Introduction

When I started working as a dishwasher at minimum wage in the 70's, I wondered if our country would have enough gasoline to get us into the 21st century. I also wondered if I could ever afford a car as I watched people sit in gas lines. Now that I live in this century and have raised a family and bought a few cars, the first part of the question is answered. The gasoline issue in America remains one of dependency on foreign supply and whether we will be able to obtain enough fuel to drive us through the 21st century.

I worked hard for others, always learning. Today I am the CEO of Café Today Restaurants, a small business in Oregon. Just like I don't want to depend on foreign food supplies for our cafes, I don't like depending on foreign oil for gas. At Café Today, we’ve been donating our vegetable fat for biofuel conversion for years. We have recently purchased an electric vehicle for the catering business and offer a sustainable menu with completely biodegradable utensils and set-up. At my company, we believe in exploring energy alternatives at home, implementing energy–savings in our local communities and investing in the future of Oregon and America's independence.

There are costs for this investment: rising food and fuel prices. I don't enjoy paying the high food prices that result from inflation, diverting grain crops to corn fields and increasing government mandates. Judy and I have planted a vegetable garden and tightened our budget belt all around. My colleagues and I share rides to Portland. I sometimes take the Amtrak northbound. Being energy-conscious is not difficult, but it does take some thoughtful re-vamping of our typical lifestyles.

State Government must tighten its' belt. I’ve seen both sides of the paycheck and consider this a qualifier for spending taxpayer dollars. I see spending from both sides. When we fail to set appropriate priorities and decide not to put money away for hard times, we feel the sting when they come. Budgeting, planning and restraint are everything. As a state legislator, I am conscious of every dollar we spend and ask the question, "Is it a priority of the people - for the safety, health and education of the public?" I also ask, "What can the community do more efficiently than the government can in providing services for basic needs?" And "How will this be paid for in the long run?" This perspective keeps me grounded and closely in touch with practical concerns and common sense solutions!