John Kitzhaber
From Portland Afoot
John Kitzhaber is the governor-elect of Oregon, after a 2010 victory over Chris Dudley. He was previously elected to two terms as governor in 1994 and 1998 and served as president of the state senate from 1985 to 1992.
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[edit] General position on transportation
According to his campaign website, Kitzhaber believes:
"Building a sustainable transportation system in Oregon will require a different approach to community development and infrastructure, making neighborhoods less dependent upon automobiles and creating more opportunities for transit, bicycles and pedestrians. I will work with our Congressional delegation to attract more funds federally for investing in different transit options that best fit a community and working with business creatively to provide workers more flexibility to reduce their driving, work from home or adopt flex time."
[edit] Support for Milwaukie light rail
On July 27, 2010, in response to new difficulties financing TriMet's Orange Line to Milwaukie, Kitzhaber communications director Jillian Schoene sent this statement to Portland Afoot:
"John Kitzhaber respects the legislature and governor’s prior commitment to light rail, and he sees the benefit of jobs as an important reason to continue to support the project. Should new information arise that requires he and the legislature revisit this project, he will certainly do so, but until that time, he supports this important capital investment in Oregon’s future."
[edit] Position on bicycling
In October 2010, Kitzhaber submitted this statement to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, rather than directly answering its questions about his positions on bicycle policy:
"Bicycling is on the rise in Oregon and we have the opportunity to take advantage of our momentum to grow our bicycle-related economy, improve the health of our children and our natural environment, and promote quality of life in our cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
"I support taking a different approach to community development, making neighborhoods less dependent upon automobiles and creating more opportunities and greater safety for transit, bicycles and pedestrians.
"I also support increased funding for infrastructure that encourages alternative forms of transportation, including bicycles. For example, I have always supported opening up a portion of the Highway Trust Fund to support non-highway investments – particularly for public transit and other alternative modes of transportation; as well as for transportation options, including bicycles, that reduce road usage and preserve the assets in which we have already invested."
Kitzhaber's opponent Chris Dudley did not respond to the survey at all.
[edit] Reset term limits
Under Oregon law, which limits Oregon governors to two consecutive terms, Kitzhaber was ineligible to run for re-election in 2002, but having been out of the office, he was re-eligible to run in 2010. He could stand for another term in 2014, but would be forced to again leave office in 2018.
[edit] External links
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