Those who attended Republican gubernatorial candidate Allen Alley’s mid-week meeting in Cottage Grove came away impressed by the 56-year old whose campaign offices are in Lake Oswego.

“I’ve heard all of them, Kitzhaber, Bradbury, Dudley, except Lim,” said Bill Gehling, a retired former school administrator and teacher. “I think Alley makes the most sense in terms of substance.

He’s not afraid to talk with groups that disagree with him. I like his businessman’s perspective and his views on our forests and fisheries.”

When asked what effect he would have upon Cottage Grove if elected, Alley stressed that utilizing his business experience to energize the economy so career-type jobs are produced throughout the state is the best way for him to help Cottage Grove. He also emphasized those who live in small towns are most likely to have the best ideas and solutions to problems and that he would listen to the ideas of local leaders.

Alley does not shy away from any issue. On March 30 in Portland he will join former governor Kitzhaber and current secretary of state Bill Bradbury in an environmental forum.

“I just did an endorsement interview with AFSCME (American Federation of State and County and Municipal Employees),” Alley told his audience. They told me I’m the only Republican candidate for governor who’s ever interviewed with them…ever. And I think that’s ridiculous.

If your are going to be governor of the state and all of these guys are going to be your employees, you’d better understand where they’re coming from and they’d better understand where you’re coming from, and it better be really clear. When you’re not ready to stand up and defend your position, that’s where it all starts spiraling out.”

Alley is a conservative politically, but said he is willing to work with all groups to find common-sense solutions to the problems facing the state of Oregon.



For the complete article see the 03-03-2010 issue.