Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Thrilla in Montavilla Debate for Senate District 23: Sean Cruz answers the Economic Development/Jobs Question

Portland, Oregon-- The sponsors asked the candidates to respond to a questionnaire prior to the debate. The format would allow for two-minute responses to each question.

I put a lot of time and thought into this questionnaire, and I’m posting the information here in the spirit of turning in my homework.

This is the third subject area: Economic development/jobs


A recent study by ODOT reveled that 0% of contracts went to African American and minority contractors.

Q. How would you improve the process for awarding contracts so it is more diverse, equitable and transparent?

A. The study has been done, the recommendations are in, and Matt Garrett, Director of ODOT and his team have made commitments to pursue the recommendations.

I would work to turn those recommendations into performance measures for the agency, and I would work with NAMCO and its partners to hold ODOT accountable for meeting those benchmarks, and to make any policy adjustments as time goes on.

The link to the ODOT recommendations is here:

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/CS/CIVILRIGHTS/dbe_program.shtml#DBE_Study

===================================

The Oregonian Editorial Board on Senate District 23:

“Cruz…knows the issues well…”

“Sean Cruz, who has served as (Senator) Gordly's legislative aide and chief of staff for the past five years…is qualified for the job. He knows the issues that are important in the district, and he certainly knows how things get done in the Legislature. Most notably, he persuaded Gordly to push legislation, called ‘Aaron's Law,’ that gives families tools to punish parents for the crime of child abduction. “


===============================

Ridenbaugh Press on Senate District 23:

23 Sen - D - Jackie Dingfelder, Sean Cruz

As in many of these primary districts, issues here aren’t distinctly philosophical: The 23rd is a solidly liberal Democratic district, and both contenders fit well within that framework. But they are insiders of two distinctly different stripes.

Dingfelder, a four-term state representative from this area, would have to be considered the establishment choice, getting the larger share of key endorsements and contributions (and editorial endorsements, including the Oregonian and Willamette Week).

But Cruz is not an outsider, either; he is retiring Senator Avel Gordly’s chief of staff, is well informed, has her support and the support of her backers.

His campaign has hit rough patches but may also be more interesting to some of the primary voters.

Cruz is edgier; Dingfelder more easy-going. You have to figure the edge is with Dingfelder, but bear in mind that central Portland doesn’t always go the conventional route.

http://www.ridenbaugh.com/index.php/2008/05/03/or-the-legislative-primaries-seven-picks/#more-1691

No comments: