My Background

I'd like to share a little more about my background. After all, I'm asking you to hire me, so you ought to know my "resume."

Grand Ronde Tribal Elder

I am an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. I am an elder and a former tribal council member. If I am elected to the Oregon legislature, I would be the first enrolled member of an Oregon tribe to serve.

U.S. Army Veteran

I served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years, including three tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. I was wounded and received the Purple Heart.

Business & Occupational Experience

Instructor, General Education Development, Santee Sioux Indian Reservation, Nebraska
Instructor, Junior Partnership Training Act Program, Columbus, Georgia
Owner, General Contractor, West's Mobile Home Service

Education

Columbia College, Columbus, Missouri
Wy'East High School, Odell, Oregon

Thank you for allowing me to share something about myself.
Buddy West

Issues Important to Oregon

I'd like to take a moment to share my goals concerning several issues which are important in my community.

Affordable Health Care

Health care is of highest priority for Oregonians. Today many Oregonians, due to high costs, are living without health care. I look forward to working with the Oregon Health Board in 2009 to make health care more and more affordable and available.

Education

Funding good education has always been a huge issue, and as a result, many education funds are directed to schools. However, only a portion of these funds actually find their way into the classroom. I am committed to work to find a way to reduce education overhead and get the resources to the teachers.

Creating Jobs

The Legislature must work with the Labor Commission to ensure that, before privatizing or contracting out construction jobs, they will first work with unions and the construction industry to train workers.

Buddy West