating and implement a program to encourage homebuyers. He was particularly criticized by Edwards' electorate for the planned increase in national debt to finance schools.

The election campaign became more heated over time, especially between the two candidates from the major parties. A good example is a debate between the two candidates which was hosted by the City Club of Portland and which resulted in some sharp exchanges. In doing so, Edwards claimed that his Republican challenger had no plan and was not qualified for the post. Kvistad, however, accused Edwards of exaggerating his financial experiences. He also took on Edwards' proposal to raise a capital fund for school construction. He said the following:

"Instead of putting you in the state treasurer's office, maybe we need to put you in Consumer Credit Counseling Service."

Edwards replied that the state treasurer had an obligation to address school funding as one of Oregon's most critical concerns. He then added the following to Kvistad:

"You don't support helping our public schools."

The choice fell in favor of Edwards. He received 705,273 votes, much of the 1,403,607 votes cast, and 111,862 more than Kvistad, his next challenger, who received 593,411 votes. The remaining votes went to the computer software consultant Carlos Luceros of the Constitution Party of Oregon , who wanted to invest even more state funds in education; Intel executives Mitchell T. Shults, of the Libertarian Party of Oregon , who wanted to cut government spending, sell state land, and reform the pension system for state employees; and the restaurant worker Leonard Zack from the Reform Party of the United States of America , which focused on environmental issues.

On January 1, 2001, 39-year-old Edwards took his oath of office as the youngest State Treasurer of Oregon in the past 50 years at the Gus J. Solomon United States Courthouse . Edwards knew at the beginning that he would have a hard time keeping up with his predecessor. Jim Hill has managed to increase the value of investments by nearly 150% and reduce Oregon's debt by 25% in his two terms in office. It became apparent that the business climate was changing for the better. Edwards was faced with a number of difficult assignments, including a slowdown in the economy across the state, the potential downgrade of Oregon's credit rating, and severe cuts in federal funds to state revenue.

The state chief economist Tom Potiowsky described 2003, which was the second year of Edwards' first term, as "jobless recovery" (jobless growth ). Edwards remained busy dealing with government budget deficits. The legislature was forced to make deep cuts in its services, but also to increase taxes and take out new loans.

After the 2004 Democratic primary, where Edwards was an unopposed candidate, he won his re-election for a second term. He received 889,974 votes, while his challengers, Republican candidate Jeff Caton 688,551 votes, the candidate of the Constitution Party of Oregon Carole D. Weingarden 49,875 votes and the candidate of the Libertarian Party of Oregon Mitchell T. Shults 52,819 votes.

Edwards then held the post of State Treasurer of Oregon until January 2009. He was succeeded by Ben Westlund .

Individual evidence

1. ^ ^{A b c d e} Carter, Steven: A legislator fights for education, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), April 22, 1997, p. B4
2. ^ Hosaka, Tomoko: Family finds bipartisan solution, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), January 1, 2001, p. A1
3. ^ ^{A b c} State Treasurer Randall Edwards , Oregon Blue Book, Oregon Secretary of State
4. ^ ^{A b} Oregon State Treasurer Randall Edwards ( September 23, 2006 memento in the Internet Archive ),
5. ↑ Carter, Steven: School Board co-chairwoman goes to work for Nike, The Oregonian, November 8, 2004, p. B4
6. ^ Snell, John: 1996 Voters' Guide, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregon Publishing), Oct. 16, 1996, p. B4
7. ^ Nominate March, Lewis, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), May 3, 1996, p. B6
8. ^ Official Results State Representative Districts 1–36 May 21, 1996; Elections History, Oregon Secretary of State, 1996
9. ^ Official Results State Representative Districts 1–36 Nov. 5, 1996, Elections History, Oregon Secretary of State, 1996
10. ↑ Parente, Michele: Traffic fines in school zones about to double throughout city, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), October 15, 1997, p. B1
11. ↑ Carter, Steven: Education measures in legislature carry accountability theme, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), June 25, 1997, p. B1
12. ^ Suo, Steve: Panel rewrites tax rewrite, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), May 17, 1997, p. A1
13. ^ Official Results State Representative Districts 1–30 May 19, 1998, Elections History, Oregon Secretary of State, 1998
14. ↑ Official Results State Representative Districts 1–30 November 3, 1998, Elections History, Oregon Secretary of State, 1998
15. ↑ Carter, Steve: Lawmakers list education issues, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), Jan. 7, 1999, p. A11
16. ^ Committee appointments generate complaints, Statesman Journal ( Salem , Oregon: Gannett), January 12, 1999, p. C3
17. ↑ Carter, Steven; Holly Sanders: Schoolrooms feel the squeeze, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), Mar 11, 1999, p. A1
18. ^ Sarasohn, John: Find charter funding for chartless kids, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), February 10, 1999, p. B9
19. ^ Barnett, Erin Hoover: Oregon strives to provide information to help as patients choose a doctor, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), Apr. 7, 1999, p. E4
20. ↑ Suo, Steve: Lawmakers take on the initiative system, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing) April 7, 1999, p E1
21. ↑ Lednicer, Lisa Grace: House will take up bills on abortion, gay rights, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregonian: Oregonian Publishing), May 31, 1999, p. E1
22. ↑ queer.de:Oregon opens marriage for same-sex couples
23. ↑ ^{a b c} Hosaka, Tomoko: Edwards sworn in as Treasurer, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), January 3, 2001, p. C5
24. ↑ Hosaka, Tomoko: Ballot recount gives Edwards primary win in race for treasurer, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), June 17, 2000, p. D1
25. ^ Wong, Peter: Edwards is official Treasurer nominee, Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon: Gannett), June 17, 2000, p. C3
26. ↑ Official Results: May 16, 2000 Primary Election, State Treasurer, Elections History, Oregon Secretary of State, 2000
27. ↑ Lednicer, Linda Grace: Democrat Edwards elected Treasurer, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), November 8, 2000, p. C1
28. ^ Hosaka, Tomoko: Treasurer candidates wrangle, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), September 30, 2000, p. C1
29. ^ Rose, Michael: Strategies differ on the best way to manage Oregon's money and land, Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon: Gannett), October 15, 2000, p. A1
30. ^ State Treasurer, Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon: Gannett), Oct. 17, 2000, p. K4
31. ↑ Official Results: November 7, 2000 General Election, State Treasurer, Elections History, Oregon Secretary of State, 2000
32. ^ Wong, Peter: State official conquering multiple sclerosis, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), January 3, 2001, p. C1
33. ↑ Hosaka, Tomoko: Treasurer's task greater than job's quiet reputation, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregon Publishing), October 17, 2000, p. A6
34. ^ Mayer, James: Budget gap staggers capitol, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon: Oregonian Publishing), February 27, 2003, p. A1
35. ↑ November 2, 2004, General Election Abstract of Votes: State Treasurer, Elections History, Oregon Secretary of State, 2004

Web links

• Randall Edwards on the Our Campaings website
• Randall Edwards on the Vote Smart website